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Webb was frequently mentioned as a possible vice presidential Democratic nominee for Barack Obama in 2008 because to his military experience and moderate policy positions. Webb he said he was not interested in the vice presidency, but this did not stop speculations about his being chosen by Obama as his running mate. On July 7, 2008, Webb ruled himself out as a possible candidate for Vice President in a statement made to Time, stating that he intended to serve his term in the Senate and that "under no circumstances will I be a candidate for Vice President."
Webb announced on November 19, 2014, that he was forming an exploratory committee to consider running for the Democratic nomination for President in 2016. On July 2, 2015, he formally announced his candidacy on his campaign website. He is currently polling 5th among Democratic candidates, according to RealClearPolitics average of polling data, with an average of 1.5% support, ahead of only Lincoln Chafee. Following are some of the positions taken by Webb on some of the issues:
Fiscal Policy: While in the senate, Webb was described as having a pro-subsidies voting record and has also been considered a protectionish. He received grades of F from 2007 through 2009, D in 2010, F in 2011, and D in 2012 from the National Taxpayers Union, a conservative taxpayers advocacy organization.
LGBT rights: On June 29, 2015, in a Facebook post, Webb issued a statement in favor of the US Supreme Court ruling in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges. He wrote:
"The finding on marriage equality is an historically significant historical application of the 14th Amendment, ensuring that our government no longer discriminates but also more clearly defining the separation of church and state. The decision provides religious groups "proper protection" under the First Amendment to "continue to advocate" their beliefs regarding traditional marriage."
Previously, on December 18, 2010, Webb voted in favor of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. On October 22, 2009, Webb voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which included in Division E the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expands the federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Economic Issues: Webb has stated on his website "If you make enough money to buy stocks, you’re probably doing OK these days. If you’re working in a successful company that provides stock options or bonuses in stocks, you’re probably doing pretty well. But if you’re spending all your income paying rent and putting food on the table and clothes on the backs of your kids, you’re probably living on the outer edge of the American Dream." He has called for a simplified tax code, reduced taxes including corporate taxes, coupled with the elimination of a number of tax deductions.
Foreign Policy: Webb has called for a six point program on foreign policy which includes the requirement that "if a President wishes to conduct offensive military operations, he or she should be able to explain clearly the threat to our national security, the specific objectives of the operations, and the end result he or she wishes to obtain." He also calls for honoring treaty commitments except when the treaty partner uses force outside the boundaries of that commitment. Webb states that it is essential to maintain superiority "in our strategic systems. This includes not only nuclear weapons but also such areas as technology, space, and cyber warfare." He has also promised to "preserve and exercise the right of self-defense as guaranteed under international law and the UN Charter." Concerning the war against terrorism, Webb has stressed the need to "act vigorously against terrorist organizations if they are international in nature and are a direct threat to our national security. This includes the right to conduct military operations in foreign countries if that country is unwilling or unable to address the threat. We maintain this right through international law, and through Article 51 of the United Nations Charter."
Criminal Justice Issues: Webb notes that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. He states "Since I doubt we have the most evil people in the world, many now agree that we’re doing something wrong." He has called for structured re-entry programs for prisoners, especially for non-violent offenders who went to prison due to drug use.
This concludes our series on the 2016 Presidential Candidates. I hope it has helped you to better know the 21 leading candidates for president from the two major parties and I hope it offers you some help in making your own personal choices in the upcoming primaries, caucuses and on election day next year. In profiling the candidates I have attempted to avoid judgements or personal opinion and hope that I have achieved some measure of success in that regard.