hes one issue voter and that one issue is israel thats all the guy cares about so he was afraid that a black guy would mean death to israel like joe the redneck plumber said, and we all know black leaders have had problems with israel in the past lieberman cares about america but he only cares about america as a tool to protect and serve his fav #1 country. thats why he wanted mccain
Actually I'm not saying reward him. I'm saying that his chair is the stick to use on Lieberman to make sure he stays inline on critical votes. Giving speeches is the most visible role of a Senator but as far as getting things done the only thing that really matters is votes. So while yes Lieberman has betrayed the Democrats by speaking and campaigning those are irrelevant to how much of the Democratic agenda can be passed as long as he keeps on voting with them.
A chair is a reward. It is a reward to the leaders of the party that wins the leadership of the Congress. He lost the privilege of the chair when he lost the Dem primary and ran against the Dem nominee as an Independent. But he retained his chair on a premise like you describe above. That chair was supposed to be the stick that kept him off the GOP convention floor. In fact, it was specifically supposed to be that. What sort of losers would the Democrats be if, after he violated his specific promise, they said well, okay, but this time you really better do it? And what vote do you think would wind up different if he was denied his chair? A SC vote? A vote on health care or taxes or education or energy? I doubt it. If he was willing to violate all possible party loyalty, while retaining his chair, on principle, why would he vote against principle now? He is not a Democrat. He has proven that. He has no loyalty to any specific party. Or, the loyalty he had at one time, has already been trumped by the bitterness he felt at losing his CT primary. So what's left? He will not stand with Democrats because he has a chair or shares time in their caucus. He is no longer a Democrat. Not according to party allegiance, because he has none. If he wants to vote with Dems on principle, great. If he doesn't, fine. But chairs are awarded to members of the winning party. And he is no longer in that party. That was his choice. And elections have consequences. This isn't about revenge or recriminations. It's about fairness. Plain and simple. That chair belongs to a Democrat now.
In general, I agree with this analysis. Lieberman certainly doesn't have Conn.'s interests in mind, but represents Israel's interests very well.
