Lieberman keeps chairmanship

Its becoming more clear why the majority of americans hate politicians and government. They think its OK for a man to take sides with another man(homosexuality) and get away with it but its NOT OK for a man to take sides with a political group and get away with it. To me it seems like our government is more afraid of its self than anything else.

Lieberman was the only reason they won the popular vote in 2000, considering the only real difference between the two tickets was their VP. If he was the top of the ticket, Bush wouldn't have stood a chance. Lieberman and Cheney had the strongest contrast with the most interesting debates due to the fact Cheney is strongly right-wing and Lieberman is center-left, which stands in distinct contrast to Bush and Gore, who are both close in position and far further left than either of their VP candidates.

If he caucuses with the republicans and Coleman wins, the democrats definitely won't have what they want in the Senate, but if he loses then Lieberman has the power to decide whether or not their rehashed attempts at the 'great society' or 'new deal' happen. They should go very easy on Lieberman if they hope to accomplish anything in the next four years.

It's not that he's getting more conservative, he's just remaining where he was near the center while the democrats veer further to the left, leaving him closer to the republicans than the democrats. Considering the state he represents, he already had to be fairly conservative to get elected, so I suspect the speculation of his demise is very premature.

I guess the Democrats DO expect you to check your opinions at the door. Disgusting. Just wait - if it can happen to Lieberman, it can happen to you. When you disagree with this administration and the party thereof, what will be YOUR punishment?

Hey Dems! You've got 2 years to prove you can get things done. More Regulation of banking, health care, environment, oil substitutes are all part of your platform.
Where does punishing an Independant fit into this? You haven't even gained office yet and you're already losing my vote.

The Democrats, once again demonstrating they are the party of Hate and the party in need of anger management classes.

Why punish Lieberman? Oback got elected. We're all being punished for that.

politics as usual...use people when you can/dump them when you can't...I though things were going to change...

Good for him. . .we need more congressman like him! The dichotomy between the parties is not right. Most people in the US are moderates, not supporting the extreme positions of each party.

I guess this is the new politics preached by Obama.

The Democrats will punish him for exercising free speech. Leiberman will
remain an independent and will win reelection in Conn. The Democrats
will overstep their boundaries-guaranteed.

I wonder how popular the Messiah will be in 6 months. The Republicans
have to go back to their basic values. The party cannot be Democrat light.
This country is still a center-right country. The party needs to wait until
Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and the most inexperienced President in decades
implode.

Republicans will be there to pick up the pieces.

It scares me that Lieberman is in Congress. There are a whole bunch of clowns there.

is this not a free country? are you now not able to vote the way you waant? my o my

Even Barack Obama says LEAVE JOE LIBERMAN ALONE!!! If you all throw Liberman to the Republicans it will bring more power to the Republicans. Do you all want that? Please use your heads.

You have to have a side and stick with it people!
The reason is if you didnt then what would keep people from saying they are Dem only to vote against everything because they are really a repub, read before you blog people. Use your heads you just sound immature and still mad Obama won.
Which he did and without cheating and hes not Muslim and who cares if he is etc etc etc etc.
If you dont like the way the country is going.............LEAVE

The primal part of me would like his head served on a silver platter, but .... it is the job of his constituents to "punish" him for failing to represent them.

Whats wrong with you people out there????? Forgive and it shall be done unto you!!!!! If you don't you reap what you sow and then you are wondering why life is so hard for you!!! God Bless You...

The article is slanted -- he is not being "punished" for backing McCain -- but for crossing the lines about what he said about Barack Obama. It's OK to be independent but he should have stuck with how wonderful McCain is without tearing down Obama -- that was unecessary and disloyal. An intelligent leader can have loyalty and be independent.

Lieberman violated two principal rules of Chicago politics: by declaring himself an "independent Democrat", he has made waves, and by supporting McCain, he backed a loser. Lieberman owes people now, and in a big way. By offering leniency to Lieberman, Obama has an opportunity to basically own Lieberman's loyalty - and his vote. If the Dems take Obama's advice here, Obama further establishes his authority and increases his power within the party.

Go Barack Hussein Obama!!!!

I just think Leeberman had an issue with Obama's name and that Obama would meet with the leaders of all nations - not just those that Israel approves of...

Hey Joe, are you serving the people of Israel or are you serving Americans?

COUNTRY FIRST!!!!

More proof the Democrats are not open to people who do not fall in line or look and act like them.

Here is the list of people Democrats are not supportive of:
Women
Old People
Rich People...unless that rich person doesn't like George Bush or runs for office as a Democrat
People who pay their bills on time...this includes mortgages
People who go to White churches...black churches are ok if you vote for Democrats

Did I miss any?

Rants of free speech are stupid - Democrats control the senate, therefore they get to appoint committee chairs. Lieberman's choice to campaign with McCain was a gamble he lost and now he has to pay up by losing leadership. This is how the system works and if you think a third party would make a difference, you're really clueless. Look at how the parliamentary system works - coalitions are built and chairmanship is wrangled - usually resulting in very weird results.

Loyalty? The Democrats abandoned him in his last Primary, but he secured his seat anyway as an Independent. Winning as a "third party" candidate shows he has wide support among his constituents. Yet he still sat with the Democrats. He makes his decisions based on his core beliefs and not on the group's current opinion. I understand the Democrats are upset that he didn't do what they wanted him to, but their reaction is quite petty.

Pete, you are quite right! That was the first thing I thought of when the article said they would decide by secret ballot!

The term "punishment" is misused, it should have been phrased that he was not being rewarded. The Majority Party gets to select the Committee Chairpersons, which traditionally went to the most senior MAJORITY party members. When 'good ole Joe' ran as an Independent candidate and subsequently won the seat, he lost his seniority. He was only rewarded with the Chairman seat because by his caucusing with the Dems, they were the Majority Party after the 2006 election. Had he caucused with the Republicans where he had no seniority, his reward would have been much less. (He actually cheated the Democrates by running, the Dem candidate would have easily won the seat if Joe hadn't run.) Lieberman knew exactly what to expect when he threw his support to the Republican Presidential Candidate and had McCain been elected he would be looking at becoming the Secretary of State. It was a Win-Win situation for him. In all actuality he is an Independent, Freshman Senator from Conneticuit deserving nothing more than some lowly subcommittee position. Don't cry for Joe.

He won't be punished at all, for folks like him own this country and they are virtually untouchable. For those who claim he acted as an independent and chose to back McCain and that is nothing but him exercising his freedom of choice...true, there is nothing wrong with this claim, but he proved himself not to be on the same page with the Democrats (and Mr. Obama as the nominee of the Democratic party is the image and main representative of the party and its core ideals) and thus he should be stripped of any top positions that he has gotten as part of the Democratic party. Let him run for those positions as the independent that he is and then we'll see whether he gets them or not:)(that's also a freedom and a right in this country,isn't it???)

His views on environmental issues are out of touch, there are better people for that job. Let him work on bringing the sides together.

For all of you who are advocating a strict and harsh punishment, remember that President-Elect Obama has urged for a softer punishment (and perhaps none at all). Additionally, there is no room whatsoever for someone like Senator Leiberman in the Republican party. They will not brook someone who does not sing from the same hymnal or drink the same juice.

I remember calls from both the senate and house floors to label all those who speak out against the war in Iraq as being guilty of sedition. There is no space for people that have different opinions in the Grand Old Party. Ever.

As it is, the democrats are the more forgiving and will allow Senator Lieberman the opportunity to keep some of his chairmanships and this is how it should be.

Joe Liberman is an Independent and has independent thoughts. The Democrats say shame on him. I say good for him. We could use more real men in Congress.
It would have made his life much easier to join in with the all the Democratic sheep but he went with his own beliefs and priciples. He should have your full respect if you agree with him or not.

He's an Independent now, only because, after being a Democrat, he ran against that party's nominee in Connecticut. And won, with mostly Republican votes. Then he couldn't find even one Democrat in the Presidential primaries he was willing to back, and went to McCain. So what more do you have to do to be on the wrong side as a Democrat? He's not a Democrat, not a friend to Democrats, and doesn't deserve any more favors from them.

The Democrats were disappointed with Sen. Liberman choice to back Sen. McCain. They are angry because he broke his word not to publicly denounce Sen. Obama. Which Sen. Liberman did on many occasions. That is why they are responding with striping him of a chairmanship.

give it a rest! now these factionous divisive partys are meting out punishments for their members choices? this is not democracy in any manner of the word. as a voter who needs representatives of the people, rather than of the party, i find the politics of this country degenerative and despoiling of the truth in our Constitution. America has gone to hell and deeper....

Sen. Liberman should be voting his conscience regardless of what party or committeee he is associated with. To threaten otherwise is to do a disservice to himself, his constituents, and his country. If he is the best qualified to head the committee then he should be allowed to remain heading that committee. The decision should be based on what is best for advancing our country, not any given political party.

I think he should be tried in the UN court in the Hague for crimes against liberalism.

Let him keep his chairs...He will vote with the Dems on almost every issue except the Iraq pullout which is mute now anyway.

Just let him join the Republicans...he is one in all but name. He should not gain the privilege of being in the majority party when he openly and nastily campaigned against Pres-elect Obama. Better to be rid of him and expose him for what he is - a Kristolian, Rovian, Cheneyian Neocon.

Ltberman lost in the Dem. primary. [the will of his Dem constituants] He ran as an independant against the Dem. candidate and won. He backed McCain against Obama. He clearly chose his side. The majority party assigns chairmanships in part to reward loyalty. Adios Joe

What a joke. Lieberman is to be punished for not going with the party line even though he is an independent. this just proves how this system does not work. What we need are term limits so we can get some fresh ideas, instead of the same old stale ideas and thinking that all these parties have.

Someone said that liberal policies have brought this country to its knees. I was under the impression that it was unregulated banking practices that did the trick.

warmed-hearted libs who talk about working togethers...and then trash an independent Senator who WAS ELETED BY HIS STATE to represent them... AS INDEPENDENT!! shame on the rest of Congress all of them should be like Libermam extreme libs and neocons are taken already.
Dont let others to take your vote for granted, Dont let others to spoon -feed you!! be a free thinker..
THIS IS THE LAND OF THE FREE, HOME OF THE BRAVE!!

I think the Democrats should dump him. He probably even contributed to John Kerry loosing. Get rid of him

Lieberman, although I do no agree with his judgment, should be applauded. This is a missed opportunity to show that there is room for dissenting views within the Democratic Party. We don't always have to agree on every issue. We just have to agree to protect each others right to have our own opinion.

Regardless of his poor judgment (by the way like it or not 58,343,671 Americans agreed with his choice of president) he has a right to his opinion and should not be punished for having that opinion. We all try our best to make the good decisions. When we make our choices for our country we do so with out hearts on our sleeves. Passions run high, voices are raised and feelings get hurt. But, at the end of the day we usually have each others best interest at heart.

I think Joe and Harry should go to the bar have a couple of drinks and decide to get on with the business of fixing the mess we are in.

Drop it. Stop wasting time. The country has greater issues that need attention.

So much for independent thinking:). This punishment is exactly what is wrong with our political process – it’s our side against your side NOT what is the best for the country. Party leadership decides what is best for the country and if you don’t agree, you are punished. Whatever happened to representatives in the house and senate representing what their constituents think as opposed to what the party leaders think??
And what of independent thinking by Americans – if your democrat, you must hate all republicans, if your Republican, you must hate all Democrats – whatever happened to diversity of opinion? It’s not enough to disagree and debate issues, you must toe the party line and hate the other party. What nonsense!! Diversity now days means if you agree with me, your diversity is OK, if you disagree with me, your diversity is not acceptable! What’s up with that?

I think the Democrats should dump him. He probably even contributed to John Kerry loosing. Get rid of him

Sen. Lieberman is within his fundamental rights to decide his course of action. If he perceived Sen. McCain a better candidate, it was his prerogative. Today like a good citizen he accepts President-elect Barak Obama. We are free state and we have individual freedom. Senate Democrats will do world of good by strengthening the hands of President-elect by forgetting this episode. This will be a CHANGE from Either you are with us or ...

Joe Lieberman is only representing the interests of Israel. He knew that with McCain, Israel will get carte blanche with the US government. Obama will likely take a more reasonable and mature stance on the Israel/Palestine issue which could force Israel to the negotiating table and give up some of the land which the UN has repeatedly called for.

It was sickening to see him sucking up to John McCain, hoping that if McCain was elected, he would be in for a cabinet post. This person has the scruples of a perfect fit into the Soprano's organization...

The issue isnt the fact that he supported McCain, as the article shows. THE ISSUE IS THAT HE PROMISED NOT TO CAMPAIGN FOR MCCAIN, AND DID IT ANYWAY. He broke his word, hence hes a liar.

Being a liar isnt a big deal in republican politics (which is why they lost the last 2 congressional elections), but democrats take it seriously.

Has anybody heard of a hard time being given to Republican Colin Powell for endorsing Obama? What a bunch of B.S.

Some commentators have expressed surprise and indignation that the Democrats would punish Lieberman for betraying the Democratic party. This is the natural and right thing to do. Lieberman currently has one of the most plum positions in the Senate. However, plums only go people who deserve rewards. Lieberman belittled the Democratic party and its candidate, and campaigned against Democratic contenders for the Senate as well. He has basically committed apostasy and blasphemy. It is shocking the Democrats would flinch because Joe has threatened to take his ball and go to the Republicans. If he would even contemplate that for a moment, the Democrats should be showing him the door. Instead, they are capitulating and taking away a meaningless subcommittee chair. This is why Congressional approval is so low - Democratic people across America, who work hard and contribute to their party, are disgusted with how spineless and weak their elected representatives are. Worse, they are hiding behind a secret ballot. Democratic Senators ought to own up to their support of Joe, so that primary campaigns can be planned accordingly.

Obama said there would be no red America, no blue America, rather the United States of America. And now the dems in congress think they can get away with bullying people into being their partisan puppets? I voted for Obama, but let me tell you now is prime time for him to make good on his promise and show his leadership by putting an end to this childish nonsense. In America, we have freedom to disagree and be individuals. This applies to senators too.

Wow.

I wasn't aware that Joe Lieberman was supposed to be a Democrat before being an American.

This is still the Land of the Free, and not the Land of Party Loyalty, isn't it...?

Worse - this is let's make an example of a guy we may lose anyway so the others will stay in line - how pathetic while condoning worse behavior (but "correct" voting) in other cases.

playground politics with more syllables used in the words.

Why do republicans always allow fairly open discussions where they at least listen to the other viewpoint but democrats condemn anyone who may disagree before they've had a chance to state their thought process?

Whats happened to real soapbox democracy?

Is there not freedom of speak in America, if he is an Independent, then why can't he side with whatever he believes! Why punish him for being an American, shame on polictics!!!

Neither political party cares about what is good for America. Only what is good for their exclusive club. Punnishment? I am waiting to hear "Thank you sir. May I have another?". After every change or party leadership, America witnesses the petty bickering, back stabbing, and political payoffs in the form of appointments that characterize our national leadership. Instead of these leaders being concerned with our growing problems, they are occupied by club membership rules. I expect nothing more from this upcoming congress than more partisian politics that only help special interests and members of congress. Is removing Sen. Liberman from a committee good for the country? I doubt it. I doubt our leaders really care.

So much for crossing over party lines, or across the aisle for that matter? If we had more "free thinking" politicians like Joe then perhaps we could see results in Washington? Instead, both parties continue to waste time bickering with each other and within their ranks. Apparently, these career politicians have forgotten that they are in DC to represent their constituents, not the interests of their respective political party(s). I voted AGAINST the incumbent during the recent election, regardless of party, because we need to change a lot of faces up on Capitol Hill.

It is foolish that so many of you ignorant readers don't understand the politics of the senate. It is not childish to "punish" as you say. Why would you let someone who does not share your policital ideals have high positions in your party. Thats as ignorant as allowing a radically free spending big government idiot politician become the president simply becuase his father was. Or perhaps, a child molester or gay prostitute patron to become a senator running on "moral conservatism". Wait isn't their a party that does this? Maybe there is a reason that Senate Dems are punishing. Hmm...

Revoke his citizenship and put him and Nancy "impeachment is of the table" Pelosi on an iceberg that then will be pushed out to sea.
Sorry, did I say that out loud?
Jerry w.
www.boskolives.wordpress.com

WHERE WERE THE DEMOCRATS WHEN THEY TOSSED JOE OUT IN THE ELECTON TWO YEARS AGO WHEN THEY BACKED SOME ONE ELSE FOR SENATOR IN CONN.......WHERE WAS THE LOYALTY THEN........GO REPUBLICAN JOE....

Joe says, "Get rid of him, have a spine." If Democrats had a spine, Bill Clinton would have been impeached for lying under oath! And they want to vote by secret ballot, but don't want the rest of us to have that privledge. What a bunch of hypocrits!!!

"Penalty" and "punishment" are words being used by the "liberal media", not by the Democratic senators. He's not being punished. They get to chose who leads committees and they want someone they can count on. That's all.

Man the "stupid" is pretty thick in these comments. Let me try and shed some light and sanity. The Democrats are in power, and have control of the committee chairmanships. The only "punishment" here would be stripping Lieberman of a committee chairmanship- and since he's clearly an independent, it would perfectly within the Democratic majority's right to govern to seat a real Democrat in that position. Lieberman took this risk with his political decision to be an "independent". The Republicans for their part are much more strict in enforcing allegiance to the party plank in both the House and the Senate- if the tables were turned it wouldn't even be a question, they would kick Lieberman out of any and all committee leadership positions.

Joe has more balls than any of those partisan Democrats or Republicans for doing what he feels is right (whether he's wrong or not) rather than falling in line and doing whatever for the party. Congress needs balance and those of you who think that one group will fix everything are foolish. Also, even though some of you don't like the idea of the democrats punishing him it is constitutional and outlined in article 1 section 5 and it has been done before and will also probably be done with Ted Stevens. Don't worry, there will be a major 3rd party soon enough. Libertarian, Constitution, Green - they all got a good amount of votes this year. Don't forget that you don't have to be a democrat or a republican to make a difference.

There are two problems with our system of government: Democrats & Republicans.

Put down the party flags, will ya?

This is what Lieberman gets. Lieberman knows the political system and knows the risks. It is completely OK that he sided with McCain and the Republicans but that doesn't mean the Democrats have to reward him with high ranking committee positions. He chose a side and lost. Did the U.S. Government maintain Benedict Arnold's commission after he left for the British? Sure Benedict Arnold was a respected and legitimate war hero, but that doesn't mean the U.S. government had to keep him on as a general after he traded sides.

Let's not fool ourselves - this guy has told us where he stands and he can not be counted on in the coming years no matter what. Sure the Democrats won't have a filibuster proof majority, but I have a feeling they won't need this guy. If the Republicans want to filibuster great populist programs like healthcare and energy reform given the pressing economy and known populist shifts in times of enonomic hardship; it's their party's funeral. I bet the filibuster proof votes will come from other Republican Senators who like being re-elected.

Will Rogers: There are too many Republican Senators, too many Democratic Senators, and not enough US Senators. Leiberman is more a US Senator, so of course he has to be disciplined severely.

"Punishment?" They have GOT to be kidding! As an Independent, Lieberman should be able to publicly back whomever he wants. It is inane, immature and vindictive for Dems to cast "secret ballots" on how to "punish" this guy. It makes me want to take back all the votes I cast for Democrats this month.

What about the Republican Senator from Iowa who was speaker at the DNC? His party didn't censure him! The Democrats are and always have been a bunch of cry babies. Grow up for Godssakes!

This is still a free country. So what's the fuss?

Marc from Pa.

the harsh sea change among the republicans who have posted here is preposterous from a group who were eager to censor the dixie chicks, called opponents to the iraq war traitors and eagerly supported a reckless rampage through d.c. with an alleged 51 percent majority vote.

further, i doubt many of the self-proclaimed independents here voted far from a straight gop ticket. most people who adopt this title do so because they are unwilling to make a public commitment to policies they are unable to defend. just like swiftboat plumber joe lieberman. apparently many of you didn't hear the majority of the u.s. on nov. 4 when we said, "stfu."

I think it's the Dems prerogative if they decide to rap Lieberman on the wrist. The Republicans lost the election and usually the winning party brings in who they want, it works the same way when the Democrats lose. In this case Lieberman goes by a different label but the effect is the same - he supported the Republicans so he should expect consequences for not supporting the Dems. Had McCain won, do you think Lieberman would go unrewarded? Can't have it both ways.

Remember 1992-1994. The most corrupt congress of all time (dem controlled/dem president)american people forgot about that on Nov 4th. INDPENDENTS that voted in Dems and Obama Are in for a rude awakening. This Liebermann crap is just the start (PUNISHED FOR HAVING HIS OWN MIND AND NOT BEING PARTISAN LIKE OBAMA, FRANK, DODD, SCHUMER, PELOSI, ETC., ETC.,) If our reps MUST always agree w/party line andnever defer--we need not elect people to these offices. Congress can be run by computerized robots each programmed to vote liberal or conservative. makes me sick!!!!

Joe and Hadassah have always had an underlying one-track focus on Israel. Many times what is the interest of Israel will be in the interest of the Democratic party and the US but when it has not been then he will not hesitate to break from the interests of Democrats or our country. This is the simple reason for his unusual behavior. His punishment should be what is in the interest of the US.

Everyone who is criticizing the dems for this obviously has no idea what they are talking about. No one is saying he shouldn't have freedom of speech we are saying he should not be part of the majority leadership, because he obviously and blatantly went against us. He can have free speech, but does not represent the views of the Democrats and in my opinion should no longer hold any leadership position in our party. I think they are giving too much by letting him keep the one post.

To all my fellow republicans, why waste your time with these idiot libs and dems? Here is SOLID proof that we are really dealing with idiots.

Zogby Poll www.howobamagotelected.com

512 Obama Voters 11/13/08-11/15/08 MOE +/- 4.4 points

97.1% High School Graduate or higher, 55% College Graduates

Results to 12 simple Multiple Choice Questions

57.4% could NOT correctly say which party controls congress (50/50 shot just by guessing)

81.8% could NOT correctly say Joe Biden quit a previous campaign because of plagiarism (25% chance by guessing)

82.6% could NOT correctly say that Barack Obama won his first election by getting opponents kicked off the ballot (25% chance by guessing)

88.4% could NOT correctly say that Obama said his policies would likely bankrupt the coal industry and make energy rates skyrocket (25% chance by guessing)

56.1% could NOT correctly say Obama started his political career at the home of two former members of the Weather Underground (25% chance by guessing).

Amazing!

You know what is sad? We havent seen anything yet! I kind of grin when I think about what is going on in D.C.. Let them act like children. They have no one to point the finger at anymore. In two years people will really be ready for "CHANGE". It is going to be a political "Keystone Cops" going on. Shouldnt Congress have better things to do than waste our time with this kind of CRAP! I dont know...maybe do something constructive?

Joe the Senator is only in it for Joe the Senator. The only reason he publicly supported McCain was because he thought he was going to get the nod for VP or a cushy cabinet appointment if McCain won.

Joe the Senator is not a loyalist, he's not a traitor, he's not a party supporter, he's only in it for Joe, plain and simple. This self serving loyalty does not deserve reward, it needs to be dismissed and Joe needs to be treated as the self serving opportunist he is.

Why has mercy on Joe? He is not trust worthy and has publicly demonstrated his stand. Joe should not chair any committee at all. He does not deserve to be on it. What Joe did is equivalent to a soldier turn his back to his enemy. We can never trust Joe the traitor.

Let the Healling Began....LOL, nice group of CHILDREN in here !!! Every American has a right to be right and has the right to be wrong. Yep your all right I am an American. All you hate people in here need to get over it. Wheather you like it or not. Give us all an example of a "PERFECT" senator. You can't so do not try...

Did not the democrats turn their backs on Lieberman when he was running for reelection? So he ran as an independent, Got reelected, forgave his disloyal fellow democrats and caucused with them, thus allowing them to assume control of the senate. His support for McCain was based on his belief that he was best suited to defend our country from foreign threats. By endorsing McCain, Sen Lieberman choose to place the interests of his country ahead and above his politics. By placing his country first, Sen Lieberman, has made it clear that he is an american first and a politician second. For this, the democrat party believes he should be punished!

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REPUBS AND DEMS: I DON'T SEE THE GOP PUNISHING MODERATES/FREE-THINKERS LIKE MCCAIN, CHAFEE(WHEN HE WAS SENATOR), CHUCK HAGEL, ETC. WE NEED WELL ROUNDED PARTIES SINCE WE ARE SO ADDICTED TO THIS 2 PARTY SYSTEM

I thought we were each allowed free choice in our voting choices? I commend Joe on his ability to think for himself and not just "follow the party."

Dear GySgt "T" USMC (ret)

Do you always let complete strangers speak for you? Oh, ya, your military, I guess you do. Go toss a rock jarhead.

Lieberman is a great american, who is willing to buck the 2 party system. I don't agree with him on everything (like the Iraq war, lol), but I have a lot of respect for him. I hope the fine residents in Connecticut continue to elect him!

I pledged allegiance to the United States of America and to our Constitution.
I have studied the Constitutional Convention of 1787 from a four volume set of minutes published by Yale University Press. Nowhere have I found the Political Parties contained therein.

Pledging allegiance to a political party is against my principles. I vote for the person, not the party. Joe Liberman is the kind of person I respect. I also respect his right to express himself freely. I don't always agree with his votes. Nevertheless I believe he's acting in all of our interests.

If Joe Lieberman keep his Chiarmanship of Homeland Security Committee, Obama is doomed to be a President of any change in the Washington and White House. He will be a poodle of the very powerful political action committee, whose name itself will make everyone fearful. President Obama won the election with the sweet deal with this powerful action committee and will continue to remain President following her orders or he would be involved in some dirty political fiasco and more than 2/3 rd senators and congressmen will be ready to IMPEACH HIM, AND THAT WILL BE THE MOST DRITEST HISTORY OF THE BALCK PRESIDENT.

Excuse me? Of all the dumb rhetorical questions...
"When Benedict - Powell came "out" for B.O. did he get castrated by the Right??

Crissakes the answer is right there in your question. The guy lost his job for speaking his mind, and ever since he's been called everything up to and including a commie. I'm surprised he still thinks he's a Republican since there don't seem to be any Republicans who think so.

Tom Said "Elected officials have responsibilities to their party."

I very much disagree, Elected officials have responsibility to the people whom elected them. The American people. Not to some entrenched stuck in their old ways group of hypocrites. (that goes for both the republicans and the democrats) They are the two sides of the same coin. I imagine that there must be a group of old men (probably white) who sit in room drinking cognac and brandy and smoking cigars (probably Cuban). This is there conversation:
OWG1: What non-issue should we pump up in the media to blind the American people and take their focus off what is really going on?
OWG2: What about abortion that really gets people fired up?
OWG3: We can say yes or no, while actually not proposing any changes that will make a difference in society and since the Supreme Court ruled it legal so long ago, there will be no change.
OWG4: Rock paper scissors to see which side is for it and which side is against it.
OWG1: Alright what else?
OWG3: What about the economy?
OWG5: What is the issue with the economy?
OWG3: Well we have been going up for a while, people will understand if it starts to go down. All the media has to do is start reporting that it is going down and pretty soon people will get scared and the economy with tank. But our money will be safe, well let some of the little guys fall and blame it on them.
OWG2: Hahahah this is fun.
OWG1: It is good to not have to answer to anyone. What about the environment and all this about global warming?
OWG5: Leave the environment out of it and change the focus whether or not global warming is really caused by man or not.
And so on ......... Wake up people.

Wasn't it the Democrats that threw Lieberman under the bus first by running another Democrat against him in his own primary a few years ago? Has anybody ever tried to make ammends with the guy after that little betrayal ? Sounds pretty hippocritical to me !
And now they are mad at him for not towing the line. How many times since has he pulled their fat out of the fire by casting the deciding vote? I guess no good deeds go unpunished !
I am an Independent and I do not trust party politics because it is not good for the country. Washington and Adams were not comfortable with the party system either. Their are times when the interests of the party and those of the country are at odds and the country has to come first !
There are millions of independents out there that will decide the the mid term elections in two years and they are watching very closely. They are watching to see if the Democrats become intoxicated with power, the way the Republicans did. Most importantly they want to see if the Democrats really want change or just their turn at being self serving party loyalists !

I wish McCain had picked Lieberman for his running mate. Maybe the Republicans would have won! Jaycee

Holy Joe Lieberman stood on the platform smiling as McCain and Palin attacked Obama's character. He's a self-righteous turncoat gasbag who supported an unjustified and poorly executed war and the criminal cabal that brought it about. He was on the Democratic ticket in 2000 because he spoke against Clinton. He was a wretched campaigner and debater who may have made the difference in Bush's "victory."

Dump this Warmonger. He has cost us trillions and made profit for the Israeli War Companies. I don't want him in my Congress. This is infuriating. What is wrong with the spineless democrats ????

Joe Lieberman made me sick. Here is a guy who doesn't work for American interest. He doesn't represent the people of his district. Most likely, he won't be any good for homeland security. Why are Democrats still tolerating this kind of behavior? Are we selling out the our homeland security in exchange for Joe's vote in senate? something wrong with people in Washington, They don't have common sense any more

The only thing that matters to any senator or congressman is getting reelected and taking care of their own. I will never contribute one cent to the democrats again. I hope that Joe,the weasel,sticks it to the m again and again.

Being a Democrat, I don't have a problem with Lieberman supporting McCain. Politicians cross party lines all the time to support someone, or some piece of legislation. I do have a problem with the way he went about it, & how far he went to support other candidates for the republican party. Being that he was actually an independent, the Dems really had no standing to punish him, (unfortunately), & they also were strictly limited as to how far they could go due to the current party numbers in the senate. He still has them over a barrel, & will carry much more power than most which is truly a disappointment for the dems. We can only hope that his constituents of Connecticut remember his exploits when he is up for re-election in 4 more years. He betrayed them much more than he has betrayed the Democrats in the Senate.

"When Benedict - Powel came "out" for B.O. did he get castrated by the Right??"

If you're gonna ask and answer your own questions . . .

How arrogant and pious are these politicians? Nelson speaks of "atonement?" Reid does nothing for two years but jumps on the chance to lay the wrath on a fellow senator? Leiberman should have scolded them like the children they apparently are and told them to go perform self-fornication. Reid doesn't realize the precedent set in mistreating someone from another party. Guess what we have to look forward to. I don't think even Shumer would behave so poorly. Shame on you Harry Reid, shame on you.

If Hillary had been elected president and Liberman supported McCain, Lieberman would be parking cars in the senate lot right now. Obama is a big man. Good for him.

Joe should just dump the Evil Dems and come on over to the Good Side!

Joe Lieberman is a tool who would have given his right arm to be somebody in power, no matter what party....wow what a surprise he's a politician......

Here is the list of people Republicans are not supportive of:
Women
Old People
Gay People
People who are not deeply entrenched in the GOP
Poor People-unless they can use them somehow
People who pay their bills on time...this includes mortgages
People who go to White churches...black churches are not ok

There fixed that for you

Because he spoke his mind and was outside of his party line there has to be consequences? Hmmm. That sounds to me like politics as usual and not the change promised by both parties, especially the Democrats. I believe Obama's message for forgiveness is a good one; too bad his own party seems intent on ignoring his calls to change Washington. Lieberman should be applauded for sticking to his principles and not chastised for refusing to fall in line with the other lost sheep.

I nominate Lieberman to succeed the sad story that is Harry Reid for Senate Majority Leader.

Forgive us our trespasses
AS
we forgive those who trespass against us.

Malice toward none; charity to all.

Change can be pretty simple sometimes, if hard to accept.

I don't know what all the fuss is about...i work out and my grandmother won the 50 yard dash in high school...so everybody just CALM down!!

Nah the real reason the Dems hate Lieberman is because he's an emo crybaby lol. Do a Google search for Liberman and emo blog, and you'll see what I mean...