Va. Sen. Jim Webb Says Virginians "Can Trust" Obama

By: Maria Gavrilovic
Topics: Barack Obama

(CBS)

From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(ROANOKE, VA.) - Race still appears to be an issue in the presidential race in certain areas of the state, according to Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va. At a Barack Obama rally here today, Webb told the crowd of over 8,000 that he wants to address comments that have been made about "certain ethnic issues." He went on to explain Obama's ancestry, claiming that he has Appalachian roots.

"I would like to say, we know Barack Obama's father was born in Kenya. Barack Obama's mother was born in Kansas by way of Kentucky," Webb said.

"We are going to see on Election Day the 14th president of the United States whose ancestry and whose family line goes back to mountains of this area."

He added, "You can trust him – I trust him."

Webb also called into question John McCain's judgment for choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate. Although he noted that he's had a 30-year relationship with McCain, Webb said he doesn't understand why he would choose Palin.

"Do you really think that Sarah Palin was the most qualified person in the Republican Party?" Webb asked. "I don't know how many people here like country music, I like country music. There was a song about two years ago, "I know what I was doing but what was I thinking?" I think John McCain is probably singing that sing right now."

On the day of his 7th trip to Virginia, Barack Obama leads in most state polls. However, he warned the crowd today not to get overconfident by lead and called on them to keep working.

"We were up in Texas and Ohio in the primary. We ended up losing. You can't pay attention to the polls. We've got to keep making our case for change," Obama said.

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by redamerican1 October 18, 2008 4:28 AM EDT: It is a shame to attach Joe the Plumber who shares an American dream. My simple question is why don''t B. Hussain Obama, Joe Biden and his followers just spread their wealth around? If you check Obama and Biden''s tax records, you will find how tightly they have held their wallets throughout their working careers. Only socialist countries spread their wealth around, so that everyone just sits down and doesn''t have to work hard and need not to work at all. Money and food will fall from the sky! Guys, move to Cuba!; Reply to this comment


by wikkidinsane October 17, 2008 9:46 PM EDT: employees*; Reply to this comment


by wikkidinsane October 17, 2008 9:44 PM EDT: Yeh, joe the plumber need to have some plumbing done on his leaky pipes in his head. The republican party has shown time and time again that they will trust in large coorporations to do the right thing. Giving these companies tax breaks and letting them decide what "crappy" health insurance they want to choose for us is not the way. People can''t be trusted, we are all humans and if tempted enough we will do bad things. I think it''s time we have a government who looks out for it''s people and not give so much power to big businesses. I love the idea that Barack has to require large businesses to offer health insurance for employers or they will get penalized for it.; Reply to this comment


by chesig October 17, 2008 7:35 PM EDT: McCain entire life has been a series of very, very bad judgements!!!
He destroyed his first wife, had numerous affairs, his second wife became a drug addict and stole from a foundation she volunteered at because of McCain''s envolvement in the Keating 5. McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time and wants us to be at war forever!!! Now he wants to eleminate Medicare and his whole health care program is ONE BIG mistake!!! AND Palin will probably be impeached in Alaska on abuse of power charges and she got her house built for free on the backs of tax payers in Wasilla when she built that arena!!! HOW could one man in one life make so many mistakes????? NOT a man that should have his hand on the red button in the white house!!!! His temper is even worse than his judgement!!!!!; Reply to this comment


by sue01-2009 October 17, 2008 7:30 PM EDT: First of all, I believe it was John McCain that even brought him up to begin with. When you speak publicly you put yourself out there. The fact that this guy wanted to stump Obama, makes about 42K, owes taxes and thinks that the Republican party is looking out for his best interest is crazy.; Reply to this comment