Lieberman's place in VP history

Posted: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:19 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Chris Donovan
If McCain decides to buck conservative critics and choose Joe Lieberman as his running mate, Lieberman will again make vice presidential candidate history. In 2000 he became the first Jewish-American to serve as a vice presidential candidate (or to be on a major political party's presidential ticket for that matter), and if he joins McCain on this year's Republican ticket he will be the first man to serve as the vice presidential nominee for two different major political parties.

Lieberman would also be only the third unsuccessful vice presidential candidate for a major political party to be on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate a second time.

After narrowly losing his 1876 VP run (he ran with Samuel Tilden), Democrat Thomas Hendricks was successful in becoming vice president eight years later in 1884 (when Grover Cleveland was elected).

Federalist Rufus King was not so lucky. He ran unsucessfully as Charles Pinckney's running mate twice: in 1804 and then again in 1808 -- 200 years ago.

NOTE: Whig John Tyler was one of a few unsuccessful vice presidential candidates for several Whig presidential candidates in 1836 -- they didn't settle on one nominee -- and then went on to win the vice presidency in 1840.

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Comments

Nice history lesson. Thanks.

Anne/Ohio (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:27 PM)

won't happen.... next!

ya know (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:29 PM)

According to a HuffPost article:

Lieberman was the 2000 Vice PResidential prick

Who can argue with THAT ?
Ned Lamont, WHERE ARE YOU?

Maybe Lieberman will give McCain some 'Joementum'
(look how well that worked for crooked Joe)

Seriously, Mike Huckabee would probably be the best VP that McCain could choose.
He seems sincere and actually compassionate (unlike you know who)
Other than the 'creationism' thing, I can't understand why Huckabee isn't the top contender

Obama/Biden
Nothing but the best
(and later for the rest)

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:30 PM)

And I care about this why?

Dana, Tampa, Florida (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:31 PM)

Is FR going to report on Rep. Tubbs of Ohio? I am hearing conflicting stories from other news outlets.

Rodney, Gaithersburg, MD (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:31 PM)

I don't understand why they keep calling LIEberman a democrat. He's more repuke than many registered repukes.

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:33 PM)

MCCAIN PLEASE PLEASE PICK LIEBERMAN AND BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOUR AMERICA WILL GET TWO NOT ONE "OUT OF TOUCH CANDIDATES"

MCCAIN AND LIBERMAN DON'T BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF THE 'YOUNG VOTERS' BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE GOTTEN US IN THIS MESSY RECESSION AND THOUSANDS OF LIVES LOST FAMILIES, DESTROYED, HOMES LOST, JOBS, AND AS WE CONTINUE TO SPIRAL INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT

THESE OLD HEADS REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AMERICA MUST MOVE ON INTO THE 21ST CENTURY STOP FEAR MONGERING, WAR MONGERING AND POSTERING TO GET VOTES.

VOTERS WAKE UP YOU HAVE RELATIVES 72 YOUNGER OR OLDER WOULD YOU ELECT THEM PRESIDENT AND PUT THEM IN CHARGE OF THE ENTIRE U.S.

DO YOUR RELATIVES THIS AGE HAVE THE COMPETANCY TO RUN THE U.S.

THE ANSWER IS STARING YOU IN THE FACE IN YOUR OWN FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES AND IN THE MEDIA.

WHY WOULD YOU TRUST AMERICA TO SOMEONE EVEN AMERICA WOULD NOT HIRE ON ANY JOB IF HE PUT IN AN APPLICATION IN CORPORATE AMERICA TOMORROW?

STOP AND THINK

Sally, PA (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:34 PM)

Is this Fantasy Read? Lieberman isn't going to be picked as McCains VP just like no Republican will be picked by Obama. Do you realize how bad that would pi** off the base voters?

Joe's Mom (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:35 PM)

This guy is a turncoat. If you look up traitor in the dictionary there's his picture. I respect people's right to change their views but not 180 just to get elected.

Bob, Chicago

Bob, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:36 PM)

Lieberman would also be only the third unsuccessful vice presidential candidate for a major political party to be on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate a second time.
*******************************************************

... and would still be unsuccessful after November 4th.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:37 PM)

When I saw history, I was expecting a comparison to the obvious: Benedict Arnold,Judas, Brutus...

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:39 PM)

All this talk of Lieberman as McCain's VP choice is distraction. Lieberman and McCain, if you take both of them at their word about what they believe in (which is a stretch, I know), agree in only one area--hawkish national defense, all war all the time. I think Lieberman may say just about anything to get the attention he thinks he deserves, but not even he would want to be part of an administration that will, like its predecessor, swing to the far right once in power.

Stephen, Austin Texas (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:40 PM)

"Lieberman would also be only the third unsuccessful vice presidential candidate for a major political party to be on the ticket as a vice presidential candidate a second time".

-Chris Donovan

*******************

Oh let that be a prophecy realized come November. Amen.

donna (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:40 PM)

Since this election started you First read and MSNBC was my favorite. Unfortunately I have to say and probably since Tim death you are not as good. The Decision Dashboard is a disaster and even First read quality is down. This has nothing to do with the Candidate or what you say about them just a notice I will have to look some where else for a better site hope you go back to what we used of you.

souzan, va (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:40 PM)

Also, Charles Fairbanks was elected VP on the ticket in 1904 with Teddy Roosevelt and later was nominated for VP in a losing campaign with Charles Evans Hughes. The Hughes-Fairbanks ticket lost to Wilson-Marshall in 1916.

Kevin A. Thompson (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:42 PM)

Lieberman has lost all credibility. And there is no chance the Right would accept him as McCain's Veep.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:45 PM)

PLEASE take Lieberman McNasty. PLEASE..

Dear Obama,
I hope you realize that Warren is not your friend. He is out there critisizing your answers for the forum. In the meantime McNasty wasnt in the cone of silence.
TIME TO WAKE UP BARACK. ITS TIME TO DO BATTLE WITH THESE IDIOTS. Warren is a FAT PIG. If he were your friend he would just say that was your answer and I respect him because he is my friend.

WAKE UP BARACK>>

Nj (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:46 PM)

Who cares?

Lewis Cohen (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:46 PM)

He won't choose Liberman.

McCain now has a 9-point edge, 49 percent to 40 percent, over Obama on the critical question of who would be the best manager of the economy -- an issue nearly half of voters said was their top concern in the November 4 presidential election.

Dennis Dallas (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:47 PM)

I think this would be a good idea. McCAin needs the Jewsish vote. I hope he loses but this will help him./

karen bourland overland park ks (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:47 PM)

In the Embarrassment History Halls he's up there. Vat a schmuck.

bill, okla (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:49 PM)

Call it like it is. LIE-berman is a wolf in sheep's clothing a.k.a. republican. LIE-berman should not be allowed to caucus with Democrats.
---------------
from the previous post
The Man Isn't What He Seems (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 1:14 PM)
Oh, for the upteenth time.

H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E
=======================================
Multiple that word H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E 95 times the wars towards McCain’s no votes and you will get that word H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E and B-U-M. A B-U-M who is a war monger and war profiteer, a person for the GOP (grand oil party), and corporations. McCain voted against energy alternates.
Look at the issues Daniel Shapiro has lobbied for ranging from agriculture, energy. including renewable fuel standards and greenhouse gas emissions, gas price gouging and regulation, labor and antitrust related to the oil industry, defense, the stimulus package, the farm bill, IRS code regarding refineries and more.
McCain looks Jed Clamppet of the Beverly Hillbillies, with one exception,Jed Clamppet owned the oil; the oil companies own McCain!

Nobody but Obama

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:50 PM)

Liberman is a looser. He does not know what he wants to be. For the past 7 years he has been a associated with all parties. He need to call 1-800-WHO AM I.

Ruthie, Stone Mountain GA (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:51 PM)

WOW..history making election?
Chuck,
Tell us what is required to remove Lieberman's standing as a Democrat.

Jen,MI (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:52 PM)

Charles W. Fairbanks was elected VP on the ticket with Teddy Roosevelt in 1904. Twelve years later, Republicans nominated him again for VP to run with Charles Evans Hughes. Hughes-Fairbanks lost to Wilson-Marshall in 1916.
Also, Adlai Stevenson was elected VP with Grover Cleveland in 1892. Was nominated again by the Dems to run with William Jennings Bryan in 1900. Bryan-Stevenson ticket of course lost to McKinley-Roosevelt.

Kevin A. Thompson , Centralia, IL (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:52 PM)

I think Liberman is just what McBush needs then we could purge him from Democratic appointed positions, after they lose to Obama. McBush and Liberat, two snakes in the grass crossing the same path.

Brian M. De (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:56 PM)

CK Steele I just read about Stephanie Tubbs Jones, that is very sad.She was not one of my favorite people but she is most definately due respect and honor. So God Bless her soul and bless and guide her family.

Brian M De. (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:59 PM)

This time I doubt that Lieberman will make history by being the VP again. It would rub the conservatives that are starting to warm up to McCain the wrong way. It could cause a very nasty backlash that would cost McCain votes. It could be good for Bob Barr though.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:00 PM)

Boring....
but I guess First Read has already done it's daily hit on Obama and now it's time to talk fluff.

Jen,MI (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:00 PM)

Go ahead, let McCain choose Lieberman. I think they make an excellent pair. McCain hasn't done anything for Arizona, let alone the US in years (look at his voting record people!); Lieberman hasn't done anything for CT either. All they both do is rattle their sabers against other countries, tell other countries how they should behave and tout their "great foreign policy". Neither one of them gives a rat's behind about the American people; they just like a good "sound bite".

Caryn, Bloomfield, CT (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:02 PM)

"In 2000 he became the first Jewish-American to serve as a vice presidential candidate"

I don't remember any service performed. I do remember that he was divisive and AWOL in supporting Al Gore.

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:06 PM)

Personally, I would love to see Lieberman to run as McCain's VP. It would cement Obama's victory. The Christian right would go nuts and the Republicans might throw John and Joe out on their ear. Now that would be fun to watch.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:06 PM)

And Lieberman can go down as the only man in history to be on the ticket of two losers. Mccain and Lieberman are like two washed up old men determined to give it one more try. They are too senile to realize this naiton is past the flag waving rhetoric of the past 7 years. Or are we?

Rick, NC (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:06 PM)

Since McCain's trip to the Middle East accompanied by Lieberman's following him around, whispering what to say in his ear isn't enough to make most voters sick, how about the smug look on his face. Presidential or Vice-presidential candidate with no ambition; Right. What else is his flip-flop about-face in presidential politics about? Ambition, ambition, ambition. Let's criticize the other side, though, good ole' Joe is too holy for such ambition. Sidling up to a man he knows won't make it through four years. Regardless of his age, all you have to do is look at McCain to know he's not healthy. Good, ole, Joe. Just doin' it for the Love of his country no doubt.Just the big ole grin on his face makes me ill.

ellie (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:07 PM)

Traitor Joe has already earned his place in history. We need Presidents and VPs who put America first. Are we still Georgians or can we go back to being Americans yet? Joe thinks several countries in the Middle East are worth Americans dying for.

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:11 PM)

It is so stupid to think Lieberman can offer the GOP anything but another ridiculous voice for the war in Iraq. He's a sorry democrat and would just barely qualify to the right wing nuts. If it weren't for the fact that McBlinky needs him up high to whisper answers he should let Joe crawl, leashed and wearing a dog collar.

subgruvet, ok (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:12 PM)

Hillary is going to be McCain,s running mate.He is floating pro choice,he is announcing in Ohio and on for a big bash in Pennsylvania.All places where Hillary won and McCain needs to win.Plus the Hillary toadies went to work Fox.And then there is Bill sore loser Clinton.Read all the tea leaves over the last couple of weeks.

RENEA,PLYMOUTH,MI (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:13 PM)

FR: You claim that all comments posted are approved before appearing here. You claim people must use appropriate language when posting here. Is outright racism appropriate?
Today you posted a comment by Jerry,Corpus christi stating that once america figures out Senator Obama is black, they will run to vote for McCain.
Is that appropriate?
The other day you posted a comment from Bobbi,Eau Claire,WI. She wrote that keeping African Americans attention long enough to vote in November is a full time job for Obama.
How is that for appropriate?
Please enlighten us all as to what is appropriate language to you. Can we spew racist garbage as long as we don't swear while we do it? Is it appropriate for me to call Jerry and Bobbi dumb, racist white trash? How about this. Jerry and Bobbi are too intellectualy inferior to make an intelligent statement so they resort to racist smears. Jerry is a right wing puppet who gets his information from Hannity and Limbaugh and has never once formed an opinion of his own. Bobbi knows nothing except the deluded notion that we will all be sorry because we voted for who we want instead of who she thinks we should have voted for. I wonder what Hillary Clinton would think about Bobbi's belief that African Americans are all too stupid to remember to vote. Am I being inappropriate yet?
It will be interesting to see if this gets posted.

Mark,Seattle (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:14 PM)

I REALLY hope McCain does choose him...it would serve him right!

GA GUY (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:20 PM)

Lieberman will also go down in history as NEVER being elected either time he was the VP nominee! Obama '08!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:23 PM)

It would be really disappointing to me if McCain chooses Lieberman as his running mate. If he did so, that would mean that the Republican party has zero Republicans on their presidential ticket because McCain certainly does not qualify as a Republican.

Instead, McCain should pick someone with well known and well shown conservative beliefs. Who would you think is a good choice?

Hmmmm ... Ive got it!!!

Why not try karl Rove? He is well known and well loved by all rational thinkers in our great country. He also knows how to beat the Sociocrats. Besides, win or lose, just think of the great time to be had watching and listening to liberals going off the deep end at the very mention of his name. They would go absolutely stark raving mad and their blood pressure would automatically rise by 20 points.

Oh, the joy!

James Lee Chatsworth, GA (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:29 PM)

McCain/Lieberman=McSame Losermen

Jim, IL (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:30 PM)

Lieberman's got the "Joementum."
What a tool

Jim, IL (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:32 PM)

Lie-berman = two faces hypocrite.

Renee, Miami, FL (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:33 PM)

Senator Joe Lieberman teamed up with McCain would be a great combination in the White House to get America back on track...Economically and Foriegn...In many ways Lieberman is like Samuel Tilden because he loves America the same way Tilden did and would do everything in his power to get us back on track...

Many voters are being fooled into believing Obama would end the Iraq war and nothing is further from the truth. If John and Joe team up they both have the respect of world leaders as well as their peers on the Hill...The deadlock between the two parties would end and it would be a win-win for the Peoples' government which is who these politicians are "supposed" to be working for.

Nikki Oldaker (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:34 PM)

No way Senator McCain picks Lieberman as his VP because this is McCain's last chance to run for president. McCain knows if he alienates evangelicals, he's toast.

If he wins, he'll give Lieberman some cabinet post as a consolation prize.

rhoward, Elgin, SC (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:36 PM)

As a Democrat and Obama supporter, I am hoping that McCain picks his good buddy Joe. It wil drive the hardcore conservatives nuts, driving more of them into the Bob Barr camp. It will also push Lieberman further away from his former party and hopefuly lead to him being stripped of his committee chair. It seems to be a win/win in my book. Plus, Lieberman's continued support of John Hagee should work to keep the Rev. Wright issue off of the table during the general election.

Chris, Manhattan, KS (Sent Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:45 PM)

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