Lieberman overtures from GOP?

Posted: Friday, November 07, 2008 1:08 PM by Carrie Dann
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Independent Senator Joe Lieberman have been talking, according to McConnell's spokesman. While the spokesman couldn't give details of the conversation, McConnell and other Senate Republican leaders have previously said they'd welcome Lieberman into their caucus.

An aide to Lieberman also confirmed the conversation with McConnell.

*** UPDATE *** Talks with McConnell apparently came in the wake of a Lieberman's discussions yesterday with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In that session, according to the Lieberman aide, Reid wanted Lieberman to give up his chairmanship of the Homeland Security Governmental Affairs Committee for a lesser position. Lieberman, who was part of the commission that established the panel in 2005 (previously called the Governmental Affairs), considered the proposal "unacceptable" the aide said.

Lieberman also mentioned that it was his membership within the caucus that allowed Democrats to hold their one-seat majority in the Senate for the past two years. And though he voted against Democrats on Iraq and other national security issues, Lieberman had voted with the party more than some Democrats.

In a written statement yesterday, Reid said "While I understand that Senator Lieberman has voted with Democrats a majority of the time, his comments and actions have raised serious concerns among many in our caucus." Reid was obviously referring to Lieberman's criticism of then Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama and Lieberman's campaign appearances for Obama's opponent, Senator John McCain.

Lieberman's "preference is to stay in the Democratic caucus," the aide said, but the Connecticut Senator told Reid he "would explore other options." Because neither conversation yielded any resolution, all sides agreed that the talks will continue.

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Comments

Please get rid of this idiot. He is a Traitor. Go to the GOP where you belong.

I hate Lieberman

Nj (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:15 PM)

Don't let the doorknob hit ya!

SF (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:15 PM)

good riddance!

Happy Illinois Girl (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:17 PM)

Joe Who? You mean that Plumber guy?

lol

Nashville_fan (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:20 PM)

Lieberman as consolation prize. Too funny.

Palin/Lieberman 2012 - yeah, that's the ticket (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:21 PM)

Let Joe the Chamelion go to the GOP!....He has no idea what his own ideas are.

Good bye and GOOD RIDANCE!

Ed, San Antonio (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:23 PM)

Did anyone think anything different would happen? He B**w McCain and the GOP for an entire campaign. This is just formality.

gman (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:24 PM)

If this is Joe's way of getting us to beg him to stay, it 'aint going to work..As others have said, don't let the door hit ya on the way out..

Brad, Portland,OR (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:24 PM)

Poor Lieberman. He's already lost much respect from the left. He'll never gain full respect from the right.

sg, michigan (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:25 PM)

Actually, joining the Republican caucus is where Lieberman belongs. Lieberman has never forgiven the Democrats who voted against him, thus causing him to become independent. It is probably best that he not be allowed in the Democrat caucuses.

What will be facinating to watch is the first day McCain returns to the Senate. I think I recall that Kerry found it "uncomfortable" when he returned after he lost his bid for the White House.

Ron Indiana (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:25 PM)

Guess Lieberman isn't planning on running for re-election in deep blue Connecticut.

NJGuy1 (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:25 PM)

What party did Lieberman run on to win his seat? Isn't this a lie to those who voted for him. He has committed campaign fraud. He was voted in by people to represent their believes, Not what party will give him the most.

A New American (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:26 PM)

Good riddance to bad rubbish. After betraying the Voters of Connecticut by running with Republican Support after losing his Primary battle, he turned around and supported the Republican Candidate for President and addressed their Convention. Joe the DINO needs to go ahead and make the honest choice for once, if he can.

Dave F., Florence, SC (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:26 PM)

Good take your a%% on over to the GOP friends like you we dont need, Traitor!!!!!!

sheryl, Houston TX (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:26 PM)

Duh!

Lieberman basically joined the Republican party on 9/11, and his campaigning this election cycle solidified that change. never been a big fan of Lieberman, and he was one of the reasons that i voted for Nader in 2000 instead of Gore.

i think the emphasis on political party is going to become less important than the strength in one's ideas in the near future, and i sincerely hope that the conservative movement splits into the fundamentalist theocratic wing and the intellectual moderate conservatives.

Tzalaran (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:27 PM)

This was only a matter of time. Leiberman is going to go where he thinks he has the better opportunity. I wouldn't want him in the Democratic party anyway because he can't be trusted not to stab them in the back. Let the GOP have him.

74 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:31 PM)

We have no time nor tolerance for traitors or part-time friends.

In these troubled times we need to be sure that our entire team is composed of committed, dedicated, and reliable people. Over the past several months and year(s) Joe Lieberman has shown himself to be none of the above.

We have too much to do to be bothered with him.

He will regret it, but that's his problem - not ours.

Flicka, Kansas (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:31 PM)

Turncoat finds home among Republicans. Good luck getting relected in Connecticut Mr Judas Iscariot.

Baz (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:31 PM)

That is fine! He has never truly been a democrat. This will just assure his defeat in deep blue Conn. in two years and assure another pick up for the true democrats!

Bryan, New York, NY (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:32 PM)

amazing-was vp candidate-ran as independent-beat dems dems in their own backyard and now he backs another candidate and is treated like a traitor. glad to se see how phony you guys are

buddy tooze,yorktown va (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:33 PM)

Would the worlds weakest human being, Harry Reid, PLEASE show some spine for once, and tell that moron tyraitor to hit the road? He should have told him that months ago, the first time it became clear that Liebermans nose was sutured to McCains shirt tail. We don't need ANY vote so badly that we have to turn tricks to get it.

Bob from VA (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:33 PM)

I can't believe that the people of Connecticut can't find a real democrat to replace Joe the loser. Obama is going to show that he's a uniter but Bush Lite Lieberman will continue to be a problem, especially on mideast military considerations. Dump the bum.

subgruvet, ok (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:33 PM)

The remora must go. He was attached to McCain like a child to its mother. He's a disgusting worm.. So go, get out.

Steve Martin, Lakeland, Florida (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:34 PM)

The GOP needs a clown to complete the circus they've become. Lieberman has the face for it.

Rob, Carlsbad, CA (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:40 PM)

Joes got to go.This is no time to play the both sides of the fence.The guts a traitor.Let the repuks have him.Please show Joe the door.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:42 PM)

With the exception of the conflict in Iraq and some other military matters, it seems that Reid thinks highly of Lieberman. I can understand why people want him to go. I would say to Reid that Lieberman can still caucus with Democrats and should lose his chairmanship. There must be some repercussions for his speech at the RNC. I would not let it go.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:43 PM)

Joe Lieberman is a very confused politician, and has lost his moral direction. By supporting the GOP/RNC he has gone to the "darkside" of political, social, economic, and moral ways of life. He foolishly supported "Insane McCain," and the "Dizzy Diva" at the wrong time in World History. Lieberman and McCain by selecting "Puppet Palin." Put their political greed first, and not their country. Goodbye Joe!

Rock, Janesville, Wisconsin (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:44 PM)

The problem with Lieberman isn't that he supported McCain, its that he professes to be a democrat and supported a candidate who is opposed to every democratic ideal.

McCain not only worked against, but would overturn every significant civil rights achievement of the last half century. Supposedly Lieberman supports, gays women and minorities, but he chose a candidate who is against overturning Don't Ask Don't Tell or legal unions; who voted against equal pay for women and reproductive freedom; and who does not support affirmative action and voted against a MLK holiday.
He supported a candidate who would have chosen justices that would harm civil rights progress in this country for decades!! Lieberman even said he did not want democrats to gain a filibuster proof majority!!!

Lieberman says he's a democrat, and when running in 2006, he said he wanted a democrat in the Whitehouse. But before the primaries even began, he supported McCain! (I'm sure he wanted to preemptively withdraw support from Hillary, who did not support his bid as an independent.)

Lieberman is a bitter guy with an identity crisis. Supporting republicans means supporting their exclusive agenda. The call for his ousting isn't just from the caucus, but also from the rank and file.

RJ (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:45 PM)

A good job for Joe the lierberman would be ambassador to Iran or napal or any were so the gov. could apt. a true democrat to the senate.

s.m. from chicago (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

Lieberman's days are numbered because Connecticut will not re-elected him.

pat huntington ny (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

As a resident of CT, I can't wait to vote him out! Oh wait, I forgot, we did vote him out and he found a loophole and ran as an independent. Wish it was possible to impeach senators-he would be on the top of my list. Don't let the door knob hit ya!

Lavine, New Britain, CT (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:46 PM)

i can accept the fact that lieberman supported mccain. it's his prerogative and it's the american way. remember, he's a democrat/independent. however, what he did and said at the republican convention is not right and he knows it. he attacked and lambasted and screwed and singled out obama. that is so b.o.n.e.headed and s.t.u.p.i.d and i.d.i.o.t.i.c. he put all his eggs in mccain's basket and he should suffer the consequences. he made his bed, now he's got to lie on it.

Truth Be Told (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:49 PM)

He really is an opportunist - so he should be honest to his opportunism and go spend his time with McConnell and give them the grief. Considering how much they're belly-aching about Palin, they'll be whining no end about Lieberman - it will be hilarious!

If the Dems wanted him, they sure didn't show it with all the press about how Reid wanted to take his committee chairmanship.

Oakland21, Oakland, CA (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:50 PM)

Overheard at the McConnell-Lieberman meeting:

"Thank you, sir! May I have another?"

WHACK!!!

"Thank you, sir! May I have another?"

WHACK!!!

McWelcometotheparty (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:52 PM)

Will someone in some party let old Joe be their vice-president? That's all the old guy wants. Maybe he'll be the third parties side-kick next go around. He seems to useless.

Chris, Frisco, TX (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 1:55 PM)

I read in today's Washington Post that the Obama campaign volunteers everywhere are suffering from withdrawal having nothing to do now that the election is over.

Suggestion: devote their time and energy to the swift and decisive (not to mention revengeful) removal of Joe LIEberman from the Democratic Party and the Senate. The man deserves a very painful fate.

Richard Gist, Columbia, MD (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:03 PM)

In the past when a Republican became a Democrat he was called courageous, some how it's different when a Democrat does the same thing.

I believe that over the years Leiberman did not change, he party did. Though there are many issues that I'll disagree with him on, we see eye to eye on national defense. Unfortunately that is not the case within the Democrat party.

Even when we have been at odd on issues, I've always liked Joe Leiberman, and I'd be happy to welcome him to the Republican party.

Michael McCarthy Nashua NH (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:04 PM)

Most of what's said above pretty much covers my sentiment on this clown. He can't be trusted. This man stands for nothing - and the Republican attack machine called John Kerry a flipflopper? Come on.

This Lieberman goes whichever way the wind blows. Yes, the Democratic leadership should disown him - fast and unceremoniously to boot.

Let him join the ranks of the shallow, close minded, me first Republicans.

If he gets voted out of office in 2010 (a lifetime from now - he has a 6 year term), he can always win a job alongside Rush Limbaugh saying things like, "Amen" , "Right on", and bellowing forth a resounding Ed McMahon-like guffaw belly laugh for emphasis.

Oh, but that gig might not be available either since old Rushy Limbaugh will likely not have a radio show by the end of 2009. And, I don't mean because of the ultra conservative's self assigned boogy man = the "fairness doctrine". I think he'll be off the air because his audience is shrinking. A lot of the loyal, right wing, conservative listeners to his program are tuning him out because they are starting to tire of his sarcastic, whiny, finger pointing, illogical rants, which produce no new ideas, nothing constructive and lead to nothing but divisiveness and ill-will.

Rush was cute and clever when Clinton was in office. Now he just tired, played out, petty, and small. He and Lieberman would make a good duo. They're equally useless.

Dave M., Miamisburg, OH (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:07 PM)

Even tho I think "Trader Joe" is a good man, & I realize his main agenda is the safety of Israel...(I'm a Christian, so I'm down with that)...The Israeli government has the pesky habit of being rather stubborn at times, but outside of the UK, Israel is our closest allie in the world...so Joe
could be helpful in that aren. BOTTOM LINE:
Let Joe go to the "darkside". He'll still be the same
politician as a Republican...Dems just can't trust him to vote the party line when needed.

Camarillo Brillo, Orange County, CA. (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:08 PM)

Joe LIEberman is nothing but a warhawk who votes his own agenda, not the peoples, not his own party. He should be kicked out of the Democrat Party and stripped of all his chairmanship positions. Show no mercy to this traitor.

Kaiser Soza , Los Angeles , CA (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:09 PM)

These folks still don't get it, do they? Millions of people voted for CHANGE--not the old partisanship. A lot of younger people expect this to continue and a lot of us older folks don't want to go back to the old ways. On important votes we will make our voices heard--I don't think President-Elect Obama is going to take his internet presence and put it in mothballs-I think it will become an even greater asset.

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:10 PM)

All of Lieberman's plum committee assignments need to be pulled. He can be re-assigned to irrelevant committees and rot there.

He is a turn-coat and should not be permitted to caucus with Dems. Let him caucus by himself and see how he likes it.

David, McAllen, TX (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:10 PM)

Can you believe Joe Lieberman went from running with Al Gore in 2000 to running with and for John McCain? Everyone on Earth is entitled to change their minds about issues. But Lieberman should have run under the Republican Party when he ran for the Senate this past time, because it was Republicans who paid for his campaign. Be who you are -- Joe.

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Friday, November 07, 2008 2:11 PM)

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