Bill Clinton defends Lieberman's Iraq stance

HARTFORD, Conn. --Former President Bill Clinton is sticking up for U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman and his support of the Iraq war.

Clinton, who spoke at an Aspen Institute conference last week, questioned why Democrats in Connecticut are focusing on ousting a fellow Democrat, Lieberman.

Lieberman faces a stronger-than-expected Aug. 8 primary challenge by Greenwich millionaire businessman Ned Lamont, who has criticized Lieberman for his support of the war and his perceived closeness with Republicans and President Bush.

"If we allow our differences over what to do now in Iraq to divide us instead of focusing on replacing Republicans in Congress; that's the nuttiest strategy I ever heard in my life," Clinton told the nonprofit cultural organization.

Audio of Clinton's comments was posted on the Minnesota Public Radio web site.

Clinton questioned efforts of some Democrats to impose a fixed timetable for removing U.S. troops from Iraq -- something Lieberman opposes.

"Why send a signal to the people that are trying to keep Iraq divided and tear it up when we're gonna go," he asked.

Clinton defended Lieberman's Democratic credentials, mentioning how the senator has been endorsed by labor unions, environmental organizations and gay groups.

"We've got a world of differences between ourselves and the Republicans," he said. "So I think the Democrats are making a mistake to go after each other ... for a situation none of them created."

Earlier this month, Clinton's wife, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, said she will not back Lieberman's bid for re-election if he loses the primary. Lieberman said Friday that volunteers have begun collecting signatures to petition him onto the November ballot as an independent candidate should he lose on Aug. 8.

Lieberman created a new political party called Connecticut for Lieberman. He said he still hopes to win the Democratic primary.