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Time to Let Joe Go?

Posted: Friday, February 23, 2007 8:41 AM by Countdown

In an interview with TIME Magazine, former Democrat Joe Lieberman says officially switching to the Republican party remains a "remote possibility." In the meantime, he is relishing 'the leverage with both parties no matter how slim the chance of his crossing the aisle."
"Whatever Joe Lieberman Wants"

...with the Democrats' hold on power dependent on just one vote — in effect, his — and with Republicans courting him to tilt the balance in their favor, Lieberman has been indulging in some fairly immodest political footsie. Early this year he terrified fellow Democrats by skipping several of the weekly caucus lunches that cement party fidelity in the Senate. Recently he was spotted in the Republican cloakroom talking with South Carolina's Lindsey Graham about reforming Social Security. He even says he might vote Republican for President in 2008, a not-so-veiled hint that he would prefer John McCain, his fellow true believer in the Iraq war, to most, perhaps all, Democratic alternatives.

Lieberman says leaving the Democratic Party is a "very remote possibility." But even that slight ambiguity — and all his cross-aisle flirtation — has proved more than enough to position Lieberman as the Senate's one-man tipping point. If he were to jump ship, the ensuing shift of power to Republicans would scramble the politics of the war in Iraq, undercut the Democrats' national agenda and potentially weaken their hopes for the White House in 2008. Those stakes are high enough to give Lieberman leverage with both parties no matter how slim the chance of his crossing the aisle. Which means Senate leaders aren't worrying only about whether Joe Lieberman will switch parties. They're wondering what, if anything, he plans to do with the power that comes from keeping that possibility alive.

But is it time for the Democratic Party to rip the Band-Aid off once and for all, and let Joe Lieberman go?  Would losing their tenuous hold on the Senate really hurt the Dems' chances to take the White House in 2008? 

Or would making a statement to the voters who put them in power - that they are more committed to the ideals that got them elected than they are to holding power itself - work more in their favor heading into the next election cycle?

It's a high stakes gamble, but the American people didn't vote the Dems in in '06 so that they could compromise to keep the tiniest sliver of political power... did they?

These questions and many more, tonight on Countdown - 8pm ET

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Comments

God it is so fun to listen to you whining democrats. Keep it up! The more you whine, the better the chances for another Republican House, Senate and Presidency.

Mark Steed, Highlands Ranch, CO (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:21 PM)

Joe should definately become a Republican ... afterall, he believes in God and has values.

Dave Richards (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:25 PM)

Maybe it is time to reconsider the whole notion of our elected representatives being seen as the candidates of political parties. Parties are not in the Constitution. Why should taxpayers fund primary elections so that groups can pick two or three people who are the only people voters get to choose between in November? Consider that Arnold Schwartzenegger would never have made it through a Republican primary as a non-incumbent. The wide-open CA recall election made for a much more interesting and inclusive contest.

Fritz, Seattle, Washington (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:32 PM)

The stakes are too high for our nation to allow one man's ego tip the balance of power to the Republicans. In particular, the Democrats need to be vigilant of any more Supreme Court nominations by George W. Bush and his mishandling of the Iraq War and the War on Terror. In '08 the Republicans must defend 21 seats in the Senate vs. 12 for Democrats. If the Democrats achieve a net pick up of 2 - 3 more Senate seats, then, and only then, could they unceremoniously jettison Mr. Lie-berman. At this particular moment in our nation's history, it's far more imperative for the Democrats to set the legislative agenda in the Senate and give its advice and consent to the Executive Branch than it is to allow their own pride be bruised by self-centered egomaniac. Allowing Mr. Lie-berman to bolt to the Republican Party before ’08 would completely compromise every principle the Democrats were elected to carry out. The American people gave control of the congress to the Democrats so that they may effectively change how the government is conducting itself right now; not how that might effect their chances at the White House in ’08 . . . right, Keith?

Gary Bollinger-Smith, Seattle WA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:32 PM)

Lieberman is the only "Democrat" I have ever liked. The Democrats deserve whatever he gives them after shafting him in the primary. Congratulations to the people of CT for electing and individual, not a party in that election. I believe we are better off to fight ALL terrorists over seas and not here. We said be would "never forget" 911, but I think many have.

Mark in Helena, MT (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:42 PM)

As a person living in CT, I do not like how Lieberman went about getting re-elected. He used a "back door" method by signing up as an independent, then dropped his made up party. I believe that he's been "in bed" with the GOP all along. Looks like he just wants to be a GOP VP labeled as an Independent/Democrat, when in fact he's just a liar. He lied to the people that elected him, and is lying to himself. Too many people fell into his propaganda and negative ad campaign in Connecticut. Personally, I voted for the other guy. Its all too often that when people go to vote, their mentality is well I don't like A or B so I'm gonna choose C for the heck of it. Well people of CT you choose C and look how well this is turning out. I feel like we're the laughing stock of the union.

Hector, New Britain, CT (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:46 PM)

As a resident of Connecticut, I have rarely seen Joe Leiberman in his home state. It started when he was a VP candidate and hasn't stopped. He has twice run for two offices at the same time - pitiful. I once dubbed himself as the "Champion of the little people." I feel disgusted and embarrassed that he is one of my U.S. Senators. I wish he would just disappear.

Brian Caldwell (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:48 PM)

Joe Lieberman is all about Joe Lieberman. I am still appalled that he became and independent because he lost the Democratic Primary. My point, his behavior qualifies him for the GOP. I don't see the difference between Bush's slick capture of the WH in 2000 and JoJo's capture of the CT Senate seat in 2006. Both pulled a smoke and mirrors to quell the vote of the majority. Yes, he belongs in the GOP. First time, shame on you, second time, shame on me.

Bill Bridges (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:51 PM)

As an independent voter who is sick and tired of the partisanship of the 2 major parties, and the ways they only care about maintaining power but not ordinary Americans, I say that Joe Lieberman is no independent!

Francine Miller, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:51 PM)

What troubles me is that many of you think that just because Joe is a conservative Democrat that somehow he is not Democrat enough. What are all of you saying? I am Democrat and a veteran and I have come to the conclusion that the party does not have room for the Joe’s of the world. We should be proud of Joe because even though MoveOn.Org tried to sink him he was able to come back and win AND still caucus with the Democrats. He was a much better sport than I would have been. At this point none of democrats running for president has advocated a strong national defense or foreign policy. All of the big shots are making excuses for why they voted for the war and how much GW lied. In addition, with all the time they spent on non binding resolutions they could have spent the time on putting together plans for a regional conference that included Iran. Better yet, they could have put legislation that would provide better care to wounded veterans. I am afraid that the comments I am reading validate that there is no place for conservative democrats in the party. Without us they will never win the white house.

Jayt, Chicago IL (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:52 PM)

Republican voters that still support this administration must acknowledge that their politics in no way resemble the politics of the most successful Republican era in decades, under Reagan. For that matter, George I had little politically in common with the neoconservatives. Just because they sport an "R" on their chests should not compel blind loyalty from voters. Democrats catch heat and lose elections for their often-fractious political positions, but when one goes off the deep end (as Lieberman has done), Democratic voters are at least willing to sever their allegiance.

David (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:53 PM)

let joe go!!!!!!! beg joe to go!!!!

judson fanning springfield, ohio (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 4:54 PM)

As another disgruntled CT voter, I'm not surprised by Lieberman's shennanigans. He'll do anything to promote himself. And he told CT voters as much during the campaign! Since he was elected primarily because of Republican support, I suppose the Republicans are entitled to claim him as their own. Still, his switching parties might make blocking Bush's judicial nominations much more difficult. Six years is a long time. If the Dems can capture the White House in '08, Lieberman can be put out to pasture.

Bill, Manchester, CT (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:13 PM)

I personally thinking that Lieberman is holding the Democratic Party hostage, and how do you handle a hostage situation? Do you give in to the hostage taker? No! You aggressively hunt him down, call him on his bluff and you don't pay the ransom. So far, it seems like DEMS have been "paying ransom" to Lieberman and it needs to stop. We didn't elect a DEM majority in 2006 to get nothing but "watered-down, lukewarm change." And I think Lieberman knows it. If he really DOESN'T want to be affiliated with the DEMS, let him make the choice. Set up a situation where his true colors will show. Call him on his bluff to vote REPUB. If he stands firmly with the DEMS, then no more ransom will be required. If he votes with the REPUBs, you got your answer. I don't think he wants to associate either way. Playing both sides of the fence gives him way more power and is way more fun. DEMS need to make decisions based on who voted them in. Let the cards fall where they lay.

Donna, Langley, WA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:16 PM)

It amazes me that the Democratic party I grew up with has been taken over by liberal dimwits. Joe Leiberman is the only Democrat I can think of with the power to think for himself. I happen to not agree with him on Iraq but overall he's a great guy and much truer to the spirit of the original Democratic party.

Gary (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:17 PM)

To Josephine Shaffer, it's funny how you attack someone who ran as Independant because people like you didn't back him! He was willing to run as Democrat, what did you all do for him? He proved that even without your support he was going to win over Lamont because more people liked him! He didn't rely on the Dems because he knew no one can! Oh yeah, Lets see, how many, like 90% of the Dems voted for the war?????? Talk crap about them too huh! Sounds like dems, when you don't get your way, you blame everyone but yourselves! Oh yeah, I live in Arizona and I won't vote for that stupid Democrat McCain either! Be nice to see that back slider leave office this next election!

Joe Phoenix Arizona (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:20 PM)

Please keep in mind that Joe was not dumped, back stabbed or abandoned by the democrats in CT. He ran in the democratic primary for US Senate and lost. He did not lose because he believes in God, stands by his convictions or is a man of principal. He lost because he supports a President that failed miserably in the most important thing that he can possibly do. Go to war. Let's face it folks, these guys didn't know what they were doing and now we're in a big mess. How Joe goes along with the failures is beyond me. Democrat, Republican or independent it doesn't matter, we're all in a big steaming heap of dung.

Pete West Hartford, CT (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:22 PM)

Liberman has betrayed the fundamental values that we democrats hold true to our way of governing. He should be let go and cut off once and for all.

Robert, South Dakota (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:26 PM)

strange to read what most of you folks have to say in here.you are a bunch of very angry people.i wouldnt want to spend any of my social life anywhere close to you.people have differing opinions,but it must not mean that you hate them.our founding fathers would be appalled that we couldnt exchange ideas and work only towards what is best for the country as a whole.anyway this is my first and last time in this room,but i feel sorry for most of you.i cant imagine getting up everyday with this much hatred on my mind.

ray (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:34 PM)

For anyone criticizing valid criticism of Joe Lieberman, here is my response. First off, Lieberman lost the Democratic primary. So, the party did not abandon him, they supported the candidate who was the winner of the primary. Remember, the party leaders no longer choose their candidates, registered voters of the party do. Second, Lieberman is not a Democrat since he did not run on the Democratic ticket. He is an independent, who by the way, got loads of financial support from the Republican political machine. As such, he is not an independent Democrat, or even an independent. He was bought by the Republicans, and since they paid for his re-election he is going to support them despite his campaign promise to caucus with the Democrats. As for criticism that the Democratic party isn't allowing for the 'broad tent' it claims to, it is still there since there is still diverse opinions that are debated. If that were not so, then conservative claims that the Democratic party lacks discipline would be false. The diversity of positions and opinion in the Democratic party is also rather clear when compared to the collective goose stepping of the republicans.

Charles E., Chambersburg, PA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:36 PM)

Let's get real, folks! Joe Lieberman is as much a Democrat or Independent as I am the POPE !! We all need to look at his public appearances with Mc Cain, where he is almost always either shoulder to shoulder or right in back of McCain! This guy is a traitor to the princples of the Democratic Party and the core beliefs of most Americans, ia least according to the results of the last election. He should be man enough to just say outright that he is no longer a Democratic!

John Strysniewicz, Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:38 PM)

Hello people? Anyone really there? I am a republican and I can tell you, we don't want Liberman anymore than you but, if you don't watch what you wish for you will have Liberman for a long long time! Did he get into office with the help of the Dems from CT? No, he won without all their support so, if you continue to wish him upon the Pubs then he will continue to win just like before but without the fact that he feels a moral responsibility to favor the Dems of CT. Oh yeah, he voted for the war like every other Dem in the Senate but what has he done to be a republican since? Get off your high horses and think what he has done, not what you whinners think he should do! All Politicians think of no one but them selves so cut the guy some slack, he won and your loser pick didn't! But please, keep him, he isn't good for Repubs!

Joe, Phoenix AZ (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:40 PM)

Liberman didn't win CT without Dems and Repubs, He appealed to both parties or he wouldn't have been elected huh? There is a very big majority of Dems to Repubs in CT so, if Liberman was able to win, don't say the republicans bought him the election because only CT's can vote and there aren't enough Pubs there to give him the win so, it looks like you are all out of luck no matter what, he had more support from other Dems and didn't really need you all huh? Politics is Politics, it won't change and we will always have someone in office we don't want.. Life with it!

Joe, Phoenix Arizona (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:47 PM)

I say we demand Joe goes to the dark side. He is a whiny little whimp anyways, and would be a setback to any ticket he is on. Republicans have a ball with him and he seems to be a lightning rod of ridicule. Don't expect him to grow a backbone when he switches, however. He will always be a wishy-washy real life version of the cartoon character 'Droopy'.

Patrick Southern, Fort Collins, CO (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 5:50 PM)

I think Senator Lieberman is a great guy, one of the few people who are in touch with reality and votes by what he truly believes in, and not by party. Though he is smart by not switching to the GOP, I believe he has a threat against the Democrats if they continue to oppose the war.

Michael, Crowley, Texas (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 6:09 PM)

"Let him leave the party"? You guys are the one's who are delusional. He already left the party. That's what Indendent means. The Dems stabbed him in the back and were laughing at his demise but look how the tables turned and who is laughing last. Everyone is sucking up to him now.

Mark, Seattle WA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 6:11 PM)

If ever there were a need for term limitation, it certainly appears a necessity after having read so many the replies regarding Joe Lieberman. We have a two years term for the presidency, and it would make far more sense to have done the same for Congress and Senate persons elected to office. Gads, they lie and eat at the public sloop trough until old, feeble and believing their own damn lies. Give them two three year terms, and kick them the hell out of office.

Richard, Queen Creek, AZ (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 6:27 PM)

It is obvious that Lieberman has never forgiven the Democratic Party for not nominating him for President or even Vice President in 2004.His Republican leaning agenda has been his means to prove that paybacks are hell. The massive loss of a McCain-Lieberman bid for the White House would be the perfect means to put cry baby lieberman in his place

George Temple, Conneaut, Ohio (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 6:42 PM)

Jack Johnson, memphis, tn: Judging from the comments here, the Democrats do not think they own Joe Lieberman. It is Joe Lieberman who thinks that the Democrats own him. But it is becoming increasingly clear that the Democrats do not want him.

Chris, Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 6:55 PM)

Joe Leiberman is fine with me. When a person votes, it isn't about a Democrat or a Republican. You are voting for someone who states he believes in the same things you do. He'll represent you! I'm tired of Republicans and Democrats. BOTH PARTIES WORK FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! Its about time they remember that. If it takes Joe Lieberman to make that statement. So be it.

John Squire (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 7:13 PM)

The only reason he is staying with the Democratic Party is for the Democratic Caucus. Of course he wants to stay with them - so he can be with the majority party and be in with the winning team. If or when the GOP ever regains control of the Senate - guess who will be all about the Republican Caucus.

Alex, Monrovia, CA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 7:25 PM)

John Squire How is Lieberman working for the American people when he is supporting a position on the Iraq war opposed by the majority? Lieberman does not care about the people who voted for him, his constituents, or the American people. Joe Lieberman cares about Joe Lieberman, if he did not he would not have run as a third-party candidate after losing the Democratic primaries.

Charles E., Chambersburg, PA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 7:35 PM)

I would be delighted to see Joe become a Republican. Give him to McCain to run with. Then they can dance and sway back and forth in the Center isle together.What a pair !!!

Ann Burger, Albany, New York (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 7:38 PM)

All you liberals are the same - two-faced. I'm sure you didn't have a problem with Jim Jeffords doing what he did a few years back, which was actually worse. He was voted in as a Republican, then switched to independent once back in office. It's pretty clear what happened in CT - the ultra left-wing moveon.org criminals got behind Lemont and booted out Lieberman. However, when all the people of CT spoke, they spoke by voting Lieberman back into office for 6 years. The people of CT knew exactly who they were voting for when the chose to have Joe represent them. Get off your 'enlightened' high horses. Stop trying to make it harder for people to run for public office and let the will of the people run it's course.

Greg Bankos, Pipersville, PA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 7:40 PM)

my blood boils whenever i see this sob not only bcoz of his position in iraq which was known before the election anyway. but bcoz he promised to look into the failures in the govt's response to katrina during the election if he gets re-elected and then only to reverse course when he got there. it's one thing to claim your independent and a war supporter it's another when you neglect your duties and responsibility as a senator to hold this administration accountable for its blatant failure to protect it's own citizens in time of need.and this reveals the true color of this sc@#*%bg. i hope he gets his well deserved karma soon....

angelino aguilar,hauula,hi (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 8:06 PM)

Bankos is funny calling moveon.org criminal when the executive branch is the unitarian criminal and has killed thousands in an unjustified war.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 8:33 PM)

Lieberman has been a self promoting phony for years. Remember how "hurt" he was when Al Gore supported Howard Dean. Last time I looked, Dean was right on Iraq and so was Al. Become a Republican, Joe. Just don't ask to come back. You're done.

Donald O'Day (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 8:40 PM)

It seems to me the Dems have to cool their heels right now and put up with Lieberman. It is imperative they hang on to the Senate majority. Then, in 2008, when they pick up a few more seats and Tim Johnson is back, they will no longer need his vote and can safely strip him of his committee assignments and basically neuter him. Two years isn't so long to put up with this jerk considering it has taken us 15 years to take back control.

Biggs, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 8:45 PM)

HURRY For Joe he stand up for justice. the dem are still lookin for the place the aliens landed in jersy hollween night in 39 & they take the stupid news people with them

Franklin new york state (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 9:12 PM)

All the leftists here seem severely "verklept" when turning on one of the few rational, reasonable, and ethically responsible Democrats in the person of Mssr. Lieberman. Obviously rancor and rebellion are the hallmarks of these ankle grabbing French-wannabe's as they "defend" their Nation from intelligence.

S. C. Argot, Coeur d' Alene, ID (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 9:30 PM)

M'thinks Joe stinks. Bite the bullet and ask him to go. No donation for the Domocratic Party from me until he's gone. No money either until I know Ms. Clinton is not the nominee {tho' I think she'd make a great Sec. of State}.

zena Zeller 122 E. Palai street, Hilo, Hawaii. (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 9:33 PM)

Let Joe go.. I hate seeing the Democratic Party being played by this northern Zell Miller. He will sabotage what ever plans they have and make them appear ineffective, while they have this as slim as posssible majority. Time to shed that dead wood before '08

Skip H. Washington DC (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 9:55 PM)

I'm not surprised that he's considering switching sides. I mean, he only got elected because of the Republicans in the first place. Now I really wish that we elected Lamont.

Tucker, CT (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:01 PM)

Just say it's so Joe you are a Republican, you were rejected by the Democrats in the primary, and you were not man enough to accept it. You sucked up to the Republians and they turned on their party to elect you so one turncoat deserves another.

Sylvester King, Sonora Kentucky (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:03 PM)

The best thing Democrats can do is to boot Joe now! It cant hurt them. Lie-berman is talking GOP right now. What's the take?

Dee, Granite Bay, California (Sent Friday, February 23, 2007 11:55 PM)

Folks, it is not just about Joe: whether he is Democrat or Republican or Independant it does not matter. It is all about our government and how we are powerless to vote for change and then it not happen. Our Reps and Sens do not care about us or our nation. Its all about the Power and doing what is neccessary to maintain their hold on it. Mark my words, We are on the brink of another revolution or civil war ourselves unless we can take back our government.

Mark Dougherty (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 11:48 AM)

Hi from Canada Keith: Unfortunately where I live I don't get MSNBC although the local cable company here in Edmonton Alberta is quite happy to supply the FOX CRAP channel (thank goodness for the internet). Until I found you and Jon Stewart, I was under the assumption that "news" people in the USA, were generally a bunch of uneducated, sleazy gits. Your show and Jon Stewart's are bloody brilliant. Thanks for having the balls to stand up to these bastards. I think what the situation calls for is for a few million people to gather in Washington and tell those deaf, dumb bastards in the Senate to pull the troops out of Iraq now, or suffer our displeasure. I've been asked by a few Americans, why I care about American politics. Well, when you f**k things up to this extent, it f**ks up my country as well.

Ian Patton, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 12:09 PM)

I have never been to Connecticut and seeing how the people of this state treat ethical and honest men, I have no desire to visit. It is sad to see that people align more with a party than being an American. From reading your e-mails one thing is certain, you can tell a Liberal by looking at their backside.

Lee Haechton,Guymon,Ok. (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 12:36 PM)

Well, thank you Dave Richards for buying right into the Republicans' stereotype of anyone who doesn't think like them. I am a lifelong Democrat, and guess what? Not only do I believe in God, but I have morals and values!! Now what do you have to say? By the way, Joe Lieberman? Well, he's not the greatest, but at least he isn't Bush - YET!

Laura K, Decatur, IN (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 1:35 PM)

What we need are 15 or 20 'true independents' in the senate to wipe out the notion that the party that won 50.1% of the last vote feels they have a mandate to run every aspect of the government...

Angry at politics as usual, Seattle, WA (Sent Saturday, February 24, 2007 2:46 PM)



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