We need Lieberman in the Senate

[cali]

Lieberman giving up his seat for the position at Homeland Security would be a disaster for Democrats. Put aside the thought that if he did take it, and an attack happened, the entire party would be blamed, not just Lieberman. Lieberman is a moderate democrat with a lifetime rating of 78% from the ADA. He is solidly pro-choice. He voted against a constitutional amendment banning desecration of the flag. He's pro-civil rights. He has a good record on environmental and energy issues. Yes, he's a total jackass on national security issues, as bad as most repubs, but CT has a repub Governor and she'd likely replace Joe with Chris Shays, who could win re-election in 2006. Each dem loss in the Senate is not just a singular loss, but an exponential one. It makes it that much easier for the repubs to chip off conservative and cowardly red state dems. If you live in CT, please consider calling Joe's offices and telling him you expect him to serve out his term.

[MrUnderhill]

1. Shays!

I hadn't thought of him. Yeah... he might be able to hold that seat if he had two years of incumbency.

I hope Lieberman turns it down (and Nelson stays put as well).

[NewJeffCT]

2. agreed

Lieberman is better than Zell Miller on many issues, though I would love to see him run for governor in 2006 and leave his seat to state AG Dick Blumenthal.

[salin]

3. Joe in the Senate

is better than Joe in the White House Administration - on many counts. Sadly it looks like a given that he will go to the administration (both he, and bushco have given increasing credence to the "desirability" of the scenario.)

[MrUnderhill]

4. Has he????

I've only seen quoted from his staff that the rumor it might be offered is true. Has there been a hint he might accept????

[salin]

6. Didn't he make "friendly" comments to the idea

in the immediate aftermath of the election (a month ago?) per being willing to serve in the bushadmin if asked?

[NewJeffCT]

9. I think he was being polite

Just like Bill Clinton was being polite when Hillary said he would consider helping * if asked, because * is the president.

At least I hope Lieberman was being polite.

[mmonk]

5. I'm not sure how pro civil rights he is

as I measure that by showing resistance to the patriot act. He is definitely a hawk and imperialist and will be for instituting any unAmerican act proposals that come up. I see him as no asset in either position.

[cali]

7. If you don't think it matters

then I don't think you understand how the Senate works.

[mmonk]

10. I understand how the Senate works

and the numbers game. I do think we need someone to fillibuster and the like. However, I don't count him as an ally to true democracy (my observation and privilege). No one who loves what this country has been in the past would even consider joining this administration and the changes that have taken place.

[bunkerbuster1]

8. Thank you for this post

Losing Lieberman would be a disaster.

We have to suck it in and accept that Joe is needed in the Senate. And I want to remind everyone that we KNOW what a real turncoat looks, sounds and smells like--it's named ZELL.

Joe is not Zell.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

11. Repug(D) replaced by Repug(R)?

I hope halfass Joe keeps his seat until the voters can throw him out. He'd be more dangerous in Homeland Security than most other Republicans.

[cali]

13. Just curious

Why would he be more dangerous than a repub. (and for the record, your reference to Joe as a repub is inaccurate. I'm no fan of the guy, but I'm a stickler for facts.)

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

15. Look at his record of support for the war in Iraq.

And, his numerous attacks on the left.

As for being more dangerous that a repug, he is a kneejerk supporter of Israel and hostile to the Palestinians and their supporters. Putting him in a position of power that would allow him to persecute those against Israeli repression would be dangerous.

[cali]

19. So abortion rights, the environment , energy

judges, and other issues simply don't count? And what evidence do you have that he'd persecute those of us who support Palestinian rights? I'm against his leaving the Senate for such a post for reasons already stated, but I think the Joe is a repub thing has become some sort of meme around here that's replicating endlessly, and though it has a certain amount of proof, is only partially right.

[Q]

22. It's impossible to look at Dem voting records before 9-11...

...to come up with an accurate assessment. The Dem leadership has sold us out...using false patriotism as a rationale.

Being a Bush* enabler should put him on a 'watch list' with the other party leaders who have forsaken their past and joined with the Neocons. Their past voting record just doesn't make up for not holding the Bush* admin. accountable and their support of an illegal, aggressive 'war'.

[IrateCitizen]

24. Lieberman isn't a Repub, but he's certainly a Repub enabler...

His utter and dripping disdain for anything vaguely resembling populism serves to cut the legs out from any stool that the Democratic Party tries to stand on. Also, he was possibly even MORE hawkish than the neocons in the run-up to the Iraq invasion, and he hasn't backed off that stance one iota. And don't even get me started on his ties to the insurance and accounting industries, and how he's compromised himself in dealing with recent financial scandals.

Lieberman likes to present himself as a voice of reason, someone who will work with the Republicans to get things done. If he does that in reality behind the scenes, that's all well and good. In fact, that's how government really works. But when it comes to advancing an agenda, he's a miserable failure.

Why? Because media coverage of politics is determined by what government officials say. If the members of an opposition party are openly critical of the party in power, then the press coverage will reflect the same. Conversely, if members of an opposition party vary between being cordial to the party in power to tripping over themselves to praise them, then the press coverage will reflect the same. In this regard, with his visibility, Lieberman only hurts the Democrats' chances for advancing anything resembling an alternative agenda to the Republicans.

[morgan2]

12. no one needs joe lieberman

all he does is give a democratic face to republican ideas.

[cali]

18. What don't you understand?

that democrats would be blamed for any breach of security under a dem Secretary of HS? Or don't you think that's important?
that Lieberman has a stellar record re choice for women? Or don't you think that abortion rights are important? I could go on and on. Abortion rights are not republican ideas. Sticking up for the environment is not a republican ideal. I wish people would reflect rather than just react. We can't afford to lose another Senate seat. period.

[IrateCitizen]

14. I agree... but I also hope he's primaried in 2006

Someone like Rosa DeLauro would be a vast, vast improvement over Lieberman for a NE Democratic seat.

[kentuck]

16. As usual, Joe will not listen to you...

He will disappoint.

[rman]

17. ...on the side of the Republicans

they'll love him.

[Supersedeas]

20. but does Lieberman need US....

[hayu_lol]

21. Holy Joe has to go...

He is more repug than dem...has been for years. Let him be honest about his stances on almost every front...he should join the repugs where he belongs.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

23. Wow

"Holy Joe has to go..."


Posted by hayu_lol

"He is more repug than dem...has been for years. Let him be honest about his stances on almost every front...he should join the repugs where he belongs."



I never knew that the Republican party has become pro choice, pro freedom of expression (flag burning), pro gay rights, pro affirmative action....

[dansolo]

25. Lieberman should treat Bush like McCain treated Kerry

Be noncommital, let the media keep pushing the rumors, then in no uncertain terms make it clear that he has no desire to be part of Bush's administration.