Monday, July 10, 2006

The Lamont/Lieberman Debate

Last Thursday's debate between incumbent Joe Lieberman and challenger Ned Lamont highlights one battle the anti-war movement has already won: its message has penetrated mainstream debate.

Since the War in Iraq began in 2003, the anti-war movement has struggled to be heard. In the first weeks of the invasion, opponents were largely ignored, and their arguments were largely relegated to independent publications and academic circles. The movement got little help from Democrats who voted for the War in 2002, and supported the war during the 2004 election.

However, the public’s view on Iraq has evolved. As they have learned about the intelligence failures, the deceptions, and the news on the ground, the message of the anti-war left has become, in many ways, the message of the American people.

And considering the extent of the coverage for the Lamont/Lieberman race, and more specifically, the debate, it is clear that the voice of the public -- which is firmly opposed to the war -- is finally being heard in the media.

C-Span gave live coverage to the debate, which was also the lead story on MSNBC’S Hardball where it was labeled: “Showdown in Connecticut.” And the Lieberman/Lamont race has become a national story, underscoring the growing discontent among Democrats over the compliance of many Senate Democrats regarding the war.

More and more, prominent Democrats have catered to the anti-Lieberman sentiment within the Democratic Party base. Even Hillary Clinton – who, for years, has ignored her anti-war critics while pandering to the right – has had to publicly proclaim that she will support the winner of the Democratic primary. Others have said the same thing.

It's striking: In 2004, the anti-war movement looked dead. Both political parties were in favor of the occupation and no presidential candidates were discussing leaving Iraq, The New York Times Editorial Page called for more troops, and a Republican-controlled Congress was keeping the administration from being held accountable for its failings.

Now the anti-war left has exposed the flaws of the Bush war plan and widened the parameter of debate on Iraq. They are watching as the Republicans try to hold on to control of Congress. They also appear to be ousting the hawkish Lieberman out of either the Party or the Senate – or both.

We will not know who will win in Connecticut, or how long US forces will stay in Iraq. But the important thing is that we are finally having a debate about the war, and the electorial fate of the pols who enable and/or support it.

In that respect, the Ned Lamont campaign has already been a remarkable success.

Posted by Michael Corcoran at 10:06 AM

Print | E-mail | Permalink | Subscribe