Lieberman keeps chairmanship

Posted: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 11:58 AM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Democrats in Congress have allowed Joe Lieberman to hold onto his powerful chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee in a secret ballot vote.

Video: Sen. Joe Lieberman and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid speak to reporters after the Democratic caucus voted Tuesday to let Lieberman keep his committee chairmanship.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, however, asked the Connecticut senator to step down as chairman of the Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection subcommittee of the Environmental & Public Works Committee, which Lieberman said he did.

Lieberman, who caucuses with the Democrats, retains his AirLand subcommitte chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee.

Lieberman said he regretted some of his comments regarding President-elect Obama during the campaign trail, or that he would have liked to have made them more clearly.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

SF (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:14 PM)

Lieberman said he regretted some of his comments regarding President-elect Obama during the campaign trail, or that he would liked to have made them more clearly. FR

Does this mean that he would like another chance to say more disparaging, disgusting, lies about the President- elect ?

margaret,baltimore,md (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:16 PM)

I really wish this guy would slither away under a rock. He is not to be trusted by ANYONE, not even the repugnant Repubs. He is truly a disgusting human being.

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:17 PM)

I really don't like Joe AT ALL..but I do trust Obama's judgment. Better to have someone who votes with you 90 percent of the time...he (unfortunately) needs Lieberman's vote, so perhaps the olive branch strategy is best. We're so used to being reactionary and fighting...let's try it this way and see what happens. Reconciliation might reap more benefits than folks can see at first...but Obama is a long-range visionary. I'll reserve my feelings about Lieberman and trust Obama as to the best ways to move forward.

PAMama4Obama (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:18 PM)

Wusses.

keep him in the caucus, take away his gavel (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:18 PM)

Once again, democrats stumble over the line between gracious and impotent.

way to go (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:20 PM)

I believe Senate Commityee demonstrated what Obama has been all about, reaching across the aisle and leading this country "on a bridge forward" not one looking backward.

Dean Otterson, Tipton, Iowa (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:20 PM)

So will it be OK to Joe in 2012 when Democratic Senators "go with their conscience" and say horrible things about him when he's trying to get re-elected, and endorse Ned Lamont? This is a joke. It wasn't all about Obama (so the "if Obama says it's OK then we have to let him back in" mantra is bogus). Joe went off the reservation far before that, by consistently being a voice for "bipartisanship" -- allowing Fox News to call something bipartisanship just because one Dem was for it. Joe is about the spotlight and about compromising for compromising's sake, not about getting real things done. McCain is more about that than Joe -- think about it. They may like each other but I'd take McCain over Joe in a fox hole, in a minute. Joe would sell you down the river.

Alex (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:21 PM)

Harry Reid is the most spineless, worthless leader the Democrats could have ever elected. What is next, are you going to give Joe Lieberman a full body massage every time he punches your in the face?

Gary, Ivy, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:21 PM)

I am disappointed but unfortunately not surprised.

Roy Fischer , St. Louis, Mo. (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:21 PM)

CT won't re-elect him. We just won't......

Shelly, Manachester, CT (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:22 PM)

Barack Obama just sent a simple message: In the past 3 months, Joe Lieberman showed himself to be a petty disingenuous snarky man. He is too small a person for me to worry about "sending a message" to.

CA Voter (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:22 PM)

I guess it's up to the people of Connecticut to dump the jerk. When they do then I'll believe he regrets his remarks and actions.

bill, okla (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:23 PM)

Lieberman better be planning his retirement for when his term is up. I highly doubt the good people of CT will forget about this.

pat huntington ny (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:23 PM)

OK, Joe. Now do a stellar job with that committee, watch your words, make your constituents proud of you and thank your lucky stars that President-Elect Obama spoke in your behalf.

Gail, TN (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:26 PM)

How about appointing Maverick McCain to the chairmanship? He's the real hero, not OBama. Palin should be Sec. of State! Not that Hillary girl!

Michael Furlong, Long Island (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:27 PM)

Sen Liebermann should've been outed for his tireless campaigning for McCain. I understand Obama's thoughts that it would signal partisanship but also question that the Dem Senate shares his view. Perhaps he should;ve maintained his lesser standing on the other commitee and lost his Homeland Security position.

Scott, Berrien Springs, MI (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:27 PM)

Here's what McCain had to say after yesterday's meeting with President Elect Obama:

"Earlier today, when asked about efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, Senator Obama said he might apply tougher sanctions -- 'potentially.' I have called for tougher sanctions against Iran for years. I have supported tougher sanctions during this campaign that Barack Obama opposed, and if elected, I would work to lead an international effort to put tougher sanctions in place -- not potentially but actually. Senator Obama last year opposed legislation with broad bipartisan support that called for tougher sanctions on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for its terrorist activities. Senator Obama was also asked today about capturing Osama bin Laden -- he said he would 'try him, apply the death penalty to him where it is necessary.' I do not know why Senator Obama would have any doubt that it is necessary. There is no one more deserving of execution than Osama bin Laden. If he survives capture, the death penalty would be necessary, just and appropriate. Senator Obama continues to hedge his bets on national security issues showing his inexperience and weakness. Senator Obama's comments demonstrate once again that America cannot afford untested leadership when facing the threats posed by Iran and Osama bin Laden."

First off McShortie: YOU LOST! Get over it! And be respectful! It's President Elect Obama, not Senator Obama. He gave up his Senate seat on Sunday. Get a life. Because apparently, you can't even hold your contempt in check. No wonder the meeting only lasted 40 minutes. That's about all anyone can stand of you anymore. GO HOME!

Sandycs1953 Texas City, TX (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:27 PM)

What a pathetic little man. He didn't have the guts to stand behind the comments that he seemed to enjoy making when he was being cheered by the republican neo-cons and good old boys.

Hopefully, the people in Connecticut will let him know what they think of his actions.

Oscar, Rio Vista CA (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:27 PM)

I think Lieberman's comments during the campaign were QUITE clear, and that was the problem: he was clearly attacking Obama. He's lucky Obama is a forgiving man.

Indie Woman in Denver (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:27 PM)

Joe"Turncoat"Lie"berman is not fit to be a Democrat in Congress. He should be tossed out on his ASS! "would have liked to have made them more clearly" Gee Joe sounded prety clear to me and a lot of others as well. Donkeys don't forget either. My point is Joe Nobody care's and your done in the Senate times up buddy shut up go home! The next generation is taking over WWII was 60 yr's ago we have moved on so should you.

Joe the turncoat,LV,NV (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:29 PM)

a little maturity and pragmatism in governance. thank you DEMOCRATS for leading by example. i am no fan of Joe LIEberman, he is lucky that the Democrats around him actually believe in the principles that they epouse to the nation and the world. Hopefully Joe will learn a lesson from their merciful treatment of him.

PAUL Independence, Va. (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:29 PM)

Pat Huntington NY: : ‘…Obama's success and re-election will be dependent upon his ability to reign in the far left wing, and govern from the center. If his far left supporters think, or ever thought, that he would do all that they wanted, governing from the far left, they were and are naive. …’

Pat, ‘FAR’ Left is a pejorative term
(Thanks for not calling us ‘radical-libs’ or even ‘com-symps’ )
Obama is a progressive who refused to allow his name to be used by the New Democratic Network (sic)

The reason we lost control of Congress in 1994 is because Bill Clinton preached the DLC ‘Republican-lite’ agenda

That agenda (with its’ financial de-regulation), is in part responsible for the mortgage meltdown.

The Clinton/DLC agenda of NAFTA and Free Trade is in large part responsible for the Big Metdown

. And, by not picking Hillary as his Sec. of State, the dem. party will crack apart, and the repukes will take ove in 2010. Just deal with it!....'

Can I have Geraldine Ferraro, instead ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:33 PM)

Shame on him and others, in politics and media, who spent a great deal of time lying or airing the lies, while proclaiming McCain as a good or honorable man. He was neither during this campaign and he should have been called on it. To apologize now, or say you have a few regrets, just doesn't cut it for me. That was pure politics at its slimiest. Lieberman should have been dumped for not showing an inch of loyalty or respect.

Washington is unlikely to change at all if this is any sign. Now that the Republicans are out, we need to get the Democrats out as well.

Truly non-partisan independents, it's our time.

Patrick, Mass. (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:34 PM)

Joe's a nice guy. I'm glad it worked out for him.

Democrats Unite (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:34 PM)

Lieberman said he regretted some of his comments regarding President-elect Obama during the campaign trail, or that he would have liked to have made them more clearly.

A true lie to behold from a liar when told. I hope the Dems or Pres-elect Obama don't regret what has been done in allowing the people of Ct to throw out the trash in 2010. Maybe a change in heart from that 62% by then.

Jes Marion S.C. (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:35 PM)

I have a difficult time how anyone in the world cannot understand the 60 seat concept.

Have you heard remark from a stupid, Hannity, the ugliest, snappish, questions from Greta big fat wind Limbaugh mass confusions, holier than thou Dr Laura, ask for democrats to join forces with republicans?

Mark my words petty partisan-ship is in decline; whether we agree or not. Kudos and high regard to President Elect Obama for vision, tolerance, and stewardship!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:36 PM)

Joe "68%Disapproval" rating Lieberman will now spend the rest of his term voting with the Democrats and snuggling up to Obama in a vain attempt to move that approval rating before election day. Meanwhile the people of Connecticut will patiently sharpen their electoral daggers and "retire" him.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:36 PM)

>>>Lieberman said he regretted some of his comments regarding President-elect Obama during the campaign trail, or that he would have liked to have made them more clearly.

==========
How much more clearly could you have made yourself. You did everything but call Obama a terrorist (you left that to Silly Sarah) after he campaigned FOR you in '06. You are SO undeserving of this and I hope the CT voters are smart enough to kick you out of the senate in 2010. In the meantime, you should be down on your knees to Obama for being so gracious, because I guarantee you if the tables were turned and McCain had won, I doubt they would be as merciful.

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

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:39 PM)

BOOOOOOOOO

Nj (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:40 PM)

i hope the people of CT give him the boot in 2012

happy, boston, ma (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:40 PM)

Here we are two weeks into this new administration and i'm already feeling screwed. How can the dems stand up to a more right albeit decreasing repub minority, when they can't even stand up to one traitor in their own caucus. If you worked hard getting more dems elected, donated time and money the senate just sent you a big finger as repayment. Spare me the rationalization for keeping a person who said your candidate was dangerous for the country, a marxist, unpatriotic, socialist. He not only campaigned against Obama but also for down ticket republicans warning against increasing democratic numbers, and he should be rewarded for this?

independentwil (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:40 PM)

I will be proud to call Obama my president when he officially takes the reins. He showed mercy and forgiveness today and displayed a willingness to reach across the aisle. I guarantee that today millions of Republicans are thoroughly confused by Obama's actions. They don't see those qualities in any of their own. God bless Barack!

Full Moon (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:41 PM)

Once again the Dems proved to be pussies. LIE-berman is a complete tool and should have been booted. Obama over-reached on this one. He should have left it to the Dems in the Senate to decide Benedict Arnold's fate.

Sal, Columbia, MD (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:42 PM)

margaret,baltimore,md (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:16 PM)

No margaret:

What Lieberman means by that statement is that he is totally embarassed by his behvaior and by Obama's apparent higher level of maturity and fair play. He is saying I feel like an idiot. And he is sending a message to Obama that he now owes Obama some allegiance.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:46 PM)

Lieberman is still useful to the Democrats. His appearances for McCain were shameful but did nothing to hurt Obama.
The voters will have their say eventually and we can only hope they end his "distinguished" career in the Senate.

Tom Lightnin, St. Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:46 PM)

Smart move by President-Elect Obama, now Lieberman will owe him a favor in the Senate.

And regarding McShame's comments about his meeting with the President-Elect, jeeze... He needs to go home to Arizona and just disappear or something, because that was completely disrespectful. He's a sore and pathetic looser if you ask me.

Oh yeah, one last thing. Wouldn't it be super smart to offer cabinet positions to republican Senators (who represent states that would replace them with democrats)? Then you would have your filibuster proof Congress.

Donaldrw, Alexandria, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:47 PM)

Senator Lieberman and Senator McCain will be judged by a higher court. It is now up to President-Elect Obama to judge them. The only responsibility has the president-elect has to both of them is to offer gesters of reconcliation, so they will not hamper God's will through President-elect Obama for the people. The ball is in their hands. Either they will work for the common good of all the people, or they will be voted out by the people. Time will tell.

Diana Owens, Tacoma, Washington (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:48 PM)

Although I wanted Lieberman's head handed to him, my President saw things differently. If anyone had questions as to how much power President-Elect Obama brings with him to office, today's vote should give you a clear answer.

He has my support, even though I wanted Lieberman to pay.

SF

Liberals are so easily led. If Obama told you to 'jump', you'd ask how high. If he told you to take crap, you'd ask what color. Bunch of lemmings.

BJT - CA (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:48 PM)

With 3 Senate seats still up in the air, this is a logical decision and completely consistent with the type of politics upon which Sen. Obama based his campaign.

But this is also a decision that can be changed at any time. I'm quite certain that Joe is on a very short leash. If he's not a dependable vote on every issue except the war, which is really the only issue that he has parted ways on, then you can bet he'll be stripped of his position and given the office by the boiler room.

Blue in Texas, Portland, Texas (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:48 PM)

BS! The Senate Democrats once again show weakness, rather than strength. Lieberman knew what he was doing and thanks to the Ole Boys Club he gets away with it. Since when is saying "sorry" the extent of accountability.
And what is this with the secret ballots? What happened transaparency? This isn't the He-Man Women Haters club. These are OUR representatives, in OUR government. No vote should be secret.

joe ferguson (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:49 PM)

I would have preferred a tarring and feathering - or a public flogging.

The Good Witch, IA (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:49 PM)

Frankly, Lieberman's apology regarding his comments during the election about Obama should have to be made public with him citing specific comments he made and why he regrets them. Like a Judge having a criminal recount his crime, Lieberman needs to do the same. Behind closed doors only allows the vermin to keep his poison closeted.

Debra, Austin, Tx (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:51 PM)

I hope that the people of CT do not re-elect him...I would say he is a snake but that would be an insult to snakes! I am very disappointed in the Senate Democrats...I hope President-Elect Obama doesn't come to regret his support of Lieberman!

D.Sisco, Carrollton, Tx (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 12:54 PM)

...and I regret saying that Lieberman has consistently chosen to support the jewish state over the priorities of America...actually its true and I don't regret saying it

Rick, NC (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:11 PM)

"Liberals are so easily led. If Obama told you to 'jump', you'd ask how high. If he told you to take crap, you'd ask what color. Bunch of lemmings."

Bush is a good president.

Lemming in Chief (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:11 PM)

If Joe Lieberman represents the leadership of my party I’m not sure I can continue to consider myself a democrat.

jerry wotten, San Deigo, CA. (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:12 PM)

This year I canvassed for four different Democratic Senate candidates in four different states. My wife and I gave (significant, w do well) money to the DSCC, the DNC, seven Senate candidate and, of course, Obama.

I did all this because I thought I was a member of a party and that meant something. Apparently I was wrong. If Senator Lieberman and Senator Inouye can betray me and miilions of other Democrats in so consummate a manner and be rewarded for it by their colleagues, then I don't understand the values of those colleagues.

I will continue to vote for and support my local Democrats and Obama, but I cannot in good conscience give another hour or dollar to support the Democratic majority in the US Senate or maintain in 2010 and 2012. Maybe some years in the minority will teach them that it is not all about them and their friendships, but about the party's cause and constituency.

Remember Tilden!, NY, NY (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:13 PM)

I wanted Lieberman's head
I think he's a war monger

But, maybe Obama has converted a potential opponent into a potential ally
THAT would be big

Lieberman will still be pushing for a war with Iran
But, who cares?

You never know

either way, Obama seems to be following a wise course

MSierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:15 PM)

Lieberman's actions against Barack during the election were unforgivable, IMO, but if Obama is prepared to forgive and forget then so am I. He's the boss and I will support his decision.

Greg - San Francisco (Sent Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:17 PM)

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