Would Bush Pick Lieberman for Homeland Security Chief?

[Moloch]

Would President Bush name Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman as his next nominee for the Secretary of Homeland Security? Increasing pressure from Republican leaders may make it possible despite Bush's reputation for keeping only those who agree with his personal opinions as his closest advisors. Bush's first choice for the post, Bernard Kerik, withdrew his name over the weekend after it was revealed that he had hired an illegal immigrant as a nanny and did not pay taxes to the government on her behalf. The revelation caused embarassment to the Administration as it searches for someone to replace Tom Ridge.

Lieberman is one of the author's of the Homeland Security bill and is one of the few key Democrats that have supported the president on the war in Iraq. However, he was also Al Gore's running mate in the disputed 2000 elections in which the Supreme Court had to make a decision that put Mr. Bush in office.

Picking Lieberman would give Bush a nominee that would garner easy confirmation from the Senate and give him a source of sorely needed support from Democrats. The president pledged to be more bi-partisan and nominating Lieberman would be a strong way to show he is making an effort to reach out to Democrats. Lieberman is also highly qualified and has a very strong moral reputation.

http://www.elitestv.com/pub/2004/Dec/EEN41bdc8a7a3e3d.html

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

1. Would Lieberman be dumb enough to accept it? n/t

[Inland]

2. No. Bush considers the department a patronage machine

That's why he appointed Kerik. Look for a good Republican with ties to all sorts of cronies inside the white house and to the key industries feeding off of the federal government.

[lgardengate]

3. It wouldn't surprise me but....

Bush might consider who would replace Liberman in the senate.Liberman is more supportive of Bush than many Democrats in general.If someone may be appointed that would be less supportive maybe not.Interesting to find out though.

[shuffnew]

6. Lieberman is reportedly a strong DLC member, so wouldn't doubt it...

A GOP body in a DEM suit.

[LSparkle]

4. Rove's wet dream: Joementum

Makes Chimpy look like he's "reaching out" when in actuality, Joementum is a DINO and will probably switch parties anyway. Also makes it look like "reasonable" Dems (like JL and Z(h)ell Miller) can find common ground with JackassInChief -- shame on the "bitterenders" who still persist in opposing him ... yeccccchh.

[Ardee]

5. flight of fancy

has rocky landing, picture at eleven......

Lieberman is not going to switch parties, at least not in this reality.....though there is some indication that Bush might tap a democrat for the post.

[Nashyra]

7. No Democrat should take on the Dept of Homeland Sec

It is a set-up, wait until the next election cycle and boom there is another terrorist attack and they blame the Democrats for being weak on Homeland security, no one would blame the * and the repukes will walk away with the WH in 08. IT IS A SET UP if any Dem gets the nod

imho

[Ardee]

11. That seems a prevailing opinion

though I believe that , should the worst occur, or really the inevitable, and we have another attack it will be Bush, as the leader, who will take the heat. If there is any heat, by the way.....The way Bush and Cheney have played up terrorism many are expecting to be hit again, in fact most of Bush's decisions are almost guarranteeing such action.

In possibly selecting a democrat, and I do not think the Lieberman is going to give up his cushy Senate seat for this temporary assignment (four years max), Bush is simply pushing the charade that he is bipartisan.

[DrDan]

8. think of the upside for junior

if anything is found in his background, "he's a Democrat"

if we experience another 9/11 - a Democrat is in the seat

junior comes across looking non-partisan

it will put another Repug in the Senate

he will be easily confirmed

My bet - he chooses Lieberman

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

9. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes........I choose 'All of the above' n/t

[JunkYardDogg]

10. Lieberman is Clarence Thomas with a Yarmulke

Homeland Security is in charge of the Gestapo investigations of American Citizens, with the passage of the (Un) Intelligence
Bill last week, the Government can enact the same secret Fascist investigative methods on American citizens as it does on Foreigners
with possible Terrorist ties. A provision allows the Government
to do this to American citizens even if they have no connecttion to foreigners or terrorists. So if Lieberman was in charge,
concerned and aware Americans could blame the destruction of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights on a Jew and a Democrat.
The same goes if there just happened to be a small, target specific
"Terrorist" attack on American soil. Reichstag Style.