Comments on: Lieberman to attend GOP convention. http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:53:33 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: eyesopen http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4352874 eyesopen Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:40:00 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4352874 As it has been said, Lieberman is a rare example of a rat swimming out to the sinking ship. As it has been said, Lieberman is a rare example of a rat swimming out to the sinking ship.

]]> By: Exit Stage Left http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4333314 Exit Stage Left Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:46:13 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4333314 How can this fence-straddling whore be taken seriously by anyone on either side of the aisle? How can this fence-straddling whore be taken seriously by anyone on either side of the aisle?

]]> By: phred42 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4332252 phred42 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:18:25 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4332252 LIEbermann coes out of the closet. It's about time. THanks again Connecticut LIEbermann coes out of the closet. It’s about time. THanks again Connecticut

]]> By: Jaded Prole http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4330632 Jaded Prole Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:16:55 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4330632 I have been saying that there was a good chance McCain would choose Leiberman for his running mate, (if Clinton or Obama didn't). No one should be surprised that he is a McCain adviser. It's just as well that he's coming out as a repug but I've been saying he's the "missing link" that clearly demonstrates that lack of real differences between the two heads of the corporate party. I have been saying that there was a good chance McCain would choose Leiberman for his running mate, (if Clinton or Obama didn’t). No one should be surprised that he is a McCain adviser. It’s just as well that he’s coming out as a repug but I’ve been saying he’s the “missing link” that clearly demonstrates that lack of real differences between the two heads of the corporate party.

]]> By: JosephW http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4329688 JosephW Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:57:57 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4329688 I can NOT believe this. Has no one else figured out why Lieberman's going to the GOP convention? He's going to be there when McCain announces that Joe's his pick for VP. Lieberman will maintain the fiction that he's an "independent" in the Senate through the election. If the GOP ticket wins the Presidency, he becomes VP and resigns his Senate seat. If the Dems win, he keeps his Senate seat for another 4 years. He's got nothing to lose and everything to gain since he can't be stripped of anything if the Dems win enough seats because of "disloyalty" since he's an "independent". If the Dems don't pick up any extra seats (or, the absolute worst case scenario, loses a seat or two), but do win the White House, he's got a prime seat in a GOP-controlled Senate; of course, in that case, we'd probably get a "surprise" announcement from Lieberman by November 6th at the latest. I can NOT believe this. Has no one else figured out why Lieberman’s going to the GOP convention?
He’s going to be there when McCain announces that Joe’s his pick for VP. Lieberman will maintain the fiction that he’s an “independent” in the Senate through the election. If the GOP ticket wins the Presidency, he becomes VP and resigns his Senate seat. If the Dems win, he keeps his Senate seat for another 4 years. He’s got nothing to lose and everything to gain since he can’t be stripped of anything if the Dems win enough seats because of “disloyalty” since he’s an “independent”. If the Dems don’t pick up any extra seats (or, the absolute worst case scenario, loses a seat or two), but do win the White House, he’s got a prime seat in a GOP-controlled Senate; of course, in that case, we’d probably get a “surprise” announcement from Lieberman by November 6th at the latest.

]]> By: JosephW http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4329652 JosephW Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:47:00 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4329652 Ditch Mitch KY Says: March 17th, 2008 at 6:12 pm Remember 2006, when Ned Lamont won the CT Demo Primary? Good Dems like Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton supported Lieberman over Lamont. Look at the mess they got us in. Never ever should the DSCC Chairman (Schmer) refuse to support the Democrat. Heckuva Job, Chuck. -------------- Um, sorry guy, but you need to recheck the record. Hillary supported Lieberman in the PRIMARY, but supported Lamont in the General Election (albeit with reluctance; Lieberman was her colleague and the usual practice for ALL Senators is to support their current colleague over a challenger in a primary election). I'd also point out that Schumer's reaction was the same--Lieberman in the primary, but Lamont in the General Election (this decision was announced on Aug 9, 2006). If you're going to bash Hillary and Schumer, slam Barack with it as well. (I can't find it now, but I do recall reading somewhere that Obama's endorsement of Lamont came after Hillary's.) Ditch Mitch KY Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Remember 2006, when Ned Lamont won the CT Demo Primary? Good Dems like Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton supported Lieberman over Lamont. Look at the mess they got us in.

Never ever should the DSCC Chairman (Schmer) refuse to support the Democrat. Heckuva Job, Chuck.
————–
Um, sorry guy, but you need to recheck the record. Hillary supported Lieberman in the PRIMARY, but supported Lamont in the General Election (albeit with reluctance; Lieberman was her colleague and the usual practice for ALL Senators is to support their current colleague over a challenger in a primary election). I’d also point out that Schumer’s reaction was the same–Lieberman in the primary, but Lamont in the General Election (this decision was announced on Aug 9, 2006).
If you’re going to bash Hillary and Schumer, slam Barack with it as well. (I can’t find it now, but I do recall reading somewhere that Obama’s endorsement of Lamont came after Hillary’s.)

]]> By: JosephW http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4329568 JosephW Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:16:53 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4329568 missmolly Says: March 17th, 2008 at 5:18 pm good_golly Says: March 17th, 2008 at 4:56 pm Question: What would happen to the Democrats 51-49 margin in the Senate if Lieberman would stop caucusing with the Democrats? I presume it would become 50-50 with the Vice President holding the tie-breaking vote, but would the Democrats still be considered the “majority” party? —————— <em> Oh, please — even you know the answer to this one. If Lieberman caucused with the Republicans, that would make a 50-50 split, which always goes to the party of the Vice President. Same situation as when Jim Jeffords left the GOP. Lieberman could do that, of course. But a GOP majority would be rather short-lived, since elections are right around the corner. Joe may have some political reason for staying with the Dems, although it beats the heck out of me what it might be.</em> I think it's a bit more complicated than that. From a Washington Post article dated Jan 5, 2007: <em>The Senate margin is even more tenuous because Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) is sidelined after emergency brain surgery. Republican leaders decided not to seek special language spelling out the terms of a transition in case of a power shift -- say, if Johnson vacates his post and his state's GOP governor appoints a Republican to replace him. Under that scenario, power would effectively shift to Republicans, because Cheney would provide the tiebreaking 51st vote. <strong>But for Republicans to take parliamentary control, the Senate would have to vote for new organizational rules, a move Democrats could filibuster.</strong> A similar scenario unfolded in January 2001, when a 50-50 Senate convened. In 2001, Democrats demanded a "kick-out clause" in organizing negotiations that would automatically scrap agreements on committee ratios and funding levels and force new organizational rules. But Republicans decided this month against a confrontation that would come from demanding a similar clause. "Nobody over here talked about that at all," said Don Stewart, spokesman for McConnell.</em> As far as I can understand it, the Repubs would have to get nearly a dozen REAL Democrats to side with them in order to change the rules. Why they haven't already dropkicked Lieberman, I don't know. Lieberman is current chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; I'm not sure how things work but he might retain his seat on the Committee even if he were dumped by the Democrats and that would shift control of the Committee to the Republicans. I'd imagine that Lieberman would retain his seat on any other committees which would shift control of that committee to the GOP. Cheney only comes into play when a measure is voted on by the full Senate, but the REAL nuts and bolts of Senate activity takes place on the Committees and Subcommittees. Bills (as well as Presidential appointments) are introduced in the Committees and they either live or die there--a recommendation advances the matter; otherwise, the bill (or appointment) is dead and has to await resubmission (or, in the case of a bill, "amending"). Again, mind you, I really don't know what would happen if the Democrats were to kick Lieberman to the curb with regards to Democratic control of the Senate but I don't think it's worth the risk of giving Satan--I mean, Dick Cheney--a chance to cast a single vote in the Senate. missmolly Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
good_golly Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Question: What would happen to the Democrats 51-49 margin in the Senate if Lieberman would stop caucusing with the Democrats? I presume it would become 50-50 with the Vice President holding the tie-breaking vote, but would the Democrats still be considered the “majority” party?

——————

Oh, please — even you know the answer to this one. If Lieberman caucused with the Republicans, that would make a 50-50 split, which always goes to the party of the Vice President. Same situation as when Jim Jeffords left the GOP.

Lieberman could do that, of course. But a GOP majority would be rather short-lived, since elections are right around the corner. Joe may have some political reason for staying with the Dems, although it beats the heck out of me what it might be.

I think it’s a bit more complicated than that.
From a Washington Post article dated Jan 5, 2007:

The Senate margin is even more tenuous because Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) is sidelined after emergency brain surgery.

Republican leaders decided not to seek special language spelling out the terms of a transition in case of a power shift — say, if Johnson vacates his post and his state’s GOP governor appoints a Republican to replace him. Under that scenario, power would effectively shift to Republicans, because Cheney would provide the tiebreaking 51st vote. But for Republicans to take parliamentary control, the Senate would have to vote for new organizational rules, a move Democrats could filibuster.
A similar scenario unfolded in January 2001, when a 50-50 Senate convened. In 2001, Democrats demanded a “kick-out clause” in organizing negotiations that would automatically scrap agreements on committee ratios and funding levels and force new organizational rules. But Republicans decided this month against a confrontation that would come from demanding a similar clause.

“Nobody over here talked about that at all,” said Don Stewart, spokesman for McConnell.

As far as I can understand it, the Repubs would have to get nearly a dozen REAL Democrats to side with them in order to change the rules. Why they haven’t already dropkicked Lieberman, I don’t know. Lieberman is current chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; I’m not sure how things work but he might retain his seat on the Committee even if he were dumped by the Democrats and that would shift control of the Committee to the Republicans. I’d imagine that Lieberman would retain his seat on any other committees which would shift control of that committee to the GOP.
Cheney only comes into play when a measure is voted on by the full Senate, but the REAL nuts and bolts of Senate activity takes place on the Committees and Subcommittees. Bills (as well as Presidential appointments) are introduced in the Committees and they either live or die there–a recommendation advances the matter; otherwise, the bill (or appointment) is dead and has to await resubmission (or, in the case of a bill, “amending”).
Again, mind you, I really don’t know what would happen if the Democrats were to kick Lieberman to the curb with regards to Democratic control of the Senate but I don’t think it’s worth the risk of giving Satan–I mean, Dick Cheney–a chance to cast a single vote in the Senate.

]]> By: JosephW http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4329412 JosephW Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:41:09 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4329412 <em>Nettles Says: March 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm “I am not going to attend the Democratic Convention for obvious reasons,” Lieberman said. Wow. If even indirectly, this summer’s Democratic National Convention was actually alluded to right here on TP. Democrats are in the middle of their most compelling and historically significant nomination in modern times, but the race can’t even get a mention here? Strange stuff. Instead of ignoring Denver, Democrats should be embracing it.</em> Well, the primary purpose of Think Progress is to make certain that some people know the bad things that the right-wing is doing (or desperately trying to keep under cover). The Democratic Convention doesn't fit into TP's coverage. Nettles Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
“I am not going to attend the Democratic Convention for obvious reasons,” Lieberman said.

Wow. If even indirectly, this summer’s Democratic National Convention was actually alluded to right here on TP.

Democrats are in the middle of their most compelling and historically significant nomination in modern times, but the race can’t even get a mention here? Strange stuff.

Instead of ignoring Denver, Democrats should be embracing it.

Well, the primary purpose of Think Progress is to make certain that some people know the bad things that the right-wing is doing (or desperately trying to keep under cover).
The Democratic Convention doesn’t fit into TP’s coverage.

]]> By: Bluestocking http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4328550 Bluestocking Tue, 18 Mar 2008 03:37:43 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4328550 Zell Miller redux, perhaps? (At least Lieberman isn't actually a Democrat anymore, if in fact he ever really was one to begin with...) For pity's sake, Lieberman...enough with the pretense, already! You've shown time and time again where your true loyalties lie -- we all know that you're really a Republican at heart, so why not simply make it official? Zell Miller redux, perhaps? (At least Lieberman isn’t actually a Democrat anymore, if in fact he ever really was one to begin with…)

For pity’s sake, Lieberman…enough with the pretense, already! You’ve shown time and time again where your true loyalties lie — we all know that you’re really a Republican at heart, so why not simply make it official?

]]> By: williamf http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4328132 williamf Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:28:04 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4328132 Fine with me Joe. It's where you belong. Fine with me Joe. It’s where you belong.

]]> By: ShorelineCT http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4327756 ShorelineCT Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:18:13 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4327756 Let's not forget the Ol'Joe is also raising money and helping BFF Collins(ME), his co-chair on the Homeland security committee. Looking through the Homeland PR's from Ol'Joe himself, this part struck me as unusual in that he seems to actually have a morsel of compassion - Jan. 15, 2008 http://tinyurl.com/2d4cd3 LIEBERMAN COMMENDS POLICY AGAINST FORCED DRUGGING OF DETAINEES SENATOR RAISED ISSUES ABOUT ICE POLICY AFTER 2007 HEARING "....Lieberman discovered last year that ICE had permitted forced administration of anti-psychotic drugs to immigration detainees to facilitate their removal from the country..." Let’s not forget the Ol’Joe is also raising money and helping BFF Collins(ME), his co-chair on the Homeland security committee.

Looking through the Homeland PR’s from Ol’Joe himself, this part struck me as unusual in that he seems to actually have a morsel of compassion – Jan. 15, 2008

http://tinyurl.com/2d4cd3

LIEBERMAN COMMENDS POLICY AGAINST FORCED DRUGGING OF DETAINEES
SENATOR RAISED ISSUES ABOUT ICE POLICY AFTER 2007 HEARING

“….Lieberman discovered last year that ICE had permitted forced administration of anti-psychotic drugs to immigration detainees to facilitate their removal from the country…”

]]> By: Castelcomerkid http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4327724 Castelcomerkid Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:12:57 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4327724 Immediately after the general election I would hope that the Democratic party would show this jackass the door, and in fact hit him in the ass with it as he leaves. What a traitor this creep is. A total sellout! Immediately after the general election I would hope that the Democratic party would show this jackass the door, and in fact hit him in the ass with it as he leaves. What a traitor this creep is. A total sellout!

]]> By: dasm http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4327704 dasm Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:08:14 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4327704 Independent? What a vessel of garbage this guy is. He won't attend the Dem event for 'obvious reasons'? - Yes- obviously this guy is a complete nasty Repub. And now we all know. As if we didn't already. Independent? What a vessel of garbage this guy is. He won’t attend the Dem event for ‘obvious reasons’? – Yes- obviously this guy is a complete nasty Repub. And now we all know. As if we didn’t already.

]]> By: zuch http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4327694 zuch Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:06:04 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4327694 <i>“I am not going to attend the Democratic Convention for obvious reasons,” Lieberman said.</i> But of course. Too bad he's enough of a lying sack'o'shite <i>not</i> to have mentioned than in Nov. of 2006. Cheers, “I am not going to attend the Democratic Convention for obvious reasons,” Lieberman said.

But of course. Too bad he’s enough of a lying sack’o’shite not to have mentioned than in Nov. of 2006.

Cheers,

]]> By: pinkopreevert http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4327284 pinkopreevert Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:54:48 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4327284 Caption Contest Come to the RePUG Convention and your gonna be sitting on lots of thumbs! Caption Contest

Come to the RePUG Convention and your gonna be sitting on lots of thumbs!

]]> By: Ms_Joanne http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-2/#comment-4327052 Ms_Joanne Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:07:40 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4327052 McMetal, I wouldn't respond to a c*nt like Gin. She's an embarrassment no matter how you slice it. McMetal, I wouldn’t respond to a c*nt like Gin. She’s an embarrassment no matter how you slice it.

]]> By: Jackie http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-1/#comment-4326944 Jackie Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:51:20 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4326944 The Connecticut voters now look like fools as they voted Lieberman in office not knowing he was a true Republican. I must say the Republican are full of lies and get away with it. No need for the Republicans in Connecticut to run for office when all a slick Democrat has to do is say their an Democrat/Independent but really their a Republican. This is a perfect example of how Bush got in office twice. I must say the Media did a great job at spreading the propaganda it worked. The Connecticut voters now look like fools as they voted Lieberman in office not knowing he was a true Republican. I must say the Republican are full of lies and get away with it. No need for the Republicans in Connecticut to run for office when all a slick Democrat has to do is say their an Democrat/Independent but really their a Republican. This is a perfect example of how Bush got in office twice. I must say the Media did a great job at spreading the propaganda it worked.

]]> By: MCMetal http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-1/#comment-4326940 MCMetal Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:50:14 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4326940 <i>Rodham Gin Says: March 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm Ms_Joanne Says: March 17th, 2008 at 5:59 pm And before anyone calls me an antisemite, I was raised Jewish. And some of my best friends are JOOOOOs too. I thought for a minute that I had logged into the progressiveindependent by mistake.</i> You thought wrong ; that's simply par for the course ......... Rodham Gin Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Ms_Joanne Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
And before anyone calls me an antisemite, I was raised Jewish.

And some of my best friends are JOOOOOs too.
I thought for a minute that I had logged into the progressiveindependent by mistake.

You thought wrong ; that’s simply par for the course ………

]]> By: Doc Rock http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-1/#comment-4326870 Doc Rock Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:38:33 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4326870 Coming out of the closet? Coming out of the closet?

]]> By: Innocent Bystander http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/comment-page-1/#comment-4326824 Innocent Bystander Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:32:23 +0000 http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/17/lieberman-to-attend-gop-convention/#comment-4326824 From what I understand, losing Lieberman will not change the fact that Democrats will maintain the majority. When the organizing rules for this Congress went into effect after the 2006 elections, the control of the Senate was locked in for the Dems through the 2008 election. If so, time to kick his sorry weasel ass off the DHS chairmanship...a job that he's not doing, anyway. From what I understand, losing Lieberman will not change the fact that Democrats will maintain the majority. When the organizing rules for this Congress went into effect after the 2006 elections, the control of the Senate was locked in for the Dems through the 2008 election.

If so, time to kick his sorry weasel ass off the DHS chairmanship…a job that he’s not doing, anyway.

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