Paying the price for moderation

Washington Times ^ | 7-25-06 | Wes Pruden

[JZelle]

"Ned Lamont" sounds like he might be a character in a funny book, with an unlikely white-bread name (think "Britt Reid" as the Green Hornet or "Clark Kent" as Superman), but there's nothing funny about his campaign for the U.S. Senate. He's making Joe Lieberman miserable. The latest Quinnipiac Poll shows him leading Mr. Lieberman among likely Democratic voters by 51 percent to 47 percent. That's within the margin of error, but dramatically different from only a month ago, when Mr. Lieberman could take his ease with a 15-point lead.

[kempster]

Lamont Cranston?

[detroitdarien]

I would respectfully disagree with the idea that L-man is paying the price for "moderation" (he is no moderate, just a supporter of the Iraq war).

Rather than comporting himself as a statesman, L-man has been having a hissy fit over actually having to participate in a real primary election, against a real opponent. He is typical of the D.C. crowd of whatever political stripe that think of themselves as entitled - like landed gentry - to their positions. L-man is annoyed, angry, peevish, and that is rubbing his constituents the wrong way.

And if he has a "D" next to his name, he is still fundamentally opposed to conservative principles.

[Jimnorwellwarren]

An independent Senator Lieberman might become a genuine moderate.

[Fiji Hill]

Back in 1988, I cheered when Lieberman unseated the egregious Lowell Weiker. However, I lost all respect for him when he renounced his support for school vouchers after being picked as Al Gore's running mate in 2000.

[CatoRenasci]

I have never understood the affection of some conservatives for Lieberman (aka Loserman): his voting record on everything except the war (which can be explained as an extension of support for Israel, but is welcome whatever the reason) is awful. Weicker (whom I think a jerk, and a dangerous one at that) at least caucused with the pubbies. If we'd kept him in the Senate we would not have a state income tax yet in CT.

I spoke with a well-connected Dem friend who's been solicited for support by both Ned and Joe and was at the convention. His take was that Lieberman's problem stems as much from not giving the antiwar Demoncrat forces a respectful hearing (I.e. From Joe's arrogance) as much as his actual support for the war. He thinks Lieberman will lose the primary and win the general election. I agree.

[cardinal]

Whatever! Lamont photos show the familiar "deer in the headlights." creature. Not very convincing.