Lieberman to stay put?

Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008 5:13 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress, Democrats

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Tomorrow, Senate Democrats gather to decide if Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-D) should keep his position as chairman of Homeland Security Committee, and it looks like he just may. Several Democrats and Democratic-leaning groups were calling for Lieberman to stripped of his chairmanship for not only supporting John McCain's candidacy for president -- but also criticizing Barack Obama in the process.

According to sources familiar with negotiations, Democrats are expected to vote in favor of letting the Connecticut senator keep his chairmanship and seniority, but give up the gavel on a subcommittee he chairs. The vote happens tomorrow morning by secret ballot.

The tide turned in Lieberman's favor, sources say, after two events in recent weeks. First, President-elect Obama told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that he wanted Lieberman to stay in the Democratic caucus. Later, in a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Lieberman told him it would be "unacceptable" for him to give up his gavel. That was considered by some as a veiled threat that Lieberman would jump to caucus with Republicans if he was forced to give up the gavel.

Obama tipped the scales in Lieberman's favor, one source said. The source essentially explained it like this: If the wrath was directed at Obama and got over it, shouldn't the Democratic caucus do the same?

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Comments

Here's hopiing that you and your sources are reading the tea leaves wrong.

mak (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:20 PM)

Throw the bum out.

Lieberman is a snake in the grass (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:31 PM)

Traitors belong in the Democratic party. Powell. Liberman. Obama.

A Complete Set (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:32 PM)

Yes, the democrats should take the high road. Let "Joe" stay where he is, when he is up for re-election here in Ct. he'll be gone. I will never vote for him again

sandy Ct (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:32 PM)

Joe Lieberman - man with a backbone, unlike The Pelosi Posse of Barney Frank and Harry Reid.

It's also interesting that the clowns that are responsible for the financial mess are the ones who say they know how to fix it. Jail time for Barney Frank. What a bloated bigmouth.

Spinout (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:32 PM)

Better not let any sharp objects on the Senate floor. Maybe that's why they left Kennedy on the floor with his cane. He'll be playing Whack-A-Liberman sometime today.

Joe Boulder (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:33 PM)

SEN Lieberman is one of my senators and I can not wait to vote him out of office in 2012.

chris, bristol, ct (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:36 PM)

We will see tomorrow if the Democrats REALLY stand for anything. Joseph L took a stans for what he believed in. He believed that McCain was a better choice. He believed that certain other down-ballot Senate and House candidates were a better choice. He believed that encouraging Republicans at the Republican Convention was a better choice.

Now, let's Senator Lieberman reap the fruit of his convictions as any man of honor should. He needs to give up his chairmanship in favor of someone who agrees and supports the Democratic approach to governing. It's not vengence. It's like-minded individuals choosing to support like-minded individuals.

Gary Bonner, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:38 PM)

What's worse than a Reublican attacking Democrats is a Republican attacking Democrats.If Lieberman stays put that would further indicate how spineless the Democrats are. Obama promised CHANGE, and I hope we don't end up with Liebermam still wielding power and neo-conservative Hillary running state. And Corzine, front-runner for Treasury? A Hillary acolyte and another Goldman Sachs guy!

If that happens, Obama will lose my vote for 2012. Enough!

S Sage, New York, New York (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:41 PM)

Geez ... mak, you seem somewhat bitter toward Joe??

I can't imagine why Joe would want to jump parties ... or maybe it's because the ENTIRE Democrat Party, including his so-called 'friends' Hillary and that gutless COWARD Chris Dodd all threw him under the bus in 2006??? Backing a empty-suit millionaire instead of the Party's 2000 Vice-Presidential nominee???

Gee, I can't imagine why Joe Lieberman chose to FOLLOW HIS CONSCIENCE instead of being a party hack??

GET OVER IT! And I hope Lieberman sticks it up Harry Reid's *** every chance he gets!

Roger G, Cape Canaveral, FL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:41 PM)

Lieberman is treacherous and cannot be trusted by either Dems or Republicans. He goes where the wind blows!

Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:42 PM)

All back stabbers belong in the Democratic party.

Honkey Dori (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:42 PM)

BIG, BIG, mistake to let him keep the position!!

dwayne pergrem, Spartanburg, SC (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:43 PM)

I think it is time for democrat Bloggers just get past their one sided slant to they now conrol the universe. If Obama keeps this going, he could be the best uniter we have ever had in office. Getting over the past and moving toward the future, (with everyone). He will unite the country and the Congress to get something done. Like it or not you still have to please the "right" you are now running for re-election, but doing the right thing. Who cares who Lieberman supported, it is in the past and he still wants to be a supporter of the new administration.......You left wing democrats are not going to get what you want and that is total control.........I am by the way a supporter of Obama.....He is doing it right by being inclusive.....

Dan, Idaho (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:44 PM)

I sincerely hope that those sources are wrong and Liberman gets stripped of his committe chairmanship. We should reward loyalty, not dishonestry

CC, Okolona, MS (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:44 PM)

Does that say that the party does not have any integrity or principles? Everyone can now be a turncoat or traitor and know that they will be allowd to get off scott free!! So what even if he's the 60th name in the senate? It is better to have some principles and integrity than to cast aside all these just because of one vote. It is better to fail with honesty and integrity intact, rather than allow a traitor to support you with a dishonest character.

anne souter (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:48 PM)

We need to trust Obama's strategy.
He wants Lieberman's vote.
There is no recall for Senators so Lieberman will be in the Senate for years. He may as well be in the Democratic caucus for those years. When re-election time comes, let us trust the good people of Connecticut to apply the electoral coup de gras to this unfortunate creature.
Once again I believe we are witnessing the cold practical efficiency of an engine of change that will not be denied. The competence is stirring and inspiring.
We again have a leader worthy of the name.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:51 PM)

Lieberman has proven himself an enemy of progressive legislation, and has demonstrated a clear lack of judgment, honesty, and integrity. Kicking him to the curb isn't revenge - it's just common sense.

Andrew J., San Francisco, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:51 PM)

I think the Democrats are in error by trying to force Joe Lieberman to give up any of his positions in the US Senate. It is against the spirit of what Obama is trying to accomplish: Encourage political parties to resist marching in lock-step and to allow individual senators and representatives to escape the ideology of their party and to vote their conscience. The fact that Lieberman sided with his friend, John McCain, against Obama has nothing to do with his effectiveness as a senator. In fact, it shows a strength of character that is seldom seen among our representatives. Harry Reid is so steeped in Democrat ideology that he is blind to what all Americans want: a government that is working for the American people and NOT for the ideology of political parties.

Hank Corbett (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:53 PM)

Obama's a bigger man than I am. That's all I can say. If he can forgive Lieberman and move on I guess it makes sense for the rest of the Senate Democrats to do the same, since Obama's the one who was the victim of all of Lieberman's hateful diatribes. But I don't know if I could be so gracious if I were in his shoes.

Laura, Arlington, VA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:53 PM)

So, this is the same Lieberman who ran against the democrat in Conn. and aligned himself with the GOP throughout this election season. How can he expect to retain any leadership role in the Dem. party? He's lucky if they invite him to caucus with them.

Adam, Orlando (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:55 PM)

I don't know why all the dems are bitter twards Joe. Who threw him under the bus in 06? He votes 80-90% of the time with dems, except on issues of national security. Boy some of the bloggers here would help themselves if they actually looked at voting records before posting here.

Ryan, Bossier City, LA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:56 PM)

The difference between the GOP and Dems - the GOP plays for keeps. I think Joe should be given the Chair of the bathroom committee.

paul of Winston salem (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:57 PM)

Keep your friends close and your enimies closer!

Sheennan, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 5:57 PM)

For weeks Americans were treated to the smiling face of (former Democratic now Independent) Senator Joe Lieberman standing approvingly behind Sen. John McCain at almost every rally. In view of the over all election results I hope the leaders of the Senate Democrats remove Lieberman from all positions of power or leadership and allow Sen. Lieberman to enjoy his "Independence".

Bob Seaby, Woodside, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:01 PM)

It wasn't just his support of McCain, it was his support for other republicans running for office, and his constant attacks on Obama. Take away his positions, let him go over to the republicans. It's where he belongs anyway. I would just caution them to watch their backs; once a traitor, always a traitor.

Elki, Modesto, CA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:01 PM)

I would NEVER trust a man who claimed to be a friend and then stab me in the back. Lieberman IS a coward because he is like an wolf in sheep's clothing. Why would any Party, Democratic or Republican, leave the security of our Country in the hands of such a jerk?

Jason Largo, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:02 PM)

If you'll recall, President Nixon had his Enemies List and sought to wield his political power to personally "screw our political enemies."

Nixon's enemies included such radicals as George McGovern, Walter Mondale, Shirley Chisholm, John Conyers, Bill Cosby, Gregory Peck, Paul Newman and Joe Namath.

Political vendettas are unbecoming and it would be a shame for Lieberman to be the first person on a DNC Enemies list. The people of Connecticut will have their say.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:02 PM)

well so much for bipartisanship. i thought all americans where able to vote and support whom ever they belive is the best person for the job, reguardless of party. if this is going to be a new washington, then letting him stay would be a gfood first step. he is the best man for that chairmanship, i won't trust my security with any other democrat/indy in the senate.

michael la quinta ca. (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:04 PM)

The man is an unrepentant butterfly, let him go. He is a bad apple in the democratic party. We need good people to build up a good reputation of the IMPROVED party. He already lost the loyalty what else can he do than bickering and fingerpointing

eltonjames, oxon hill, MD (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:04 PM)

Lieberman has been George Bush's point man on national security; now, despite the election, the Democrats are going to keep him in charge of a national security committee?? This is ridiculous. Give him a domestic assignment, but take away his Homeland Security chair.

David B. (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:04 PM)

Joe Has To Go! I have heard all the reasons he needs to stay. Joe Needs to Go! I'm very glad our new president wants unity.......I like unity....... after the last 8 years some unity would be nice. Joe Must Go. Please take a stand senators......say good-bye, and Joe, don't let the door hit you in your buttocks on the way out.

Thanks for playing

phyllis Flagstaff,AZ (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:05 PM)

Liebermann should stay put. Otherwise this whole notion of unity is BS and we are back to partisan politics. People are more likely to care if he gets kicked out, then if he stays. Cost:benefit is in Liebermann's favor to stay.

Andrew S (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:05 PM)

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." Words to live by in business and politics. Literally, Lieberman is Hyman Roth to the Deomcrats in the US Senate. No benefit in going after him now. String him along for four years, and let the voters of CT send him to sleep with the fishes in 2012.

Chowdaman - Boston, MA (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:06 PM)

IMHO, your election night prognostications were different enough f4rom reality that you s/b wary of forecasting a 'secret ballot' result with far less polling numbers; i.e. semi-verifiable numbers.

Or is this just another glimpse into your murky crystal ball and pulling a WAG?

JB, Tucson, Az (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:07 PM)

As I read these comments I'm reminded that partisanship is not just a Washinton, D.C. phenomenon. It's infected all of us. Am I happy with Joe Lieberman? No. But if the man he was attacking is willing to move on, maybe that's a good first step.

Mike, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:12 PM)

Get rid of him NOW. Just looking at him standing behind McCain at all the rallies was nauseating enough without having to put up with him the rest of his term. He belongs with those he associates with and who clasp him with open arms--the failing party.

clp long beach, ca (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:12 PM)

Congress is NEVER gonna be bi-partisan, non-partison, whatever you want to call it, as long as the American citizens are so partisan (and the previous posts surely show THAT's true). What was it Ghandi said? Oh yeah, "be the change you want to see."

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:14 PM)

I understand why Lieberman is being given this soft treatment as it fits with the tone Obama has said he would employ all along. But Lieberman is really a dead man walking. He cannot be trusted any longer and in 4 years will probably be voted out of office by his Connetecut constituants. However he does vote Democratic for the most part and I cannot believe that his leash will be that long.

dfranz (Sent Monday, November 17, 2008 6:16 PM)

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