Lieberman congratulates Obama

Posted: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 12:26 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House, Congress

From NBC's Mark Murray
Earlier this morning, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-D) -- who vigorously campaigned for McCain and sometimes criticized Obama during the general election -- released a statement congratulating the new president-elect.

"I sincerely congratulate President-elect Obama for his historic and impressive victory. America remains a nation of extraordinary opportunity and the American people are a people of extraordinary fairness. Now that the election is over, it is time to put partisan considerations aside and come together as a nation to solve the difficult challenges we face and make our blessed land stronger and safer. I pledge to work with President-elect Obama and his incoming Administration in their efforts to reinvigorate our economy and keep our nation secure and free."

One of the more interesting stories to follow over the next few weeks will be whether Lieberman continues to caucus with the Democrats and whether he retains his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

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Comments

Lieberman is a fop and a disgrace to Democrats. To stand at the RNC and bad mouth his own party like that. Then to turn around after his side lost to say "no hard feelings"? A joke really!!

Give Me A Break, Acworth, GA (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:14 PM)

Joe Lieberman should be kick out of the Democratic Party, no question ask.

Robel Roberto, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:38 PM)

It seems that none of the Obama partisans posting thus far listened to the President-elect's speech. I hope and pray that the President will reach out to 'enemies' like Joe Lieberman to do the monumental work in front of him. EVERYONE needs to read Goodwin's book on Lincoln.

Joe Bedell, Renton, WA (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:38 PM)

Toss him out! He jumped ship and abandoned the Democratic party. He did not stutter when he flagrantly supported McCain, so don't stutter when he's tossed out of his leadership role...

Oh so nowwwww you want to come crawling back! Oh no! Keep on crawling Sentator Lieberman. You were sharpening the hatchet and tying the rope all along against President-elect Obama. Keep on crawling!

Lesa
San Antonio, Tx

Lesa, San Antonio, TX (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:39 PM)

As a democrat from Connecticut, we shall see what happens to dear old Joe when he comes up for re-election! Traitor!

Cindy L, Milford, CT (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:40 PM)

Bye bye Joe. I guess we hardly knew ya.

Lia, San Diego (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:41 PM)

Actions speak louder than words. Joe Lieberman is not a party supporter. It goes without saying he is no longer a true Democrat!

Linda (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:41 PM)

Let's hope that Leiberman does join the Republican ticket! It will give the Democrats less senators in the senate and keep the Republicans in more power!

Chris, Houston (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:42 PM)

What does he want? He deserted the Democratic Party at a time when we needed him the most. Consequently, he should not be invited back. It is difficult to comprehend what he really wants and who he is representing.....
Mr. Lieberman, we have turned the page...

Lydia (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:43 PM)

Hey Joe, You might want to polish up that resume, I think you will be needing it. Voted for you last time but won't do it again.

Jack, Connecticut (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:44 PM)

Dont like what Joe did but we gotta rise above Joe's dirt, if he cacus with dems still thats good but he should not be the chairman of any thing any more

Martin, Greenbelt (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:45 PM)

I think, and said they should have booted Liberman from the cacus when he lost the primary and ran as an independant.
Now with a strong majority it is a no-brainier, try and get re-elected in your blue state next term Joe the Turn Coat

brian, aston , pa (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:46 PM)

I would like to thank Joe Lieberman for his invaluable contribution to the Obama campaign, along with the following:

George W. Bush
Sarah Palin
Joe the Plumber
Nancy Pfotenhower
Tucker Bounds
Doug Holtz-Eagen
Robocalls

You did your jobs well. We OBAMA supporters salute you!!!

Taiyo, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:46 PM)

I am not sure what action should be taken against Sen. Lieberman after his actions during the election campaign.

I feel what was most sad was his positioning to defend his unbendable position on the Jewish/Palestinian issue. I feel he reflects the unwillingness to work together for a resolution to the situation in the Middle East.

The parties involved need to first except that the past is that and what they are arguing over is land. What if someone drops a bomb on it, and then what are you going to fight for?

The parties need to except that each side has a rite and that neither is 100% right. Learning to live together in peace is the key to peace for all.

I doubt that those parties involved will every change for themselves and their children to live in peace.

Sad !

Eric, Rochester, MN (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:47 PM)

Joe-The-Republican. Good Riddance to you.

John, Miami, Florida (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:47 PM)

It's time to move away from old ideologies that divide the poeple. It's time for the left and right to tone it done and let the center rule. They have for too long perpetuated myths about the economy and social fabric of America to our detriment. Obama can and may lead from the Center which by the numbers over the past 20 years is where we need to be. Lieberman is pragmatic and those are the kind of leaders we need. The old guard who wear blinders of old ideologies need to go. This is just the beginning of the revolution to bring the people of this nation together into a shared understanding that we all want to live free and prosper on our own terms.

Thomas Engel Fort Worth, TX (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:49 PM)

I suspect that Liberman will be allowed to cacus with the DEM's. Why not, he does vote that way.

I would strip him from any position of authority in the senate though.

Navy Retired, Burlington, VT (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:49 PM)

Lieberman doesn't deserve the chairmanship of any committee. He's a jerk and should be put on the back burner for the remainder of his political life. We don't need or want his support, let him crawl back to the Republicans where he belongs.

Duane Williams Boynton Beach Florida (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:49 PM)

Pack your bags and spy kit Liberman because we're sending out out the door. Not even Isreal wants you after what you did.

Spies are only raised once.

Jane (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:50 PM)

Judas Lieberman must go. He's a traitor and we don't need him around. Maybe he can get a job with Joe the Plumber's company. Maybe Joe the Plumber will make him president of his imaginary business (after he gets his license, of course). Go Judas Lieberman! Go traitor!

AMH (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:50 PM)

Reading the comments about Joe Liberman sickens me! Democrats as I watched President-Elect Obama speak last night (I had tears in my eyes) Not because my choice had conceded but because I was proud to be an American. I voted and my guy lost, however, this is a time to move forward and not look back. The American Voter has made History again please let us not let the Partisan Politics of the Last Several Year Continue. Please, let us show the world that We can come together right now, and move forward. Joe The American should be proud of what we have accomplished in our short History let us see where we can go now. Please get rid of the bitterness and let us all move forward for the good of our Country. Barak Obama will be this Nations 44 President thus he will be my president for the next 4 Years and then we will all see. Maybe he will even earn my vote. He almost won it this time. I am a proud american. Our next Job is to put a Woman in the White House. God Bless Sen. Johm McCain, God Bless President Elect Barak Obama and God Bless America.

Larry, Tehachapi, Ca. (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:51 PM)

Lieberman needs to be removed from his chairmanship and also he should become a Republican. He was one of President-elect Obama's biggest back stabbers.
KICK HIM OUT!

Kate,Saratoga Springs, New York (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:52 PM)

That's right, kick the filthy moderate to the curb! Thank GOD McCain didn't choose HIM as his running mate, or we would have had HIM as VP! Imagine how many people were run off by Pailin... HE would have made the difference. He has NO RIGHT to his opinion! If you don't agree with US, YOU are wrong! God it feels great to hate!

Well... at least that's how you folks sound to me. There is no room in politics for standing by your convictions if you don't agree with me, right?

Dennis, Richmond VA (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:53 PM)

I like an independent voice but think Joe went too far by attacking. Does anyone have the transcripts to his speech at the Republican National Convention? I'd love to look back now and see what he said about Barack. CT will have to decide what to do with him in 4 years.
We lost a decent Senator in NH this election. I really wish it had been Judd Gregg's turn to go!

Tim, NH (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

Obama should ask Joe to become the Secretary of Homeland Security. Joe's political career is over anyway and he would probably take it. This would take Joe out of the Senate, allows the governor to appoint a real democrat and shows that Obama doesn't hold grudges agaisnt his political enemies.

Justin, Healdsburg, CA (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

Hmmm! Old Joe just thought he was going to become vice president. Didn't happen. Now he wants to join the party, after following the most negative campaign ever run. Who are you, Joe Lieberman? What do do you stand for? I don't think you know. Just which ever will get me a vice presidency.

Chris, Frisco, TX (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:54 PM)

The Dems should continue to let Lieberman caucus with them but take away the chairmanships. What does it hurt? Keep in mind the old saying "keep your friends close but your enemies closer".......Lieberman is now politically irrelevent so why not be magnaimous and let him continue to caucus w/Dems?

c130driver, philly, pa (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:55 PM)

Obama is made like Lincoln, he will forgive and forget.

Richard, Balt, MD (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:55 PM)

He cannot be trusted and as a CT resident I'll be happy to be a participant in getting rid of him.

Lavine, New Britain, CT (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:55 PM)

This guy make me sick!!!

Frank (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:56 PM)

The last pledge Lieberman made was to support whoever was the Democratic nominee for president in 2008, right around the time that he was begging for Democratic support under the Connecticut for Lieberman party.

I'm an independent, but someone who hasn't liked Lieberman for years; he's worse than Maxine Waters or Inhofe, and not much different from Bush.

Person, NY (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:57 PM)

Joe Liberman is a disgrace for the people of Connecticut, this man was besides democrat Al Gore when he lost the presidency and now he buried Republican John Mckein, tell me he is a lucky charm, this two face snake is nobody's friend, just a hypocrite feeding from everybody else.

Hector Rivera (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:59 PM)

The Democratic party does not need a turncoat like Lieberman. The man is clearly an opportunist who aligned himself with all the Bush policies when it was convenient. Get rid of him!

Val, Norristown, PA (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 1:59 PM)

The Democrats need to get rid of this scum bag, he's always himself first, country last.

anton (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:01 PM)

Kick this Schmuck out. If situation arises, he will turn into a traitor against his own country.

Jason Elam, Madison, WI (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:03 PM)

Strip him of any privilege given to him by his time in the Senate. He actively campaigned for the opposition, consequences should come with his decision to do that.

B, Broomfield, CO (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:03 PM)

Joe Lieberman has been ridiculous, and I only wish that he had been up for re-election so that he could have been sent packing. I hope that he loses his committee chairmanships and has to move into a broom closet for an office.

Sharon (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:03 PM)

OK...enough already. We won, they lost. The election is over. Can't we get past it to the point that we realize we are all Americans in the same boat? If we want the change that we said we do it is going to take all of us to accomplish the mission. We should all be as courageous as sentors McCain and Lieberman. They fought to advance their point of view no matter how arcane their argument. We armchair quarterbacks could take a lesson from their humility.

ZZQ22, Orlando, Fl (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:04 PM)

Joe must go!! He betrayed his party and Obama, who helped him get re-elected. He doesn't deserve to chair any committee. He can't be trusted.

S. Williams (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:04 PM)

Bet the "Cheshire Cat" doesn't have such a big smile today. When he stood behind Mc Cain with that grin and nodding yes to everything Mc Cain said kinda made you sick. You just can't have it both ways. I'm sure President Elect Obama will be gracious.

Mary in Wi (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:05 PM)

So nice to see all you left wing kooks heeding Obama's call for bipartisanship and peaceful cooperation! You would think Leiberman had raped Obama's daughters the way you're talking.
Spewing the same bile you've been known for since 2000 is as unbecoming as ever, people.
Signed,
A McCain voter who is happy for Obama (that's possible, you know)

Francis Gorman, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:07 PM)

Judas Iscariot. He should get a job in the Israeli government since he puts Israel before America. Yes Israel is our closest ally but as he's an American first and a Jew second. American Jews voted for Obama in huge numbers because they're Americans and these elections were about America not any other country.

John Collet, Dallas. TX (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:07 PM)

Liberman was the best thing the Dems had going for them and they didn't have enough sense to listen to him. Put him in the cabinet and get some support!

JM, Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:08 PM)

Send Lieberman with Palin to that popsicle Alaska. The funny thing is that i used to like lieberman and then he sided with mccain good riddance to bad rubbish

Walter, secane pa (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:09 PM)

We still need Joe - he votes with the Democrats on every issue but Iraq. How is he a Republican?? You can call him a "traitor", etc., but that just speaks volumes about your personal racism about a prominent Jew who doesn't toe party line on all issues.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:10 PM)

As a CT resident who voted for Joe in the last election, I have been severely disappointed with his actions prior and during the campaign. he should be unseated and removed civily from the Dem caucus. Hopefully, he will be voted out in CT next time around.

Dan, CT (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:11 PM)

Liberman needs to go!!! Let him go to the other side. We don't need him. He's a traitor.

George Langevin Cranston, R.I. (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:11 PM)

He should go to Alaska with Sarah Palin... since it seems her skirts drew him to not only leave his party but to bash hate right along with her!

New chant....

"JOE MUST GO"
"JOE MUST GO"
"JOE MUST GO"

rjs (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:12 PM)

Good bye Lieberman! Hope the door doesn't hit you in the ... on your way out!

Fred , Maple Valley,WA (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:14 PM)

Joe Lieberman made his choice, now he should live with it. He ran as an Independent when lost the democratic primary. He publically backed McCain and therefore a vice president contender who not only claimed to be able to see Russia from her kitchen window (a distance of approximately 750 miles) but declared she would, as vice president, help Congress write legislation. Not only should he be ignored as a lame duck senator, but should seriously think about moving to Alaska.

athena_louise (Sent Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:15 PM)

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