“To Hell With the Voters”
“To hell with the voters,” is never a phrase you want to hear from a politician. And I am even more disappointed to hear it from Joe Lieberman, Democratic Senator from Connecticut.
But that is basically what he has said in his announcement today.
Today, he explained that he will run as a Democrat in November, should he win the primary, or as an Independent should he lose.
I can respect Independent Senators like Jim Jeffords or that guy Jesse Ventura appointed to fill Wellstone’s seat for a few weeks in 2002. Those guys were making a centrist statement about our politics. But, sadly, I can’t say the same for Joe Lieberman.
His entire reason for threatening to be an Independent isn’t because the Democrats have left his ideology (they are more in sync that either side will admit), or that the GOP has promised him a committee chair (they haven’t). Instead, the only reason he’s doing this is because he wants to be re-elected in November, and could care less who supports him to victory.
He’s basically nullified the Democratic primary. Win or lose, he’s still on the general election ballot. He doesn’t care if the voters don’t want him, or if they do. He’s going to run anyway.
Shame on Joe Lieberman. He’s put personal ambition ahead of the principles of democracy and ahead of respecting the will of the voters. You know, the very things for which he fought for as the Democratic nominee for Vice President six years ago.
For shame, Joe! And to think, I voted for Gore in 2000 because of your integrity. Boy, was I fooled!
Ken,
Not that Joe is my cup of coffee… but don’t you think that is kinda silly to try and beat a guy that agrees with you 99% of the time, but happens to believe in the state of Israel, a strong defense, and some coservative values… I mean the Democrats are supposed to have room for everyone under their tent (just not Joe).. The sad part is that this will be non-issue once be beats that the peace hippie dude… oh well
I don’t think Lamont’s challenge to Joe is entirely based on the Iraq War. And as I said, Joe is the reason I supported Gore in 2000.
My biggest problem with Joe is how he has responded to this primary challenge and his decision to basically render the primary meaningless by deciding to go Independent if he loses.
I’d not even care much about that Senate race if it weren’t for Joe’s highly inappropriate and almost immature response to Lamont.