Reid Spokesperson: Democratic Senators May Vote On Lieberman's Fate In Full Caucus Meeting
Senator Harry Reid's office has just confirmed to me, on the record, that Reid is considering a new step: Asking all the Democratic Senators to vote on Lieberman's fate at their upcoming full caucus meeting if Reid and Lieberman are unable to agree on a way for Lieberman to relinquish his plum chairmanship of the Homeland Security committee.
"If Senator Reid and Lieberman don't reach an agreement, his future chairmanship may be put to a vote by the caucus as a whole on November 18th," Reid spokesperson Jim Manley told me, in response to my questions about the next step being mulled by Reid.
Manley's assertion represents the first public acknowledgment that this possibility is being seriously considered, and is a significant ratcheting up of pressure on Lieberman by Reid's office.
Manley said it was unclear as yet how precisely the mechanics of such a move would work, but left no doubt that it was likely to happen if Lieberman and Reid didn't resolve their impasse before the next caucus meeting.
The move would in effect put Lieberman's fate in the hands of his Dem colleagues. Top liberal bloggers -- among them John Aravosis, Josh Orton and Steve Benen -- are already mounting a pressure campaign, calling on their readers to contact Senators and get them to pledge to vote against Lieberman keeping his committee slot.
Others are urging readers to sign a petition calling on Reid to give Lieberman the push.
Late Update: Jane Hamsher also has a petition that readers can sign to press for Lieberman's ouster.
O Politic.
November 7, 2008 2:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love the idea that Dems within the caucus can say to Joe "Listen, you said voting for McCain was a matter of principle. Voting you out of our caucus is a matter of principle. Now fuck off."
November 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Any chess player could see where this was going --heck, even a checkers player could. It takes the pressure off Reid, buys him time to see how the remaining Senate races end up (thanks pjwhite530), and puts the onus on the caucus (not terribly courageous, but quite deft).
November 7, 2008 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Playing chess with Reid would be the ultimate test in patience. Even Death wouild give up.
November 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmm. Ingmar Bergman might have been interested in that match-up.
November 7, 2008 3:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmm. Ingmar Bergman might have been interested in that match-up.
November 7, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am just not sure what pressure Reid really has here. Sure, he doesn't want to lose Lieberman's vote but he cannot allow him or anyone in the caucus think they can get away with the kind of crap Lieberman pulled during the race. Its really a no brainer as far as I can tell. If he lets Lieberman get away with this he looks weak, the Democrats look weak and any kind of unified Democratic agenda is greatly weakened as a result. The flip side is that he loses a vote which he really couldn't count on much anyway. Easy trade. No need to pass the buck to the caucus.
November 7, 2008 2:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
The pressure is the appearence of being Obama's hatchet man. If the caucus slips in the knife, Reid can wash his hands with equanimity.
November 7, 2008 3:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why, pray tell, is it a copout for the Majority Leader to put this decision to the caucus?
Some of the posters who are ranking on Harry Reid over this need to grow the fuck up.
November 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
You didn't ask me but if you had my answer would be that Harry Reid is the Majority leader. It is his job to make these sorts of decisions and on basic principle, it should be a pretty easy one as I noted in my comment above. If Reid wants to manage to Democratic caucus by committee than he should just say so. I don't know if that is a sufficiently grown up answer for you but it is the one I have.
November 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
It should be an easy matter, but this way Lieberman can't later claim that it was a one-man vendetta. The more people who tell Joe to grow screw himself the more bootprints land on his ass (to totally mix metaphors).
November 7, 2008 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
"go"
Grrrrr
November 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, you did ask me, so....
Apparently you object to my "not terribly courageous" comment. Getting someone else to do what you would rather not directly do is prima facie cowardice even if your ulterior motives are pragmatic.
Posters who need to augment their profound thoughts with liberal sprinklings of profanity should buy a thesaurus: expletives and epithets are a sure indication of an impoverished mind.
November 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Getting someone else to do what you would rather not directly do is prima facie cowardice even if your ulterior motives are pragmatic.
_____
Not necessarily when its politics, and there is a future.
_____
Posters who need to augment their profound thoughts with liberal sprinklings of profanity should buy a thesaurus: expletives and epithets are a sure indication of an impoverished mind.
_____
Tell it to Mark Twain.
November 10, 2008 8:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why do I think that unless we raise a huge ruckus, the Democrats will vote to keep Lieberman in?
November 7, 2008 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because they have a history of being weak and spineless.
November 7, 2008 3:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I suspect you are right. These folks still have to work with Lieberman after the vote, so while a few might relish the chance to stick a knife in his back for a change, many others might well decide that it is better to play nice; this would be a mistake and we would do well to make as much clear to our own democratic senators so that they do not take the easy-but-wrong choice here.
November 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm loving me some just desserts for Loserman.
:)
November 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Critical point: Steve Benen at washingtonmonthly.com cuts through the bullshit to the REAL issue here.
Abso-fucking-lutely not.
November 7, 2008 2:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aha!
Out - he goes out the door. Yes he does and no ifs ands or buts.
November 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for that information. If anyone needed further motivation, this was it.
Joe Lieberman cannot hold any position in which he is allowed to attack an Obama Administration.
November 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
WOW! Thanks so much for that info.
Reid cannot chance that Lieberman will all of a sudden begin showing an interest in oversight.
The nerve of this fucking guy- after Obama helped to get him elected in 2006. I fucking hate Lieberman. He knew what he was risking by backing McCain, and now he's too chicken shit to live with the consequences.
November 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Off with his head!
November 7, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I call BS. The chairman of the committee can't do much without the votes of the others on the committee. Lieberman isn't going to be able to use this committee to go after Obama.
This is about being demoted from an important committee chairmanship to a back-bench status. Sorry Joe. You made your bet and you lost. You don't get your money back. Take Reid's offer rather than suffering the further indignity of a vote by the caucus. It's better than what you're going to get from McConnell, which is nothing. The Republicans have even less use for you than the Democrats do.
November 7, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point, but I don't think Joe really expects to get any votes from the other dems on his committee, or to win any of those votes.
His goal is to keep his face on TV 24-7, and to fuck the Obama administration as much as possible with subpoenas for miles of minutia and constant sad-faced interviews on FOX.
I can just hear him now: "Why won't President Obama give information to a Senator of his own party? To refuse a Democratic request makes it obvious he's got something pretty terrible to hide."
And O'Reilly and Hannity and Wallace and the rest nod solemnly and put their notes on their laps so nobody can see their erections.
November 7, 2008 3:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not exactly. He has great latitude as to what direction his committee will go. He'd have done some investigations and such two years ago--had he wanted to do so.
November 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm afraid you're wrong, dawg. Lieberman would have the votes whenever the Republicans on the committee side with him.
On Senate committees the majority party usually has just one more seat than the minority party. So if it's a 10-9 Dem majority, a straight party-line vote excluding Lieberman would be a 9-9 tie. In such cases, he would, in effect, break the tie.
November 7, 2008 3:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not true. The makeup of the committee is supposed to reflect the makeup of the Senate as a whole. They had only one more vote because it was 51-49. With 57-43 a typical committee would be more like 10-6.
November 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ack! Is that right? My bad. I'm still getting used to the new era.
November 7, 2008 3:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for that. Just contacted both of my senators and signed the petitions.
Our mind set has changed since the election. We are no longer fighting against something, but are now fighting for something, many things. This is just one.
Joe must go! Joe must go! Joe must go!
November 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
BINGO! This sums it up. The fucker cannot be the chairman of that committee. Better to lose an unreliable vote than let him try to undermine the president he accused of not putting country first - just so he can look for (or create!) opportunities to say "See, I told you so" down the road.
Thanks for posting that. He's out.
November 7, 2008 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Co-sign. He would slow progress--in fact, he'd impede progress.
I think Reid has exercised great restraint, and has given Lieberman enough rope to show how egotistical and narcissistic he is. But enough is enough. It's time for him to go.
November 7, 2008 3:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
GONE!
November 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I had forgotten all about this having been so focused on the election.
Reid must have hoped that Lieberman expected to lose his chairmanship and would shift quitely into a subcommittee chairmanship.
Lieberman is clearly ignorant if he thinks this country is going to tolerate his actions and leave him in his previous positon of authority. It is NOT going to happen.
I wrote my senator and Senator Reid about this yesterday. I think warning him that there will be a vote if he doesn't back down was a smart move. To be publicly shamed in the process isn't necessary if he would just accept his fate but it is necessary it sounds like he is prepared to take it in that direction.
Clearly Senator Clinton who won so much support around the country and worked so hard for Senator Obama in this election is much more deserving of a committee chairmanship.
I have to admit that I never supported Senator Clinton for president. I have watched the senate for years and found her participation so far unimpressive. I believe now that if she were given a chairmanship it might actually bring out the best in her and she would have a chance to shine and impress.
November 7, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
So if they don't reach an agreement, the caucus votes.
What is they vote to allow Joe to continue? That would appear to be a real slap to Reid. So, Reid must have a pretty good sense of how the vote would turn out, if his spokesperson is publicly discussing this possibility.
Oh My God. I sound like Jonze.
November 7, 2008 2:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, but the thing about Jonze is when he's right, he's right the fuck on - and he's right a lot.
Oops - here we go -
November 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
God, the president-elect already looks tired.
November 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, I guess when you're actually involved in policy (unlike the current resident who seems to average about 10 hours sleep per night), that will happen.
I have all the confidence in the world in this man.
November 7, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
And he's been on the phone at all hours talking to heads of state from all over the world. Probably hasn't had much sleep in the last couple of days. Michelle'll take care of him.
November 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Completely, unimportant question, but is Rahm Emanuel really short? Or is everyone surrounding him just really, really tall?
November 7, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think he's short.
November 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Compared to Robert Reich, he's tall.
Great press conference. A little glimpse of things to come.
November 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
He and Reich could have a good Midget Wrestling match.
November 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Compared to Robert Reich, he's tall".
LOL!
By that standard, I could play for the WNBA!!
November 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
so correct me if i'm wrong, but the choice ahead for joe is either:
a) accept reid's deal and remain in the caucus, but neutered
b) bolt the caucus and join the republicans in irrelevancy
c) get publicly booted from the caucus on the 18th
the only question is: does he go quietly in the night or does the drama queen take the prize with the most fireworks?
November 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
The lawyers creed: do not ask the question if you do not know the answer.
Reis must know the answer. (mustn't he?)
November 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Abso-frikkin-lutely. And Joe knows it, too. And they both know that Joe's not going to bolt, because the Republicans have nothing to offer him. All the cards are on the table and Joe's still bluffing.
This is the real reason people who supported failed coups used to fall on their swords - to avoid the fate Lieberman is facing.
November 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, Reid knows the answer. He also knows that a vote would be a prolonged and very public humiliation for Joe.
What is wrong with the people of CT that they didn't vote in Lamont?
November 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some of us did.
Republican voters in CT returned Joe to the Senate.
November 7, 2008 3:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Joe SickFuck^H^H^H^HLieberman is just continuing his tradition of being the Senator from the Great State of Israel. His thing about Iraq has nothing to do with the war on terror (whatever that is) and everything to do with protecting Israel. I think he supported John McCain for the single reason that he (Lieberman) thinks that Obama is secretly anti-Israel (he's not) and the McCain would have done a better job of arming Israel and backing them up militarily.
IMNSHO Joe the Lieberman's most traitorous act is representing Israel's interests instead of Connecticut's interests.
And before you think this is some kind of anti-Semitic rant, take a long look at Joey boy's foreign policy perspective and then tell me I'm wrong.
November 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think his support for McCain has at least as much to do with Lieberman's ego and his pathetic need to be the center of attention, no matter what the cost.
It started in '98 when he became the wingnut's darling by calling for Clinton's impeachment.
Then running for VP as the first Jew on the ticket in 2000, ditto for president in '04.
Somebody else said he's never gotten over not getting the nomination in '04, and that explains a lot of his ridiculous, self-defeating yet self-aggrandizing support of Smirky/Darth and then McCain.
It's all about Joe's ego.
November 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I supported Joe Lieberman when he was a true Democrat, but because of his allying himself so clearly with McCain, I won't support his staying as Chairman of that committee. That said, ignorant people like you who accuse him of being loyal only to Israel just show their innate bigotry. Lieberman's position on why it is in the interests of the United States for Israel to be strong and secure is one that every single Democrat in the U.S. Senate agrees with except for Robert Byrd.
November 7, 2008 10:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's important for Israel to be strong, with the backing of the US -- until Israel's abuses result in the US being attacked, as on 9/11, by the enemies Israel makes by means of those abuses, with the backing of the US.
Lieberman is Israel-first. And giving Israel equal footing with the US in terms of national security -- as if there is no difference -- is blind, and to sell out the US.
November 10, 2008 8:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love this idea. I hope they unanimously vote to boot him. Makes him look much worse than if Reid were to simply make the decision.
November 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
joe knows reid doesn't want him running around crying and claiming to be a victim of the mean ol' democrats.
but as my learned and wise grandpappy used to say in these situations: "oh, fuck him."
November 7, 2008 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Both Obama and Biden would get to vote on this.
November 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boy - I love how Obama answers questions. He's direct and he'd forceful.
November 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
And he can talk in complete sentences and I have yet to see him smirk.
November 7, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm in awe.
With the press, he's just awesome.
November 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you don't mind, I'm going to borrow one from you:
{SWOON!!!!}
November 7, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Still has a sense of humor too... treating the dog question with the same level of seriousness as the economic crisis. That'll give something for the desperate late night comedians to work with.
November 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was looking at pictures of him and Rahm last night and I think I've got it figured out--you just love those brown bedroom eyes and dimples, don't you? :-)
November 7, 2008 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
And no swagger.
November 7, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is imperative that Lieberman not have oversight over Obama on Homeland Security Issues. Lieberman will be up for re-election at the same time Obama goes for his second term. I see joe promoting his independence and bi-partisian role at Obama's expense.
We must help the Senate Democrats to "..Say it ain't so, JOE!"
November 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I almost wonder if Obama should reach out personally to Reid on this and say "I don't think so."
I'm sure he doesn't want to interfere in the Senate so early after the election, but what the heck is the delay here?
November 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Did anybody else catch the "all deliberate haste" line?
Man, this guy can't help but talk like a law professor at all times. I love it.
November 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
He answers questions. He listens to them first, too -
November 7, 2008 3:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Am I the only one in awe of the fact that the actual President is an afterthought, and the guy who's been President-elect for two days is the guy people are turning to for answers? Not surprised, mind you, but in awe.
November 7, 2008 3:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
The country cannot see this government change fast enough and that includes the media.
I've never seen this country want the end of an administration this much - I mean everybody is pinning everything on this - it's a big fucking task for this man and he knows it and just stepped right up.
What gets me is he has done this and taken this on, mostly knowingly, and it isn't because he has delusions of grandeur.
He may be one of our sanest presidents.
November 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
George Bush was always useless, but now there is an absolute consensus.
He gives the term lame duck a completely new meaning.
I cannot recall, in my lifetime, when a president-elect was treated in this fashion from day one. He might as well have taken the oath of office on November 4th.
People are looking for answers and know there are none with the current administration.
November 7, 2008 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup, yup!
If I heard right (it was background noise, so this is pure speculative rumor), it was reported on NPR that Sarkozy has even said that it's a waste of time to have that economic summit that Bush is hosting later this month unless Obama attends.
HA!
November 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's the difference between "emptiness" and "presence."
What a dif!
November 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
That was a surprisingly brief press conference. These next four years should be great for those of us who want competence in our government. Obama is the straight talker.
November 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
As Jon Stewart once said, a politician that for once, treat us like adults. Thank God for that.
November 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wholeheartedly co-sign. Makes us feel we are respected and taken seriously.
November 7, 2008 3:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
But wasn't it a thrill to "want" to hear a president? To treasure every word. To want more than he gave? I could listen to this man's voice for hours.
November 7, 2008 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boy, that sounds like a novel notion after the last eight years...
November 7, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I've always been impressed with Obama's listening skills. It seems strange to point out, but it goes to show how few politicians really listen.
November 7, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Darlin- few people listen.
;)
November 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
What?
November 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Better yet he actually answers the questions he's asked!
:-)))
November 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
And never got smarmy once.
November 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great press conference, with two jewels:
The Nancy Reagan jab: Nailed it!
"Mutts like me": Priceless!
Also, loved when he asked the reporter with the broken arm and when he asked for the local reporter: He cares!
November 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
And he even checks back to make sure he answered every part!
I love this man!
November 7, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't even understand what he discussion is. They're going to vote on it?
There is no discussion. Strip him of his chairmanships, and don't think of giving him another for a long-ass time.
If there is any appearance of leniency towards Lieberman, I will be livid.
November 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think the vote provides cover for the whole post-partisanship thing. If the leader does it it looks like revenge. If the whole caucus does it, it simply looks like re-alignment of committee chairs by force due to an intransigent Lieberman.
November 7, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, that and there are rules and procedures.
Just cause the Repugs ignored them and changed them to suit their uses, that doesn't mean we should. Reid follows the book.
Jeez, lay off Reid.
November 7, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who loves our new president? Is he a president or what?
Goddamn! w00t!
November 7, 2008 3:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I do! WAAAAAAHOOOOOO!
November 7, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm with you, dear Tena. It does my heart good to see a return to sanity in the oval office.
November 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
and dignity.
and intelligence.
and a president worthy of respect.
November 7, 2008 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh sure, the list can go on and on...
and competence
and intelligible sentence structures
and common sense
and empathy.
Our long national nightmare is nearly at an end.
November 7, 2008 3:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
That was the most exciting boring press conference I have ever seen!
I just absolutely love this man. And he's my President!!!
Holy shit, I really love this country.
November 7, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
He ain't so bad I guess...
We all done good :-)
And WOOF! he's so Mr Cool too...
November 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't get me started. For whole days, I could just watch him walk -
November 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's much more fun dishing Obama than either writing a system spec (which I'm supposed to be doing) or bitching about Joe Leiberman (however cathartic that may be).
I wonder if he's one of those guys you can feel the force of his personality when he walks into a room even if you're not looking?
November 7, 2008 3:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
If he didn't quite have it before, I'm sure he has it now.
November 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love my president!
To me he's already my president. And I haven't felt I really had one for years...
November 7, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
OT, but as I scrolled to the top of the page I can't help noticing...that is one BLUE lookin map!
November 7, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Grow a pair Harry!
November 7, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Would you berserkers cool off please?
Personally I want to see the Rules followed for a change. We aren't going to have kamikaze partisan shit going on - sorry to have to tell you. If that's what you want - play a video game.
We are not the Republicans.
November 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lieberman is not going to let this come to a vote by the caucus for the simple reason that he knows how it's going to turn out, as does Reid. It's bad enough to be taken to the woodshed by Reid, he doesn't want the whole caucus taking turns on him (which I imagine they've been looking forward to for the last two years). Joe's obviously not a poker player. You don't bluff when all the cards are on the table.
November 7, 2008 3:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
After all, he's had to try and lobby them by phone, and I'm assuming that means no one wants to see him in person. He has to see the writing on the wall....
November 7, 2008 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
On behalf of Sherrod Brown, I vote NO on Loserman.
November 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
It was so wonderful to hear him on the radio--I felt as if I was listening to a modern-day FDR or JFK. What a change from the current office-holder!
November 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I heard him on the radio too. Wonderful to listen at home, while doing some dishes. I look forward to many, many chats "with" the man.
November 7, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is this All Lieberman All Day? Isn't there anything else happening today?
Where's updates on the Obama press conference?
Where's updates on Al Franken catching up with 100 more votes today?
November 7, 2008 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Joe Lieberman just took a dump, news at 11.
November 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
The news is that as a resident of CT, I have to step in it for the next 4 years.
November 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Please, let's NOT go to the video tape.
November 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
No doubt! I thought this was the Al Franken Decade!
November 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Could be worse, could be all Palin, all day.
I hope we never hear that name again. If there is any justice, her 15 minutes are up.
Franken has a 50-50 chance at the moment. I've heard nothing more than that and the (typo that turned 124 actual votes for him to 24, which has been subsequently corrected).
November 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even Palin would be a refreshing change - I swear, this is the THIRD or FOURTH story on TPM today about Lieberman. No offense to Greg (TPM is my favorite site!), but there's gotta be something else to talk about today besides Lieberman!
November 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Other way around - they entered 24 and it was supposed to be 124...he gained 100 more votes.
November 7, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, I'll bite...
I thought the press conference was really intriguing. I wonder (and I'm ONLY wondering out loud, obviously) if Obama felt compelled to have it because, after being briefed, he has learned things may be in worse shape than anyone imagined.
He didn't offer any support for what's going on with the Bush Admin's handling of the crisis. Leads me to wonder if maybe he's seeing something he doesn't like and wants to head it off at the pass.
Again, I'm just wondering.
November 7, 2008 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it has more to do with maintaining connection with the American people, and reassuring them that things will be dealt with starting on day one (if not before). It also further intensifies the aura of a mandate so he won't face much opposition at the start.
November 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
He did it to show the kind of president he's going to be. Up front. Engaged.
November 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm very happy and proud Obama added the comment about adopting a shelter puppy - I'm an ardent donor to all of the main shelters.
November 7, 2008 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
The though of even allowing Leiberman to be ALLOWED TO REMAIN in the caucus is revolting to me.
November 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup... as well as the fact that he thinks he deserves to.
November 7, 2008 3:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm just gonna say this and then bounce cause I have to do some things -
Quit worrying.
Our playas run this bitch now.
November 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
He should be ousted for being inept and not having oversight hearings. By not having hearings he was covering for Bush. Why does he want to keep a job he has not done? Unlike Obama's committee, I don't think there were other committees picking up that slack.
Does anyone really think he won't use his chairmanship to snipe at the Obama administration? I mean really, the man is a documented deception peddler and back stabber.
The good thing about this debate is we see once more who is going to take his place as "back stabber and water carrier in chief" for the repubs, Bayh.
Bayh is more spineless than Lee Hamilton and that is going some.
November 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lech lechah.
That is all.
November 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't think he should keep his Chairmanship given the fact that he's out-of-sync with other Dems primarily on the issue of security. I don't think they should kick him out of the caucus, though. If he's butt-hurt over it and leaves for the GOP, oh well.
November 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
And I repeat:
A vote from Lieberman may be valuable on many important issues down the road. Petty vendettas and loyalty oaths were the at the black heart of the Bush/Cheney/Rove/DeLay debacle.
Governing is more important than the individual governors. A compromise allows Lieberman to save face. If he is too proud to take it, then a vote looks better for Reid. One way or another, Lieberman will not be allowed to keep chairmanships that involve core Obama international policies.
He would be fine on domestic issues so long as he can't interfere with investigations of the Bush administration. I have no love or admiration for Lieberman, but he has a long record of voting the right way on domestic issues.
Lieberman's bluff to switch to the GOP is a stupid bluff. They cannot offer him much. I defy anybody to find a legislator who voluntarily switched to a minority party after elected. And if he does switch, his career is over. Ask Chris Shays.
I think McCain goes back to being a happy gadfly, which he's good at, for awhile at least. Anyone taking bets on whether McCain, Lieberman and Graham link arms and stroll into the sunset, rather than face re-election next time around? I think loss of power ends more legislators' careers than loose zippers.
November 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't trust the man. I'm concerned he's like a spy for the repubs in the Dem caucus.
We can recruit a few repubs to vote with the Dems. Better than a Judas!
November 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
You nailed it there. You can't put Benedict Arnold in charge of your fort. You can't trust him and that can cost far more than any single vote in the Senate.
November 7, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Poor choice of metaphor. Call him a Benedict Arnold or Brutus, or some other traitor, but linking someone Jewish with Judas falls too close to an age-old pillar of anti-semitism, which I'm sure is not what you want to convey.
November 7, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is not about petty vendettas or loyalty oaths. It's about being accountable for your actions. Supporting McCain was his right. Blasting the Democratic candidate as "dangerous" was a mistake and he's got to pay the price. The price is loss of a committee chairmanship. He's been around Washington long enough to know that, and just for good measure, the Democratic leadership warned him in advance. He's lucky they're not kicking him out of the caucus.
November 7, 2008 4:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think we're agreeing here. Lieberman MUST lose his leadership roles. Reid is offering him a way to do that without a public flailing, and a vote allows Reid to get the job done without making Reid the flailor. That's why the party elects a whip.
If Lieberman is silly enough to bend over and say, "Thank you Sir, may I have another," well, that's his choice.
I'm not convinced that he couldn't serve the caucuses ends on lesser committees, and I'll leave it to our elected professionals to make that call.
November 7, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
What could be a bigger public flailing than having the caucus vote on it? If anything, Reid is offering him a chance to avoid the humiliation. What we're seeing is Lieberman's last desperate attempt to wrangle a more lenient sentence. Not gonna happen. Make him chairman of the pizza committee.
November 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Call Joe's bluff. He isn't "owed" anything. Getting to stay in the caucus and head Veteran's Affairs was more than he deserves.
Is Mitch McConnell really going to force a senior Repub out of a spot to accomodate Joe?
November 7, 2008 4:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Perhaps Ried is taking a page out of Obama's quality playbook in attempting to consider others thoughts and hopefully achieve consensus. The gathering would involve engaging other Democratic leaders in this discussion and process.
As much as I want Lieberman to be kicked to the curb (big time) I applaud (in this instance) the intent to reach out to others who will be impacted by this decision. Hopefully, someone will publish a list of contact information for this group.
Also, I would like to know the other Senator's stance on this issue. For a variety of reasons!
November 7, 2008 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
President Elect- God it feels good to say that!- Obama could offer Lieberhosen a position in the Admin? Say, Acting Third Assistant Undersecretary of Agriculture?
There was a time, in ancient history, when I thought he would have made a good US AG. Was that in Clinton's Admin? Maybe when he was CT's AG. Would rather see the current AG of Connecticut nominated for it now that I know who Joe really is.
I LOVE this President Elect! Just so you know you can't have him all to yourself, Tina. ;)
November 7, 2008 4:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know this is all about trying to get to 60 votes and that's why they won't just boot the little dweeb. But I wouldn't trust him to vote with the party. Don't waste another moment Harry! Take that gavel away from him and stick it up his Wasilla!
November 7, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hit the road,Joe, and don't you come back no mo,no mo,hit the road,Joe-and don't you come back no mo!
November 7, 2008 7:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Harry Reid continues his long cowardly tradition of evading duty. His yellow streak gave comfort to the Bushies and aid to compromise without principle. He is again kicking the can down the road and shirking getting rid of the treacherous Joe who risked with his support of McCain the fate of this troubled country.
Somewhere where there is justice without mercy, they should both be hanged.
November 7, 2008 10:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is so dumb that I can't believe it. Right now we have a 50/50 chance of picking up Minnesota. 538.com is reporting a good chance today of picking up Alaska because some of the early votes have been counted and they're going heavily democratic. That leaves Georgia, which is an admitted long shot, but that state was closer than one might think and the Senate Campaign Committee has a wad of money to spend on it. We also have a great ground game and we could focus a lot of southern workers from a lot of states all at once on the Georgia run off. We'd feel almighty dumb if on November 18th we blew Lieberman off and on December 2nd we won what MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE 60TH SEAT!!! Surely it could wait until the final votes are in on December 2nd! Sometimes I think we democrats actually love to shoot ourselves in the foot.
November 7, 2008 10:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
If he is the 60th Dem, what good is that? He's the one who said the country wouldn't survive a filibuster-prrof Democratic majority, remember?
November 8, 2008 9:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs actually is responsible for oversight of the executive branch, charged with investigating the conduct of the White House.
As chairman of this committee, Lieberman decided not to pursue any accusations of wrongdoing against the Bush administration. Lieberman preferred to let his committee do no real work at all.
Now Lieberman wants to start using the power of this committee against Obama.
Lieberman didn’t want to hold Bush accountable, but he seems exceedingly anxious to keep the committee that would go after Obama with a vengeance.
Lieberman doesn’t care about “reconciliation,” he cares about going after a Democratic administration.
(Found at Steve Benen of Washington Monthly, via Firedoglake.)
November 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
LIEberman is an untrustworthy SOB. He has a long history of treachery and dishonest behavior. Ask any of us in CT. It's not just his lies to Obama and the caucus in 2008 about not leveling any personal slanders. Listen to his Republican convention speech again. Or, just look back at how he won the senate seat in 1988 against Weicker. The Dems don't need untrustworthy Rats in their caucus. He cannot be trusted. He's proven that time and again. He is NOT a man of his word. Nobody likes a RAT, and the Dems will be wise to toss this one overboard. I guarantee that if the Dems let him back he'll pull another Phil Gramm 1982 and backchannel leak to the GOP caucus and the media. He proven to be a total snake and a completely untrustworthy colleague. Look at how he torpedoed Gore's recount effort in November 2000.
November 8, 2008 7:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let Lieberman caucus with the Republicans for a while. He'll be begging to get away from the likes of Oklahoma's Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn.
A very smart Olympia Snow could gain a lot of clout of she decided she wanted to caucus with the Dems
November 8, 2008 10:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
November 10, 2008 11:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not complicated: the Caucus slips a secret message into his hand, printed in tiny type, with an illustration for the literacy-impaired, communicating:
Joe: meet
Under the bus.
November 10, 2008 8:06 PM | Reply | Permalink