* The Real State of the Union by Freshman Senator Jim Webb, Democrat ~ Virginia

Last night, President Bush told Congress to give his escalation plan a chance. Congress wasn't buying it: there was little applause. In his powerful rebuttal Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) called for an exit, adding, "The majority of the nation no longer supports the way this war is being fought; nor does the majority of our military, nor does the majority of Congress."

James Webb

Full text and video (about eight minutes long)--Jim Webb writes his own speeches ...

Highlights:

"Many, including myself, warned even before the war began that it was unnecessary, that it would take our energy and attention away from the larger war against terrorism, and that invading and occupying Iraq would leave us strategically vulnerable in the most violent and turbulent corner of the world."

"The President took us into this war recklessly. He disregarded warnings from the national security adviser during the first Gulf War, the chief of staff of the army, two former commanding generals of the Central Command, whose jurisdiction includes Iraq, the director of operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and many, many others with great integrity and long experience in national security affairs. We are now, as a nation, held hostage to the predictable ­ and predicted ­ disarray that has followed."

"The war's costs to our nation have been staggering. Financially. The damage to our reputation around the world. The lost opportunities to defeat the forces of international terrorism. And especially the precious blood of our citizens who have stepped forward to serve."

"Tonight we are calling on this President to take similar action, in both areas. If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way."

About Senator Webb