Benedict Arnold Speaks
Joe Lieberman really regrets that he said some things on television about Barack Obama being a socialist and friend to terrorists. Some things, of course, were taken out of context, and other things were said less than artfully. And absolutely no harm was meant to the Democratic nominee. It was all one big misunderstanding that he questioned Obama’s patriotism at the RNC and stood behind McCain until the very end.
The Senate Democrats in a show of “unity” decided to keep the Republican Senator from Connecticut in their caucus. Maybe it speaks of Democratic magnamity or goodness or something, but I’d never imagine the Republicans keeping such a shameless turncoat in their own caucus, much less allow them to retain their coveted Homeland Security chairmanship. Lieberman hasn’t been a Democrat since at least the 2000 election when he sold out the Gore team’s efforts to get a recount in Florida. I could list a thousand things the man has done or said that have hurt the progressive cause over the years, but that’s beside the point.
I have no problem with Obama making nice with McCain or Clinton — they were political adversaries, and they were competing for the same office. But when Lieberman was challenged by Ned Lamont in Connecticut, Obama supported Lieberman and campaigned on his behalf — a fact not lost on many in the netroots who loathe Lieberman. He put his name and reputation on the line to back Lieberman, who then turned around and slandered him in the press. Supporting McCain is fine, but he pushed the worst of the smears and does not deserve a pass for it.
You can watch the pathetic makeup session here:
