Ned Lamont gives his take on the Lieberman saga
A voice of reason explains what went down yesterday and why regarding the continuing saga of Joe Lieberman.
A bit of background first for those who don't remember: Ned Lamont is the Greenwich businessman who had the temerity to challenge Lieberman for the U.S. Senate in 2006 as a Democrat and defeated him in the August primary before losing to the then de facto Republican candidate Lieberman in the November General Election. The win in the primary by Lamont is regarded by many as the greatest political upset of recent U.S. political history. Lamont had next to no political experience prior to the race, which consumed much of the political landscape in the summer of 2006, and was the catalyst for a resurgent Democratic party which swept into power in both the House and the Senate.
As one of the group of bloggers Lieberman and his campaign despised -- a distinction we carried proudly -- hearing Lamont give his impressions carries much more weight than any of the chattering class. And he did not disappoint.
The very first line was direct and to the point, that this wasn't about retribution but about approving bad behavior, and that this was "probably the wrong move". Lamont's points about Lieberman being "All war, all the time" nailed him, as did Lieberman's constant attacks on Obama during the presidential campaign, that he was and has been "in the Republican column" for a while now, Lieberman's "recalcitrant behavior", the victimization. Ned rattled off his transgressions with a deftness and an aplomb he really didn't possess in 2006. But for all that he could still see Obama's likely view that Lieberman is a distraction he doesn't need right now with so many other things going on. Lamont didn't sound convinced but could see the logic. In the end, when Alison Stewart asked Ned Lamont if he'll run again he replied "Never say never." A very good sign indeed, considering Lieberman is now only slightly more popular in Connecticut than George Bush.
Over the past 8 excruciating years of governmental crimes, governmental acts of terror, and Congressional endorsement of this crime wave, the "other" party of the U.S. Duopoly, the Democrats, have variously earned the apt epithets, Democraps and Dimocrats around the blogosphere.
It has been sickening watching the U.S. legislators close ranks on matters of treason, crimes against the nation, crimes against humanity, rampant fraud and looting, rampant corporate greed and lobby-driven illegalities.
Even with the renewal of some measure of hope with the current election- we are witnessing rather quickly that "the more things change, the more they remain the same."
The American political system (I am not claiming others are much better; they cannot be, given human nature) is corrupt to the core. The so-called "branches of government" are nothing but self-serving clubs for the privileged, cravenly divvying up ill-gotten profits, and protecting one another from all manner of charges of crimes.
There is simply no principle or idealism to uphold, no moral standards, no civic pride in one's work (or that nobler concept, service) as a human being.
It is an asphyxiating situation- witnessing these unprincipled frauds stain the Constitution, the code of ethics, and basic standards of moral behavior, including accountability for crimes and wrongdoing. There is no prison large enough, or harsh enough, to accommodate these shameless collaborators in the frightful farce called American democracy. The handful of decent ones- Kucinich, Feingold, Wellstone- what a hellhole this must be for them!
Magnanimity that tolerates or countenances betrayal, criminality and decency in public life- is anything but magnanimous. What Pelosi, Reid and gang have done in the last 2+ years is to drive a giant knife into the back of the American people- and of course, they are least ashamed of their actions, their conscience-free collaboration with the mafia-gang named Bushco.
Ultimately, Holy Joe and all the rest are likely cut from the same cloth, and hence must defend each other against the demands of civilization and "the people," i.e., the unwashed millions. I recall Pelosi using extremely harsh words describing some protesters in front of her house in CA as rabble who needed to be taught a lesson. She and Diane Feinstein are veritable Marie Antoinettes.
right on brother thier was a time when the dumbocrats were one thin sheet of paper better then the repigs , no more ! they except thoes you named kucinich ect are the most corrupt bunch of worthless pieces of whale crap!
He was a great progressive Senator, but you may be interested to know that he's been dead for a while now.
"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of Stupidity" - Frank Leahy
The fact that I have had to dig deep into time to find a handful of decent Senators/Congresspeople, including those no longer around physically- makes the point more poignantly. Wellstone's spirit must be relieved to be free from the hellhole.
Lieberman, Given Second Chance, Betrays Obama Again!
..satire, I mean.
Thankfully, the most of us (and Barack Obama) are more than aware of the power of satire and have the ability to laugh about the truth of it, wherever it lies-- so it's all good :D
Aye to the first post. You are 100% correct. I'm starting to get a little worried about what Obama calls distractions. Lieberman wasn't a mere distraction. He should have been dealt with in a serious way instead of given a reward. This hardly change we can believe in.
But we unfortunately need him now. It really bothers me to say that. Look, the Republicans know Joe's a whore and Democrats totally don't respect him...he can either kiss Obama's ass or be a fucking pariah. Lieberman is essentially neutered. Lamont is right....Lieberman will be dead in 2010 anyway.
I might have to take a 3-6 month break and switch over to sports talk radio like I did in 1996, when I needed to have a more neutral drivel droning in the background so that I could do my homework and finish school. I think I have reached my political info equivalent of my beer limit and am feeling sick and bloated.
I'm just superstitious enough to hedge my bets.
It's a way station for the minimally educated, Joe the Plumber types.
..or a guitar and make your own kind of music/noise until you're feeling a little more settled again. It's great therapy for when a person is feeling anxious, even if they don't really know how to play a musical instrument-- yet.
Liebe is German for Love, so his name is like Joe Loves Mann,
Shouldn't they getta room?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
..a public washroom-- preferably in Minnesota ;-)
It has been sickening watching the U.S. legislators close ranks on matters of treason, crimes against the nation, crimes against humanity, rampant fraud and looting, rampant corporate greed and lobby-driven illegalities.
Yep, that's it. Their jobs are to protect one another, at all or any costs, and then to deliver the 'commons' belonging to the 'people' to the tender mercies of CorpoRat development at the cheapest possible price...
What Pelosi, Reid and gang have done in the last 2+ years is to drive a giant knife into the back of the American people- and of course, they are least ashamed of their actions, their conscience-free collaboration with the mafia-gang named Bushco.
Abetted in significant measure by the President-elect, we should recall. He's NOT opposed to the project, especially the improving surveillance of the people. He voted to renew the PATRIOT Act, voted for immunity for the telcos, etc, etc...
... of one. Everything in the world is evaluated in the context of how it will serve that Congressman's solitary constituency—all else be damned!
It's becoming accepted. Ned said, "Fool me once, shame on you...We won't get fooled again."
Bush's mangling of a perfectly good saying is creeping into the collective mind.
That's my favorite Bushism...
Here's my favorite Bushism:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owAkE4GLH4w
)O(
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
n/t
Whazzat?
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
:D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=act6JIFZG-M
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
History will remember Lieberman as a disgraceful, foolish little man who followed the worst president in American history into infamy like a poodle, abandoning all his principles and loyalty to his party.
Politics is for the present, but an equation is for eternity. Albert Einstein
when he accepted the vp nom from gore, he changed his positions on abortion, school choice and a few other issues
when the fight for the recount was heating up, he threw gore under the bus in regards the absentee ballots
after the 2004 election, he fully embraced bush in almost everything
and we all know what he has done from 2006 and on
he is a rat
..." There is no prison large enough, or harsh enough, to accommodate these shameless collaborators in the frightful farce called American democracy."
How about Guantanamo??!! I hear there may be some cells and waterbords available in the near future. Some are painted red and some blue, so everyone will feel right at home.
"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of Stupidity" - Frank Leahy
Put them into some of the concentration camps the Shrub was considering when they were planning for who knows what delusional contingency.
Apparently, a rotten schmuck like Lieberman still has something which he can bring to Obama's table, and it's a bit premature to assume that he doesn't.
I'll have to take Barack's word for it, at least until his judgment is found to be completely wrong and ill informed.
Division is not the answer for LIEberman.
I'm thinking more like Total Exclusion...most especially from his chairmanship of the Homeland Security committee.
Re: Obama's Table (is that anything like the Pope's Table at Bucca di Beppo restaurants?), maybe Joey is arranging a promise from AIPAC/Israel that they won't nuke Iran before the end of Obama's 1st term....?
"Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of Stupidity" - Frank Leahy
I think the 2009 Congress is already a lost cause. Obama may be able to herd them, like so many diseased, feral cats, to do good for the country—they certainly wouldn't do it on their own.
Site monitors, on John's most recent post about Rush, the comment bar is missing on the comment page, so no one can comment.
[It's been fixed now-Sitemonitor]
Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it mean.
THANK YOU
But is 4 years REALLY the best we can do as the electorate ... what are we going to do when Lieberman again shows where his heart is really at?
A strongly worded letter?
Your thumbnail sketch - "Ned Lamont is the Greenwich businessman who had the temerity to challenge Lieberman for the U.S. Senate in 2006 as a Democrat and defeated him in the August primary" -leaves out an important piece of information:
He was opposed in this "greatest political upset" by none other than Barack Obama - who campaigned for Lieberman. Obama said that he hoped that the citizens of Connecticut would have what he called the "good sense" to reelect this war-mongering cretin.
Evidently, Obama still has a soft spot for the guy.
Heartwarming, ain't it?
heartworms more like it!
Supporting the incumbent over a challenger is deeply rooted in custom;
Obama supported Lieberman until he lost the primary;
How long had Obama been a senator when he followed the customary line of endorsement? I mean, do you think if he'd done the mavericky thing and supported Lamont from the get go, he'dve been near the ticket?
Had he not supported the turncoat along with the rest of them, Liebertool could have cost him the opportunity to be on the ticket.
Your bitterness is so unattractive.
me-oww!
I'm angry that Obama did what you call the customary way of doing things.
The issue was the war in Iraq.
As you know, soldiers were and are being killed and maimed daily. Some hadn't even reached the age of 19.
Obama came to prominence based on two things:
One was his opposition to the war in Iraq.
The other was that he was promoted as one who did not do things the way they were customarily done.
His support for Lieberman against Lamont was unconscionable.
He betrayed those trying desperately to end the war.
Lives were in the balance.
It is your indifference to this that is unattractive.
Would you be equally indifferent, say, if the incumbent had been a Southern racist, and the challenger had been someone who believed in equal treatment under the law - and Obama or McCain had campaigned for the racist because he was the incumbent?
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
Phony Joe has been forgiven. He'll behave, or he'll have Rahm Emanuel coming after him with "a blowtorch and pliers."
Leave vengeance to Karl Rove and the Conservative Creeps. It didn't work out very well for them in the long term, did it?
Personally I like the way this President-Elect is doing things.
I'm all for helping to retire Joe in 2012. Go NED!
...Lieberman is now only slightly more popular in Connecticut than George Bush.
Too bad for them, they'll have him for 4 more years.
Only when the last tree has died
and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught
will we realize we cannot eat money.
I hope Lamont does run again....but for now we have 100 Senators and for the first time we have a President that sees the value of working with as many of them as possible.
Lieberman is right wing when it comes to the Middle East but Obama is going to get our military home anyway and use Joe to help push his economic agenda thru Congress. Sounds good to me!
Lieberman is a snake yes. However, Obama thinks that he has something to offer, and by allowing him to retain his chair on the homeland security committee, Lieberman is now indebted to him. Whether he will honor that debt remains to be seen, but Obama has made some pretty savvy strategic moves already, I'm not ready to say that this one is a mistake. And remember, Lieberman's position is not for life! He can be removed at any time by the caucus. For that matter Hillary could be fired at any time, Rob Emmanuel can be fired at any time, etc. I have the feeling that Obama will run a tight ship, and make an example of a few folks if they cross him.
Reid: I hereby announce that Senator Lieberman will keep his chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee. And we will largely defer to him on Homeland Security matters. Oh, and we have also decided to carve out a new position, Leader of Behind-the-Scenes Democratic Agenda-Making. I am very proud and happy to announce this compromise with Senator Lieberman.
Constituency: Um, Mr. Majority Leader, we're a little confused. Do you mind if we ask you why you would make such a move?
Reid: Look, Joe Lieberman is the most progressive senator ever sent to us by the state of Connecticut, and that's saying something.
Constituency: More progressive than, say, Chris Dodd, who's standing right there next to you?
Reid: Senator Dodd says we should keep Lieberman on as head of Behind-the-Scenes as well.
Constituency: Um, okay, but that's not what I asked you.
Reid: Now is not the time for such silly "Gotcha!" games.
Constituency: Didn't Senator Lieberman promise to help put a Democrat in the White House, and then renege?
Reid: Yes, but that's in the past. We need to look toward the future.
Constituency: Didn't Senator Lieberman call President-elect Obama dangerous for the nation, and imply that terrorists support him?
Reid: Yes, but that's in the past. We need to look to the future.
Constituency: Didn't Senator Lieberman obstruct all kinds of possible investigations into the Bush Administration that he should have spearheaded as Homeland Security Chair?
Reid: Yes, but that's in the past. We need to look to the future.
Constituency: Didn't Senator Lieberman threaten to "hang you by your ball sack in public and slit your throat" if you didn't acquiesce to his demands?
Reid: Yes, but that's in the past. We need to look to the future.
Constituency: I'm sorry, sir, but it seems like you should at least be a little more angry.
Reid: I defy you to find anyone in the world who is more angry than I am.
Constituency: Seriously?
Reid: Look, if we didn't give Joe the chairmanship, he would kick and scream, and hold his breath until he turned blue. He'd go behind our backs, and work out secret deals all to the detriment of our party, our president, our country, and even his own constituency.
Constituency: Then maybe it makes sense to look at his past, and determine if we really need him.
Reid: Oh, no. That would be an act of extreme pettiness. I'm sure glad we don't have someone like you as our Homeland Security Chair.
Constituency: Well, since you talk about looking to the future, what assurances do you have that Senator Lieberman is now on board with our caucus for the future?
Reid: What do you mean assurances? I trust him. . . . . . . . . . . What? . . . . . . . . Where are you going? Come back here! . . . . . . . We haven't asked you for your donations yet!
Everyone is equally entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Wasn't that once self evident?
Allison Stewart...
Right!
Carabou Barbie was bad enough...NOW...this "MSNBC Barbie" is being recycled.
Yet ANOTHER empty headed teleprompter reader
Kill me NOW!
The key for me was Lieberman's insistence that he retain the role of chairman of homeland security. Why does he care that much about it? I'd like to believe that he's just a good guy that likes his job. However it certainly feels like he's doing a bunch of things that he doesn't get held accountable for by holding that chairmanship.
Full me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
The people of Connetticutt will do what the gutless dems haven't. The will give that giant turd Joe the big flush in 2012. His career is over!
If I were a psychopath, I would join the republican party, and get in on the gravy train taking the Teabircher morons to the cleaners.
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