Senator Elect Jim Webb of Virginia has shown one of the clearer examples that a “new tone” and civility in Washington only applies to Republicans when it comes to actual interaction with others. In matters of civil discourse it takes two to tango as our President discovered as early as the Spring of 2001. No amount of civility can be effective when only exhibited by one side of the interaction. At a reception for freshman lawmmakers, Webb rebuffed the President in rude fashion when responding to a well intentioned question. When a polite response would have sufficed, Webb took the low road as we so often see these days.

The office of the President demands respect and while one may not agree with the policies of a poltician it is something best dealt with in a civil manner and in the proper forum. Webb could have politely answered the question posed by the President who inquired as to the welfare of Webb’s son who is currently a Marine stationed in Iraq, instead he chose confontation in an inappropriate forum. Webb may well have concerns about the way the war is being prosecuted and have some better ideas but they are best brought up on the Senate floor and not in an orientation session.

“No offense to the institution of the presidency, and I’m certainly looking forward to working with him and his administration. [But] leaders do some symbolic things to try to convey who they are and what the message is.”

Oh, but it is offensive and Sen. Webb knows it. I would venture to say this was a calculated move to establish some sort of independent maverick image, as if he were some type of Democrat version of Sen. John McCain (R - RINO). If Webb has intentions of working with the President and Administration he may well not want to start out with a slap to the face. The only message that conveys is one of an unpolished, selfish politician that is more worried about image than results. George Will has a similar, more eloquently stated version of this matter in today’s Washington Post.

Time will tell, but I expect the tone to get worse in the remaining two years of the Bush Presidency. This behavior exhibited by Webb was calculated and contrary to his claims of willingness to cooperate and work with the Administration.

Some say to-may-to and some say to-mah-to but no matter what you call it, incivility and rudeness are exactly as defined and Webb exhibited this to a tee. Let’s hope he can get over himself and his “symbolic conveyances” to actively participate in a government that serves the people of the United States and State of Virginia instead of just an egotistcal Sen. Jim Webb.