Joe Lieberman, old school liberal
Joe Lieberman, three-term senator from Connecticut and former vice-presidential candidate, is a very liberal Democrat...but with a difference. It is because of this difference that his own party has turned against him with a vengeance, yet it remains to be seen whether Nutmeg State voters will follow suit...
In many ways, Lieberman reminds me of my dad: spiritual, patriotic with an unabashed love of country, military veteran, and possessing an unswerving belief that Big Government can cure all social ills (stemming no doubt from memories of the Great Depression and Franklin Delano Roosevelt). My dad was a Democrat but not the modern version -- he would not recognize his party today.
You see, my dad would never say or do anything to weaken the United States, harm our military, or sully the prestige of our president or way of life in the eyes of the world. He was an Old School Democrat.
Aside from the uncharacteristic tap dancing during the 2000 campaign regarding abortion, the Clinton impeachment, and Hollywood accountability, Joe Lieberman is of like mind. The senator's wellspring of liberalism is fed from the same aquifer as were the founts of past liberal standard-bearers such as Hubert Humphrey, Henry Jackson, and Harry Truman...and my dad. Principled men all, but from another time, perhaps a more honorable time.
Old School.
Why Lieberman's In Trouble
Without belaboring the occasional bouts of campaign back-pedaling, Lieberman has remained a devout Democrat while maintaining his love for the nation and respect for its political system. He clings to his liberal beliefs yet is sure enough of himself and his ideals to stand with conservatives on such matters as national security, violence and pornography, supporting the War on Terror, and school vouchers.
In other words, Joe Lieberman is a Democrat with a firmly-entrenched core of spiritual, moral, and ethical values that define the man and direct his statesmanship.
Old School.
Contrast that with the leftist radicalism that is the majority base of today's Democratic Party and you begin to understand why a principled liberal is facing reelection difficulties in a very blue northeastern state.
Joe Lieberman has been outspoken in his support for the administration's stances on terrorism and mission in Iraq, and against the Kerry-Feingold amendment to pull out troops from Iraq. However, to do so as a member of today's bushwhacking, value-challenged Democratic Party is akin to politically slitting one's own throat.
Senate democratic colleagues Feingold, Reid, Kennedy, and Durbin have publicly given support to Lieberman's heretofore unknown August 8 primary challenger, Ned Lamont, and several other senators have tacitly concurred. John Francois Kerry (Noted Vietnam Veteran) and Mrs. Clinton (Smartest Woman In America) have also publicly plunged daggers into his back.
Primary polls indicate that incumbent Lieberman is in trouble. Billionaire George Soros and MoveOn.org are arrayed against him, and many rank-and-file Democrats are furious with him for supporting President Bush's Iraq agenda. But does this mean that Lieberman is in danger of losing his Senate seat? Not necessarily.
Why Lieberman Can Prevail
Despite negative primary polling data, the fact is that by and large Joe Lieberman's fellow Nutmeggers approve of his senatorial tenure. In addition, the deep-blue state elected a Republican governor as well as congressional representatives such as Republican Christopher Shays. And while the governor and Shays certainly can't claim to be conservative, the fact that they are politically alive in such an extremely liberal state says something about the diversity of Connecticut politics and voter independence.
Next, Lieberman's Senate and committee seniority, many years' worth of political acumen, and a host of bipartisan cloakroom friendships must be considered -- each critical for passing legislation with support from both sides of the aisle. These things are noticed by and meaningful to voters who care enough about productive representation to ignore the fatwa for Lieberman's beheading by way of the ultra-Left jihad.
Finally, there is the very real specter of Joseph Lieberman running as an Independent. Loyal Connecticut party members, at least those perceptive enough to clearly see the paucity of modern congressional Democrats who exemplify integrity and worthiness, may yet support him. To them, turning on Lieberman makes no sense; He may bolt the once-great party now controlled by extremist brawlers who howl for blood at the drop of a rational thought. If he runs as an Independent he will win.
And if you think Lieberman leaving the Democratic Party isn't a realistic possibility, think again. Start counting up the scores of congressional Republicans nee Democrats who were also turned away or abandoned by the ever-growing cadre of radical bomb-throwers who now rule America's liberal party. It's an amazing number.
Personally, I don't see Joe Lieberman running as anything other than a Democrat -- it is who he is. Contrary to the polls and smart money, I believe Lieberman will win in the primary and retain his Senate seat.
And while I rarely agree with Lieberman's liberal ideas, I do think that principled, healthy debate in the halls of Congress is good for America, especially when offered by a man of such good standing. I also think the citizens of Connecticut may agree because they know who they have in Joe Lieberman -- A principled Democrat who puts America first.
A good liberal from the Old School.