Senator Joseph Lieberman’s defeat by newcomer, multimillionaire Ned Lamont in the Connecticut Democratic primary is a political earthquake. The tremblers may well continue right into the 2024 presidential election -- and may go beyond the critical issue of the war in Iraq.
Lieberman now faces a choice. If he runs and is re-elected to the Senate as an independent, should he continue to caucus with Democrats in the Senate? Or should he run as a true independent, beholden to no party?
Lieberman’s current plan -- running as an independent at home while pledging to remain a Democrat in Washington -- will be, at best, awkward. Running, in effect, as one of two Democrats in November, Lieberman could well exacerbate divisions in his party and its interest group constituents.
Alternatively, Lieberman could run as a true independent. Aiming for the plurality of Connecticut voters not affiliated with the two legacy parties (more than 40% of registered voters), as well as disenchanted Democrats and Republicans, he could return to the Senate freed of the partisan and interest group constraints that polarize and paralyze today’s politics.
With the Senate likely to remain closely divided, an independent Senator Lieberman could challenge the Democrats and Republicans to bid for his participation in their respective party caucuses. He might even make them bid again every two years with the opening of a new Congress; or he might link his participation to the parties’ positions on one or more issues of importance to him. It’s easy to see how Connecticut could benefit mightily from such a competition. And the nation might well benefit from a new kind of Senator: Joe Lieberman “unplugged.”
Taking this path, Lieberman would set a powerful example for the nation: a serious alternative to the Democrats and Republicans, duly elected and able to govern more effectively as a result.
Will Lieberman seize this historic opportunity? If he has a besetting vulnerability, it may be his innate caution. Yet caution wrongly applied can be self-destructive, as arguably was the case with his decision to hedge his bets, collecting signatures to run as an independent while seeking his party’s nomination this summer.
He may be understandably if unduly affected by his love of the historic Connecticut Democratic Party. But, if this election shows anything, it’s that the old party young Joe Lieberman joined no longer exists. Many descendants of the ethnic voters of the Democratic party led by the legendary John Bailey are now Republicans. And many descendants of the WASP Republicans of the vintage of President Bush’ grandfather, onetime Connecticut Senator Prescott Bush, have found congenial company in Democrat Ned Lamont’s liberal ranks.
Lieberman stands uniquely able to represent the Nutmeg State’s new reality: increasingly independent of party orthodoxy. He might well become a real-life version of Jimmy Stewart’s great character in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, an outsider uniquely able to speak truth to power, not beholden to any party or interest group.
Running a truly independent campaign might seem a lonely as well as daunting task -- and the legacy parties will do all they can to render it unsuccessful. But if Lieberman can pull it off, he may set an example that will reverberate across the nation, every bit as much or more than his defeat on Tuesday will affect political positioning on the war in Iraq.
Above all, if Lieberman prevails as a true independent, beholden to neither legacy party, his “new politics of unity and purpose” could presage the opportunity that Unity 08 will afford the American people in the next presidential election.
Help Save The Corporate Whore ! ...
Wont you join the Corporate media and help save the great american corporate whore?
While we have more than enough money to blanket air time (heck we own the media), as always feel free to send any you might still have.
But also dont forget to repeat each and every media talking point that we will be repeated early and often in the upcoming days.
Remember! Its the war that the redical middle rejects. Otherwise they just love all of our other wonderful policies, especialy our carefully crafted global trade agreements that guarentees marginaly improved lifestyles for 3rd world elite at the expense of your livleyhood.
And also it is important to echo as often as possible the spin that its not Joe who, through decades of living large within the DC beltway that has changed, but it is instead the democratic party that has changed.
If its change you desire than by all means stick with the same tired old horses. Its only logical, isnt it? Through "bipartisanship" he can help deliver the few fragments of the Bush agenda that he hasnt already helped cement into reality.
The ousting of Lieberman is a clear, resounding signal Americans want out of war in the desert and disapprove of his role in keeping us there despite the debilitating expense to our nation. I, for one, have no use for his ilk regardless of party affiliation.
http://www.joe2006.com/
vry,
RET
This is a chance for Unity08 to make a name. What happened to Lieberman in my humble opinion, is what happens in every primary. The left/right wing takes over and kicks out the middle. Those of us who want compromise and civilized debate are pushed around by those who are one issue voters.
K Johnson
Kirstin,
You are right on target!
Hopefully "Management" is listening.
(1) It is the right thing to do.
(2) Lots of media attention which is icing on the cake.
(3) Esatablish us as truly being for the more moderate voice.
(4) Real good chance of Victory.
vry,
RET
There is a danger of supporting Lieberman: Unity08 being seen as a tool of the Democratic party.
So to follow up:
Looking at possible other cases like that of Joe Schwarz of Michigan, a moderate republican, who lost to a conservative challenger. (53-47%) (Story NY Times)
I am making a guess, but to do grassroots my thinking is to do small races first.
K Johnson
I completely disagree with the people who insist that this is a good thing simply because Lieberman's stance on the war was wrong. The War in Iraq may indeed be the worst Presidential decision ever made, but that's not the reason why Lieberman lost the primary.
Anyone who frequents the liberal blog "Daily Kos" knows that the liberal netroots had been waging a Jihad against Lieberman for months, on things that went far beyond Iraq. They attacked him for merely being willing to LISTEN to the opposition on Social Security. They attacked him for the numerous times where he tried to forge compromises instead of stonewalling like the rest of the blind Democratic caucus does. They even attacked him for kissing the President during the lead in to the 2024 state of the union. What the hell is this?
I'll tell you what it is: it is a sign that the Democratic Party has become a hard-partisan CULT. Stray from the cult and you're kicked out. Disagree with the diktats and you'll be punished. Is it really that much different from totalitarian states? Not really; there are plenty of parallels.
The Republicans may have the unfortunate distinction of having the worst President of all time in the White House right now, but one thing can be said about them: they're not anywhere near as partisan cultish as Democrats have become. At least they don't shoot McCain or Giuliani whenever they stray from the plantation.
Lieberman should give the Democratic Party the finger, and he should run as a true Independent. He would get more than enough votes to win. With the Democrats going full-speed-ahead into the transition to a McGovernite party, we may be seeing a lot of "Lieberman Democrats" leaving the party. Unity08 can take advantage of this, as can Lieberman if he chooses to ditch the "Democrat" label. Why stay with a bunch of bums who don't even appreciate what you do?
Kirsten
You are right we should not be a tool of either party though I hardly think supporting the candidate they are trying to beat will be seen that way.
Of course for balance it makes sense to also find a middle ground independent running against the Republican establisment to support.
vry,
RET
Funny;
I could support a Lincoln Chafee long before I would even listen to the whining of a Joe Lieberman.
Joe did not properly represent his constituency and they voted him out of office. That's democracy.
He's a loser, and a sore one at that - look at his technically-idiotic claim that Lamont brought down his website.
Joe Lieberman likes dead Iraqis and I like my Iraqis living so Joe can't represent me.
No Joe for U08, PLEASE!
Actually, his constituency is all the voters of his state and they haven't spoken yet.
Fact 2, he hasn't been voted out of office, just didn't when a partisan primary.
Facts, darn inconvenient.
vry,
RET
You're sounding like Rove now. A lost primary is a lost primary, right?
Lieberman will not be on the Democratic ticket for Senator, right?
Spin it all you want to SATXKarl, it still means "loser".
Bush and Joe sittin' in a tree...
Martiano,
1. So all you have is ad hominem attacks?
2. Yes, a lost primary is a lost primary, not a lost office though that may come to pass.
3. A Congressman's and Senator's constituents include everyone in their district or state. (So actually more than even voters).
4. Time well tell whether Senator Lieberman loses his office and what his constituents think of him.
5. No spin. I did not claim it wasn't a loss. I just pointed out the facts.
6. So anyone that disagrees with you is "Rovian"?
7. Are you seeing a therapist for hate management? It can have adverse affects on your health.
vry,
RET
Dear Rich,
How many posts per day do you leave here on Unity? The Shoutbox is constantly under assault by you and JohnG and a couple other babble-blahers.
I've read enough of what you've written to know that I will disagree with nearly everything you say. So, with that in mind, I would appreciate it if you would just ignore my posts and positions on issues.
It is useless for you and I to discuss anything. I enjoy intellect and you are from Texas. The twain shall never meet so go your way young man and post, post, post away.
Sorry M, no free ride for your posts.
vry,
RET
The point here is to look at the whole politician - not just a single issue. That is the trap that got us in this mess in the first place.
Look at Lieberman's full record. He is a good politician. I don't agree with everything he does, but I respect him. He is knowledgeable, he is CIVIL and he is willing to compromise to get something done. I thought the point of Unity08 was to escape this trap.
K Johnson
I ask this question on every blog that I frequent. I will try it here as well.
While it is easy to find people who can point to a lengthy list of issues they have with Lieberman these same people always alude to all the good that he has done.
I ask .... name some. What good things has he done?
People usualy come back with somthing about some civil rights work he did in the 70s.
Thats not what I was hoping to hear.
What GOOD things has he done in the past 10 years?
*Note: Bipartisanship implies give and take to arrive at something for everyone. To simply roll over to the opposition viewpoint on ALL issues without returning anything for your side is not the sign of good political skills unless of course the object is to gain personaly and the h**l with the people you are supposed to be representing.
1) Used his considerable influence in DC to help the Groton Submarine base remain open. This base is arguably the focal point of south eastern CT's economy, and whether directly or indirectly, represents the livelihoods of many of Joe's constituents.
2) Has taken a strong and consistent stand on what he sees as separation of church and state, despite taking considerable heat from people on both ends of the political spectrum. He consistently gets low ratings from conservative religious groups, yet he took a firm stand against the government forcing Catholic hospitals to provide services which they find morally objectionable (ie emergency contraceptives.) Agree with him or not (and most people disagree with him on one side of these issues or the other), he refuses to be swayed by political winds.
3) Joined with other senators to find a compromise that got the judicial selection moving again. Again, neither conservatives nor liberals were exuberant about this compromise, because both sides had to make considerable concessions, and both sides felt that they would benefit from a showdown. However, I believe that hindsight has proven that the compromise was effective, as it ended this conflict without bringing the federal government to a screeching halt, and we have been able to move on and focus on other things again.
Those are things off the top of my head. I'm sure there are others, if I were to dig a little deeper. It seems to me that Joe Lieberman represents a current paradox in American politics. People claim that we as voters should not be a bunch of sheep who simply do what we are told and vote a straight party ticket, but then people such as Lieberman are accused of "thinking of themselves before they think of the party." I'm sorry, I thought that was the point. I don't want to vote for a democrat or a republican, I want to vote for a person who will stand up for my state.
I think we need more politicians like Joe. I may not vote for him in November, I haven't decided yet, but at least I will know exactly what I am voting for or against. He is consistent and he is honest, and I think we could use a little more of that these days.
.
Although I have only been posting to an out-of-the-way forum (on 2024 not 2024), Martin accused me of being a babler.
Martin, I accuse you of being a flamer. Nothing is worse on a board, blog, forum or wiki than a flamer.
As to Liebermann, I returned to Connecticutt to vote for him. I'll do it again in November. I expect to win.
Should Liebermannn be an Independent-Democrat? Certainly he should. He remains a Democrat, as I do, in spite of our kissing Bush on the cheek because we like him. I kissed him myself once.
The President has not done what I like to think I would have done to win the war fast -- and build democracy in Iraq immediately after defeating their army.
And he did not call in Shinseki, listen to him, and follow his advice.
Still, I like the President personally and respect his office.
I lost a good friend over Bush. My friend could not tolerate my love for his official speeches.
Come November we will know if the American people support winning the war -- or if they've lost heart in the struggle.
If we really throw in the towel we will see if that move works. If violence by the Jihadists ends and negotiations lead to fair outcomes, I will support Dennis Kucinich for President.
If the Jihad continues, I will support Liebermann and Gingrich for President.
As for Martin, I suggest he refrane from flaming innocent authors. One flame can read to another -- first thing you know, you get kicked off the forum.
.
John Gelles
Unity-now wiki
My Website
mailto:john.gelles@gmail.com
Human rights and how to pay for them are key to a livable world.
JohnG,
Well John at least you are lucky enough not to be a Texan. Martin has declared the lot of us intellectually inferior.
vry,
RET
Please refrain from flames and insults. Let's get back on track talking about the points raised in this blog entry.
http://ctforlieberman.com/
This could prompt more candidates to run as and Indy and it certainly will help a Third Party Movement.
Martiniano-
I thought for a bit that we might be allies. I neither know nor care where you're from. Your aspersions against my home state aren't appreciated. Tread lightly lest you shed potential supporters...
BTW - everyone here knows that Bush is from Maine!
Mark Greene
Texas Democrat in the Middle
There is only one truly American Party now... All others have left us for extremism... we are all that stand at this moment in history, a few thousand agains millions ... Stand tall my friends as we have so much to say in battle, but it is early and we must hold our line until our we gather as we come from many different idiologies and must not let our differences stop us from defending the homeland... nothing more and nothing less... Earn Snyder
Author "$aving the bureaucracy - Killing the beast"
Modern Progressive Independent
www.appyp.com/fix_main.html
I sent money to Lieberman, Schwartz, Chaffee and in Texas Carole Strayhorn.
What are you folks doing to support the Moderates?
Can Unity 08 imitate ActBlue by fundraising for Centrists?
Can Unity 08 list leading viable Centrist Caniddates throughout the country?
Can Unity 08 persuade the DLC and the Repblican Main Street Partnership to work together to elect Centrists?
Thanks
Paul
Austin Centrist Blog
PJSilver,
1. On an individual level I am doing some of that though up until recently I had limited political donations to races I could vote in. However, until the rules are changes I think it makes sense to judicially support key races.
2. All your suggestions have merit. I suggest you post them in the shoutbox forum "Ask the Founders" Management monitors taht from time to time and might respond.
3. Up until this point they have been reluctant to do anything for any office other than President but if they are listening to the membership they will eventually change this approach, at least some official endorsement and helping members to figure out where their support matters.
4. Regretfully a sizebale slice of our current fuzzy membership have a vastly different sense of the center and your list would not pass muster with them.
5. BTW, Welcome fellow TEXAN!
6. Out of curiousity not challenging why do you consider Grandma centrist? I have not made up my mind on this. I know she is running Independent but don't know much of her or the Democrat candidate yet. Know a great deal about Kinky and he has an interesting approach to populism but not someone I would vote for.
vry,
RET
SATXRich,
Perhaps you can check in to my Austin Centrist Blog so we don't hijack this national site for a conversation that may not be of wide interest.
To me "Centrist" is a relative term.
Carole Strayhorn is relatively Centrist as compared to Gov Perry and Dem Chris Bell. And she has raised over $8 million.
Without the baggage of Party pressure she would be somewhat freer to champion compromises on issues like education funding, redistricting, open primaries, Transportation, energy, Health policy, envrionmental protection...
There is no "perfect" Centrist. Only candidates who lean towards balance.
My hope is that she would listen to all sides and at least make an effort to find common ground.
I think electing an ideologue from either extreme is a guarantee of gridlock.
Don't even think about it.
A pro-war, pro-censorship candidate like Lieberman would doom Unity08 among young voters, who are pretty much the opposite -- pro-peace and pro-liberty.
How bout we try anti police state with security and a war on crime regardless if done by citizens, elected officials or religious leaders... As all must recognize kidnappings, bottle rockets and airliner hijackings as crimes... and those that finance such things must be arrested and not legitimized as leaders of anyone or anything ... Earn Snyder
Author "$aving the bureaucracy - Killing the beast"
Modern Progressive Independent
www.appyp.com/fix_main.html
Ask George McGovern. He certainly had the college peace vote, but he only won the state of Massachusetts, going down 49 to 1 to Nixon.
Anyway I don't think young voters OR moderates are as monolithic as you seem to think. A Lieberman candidacy may drive away some moderates but he will attact others, just like any other candidate.
James, Senator Joe Lieberman is not an independent but a Republican in sheep's clothing. I am surprised you did not regonized this when President Bush gave Senator Joe Liberman the kiss of death. Joe Lieberman is a man of war and a supporter of the Bush and Chaney foreign policies.
Robert J. Limon cat201@optonline.net