Posted by Jed Lewison on Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM Pacific

RE: Joe Lieberman

Joe Lieberman has got every right in the world to support Barack Obama's policy agenda, and there's nothing wrong with him doing it as a member of the Democratic caucus.

His behavior over the past year has raised questions about whether or not he's capable of doing that, however. And he's demonstrated that on national security issues, he's not an ally -- he's an opponent.

The Democratic Party is big enough for such disagreements, but the idea that Lieberman expects to maintain his leadership position on a committee that deals with national security is quite laughable.

Democrats have no more incentive to award him the GAC chairmanship than Barack Obama does to name him Secretary of State. But that doesn't mean Democrats want to kick him out of the party.

It's just a question of putting him where he can make the most positive impact. Let's be clear about one thing: if Senate Democrats don't offer him the GAC chairmanship, they won't be expelling him. They'll simply be saying that he isn't the right person to lead that committee.

If Lieberman then decides to quit the party, he's being a spoilsport. That's his right, and it's his decision. It will reflect on him -- not Democratic senators, and not Barack Obama.

Hopefully, Joe will be mature enough to put pettiness aside, and to put the country first.

RE: Joe Lieberman

Joe Lieberman has got every right in the world to support Barack Obama's policy agenda, and there's nothing wrong with him doing it as a member of the Democratic caucus.

His behavior over the past year has raised questions about whether or not he's capable of doing that, however. And he's demonstrated that on national security issues, he's not an ally -- he's an opponent.

The Democratic Party is big enough for such disagreements, but the idea that Lieberman expects to maintain his leadership position on a committee that deals with national security is quite laughable.

Democrats have no more incentive to award him the GAC chairmanship than Barack Obama does to name him Secretary of State. But that doesn't mean Democrats want to kick him out of the party.

It's just a question of putting him where he can make the most positive impact. Let's be clear about one thing: if Senate Democrats don't offer him the GAC chairmanship, they won't be expelling him. They'll simply be saying that he isn't the right person to lead that committee.

If Lieberman then decides to quit the party, he's being a spoilsport. That's his right, and it's his decision. It will reflect on him -- not Democratic senators, and not Barack Obama.

Hopefully, Joe will be mature enough to put pettiness aside, and to put the country first.

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