But that didn’t seem to faze Webb, who, when asked about his credentials compared with others in the field, said “I think we have some good stuff to bring to the table, and that’s what I want people to look at.”

The luncheon marked Webb’s first visit to the state since October. His potential opponents for the Democratic nominee — Webb has yet to officially declare his candidacy — have spent more time and resources in New Hampshire, amassing support among the grass roots and upper echelons of the party.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Criminal justice reform, the economy, and national security were at the heart of remarks given by former US senator Jim Webb, who met Friday with business leaders on a trip designed to gauge backing for his potential presidential bid.


In addition to Friday’s event at Two International Group on the Pease International Tradeport, he will attend two house parties and appear at a veterans fund-raising dinner. All of these events take place over two days and within a 15-mile span.

“I trust this man, not because of what he might say or think — because I don’t know about that — but because of what he does,” Walter Anderson, Webb’s longtime friend and editor, said during his introduction, which Webb cut short as Anderson regaled the crowd of about 40 with stories of his friend’s wartime heroism.

Webb is a decorated veteran who served in the Reagan administration as assistant secretary of defense and secretary of the Navy. He was a first lieutenant and Marine rifle platoon commander with Delta Company in Vietnam, where he received numerous medals.

He is also a best-selling author, screenwriter, and Emmy-winning documentarian.

Webb emphasized his record in the Senate, where he represented Virginia for a single term until 2013. He said the passage of the post-Sept. 11 GI Bill “shows that you can get things done in the United States government; you can get over the paralysis and work across the aisle.”


Webb said he has “fought to take our broken criminal justice system into the national debate and out of the shadows.”

On the economy, he told the crowd assembled that, “This is a country where people want equality of opportunity and the result that their talents can bring.” Those with assets and capital are doing well, he said. Those without such things aren’t faring well, and the system must be right-sized, he said.

But mostly, he told the group, he wanted to take questions. They asked about the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership, which he said was problematic because the countries involved have unequal economies, and the president has asked that the deal be fast-tracked, leaving no room for congressional amendments.

He decried the rise of super PACs, calling them corruptive and vowing not to participate.

The last question he took?

“What’s your timeline for making a decision on running or not?”

“Soon,” he said as the room burst into laughter.

Those in attendance said they appreciated Webb’s detailed and honest responses.

“I voted for you before, and I hope I can do it again,” Courtney Walsh, an independent and Virginia resident until 11 months ago, told Webb after the luncheon.

John McMasters is a realtor from Portsmouth who described his ideology as independent with Republican leanings.

“I knew nothing about him,” McMasters said. “I think he’s well-grounded, well-educated. His answers were well-thought-out, long, and detailed, and usually you don’t get that from a politician.”


Akilah Johnson can be reached at ajohnson@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @akjohnson1922.