Posted on 11/13/2006 8:27:49 AM PST by Checkers
It hasn’t been the best week, and with the Iraq Study Group apparently poised to release its eagerly awaited plan for surrender later today, things are unlikely to get better anytime soon. So, before we get to the serious stuff, let’s cling to one piece of positive news.
Yesterday, Joe Lieberman refused to rule out the idea of caucusing with the Republicans in the Senate. As I typed that sentence and prepared to hit the “publish” button, I could sense veins popping across the progressive blogosphere. The AP reports:
"Senator Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut said yesterday that he will caucus with Senate Democrats in the new Congress, but he would not rule out switching to the Republican caucus if he starts to feel uncomfortable among Democrats."
One can only wonder what kind of things would make Lieberman uncomfortable serving the Democratic Party. Perhaps something like a Majority Leader Murtha might do the trick.
I eagerly await the reaction of Markos Moulitsas to this news. Were it not for Markos’ ministrations, Lieberman’s ongoing loyalty to the Democratic Party would be much less of a question mark. Nonetheless, I expect Markos’ commentary to be colorfully indignant while betraying no sense of the potential damage he has wrought.
Pure b.s.wishful thinking.
wondering if liberman will remember who left him to twist in the wind?
Very simple. This is Lieberman's way of making sure that he gets all of the committee assignments that he wants. Why should he make a commitment to the Dems before they make a commitment to him?
He remembers, but he is simply raising his price in the negotiations. He will not go against his constituents.
I think Joe is enjoying being "courted", at least in the media, by both parties.
Why would he commit...and lose all that "love"?
The only way Joe would consider this is if he plans on retiring after next term. I doubt he could get re-elected if he did this and the media would destroy him.
Don't count Lieberman out. Afterall, he is more Conservative then Chaffee and Collins.
Sorry, but someone's chain is being yanked.
Yep. But I guarantee that 100% of WOT votes will have Joe in the R column. I think there was a time when, out of loyalty, Joe could be counted on to go with the Dem flow on less significant votes. Not so now.
And I think this is just Joe's shot across the bow: Don't mess with Joe, let him do his thing.
Which were Republicans, too.
I saw him on one of the talk shows yesterday. He was pressed on this by Wallace or Russert (I forgot whom since they are eminently forgettable shows). There's no way he's going to leave the Democrats.
Joe is keeping the option open to extract more from the Dems. That's all it is.
Leiberman should have jumped ship as soon as he won and not looked back. The Dems all but pushed him overboard, so as far as I am concerned he owes them nothing.
We need to say it over and over. Lamont, lost big time -- in a Northeast liberal state.
Why doesn't Lieberman run for Senate majority leader? He could get the votes. Why is he letting Reid dictate the leadership positions?
Ughhh...
If you do the math, Lieberman Jumps, senate becomes 50-50, Republicans have control...If the GOP promises Lieberman the chairmanship of the Homeland Security Cmmte, i cant see why he wouldnt jump.
Indeed :D....He could "pull a Jim Jeffords" and really learn "tolerance first hand/brick" from the Kings (& "Queens") of tolerance.
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