DISQUS

Donna_Q · 1 year ago

I'm going to guess that there is an iron fist inside Obama's velvet glove. I can't see him letting Lieberman walk away with all his power intact.

God · 1 year ago

What about Inouye? he is a traitor too, campaigning for Ted Stevens

hawkseye · 1 year ago

Boxer campaigned for Lieberman.

obsessed · 1 year ago

Still haven't forgiven her for that one.

LimaBN · 1 year ago

I sure hope that Obama remembers the lesson left behind by Hubert Humphrey.
HHH lost to Lyndon Johnson because everyone knew that Hubert would never take revenge. One of our greatest Americans would have accomplished even more if he could have made the yahoos think twice about crossing him.

eclecticbrotha · 1 year ago

Stack the group with Democrats so Lieberman operates from a very short leash.

Steve_in_CNJ · 1 year ago

exactly right. fight this notion that liberals want payback. we want to protect our gains and our hard-won opportunity for change. the only thing lieberman can be trusted to do is undermine the progressive mandate with more obstruction and dirty tricks. is this a good time to mention that the man is deranged?

cosanostradamus · 1 year ago

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"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

It's worth keeping this schifoso on a short leash until the Dems get their own 60th man or woman in the Senate, if they ever do. When the Liebe' comes up for reelection, they can savor the pleasure of stabbing him in the back with a massive campaign by a real Dem. Until use him like the $2 whore he is, as long as he follows orders.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

A Tarantella, please. And some breadsticks, prego. Grazie!

It's all about RESPECT.
.

tbhull · 1 year ago

I'm sorry for stealing the line you quoted before. I just did not scroll down before making my post.

cosanostradamus · 1 year ago

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You're DEAD to me! DEAD!!!
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tbhull · 1 year ago

I've been dead a long time. One thing nice and terrible about death is that it lasts.

cosanostradamus · 1 year ago

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OK, I guess I'll keep the flower money. Slainte!
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tbhull · 1 year ago

Do with the flower money as you wish, but leave the gun and take the cannoli.

cosanostradamus · 1 year ago

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Sorry. I'll need the gun: I'd use it to KILL for a fresh, well-made cannoli, unheard-of here in Hawaii. I'd wound for a sfogliatelle.
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tbhull · 1 year ago

I understand. Whatever it takes.

Reale's adequately serves my cannoli needs here in Austin.

tbhull · 1 year ago

also Lieberman is up for reelction in 2012, thus, he risks pissing off Obama when he is seeking a 2nd term.

cosanostradamus · 1 year ago

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Just kiddin'!

Yeah. CT is a funny place. A lot can happen in four years. A filibuster-proof working majority is worth the strangest bedfellows, even goodfellows. The Mafia metaphors are obvious here.

It's worth coddling a DINO if it means crippling the Repukes.
.

knobandtube · 1 year ago

But even with him it's not a filibuster proof majority. he do as he pleases.

cosanostradamus · 1 year ago

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There are still Senate races undecided. And there are plenty of Republicans now who must realize they won't get any of that juicy re-electin' pork if they don't vote with the DEMs as often as possible.

As to the DEMs, it's called "Party discipline." If this schmuck Rahmbo brings nothing else to the table, he better bring that. If Leiberhundt doesn't toe the line, he's out. Period.
.

ObamaLover · 1 year ago

Sadly, it appears that Lieberman has most of the leverage, because we need him and he could give a shit about how badly he betrays his own principles by screwing around like this. The guy is about as self serving as can be.

But like the saying goes, revenge is a dish best served cold. Our day will come...

knobandtube · 1 year ago

That's what I don't get. He has no principles at act on so why should the Democrats trust him to act in their interests?

Patrick_Bateman · 1 year ago

Lieberman must have stones the size of Babs Bushs'.

It does offer some solace he reminds me of Mr. Burns more and more each day.

tbhull · 1 year ago

Methinks he has the softest gums and deepest throat.

Patrick_Bateman · 1 year ago

2 snaps! ;>)

tbhull · 1 year ago

I cannot stand Lieberman, but let Obama lead. Strip him of his current power but do not kick him to the curb.

In this regard two Godfather lines come to mind:

1. I'll make him an offer he can't refuse; and,

2. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

hawkseye · 1 year ago

Lieberman is a rat. However, his vote may be needed on some crucial matters.
As Lincoln famously said---
"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause. I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors; and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views. I have here stated my purpose according to my view of official duty; and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men everywhere could be free."

tbhull · 1 year ago

Excellent and appropriate quote.

However, I always wondered what was more important to Lincoln, saving the Union or insuring that all men are created equal knowing full well that saving the Union could mean adhering, at least to some degree, to ill-principled slavery so absolutely contrary to equality?

hawkseye · 1 year ago

I think he wanted to save the union first and do something about slavery second. He managed to do both---imperfectly, which was the best he could do.
Most citizens of the North were fighting to preserve the Union, not to free the slaves. At that time there was a strong belief, spiritual even, that the country was established with an Inspiration regarding Manifest Destiny.

tbhull · 1 year ago

BushCo pushed Manifest Submission.

hawkseye · 1 year ago

Yes, and I'll be glad when that is truly in the past tense. His final exeuctive orders are dreadful.

lucky hussein · 1 year ago

thx for the quote. however, would the us be better off w/o lieberman doing such a bad job at the head of the commitees anyway?

hawkseye · 1 year ago

I don't know anything about his bad committee work, but I believe you if you say it is bad. But I don't think anyone has ever been kicked off a committee for bad work. As Karen pointed out this morning, the Senate is a Club.

howdydostu · 1 year ago

I'm as offended as the next guy when it comes to Joe Lieberman, HOWEVER, after watching Prop 8 pass in California as President -elect Obama won there in a landslide, I am also reminded that there is MUCH work to be done on social justice issues.
Sen. Lieberman has fought hard for the GLBT community and he has been a staunch supporter of a woman's right to choose.
Cut him a little bit of slack (swallow hard, it ain't easy)...we made our point, now let's move on.
Stuart & Robert Wyman-Cahall
Las Vegas, NV 89142

NYCRaf · 1 year ago

To carry on the theme, imagine Rahm as Al Neri and LIEberman waking up next to a bloody corpse in the middle of a Nevada brothel.

Seriously though, when's the next election for CT Governor? The only thing holding back Obama from shipping LIEberman off to the South Pacific as the Ambassador to Tuvalu is that the current CT Gov is a Republican.

Gridlock · 1 year ago

Let Rahm hold his leash. Make it a choke chain.

Make it long enough that he can hang himself by it.

dattexas · 1 year ago

I trust Obama. Lieberman voted with the Dems 90% of the time. Yes, he's a creep, but that record isn't totally bad.

Patrick_Bateman · 1 year ago

He voted with the Dems 90% of the time. McCain voted with Dubya 90% of the time.

But he stumped for McCain ...hmmm, quite the head scratcher that.

NYCRaf · 1 year ago

Indeed. His only saving grace in my book is he didn't challenge any news reporters to a duel. Hmmm, come to think of it, maybe that would've been a plus actually.

Patrick_Bateman · 1 year ago

;>)

PeteWa · 1 year ago

I can't see how it would be in Obama's best interest to handle Liebertraitor in any way other than the way he is handling him now.
It's obvious to everyone, by both's actions, that Obama is the better man.

And Joe is a mealy mouthed snake.

Indigo · 1 year ago

And so it begins . . .

mirth · 1 year ago

Seriously bummed...but Obama has shown us he knows how to get it done and for now I'm in trust mode.

Soundboy_jeff_meanie · 1 year ago

yeah... I agree.

I just hope Obama knows what he's asking.

its like saying you should trust a loan shark.

Hack · 1 year ago

More like feeding your case of crabs

EdNSted · 1 year ago

John A said:

"Then the Democrats will have only themselves to blame.".

Yes. Absolutely 100% correct, John. Unfortunately, I'm detecting a lot of battered party syndrome here. The fact is, Joe has already been cut so much slack by the Democratic party that he is now in possession of the entire frickin' rope. So, if the Democrats once again give him a pass, then they should fully expect, once again, to get Lieberman's boot square in the teeth. And just how many times do you have to be kicked in the teeth before youu realize the person doing the kicking is not your friend? Of course, you don't have to take my word for it. Just stand right where you are a bit longer and I think you'll see my point...

Older_Wiser · 1 year ago

Please don't tell me the honeymoon is over already...before it's even begun.

lucky hussein · 1 year ago

I wish I understood where they are coming from. I mean, politicians have to appear to 'stand' for something - don't they? Why not this? Seems very, very clear - the guy has performed terribly and is entirely untrustworthy. A full-blown traitor to the struggle of his suposed political compatriots. If they want to 'do the decent thing' and build up voter approval, they should put the smackdown on Traitor Joe.

hawkseye · 1 year ago

Lieberman votes with the Dems 90% of the time.
He's also a high-maintenance narcissist. In spite of that, he can be used.

Bush_Bites · 1 year ago

Obama should ask Clinton what's it like to have Lieberman knife you while you're in the White House.

Bush_Bites · 1 year ago

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

--Sun-tzu, Chinese general & military strategist (~400 BC)

ObamaLover · 1 year ago

Maybe Obama should give lieberman a cabinet appointment. then fire him after the '10 congressional elections.

obsessed · 1 year ago

How about giving him a cabinet appointment and then firing him as soon as he resigns from the senate.

Problem is that CT, like CA, has a Republican governor. Can anyone explain why there are so many states like this? I mean ... how could Kansas, Oklahoma and Arizona have strong democratic governors while ultra blue states like CT and CA have the opposite problem?

lucky hussein · 1 year ago

on the other hand, if you can kill your enemies, go ahead and do it.

mirth · 1 year ago

.
L
O
L

JamesR · 1 year ago

You can kill / excommunicate someone only once. Otherwise you can make him feel pain every day.

RevDrBillyBob · 1 year ago

Mistake by Obama.

Hack · 1 year ago

Shape of things to come.

Obama hasn't even picked up the mantle and already he fucks us. Hard. With Liebermans dick.
Ouch.

MyVoice · 1 year ago

I have added my name to the nomorejoe petition just to state my position. There is a little wisdom in keeping him happy for the time being. Joe knows that he would not stand a chance getting elected again in CT if he strays into the Republican caucus. The committees are getting reconfigured to fit with the minority/majority positions and the GOP are losing seats which will keep Joe in check. Is there any possibility that the caucus can not strip Joe of his chair later if he goes against the caucus? I guess I am thinking a little more along the line that Joe will be powerless even with the chair but will need to tow the caucus line knowing he could lose more in the long run. How hard would it be to win in CT if the President is campaigning for your opponent? We know that CT will be looking closely to Joe's performance now. I will support what my President-elect decides.

mirth · 1 year ago

One comfort:

Outside the Boys&Girls&Lobbyist Club (aka the US Congress), Lieberman knows the degree of detest Democrats have for him. He's neutered, and soon enough the citizens of Connecticut will take care of this traitor once and for all.

Hack · 1 year ago

Sure they will.

But neutered? Hardly.
This SOB will continue to carry Neocon water.
Compromise and inclusion is one thing, allowing an obvious Trojan Horse to remain in the living room is something else.

obsessed · 1 year ago

But the point is that the neocons are neutered. Far from neutered are the corporations and their hold over democratic congresscrooks. Feinstein is completely in the pocket of big money but what about Lieberman? We know he's insane on foreign policy but he may be closer to the middle of the pack in terms of the battles that will be fought in the next few years.

An_American_Karol · 1 year ago

It's my feeling Obama doesn't want Lieberman, but the Dinos in the Senate do. Feinstein comes to mind. These Senate Dems are the same ones supporting Lieberman when he was running as an independent.
The Senate knows they do not have the capital Obama has; consequently, Obama is placating them.

FunMe · 1 year ago

Obama's mistake #2 ... keeping LIEBERMAN.

His mistake #1: FISA

Does Obama want to be only a 1 term President?

Older_Wiser · 1 year ago

OT, but DHL is stopping domestic operations...layoffs in Wilmington, OH will be the largest in the state's history.

OH already has the 2nd highest unemployment rate in the country.

Donna_Q · 1 year ago

Why are so many of you panicking about this? Obama knows what he is doing. He's going to take Lieberman down without looking like he's taking Lieberman down. A lot of you panicked and overestimated Sarah Palin at the beginning. Don't panic and underestimate Barack Obama. He understands power. He has it and he will use it effectively.

jurassicpork · 1 year ago

American Zen and the Art of Democracy Maintenance offers, I think, an important message that we ought not shelve our healthy cynicism just because the Obamaniacs are taking the reins of government. And I'm seeing a troubling lack of open-mindedness in the blogosphere since the day after the election.

And when I see stories like this one with Lieberman, it makes me realize that with this incoming administration, not everything that glitters is gold. Some of us, seeing the end of the Bush administration, are shutting our doors (thousandreasons,org, etc.).

Nobody dares criticize Obama, yet and I'm beginning to worry whether or not we'll be as blindly loyal to Obama as hard core right wing bloggers have been of Bush.

Bubbles · 1 year ago

Why not string him along the same way he strung us along?

I'm not sure if this is possible - I don't know the mechanics of the senate, but why not first attempt to use Lieberman's cravenous lust for power against him?

If I'm Harry Reid I might tell Lieberman:

"Look you f*cked up. Your in the dog house. You've been a bad boy and we are going to have to ground you. So we're taking away your chairmanship. Now if you choose to caucus with us, and you are a good boy for a year or two, maybe until the next congress is vote in in two years, then maybe we can give you a chairmanship back. Maybe it won't be the same committee, but you'll get something."

Then I'd maybe throw him some other kind of face saving bone that has some prestige but know real meat, if he chooses to continue to caucus with the Dems.

Then, if he chooses to walk over to the other side, let him walk.

But I don't think he will. The man is craven.

Two years in the wilderness is better than eternity, which is what the Republicans offer.

So for two years Lieberman will behave like a yellow dog democrat. And if he breaks one time from the caucus, then Reid has got a pretext to not follow up on his promise.

After two years, things will be different. Maybe we'll have 62 Dems. Who knows?

Even if Lieberman is a good puppy, and votes solid with the Dems, Reid doesn't have to keep his promise to Lieberman. Why? Because Lieberman stabbed Obama in the back, and the whole Democratic party. Lieberman is about as loyal as a cunning theif.

Lieberman is also craven. His lust for power might be used against him to keep him voting for Democratic causes in the Senate.

Lets face it. There are a lot of real people really suffering out there and we don't want a measure to fail simply because of spite.

Anyway, if I were Reid I'd offer Lieberman something like this. If he walks, he walks. No big loss. But if he bites, well, then, you have secured some votes that might have gone against you in the future.

But really, personally, while I don't think it's smart, I would really like to shit can him and banish him to the wilderness for good.

Bubbles · 1 year ago

I also think that this indicates that Obama thinks we have a real chance for 60 senators.

obsessed · 1 year ago

As important as Joe is building a group of potentially sympathetic Republican senators like Collins, Snowe, maybe Specter ... who else? Coleman if he (god forbid) survives. Are there any other Repubican senators left in New England, Great Lakes, or the new, blue West?

obsessed · 1 year ago

There's nothing I'd rather see that the complete and utter humiliation of Joe Lieberman, but from a pragmatic point of view, how important is the Chairman of Homeland Security going to be under Obama? Under Bush, it was huge because Joe could and should have used it to expose all of their crimes against the constitution but how much trouble can he cause now?

I'm not worried about filibusters on Obama's judicial appointments since he's such a legal scholar that he'll pick people who are beyond reproach, but I'm VERY worried about the senate sabotaging health care reform and other "middle class v. mega corporation" issues and Lieberman's vote might be decisive on those. If you let him keep his seniority then when Rahm says jump, Joe will say "how high?"

It's all about healthcare - they're going to try for a replay of 92-94 - sabotage healthcare and then take back congress in 2010. We've GOT to stop them and every vote counts

sukabi1 · 1 year ago

As much as all of us want Lieberman to be gone, you've got to remember one thing.... throughout the campaign season, through the primaries, and up through the closing of the cycle everyone was giving Obama "advice" and complaining bitterly when he didn't take it.... guess what? Obama's strategy was the right one, and he won --- and won BIG. If he wants to keep Lieberman caucusing with the Dems then he's probably got a good reason for doing it. And he's probably got a lever to remove Lieberman from his chairman seat if he chooses to use it...

Obama's a smart man, knows how to read a situation, and knows how to get what he wants. Don't believe it? Who's going to be sitting in the President's chair in a matter of weeks?

obsessed · 1 year ago

agree

And he's probably got a lever to remove Lieberman from his chairman seat if he chooses to use it...

I'm thinking of Dr. Evil's conference room and deriving great comfort from imagining Joe in one of the chairs.

sukabi1 · 1 year ago

that's a good image... or he could go all 13th century on his ass and load his old diseased carcass in a trebuchet and launch his ass a 'la "The Holy Grail"...

dad · 1 year ago

chris dodd sucks

naschkatzehussein · 1 year ago

I'm a bit confused. Does Obama also want him to continue as chairman of Homeland Security? And another question: if he acts up, can they kick him out of the caucus at any time? I suppose Obama doesn't want any messy infighting to start off his presidency, and maybe Lieberman will agree to block filibusters on Supreme Court votes.

green_libertarian · 1 year ago

Loserman has already betrayed the the dem party, once again, by saying he thinks them having a fillibuster proof majority is bad.

Fuck him.

I say kick that whining POS Lieberman to the curb, AFTER cementing a deal with Olympia Snow to switch to the Dem Party.

She's the most liberal republican in the Senate, faces reelection in '12 in a state that just voted HEAVILY (58-40) for Obama, and for (their only) TWO Dem House members DECISIVELY (and also for for repub Collins, but that's another matter).

Snow is very popular in Maine, and could easily pull a Jefford's move, and get reelected as a Dem in '12. She's pro-choice, relatively gay-rights friendly, and pretty good on the environment as well. She has to see the blue sea change that happened in her state, overwhelming, and with re-election being the MOST important thing to her, as it is most pols, could cement her re-election and score some chairperson appts from the Dems in the deal in the meantime.

Fucking Loserman needs to understand elections have consequences. Boot his ass.

Ferdiad · 1 year ago

Well that didn't take long! I have been an Obama supporter since day one, but now with Rahm, Loserman, et. al. I have this sinking feeling.

Bookbinder · 1 year ago

In politics, it's sandbox rules. You let a bully hit you and don't respond, he's going to continue to hit you again. You have to stand up to them, to fight back. That's the only way to deal with it. If you don't you also invite other bullies to nail you. We have a right to demand solidarity from Democrats, from Lieberman and Feinstien to California African-Americans who wrecked gay civil rights. Punishment is not an option, it is mandatory, or we might as well turn off the lights and shut the place down. His failure to deal with Lieberman in an effective way is the best reason we have to finally dump the ineffectual Mormon Harry Reid.