Take the Joe Lieberman Pledge

As my colleague John Nichols reports, to the surprise of few on Capitol Hill -- but to the disappointment of many beyond the beltway -- Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman will retain his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Homeland Security Committee and his place in the Democratic Caucus. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says he "feels good" about the decision and won't "apologize to anyone for what we did today."

Lieberman thus gets away with his full-throated endorsement of John McCain, his long-standing alliance with the Bush Administration on foreign-policy and his public skepticism regarding Barack Obama's fitness for the presidency.

Or does he?

In America, it's never too early to start preparing for the next election and the call is already out in the blogosphere to pledge to help defeat Lieberman in 2012. The influential Jane Hamsher put out the call this morning at FireDogLake and she's planning to turn over the names of all pledges to the campaign of the progressive Democratic nominee for Lieberman's US Senate seat in 2012. As she correctly notes, "The number of people who want Lieberman held to account grew exponentially during the 2008 election, and those who stood up to defend him might be surprised at how much political capital they expended in doing so."

Let's see how high we can make the cost of providing cover to George Bush's favorite Democrat. By signing on you promise to donate money, volunteer, make calls from a distance, and/or help defeat Joe Lieberman in any way you can. Add your name to the pledge today.

Comments (33)

1. I think Joe Lieberman is a disgrace and should have been booted off...the Democrats should have had more guts and got rid of him. He was so into McCain during the election he should have changed his party affiliation if he wanted to say what a wonder boy McCain was. That would have been a good start for Obama showing you don't reward "bad behaviour"...I'm sure a lot of Democrats are mad with this decision, I know I am.

   Posted by Caj at 11/18/2008 @ 3:07pm

2. lieberman gets the boot from caucus in 2010. he's just filler until then.

   (maybe even mr. mccain will lose his seat.)

   Posted by frosty zoom at 11/18/2008 @ 3:23pm

3. I appreciate the call by Ms. Hamsher, but I also think that we need to find a way to synchronize our efforts to push Obama and the gang to do the right thing on a host of critical issues.

   The list is long, but here are four focal points I would suggest:

   1) Build political capital with a works and infrastructure project that includes a sharp focus on energy conservation, renewable energy, and domestic energy supply development preferrably with an emphasis on natural gas over coal --which is never "clean".

   2) Obama must find a way to engage with Iran, first and foremost in the Middle East. As the fantastic new book by ex-CIA operative Robert Baer, "The Devil We Know", points out in vivid detail, Iran IS an emerging new super power by dint of geography --cultural and physical-- and by their cagey maneuvering.

   If we can forge a working relationship with Iran --as part of a regional peace negotiation-- we give them what they really crave, respect, and we get influence with the most profoundly positioned player in the Great Game. It won't be an easy task politically, but it screams out as the correct choice given our predicament.

   And it is the best path to allow us an escape from the Le Brea tar pit that is Iraq and Afghanistan.

   3) We must redouble efforts to reform the media universe in America. If the media had provided half the information needed, we wouldn't be in nearly the mess we are in today.

   4) There must be a sincere effort, at some point, to hold accountable those who led us into this Mid East mess in the first place, and who led us into torture and domestic spying.

   This is my two cents worth. I dearly hope that the progressive universe can find a way to coalesce around some similar kind of coherent plan to pressure our numbskulls in DC.

   Posted by b_kool_66 at 11/18/2008 @ 3:34pm

4. Hey,

   President-Elect Obama is hard at work getting this country back on track, but he's counting on input from all of us.

   I just wrote in to share my vision for where President-Elect Obama should lead the country, and I thought you might want to do the same: http://www.change.gov/page/s/yourvision

   Obama's New Energy Vision of a New America: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1FIbmUL6OA

   An American Moment Your Vision: http://www.change.gov/page/s/yourvision Share Now! Share your vision for what America can be, where President-Elect Obama should lead this country. Where should we start together?

   Posted by jameseveritt at 11/18/2008 @ 3:35pm

5. By the way, here's a link to a Fresh Air interview with Robert Baer:

   tinyurl.com/4jgvlu

   There certainly is ample room for questions regarding Baer's thesis, but I believe that overall, his case is a compelling one.

   Cogent point by Baer in his book:

   Iran, according to the most recent NIE, has suspended efforts for a nuclear weapon.

   More importantly, they don't need nukes to ensure their security since they sit astride the Straits of Hormuz, and at the nexus of most other alternative transit routes for Mid-East and Caspian oil.

   Posted by b_kool_66 at 11/18/2008 @ 4:06pm

6. "In America, it's never too early to start preparing for the next election"

   love ya peter but gotta disagree on this...

   after this marathon of a campaign...i'm gonna say its at least a year too early. as sickening as benedict arnold's treachery was, i get the feeling that old skin changing goat is going to end up some kind strom thurmond and serve until he's damn near the century mark...

   look for joe to get super smootchy-ass with the new order over the next few years and survive. the mood now is just too feel good. reconciliation is the buzzword of the day and traitor joe's contacts with the remnants of the repugnant party could be crucial in passing some progressive legislation especially if the magic number of 60 is not reached in the senate...or if traitor joe IS number 60...

   what a lucky, cagey, old bastard! regardless i just don't think the momentum is there now to mobilize enough anti-joe sentiment in this lovey dovey zeitgeist of an era and joe will now flow with the fashionable inertia of the new political reality well enough to keep his seat for well into the future.

   oh well...guess not every traitor gets beheaded when the ancien regime comes crumbling down...

   Posted by ibbleblibble at 11/18/2008 @ 4:45pm

7. The worst thing about the media this week?

   THAT THEY WON'T SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT 2012!!!!!!

   Posted by crabwalk at 11/18/2008 @ 5:48pm

8. Lieberman is a worm. That said, he does vote democratic on the majority of domestic issues. He is a misguied old school hawk on foriegn issues and was hedging his bets on a McCain win (likely looking for a cabinet post). But other than revenge for his treason (ignoring the fact that his was elected as an independent) what would be the reason for removing him from the democratic caucus? What benefit would it provide? I don't see one. Democrats gain more by keeping him, and could be a deciding factor of a super majority and the Dems ability to squash republican fillibusters. Although, I bet the repubs sure are glad they did not instigate the nuclear option, now that the tables have turned.

   Posted by Extraneous at 11/18/2008 @ 6:09pm

9. Hmmmm, I think the goal here is some effort at unity. One could argue ol' Joe was trying for this before and now's his chance. Everyone deserves a chance. Ha! But just as there's war-making and diplomacy, there's partisan gridlock and, maybe, a government that argues but achieves some consensus and some forward movement.

   Kuccinich-Cheney backrubs?

   Rumsfeld-Barney necking?

   Chimpy-Cynthia McKinney _____ ?

   Posted by winyahn at 11/18/2008 @ 6:49pm

10. I'm running on a platform of weed/blowjobs in 2020.

    Posted by TexasFlood at 11/18/2008 @ 7:10pm

11. Let your Senators and the Democratic party know as long as Joe the Rat is a Committee Chair: No Money or time will be donated it is easy to do. I let Reid know, and removed my name from Salazar the senator's mailing lists well as canceling my small monthly contribution.

    Posted by ALIREINER at 11/18/2008 @ 7:17pm

12. Posted by TexasFlood at 11/18/2008 @ 7:10pm

    LOL! That's my kind of platform.

    Holy sh*t! Cheney was just indicted in Texas!? Gonzales too! Hmmm, "charges related to alleged abuse of prisoners".

    Posted by seenile at 11/18/2008 @ 7:58pm

13. I'm running on a platform of weed/blowjobs in 2020.

    Posted by TexasFlood at 11/18/2008 @ 7:10pm

    Woo-hoo!!!

    Not sure about 2012 or 2016. But, I already know who I'm gonna vote for in 2020!

    Posted by Malcontent at 11/18/2008 @ 8:32pm

14. Posted by TexasFlood at 11/18/2008 @ 7:10pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    "you like sex AND money too? man, we should hang out some time..."

    frito pendejo, joes dimwit attorny to a dimwit cameraman in mike judges dimwittedly genius comedy, Idiocracy...

    Posted by ibbleblibble at 11/18/2008 @ 8:47pm

15. PETER, I don't think even Joe the Schmoe thinks he's going to win re-election in 2012.

    He was rolling the dice on ending his career as McCain's SecState or Sec Defense.

    CT went solidly for Obama; Lieberman's political career ends in 4 years.

    Posted by Mask at 11/18/2008 @ 9:16pm

16. I'm running on a platform of weed/blowjobs in 2020.

    Posted by TexasFlood at 11/18/2008 @ 7:10pm

    Sounds like the definition of a Libertarian. "A Republican Who Wants to Smoke Dope and get Laid".

    Posted by chaoszen at 11/18/2008 @ 10:29pm

17. *CT went solidly for Obama; Lieberman's political career ends in 4 years.

    Posted by Mask at 11/18/2008 @ 9:16pm*

    Possibly even sooner if Ol' Joe does something stupid even sooner and the good folks of CT pulls a recall effort.

    Posted by yutsano at 11/18/2008 @ 10:49pm

18. CT went solidly for Obama; Lieberman's political career ends in 4 years.

    Posted by Mask at 11/18/2008 @ 9:16pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    lots can happen in 4 years...watch joe morph like a doppleganger and march on his bloody knees to rome for penence.

    or...

    if things go south hard and quick for the o train...

    but i hope u is rite...

    Posted by ibbleblibble at 11/18/2008 @ 11:34pm

19. The Israeli lobby probably put pressure on Democrats to emmbrace Lieberman again. And Lieberman knew this. That is why he can campaign for the other party and get away with it. Sickening...

    Posted by philbq at 11/19/2008 @ 12:47am

20. I don't think Lieberman will be re-elected. I'm directing my own efforts against Senate Democrats who used Obama's "no animus" remark as an excuse to embrace the unrepentant snake. Forgiving is a good thing; forgetting is suicidal. In Florida, where I live, I'll be looking for an alternative to Bill Nelson, a leader of the pack.

    In the meantime, it might be slightly worthwhile for you to click on www.RealityChex.com that links to a Connecticut opinion survey on the Senate's action (top of the center column). So far the vote is about 70% negative.

    Posted by marieburns at 11/19/2008 @ 09:18am

21. 'Harry Reid says he "feels good" about the decision and won't "apologize to anyone for what we did today." '

    But, he obviously is aware of the fact that he just participated in something where an apology might be appropriate.

    Posted by Lil at 11/19/2008 @ 09:43am

22. I'm running on a platform of weed/blowjobs in 2020.

    Posted by TexasFlood at 11/18/2008 @ 7:10pm

    If you tweak your platform from weed/blowjobs to weed/giving head, I'm with you all the way. Hey, you've got to "give" in order to receive brother.

    Posted by k330k at 11/19/2008 @ 11:45am

23. Liberals/Democrats are a shameful disgrace. They talk about tolerance. They talk about reaching across the aisle. But as soon as you disagree with them on anything, you are labeled a "disgrace," a "benedict arnold," a "worm," and a "traitor" (all quotes from posts above). Lieberman is an Orthodox Jew who supported a war against a major enemy of Israel. He decided to support his good friend McCain for President even though McCain is (gasp!!) a Republican. These things make him a "traitor"? These things are justification for the hatred and vitriol currently aimed at him? Apparently his 20 years as an otherwise "faithful" Democrat in the Senate mean nothing. Take a cue from Obama and stop being such partisan hacks.

    Posted by GBGB at 11/19/2008 @ 2:51pm

24. Take a cue from Obama and stop being such partisan hacks.

    Posted by GBGB at 11/19/2008 @ 2:51pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Can you name me a Congressman who ever pulled anything like Joe did in 2008? I didn't think so. "Reaching across the aisle".....more like fragging the nominee from your own Party for the sake of another country. None dare call it treason.

    Posted by OneVote at 11/19/2008 @ 6:58pm

25. Posted by GBGB at 11/19/2008 @ 2:51pm

    The whole thing is if Lie-berman wants to support Repug positions he should just become a Repug. Good riddance.

    Otherwise he comes off like a cheating husband who doesn't have the balls to ask his wife for a divorce.

    Posted by chaoszen at 11/19/2008 @ 8:14pm

26. Doesn't anyone here think it is odd that NOT ONE story in The Nation has discussed the merits of Hillary as Secretary of State?

    The most important cabinet pick but not a peep out of The Nation.

    What's REALLY going on, PETER ROTHBERG?

    Posted by Metteyya at 11/20/2008 @ 7:45pm

27. I really don't blame Obama and Reid for deciding to placate LIEberman. Sure, he doesn't deserve it, but they're just being practical; they may well need his vote, and they can probably get it on most domestic issues, provided they don't completely alienate him. Yeah, he's a scumbag, and stripping him of his committee chairmanship would have felt good (plus, a man with his neocon foreign policy views shouldn't be chairing the Senate's Homeland Security Committee anyway), but this is all about the filibuster, quite understandably.

    Hopefully, the voters of Connecticut will nail his ass to the wall in 2012.

    Posted by KevinRiley at 11/21/2008 @ 02:04am

28. I really don't blame Obama and Reid for deciding to placate LIEberman. Sure, he doesn't deserve it, but they're just being practical; they may well need his vote, and they can probably get it on most domestic issues, provided they don't completely alienate him. Yeah, he's a scumbag, and stripping him of his committee chairmanship would have felt good (plus, a man with his neocon foreign policy views shouldn't be chairing the Senate's Homeland Security Committee anyway), but this is all about the filibuster, quite understandably.

    Hopefully, the voters of Connecticut will nail his ass to the wall in 2012.

    Posted by KevinRiley at 11/21/2008 @ 02:05am

29. "Possibly even sooner if Ol' Joe does something stupid even sooner and the good folks of CT pulls a recall effort."

    U.S. Senators can not be recalled.

    (and sorry about that duplicate post; my browser glitched)

    Posted by KevinRiley at 11/21/2008 @ 02:10am

30. "The Israeli lobby probably put pressure on Democrats to emmbrace Lieberman again. And Lieberman knew this. That is why he can campaign for the other party and get away with it."

    Sadly, that's probably about right.

    How about this: When Israel starts providing a nice chunk OUR public treasury via a foreign aid program, rather than vice-versa, then they can interfere with our internal political affairs. Otherwise, their lobbyists should be persona non grata.

    Little states like Vermont and Idaho have much less influence in Washington than some Apartheidesque, settler state in what is arguably Occupied Palestine. How messed up is that?

    Posted by KevinRiley at 11/21/2008 @ 02:16am

31. I don't know PETER, I generally don't think of a man who has the courage to buck his own system as "getting away" with anything. Whatever his reasoning. he did what he thought he should do and must have known there would be consequences from the "get behind the party" types. Commendable.

    And as I mentioned on the other thread, I can't help thinking that had the party affiliations involved here been reversed, you guys would be singing his praises, comparing his new enlightenment with no less a personage than the Buddha himself.

    Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 11/21/2008 @ 08:20am

32. I don't know PETER, I generally don't think of a man who has the courage to buck his own system as "getting away" with anything. Whatever his reasoning. he did what he thought he should do and must have known there would be consequences from the "get behind the party" types. Commendable.

    And as I mentioned on the other thread, I can't help thinking that had the party affiliations involved here been reversed, you guys would be singing his praises, comparing his new enlightenment with no less a personage than the Buddha himself.

    Posted by CHIP THORNTON at 11/21/2008 @ 08:20am

33. Chip is right; when a politician veers from his/her party line he/she is both denounded as a traitor and lauded as brave. Lieberman is a classic example. He disagreed with the Democrats on the war so they booted him and nominated a rich, amiable, scion of the J.P. Morgan family, but a political novice. Of course, Lieberman won. Two things come to mind: First that old saying, "mules can't beat racehorses." Lieberman was/is a skilled, incumbent. politician! Second, Lieberman has the guts to do what he thinks is right regardless of the party line. What is so wrong with that? Lieberman reminds of of Wayne Morse of mixed memory.

    Posted by jsens at 11/23/2008 @ 10:45am