Jim Webb Becomes First Candidate To Drop Out Of Democratic Race For President

In a somewhat scathing press conference, Jim Webb has just announced he is dropping out of the Democratic primary race for the White House.

Jim Webb, a former U.S. Senator from Virginia becomes the first Democratic candidate in the 2016 election to drop out of the race. He told reporters at a 1:00 PM EDT press conference he is keeping his options open.

Webb yesterday announced he was pulling out of Saturday night’s influential Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

Webb’s views and policies have been seen as increasingly out of step with the Democratic Party, which has moved left under President Barack Obama’s leadership. 

He said he is aware the Democratic Party is not comfortable with his polices, and the feeling is mutual.

Webb said he is withdrawing himself from “any consideration” for the Democratic nomination for president.

“The very nature of our democracy is under siege,” Webb said, lamenting big money in politics.

In his speech he blasted both parties for moving to “the extremes,” and for calling the opposing party the “enemy.”

Webb did not state he would run as an independent, but many believe he is considering that possibility.

Webb has struggled to gain traction since he entered the race, and is polling at 1 or 2 percent, but above Lincoln Chafee and at or above Martin O’Malley.

Responses on Twitter were predictable: