"but Reid was reluctant to act against the Connecticut senator earlier because Democratic control of the Senate relied on Lieberman’s decision to organize with the Democrats."

Sure, you don't need him anymore so kick him off your playground.

The absolute gall of Liebermann over the past few years has left me hoping the people of CT send him packing, permanently, the next time he comes up for election.
I will never forget the "KISS" (Google that sometime!) that George W. planted on him on the floor of the Senate. At that moment, I thought he'd "sold his soul….". It appears I wasn't too far off.

Lieberman will soon discover that a traitor has no home. Ultimately, he will be abandoned by both parties because he has no loyalty or honor. And in this new era of governing in Washington, it's time for Joe to seek employment elsewhere. I heard that they have an opening for plumber in Ohio, and he even has the right name for it!

Farrell – You can add Biden to that pasture too, He is not for change he has been in the Senate since the 70's. Oh that's right you voted for him as Vice President.

say it aint so joe aka "joe the backstabber"

how convenient. a very flexible man who i hope will not be holding important position in the new administration… because we can't afford it. i agree with not punishing him, instead, let him return to McCain's side. it's his intention that is unworthy to serve the country, not his choice of candidate. there are good GOP politicians who can contribute in the new government, not him.

As a lifelong and proud Democrat, I hope that Senator Reid will not act like a Republican. They are the party of narrow and doctrinaire positions. Democrats are a party that encourages people to think and act with integrity. Therefore, I hope that Senator Lieberman will continue to retain his chairmanship and status in the Democrat caucas. This is the time for statesmanship.

What are we afraid of?

"the enforcer"

"Lieberman must be punished so that others know that the Democrats are not to be taken for wussy punks."

too late, all true patriots have known for decades you little girly boys are a bunch of pussies

GET RID OF THE LOSER. TRADER. LIEBERMAN CHOSE TO GO ALONG WITH THE HATER AND WAR MONGERS. OH AND ALSO BIG LIARS. SO GIVE HIM THE BOOT.

It's one thing to lend one's support to a particular candidate but for him to show up at all of those rallies was crossing the line. Joe Lieberman did not do himself justice.

What is the difference between Lieberman, Biden and Hillary Clinton?

They all agree on Obama's qualifications to be president, but Lieberman is the only one who is not a hypocrite.

If Joe wants to be a Republican, he should run as one. If CT wants Joe the Republican, they will vote for him. His behavior is a betrayal to every person in CT who voted him into office. Not to mention a betrayal to the caucus.

Honestly, I remember being shocked when Kerry put him on the ticket, I thought at the time that he was far to right for my comfort…just took a couple of years for his spots to show to the rest of the country

Joe Lieberman supported McCain because McCain supported the Iraq War. Joe is Pro-Israel which is alright, but he abandoned the broader principles of the Democratic Party and did not support the Democratic Nominee. He does not deserve any Chairmanships. The Dems will only make a deal with him it if it supports their causes that they are working on for the American People.

Joe Leiberman reminds me of a man without a home — very sad!

I hope he gives Lieberman his PINK SLIP.

Joe the Blow must Go!
He has shown his true colors – RED – and he has made a complete idiot out of his egotistical self – another Republican trait!

Well that would send a strong message of "unity" now wouldn't it?

Let's face it…Obama is a politician like any other Washington "insider" and now Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are having their hayday with a vengence.

Being a democrat means that you believe in the ideas and ideals of the Democratic party. That being said.. we already know that Lieberman doesn't believe in either.. so he should get out. Nothing wrong with being independent or republican.. just don't claim you're a democrat when your general philosophy is not that of the party.

Hmm…..leaves the Democratic Party when the Republicans take charge, supports McCain and bad-mouths Obama, then most recently praises Obama after it's clear who's going to win the Presidency, and now wants back in the Democratic Party now that they're in charge.

Sounds like nothing more than an opportunistic traitor who has no allegence to anyone but himself.

Throw da bum out!!!

He should apologies to Obama then they should keep him caucus.

If Joe Lieberman had just supported the war in Iraq, for his pro-Israel position, it could have been acceptable as a difference of opinion. BUT he ACTIVELY supported McCain and he ACTIVELY opposed Obama. Thus Lieberman destroyed all good will options from the Democratic party and he MUST be expelled. Let him enjoy the comfort he found in his Republican friends and allies.

Ask Obama what to do with Lieberman. We trust Obama's judgement.

Sure, Joe is a traitor and a fool but remember the old adage, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." It does no good to alienate anyone and make Lierberman into a posterchild of Democratic pique. Joe will follow the Obama line carefully from now on and if he doesn't that will be the time to punish him. Of course, he will be removed from his committee chairmanship and any other leadership position, he's not a Democrat anymore and the leadership roles are for the Party in power.

Arrivederci, Tessio.

Dear Eva.
I can tell what a bipartisan moderate John McCain was just by his thousands of attack ads and robo calls calling democrats socialists, terrorists and not "real Americans". I don't believe Republicans should now be so concerned about bipartisanship-they haven't shown any for the past 30 years.

Listen to dopey David from Illinois' version of bipartinsanship "I too believe Lieberman should get the boot. It doesn't mean that the Dems don't believe in bipartisanship. Lieberman is still free to vote with the Dems or not. It's his choice. "

A rather typical liberal thought about bi-partisanship. See, we are bipartisan, you are free to vote with us whenever you want. We won't hold you voting with us against you.

Change you can believe in!

Well, I guess that is why Joe Lieberman is an Independent, which is what I feel I am.

No I did not like the idea that he supported McCain and said the things he said about President Elect Obama, but that was and is every American's right. He ultimately has to answer for his own actions.

I just hope the Democrats can continue to take the high road and not burn too many bridges before we continue on with the change that we so desperately need!

This guy is worthless now!

Go home Joe!

Throw the bum out!
He can caucus with the republicans.

Liebermann never put COUNTRY FIRST it was always ISRAEL first.

We, the real Democrats want and urge Reid to have Libermann's Senate seat move to the Red Zone. Libermann, before and during the primaries and main election has been a "Republican in disguise". He sided with the Republicans to the extent of openly criticising former Democratic colleagues. Libermann cannot have it both ways. MOVE HIM!

Joe Lieberman has been a very good Senator on social issues, other than his stance on Iraq and his long friendship with John McCain, he will continue to be a good Senator. The John McCain he supported has changed radically politically and his judgement in supporting him, and his statements of support and questions about Barack Obama, should not result in his being removed from the Democratic caucus. It's time for unity and not for vindictiveness!

Keeping Lieberman in the Democratic Caucus is enough. He certainly doesn't deserve a chairmanship of anything.

Lieberman is a trator to his party and should be sent packing. This type of thing is all about politics not about the Democrats' "true colors" showing through.

Lieberman was Dem's VP candidate in 2000, & nearly won.
Now he's an Independent. He won without Dem support.
Last session he was needed for Dem's to control Senate.
Now he's not needed for control.

Further, rather than neutrality or bipartisanship, he chose McCain.
This naturally caused great resentment among loyal blue Dems.
The Dem. Senate is likely to strip him of his major Chair, Homeland Security, but probably not his position on other committees.
Some price will be demanded as just dessert, if the above partisan diatribes are any example of Senate feelings. However, Senators are more civil in public discourse than many CNN bloggers.

To resolve this, how about Obama appointing him to the Cabinet?
This would open his Senate seat to a "real" or "trusty" Dem Senator.
And provide some bipartisanship Obama is looking for.
rel

what of joe the plumber, joe lihermann, and joe biden in true american sit down and enjoy a meal together and laugh without rancour. take life easy folks

Lieberman should switch his affinity to the GOP. He has always turns against the Democratic Party. While President CLinton was in Ireland trying to broker peace, Lieberman was busy at senate floor attacking the President for moral flaws regarding Monica Lewinsky.In this very historical time for the Party and our country and to what means to the Party's most loyal supporters- African Americans,Lieberman continues to be disrespectable and disloyal to the party.He needs to go

Who knows what Lieberman was thinking about when he attacked Obama or if he was thinking at all. I know it would be hard for Senator Harry Reid to give Lieberman the boot, they've been friends for a long time but it might be best. Just think about Lieberman and McCain conspiring in the Senate to overthrow the Government because they are too old and senile to do anything else but create trouble. McCain and Lieberman both need to be put out to pasture, they are two old grumpy men with a past and no vision for the future, just war.

It is time for Joe to GOOOOOOOOOOO!
Working together is very important. But when there is no trust it cannot be done.
The man did his last Flip Flop and was caught and reeled in and is gasping his last breath on the side of the fishing boat.
Intengrity is very important and I feel McCain had quite a bit.
McCain refused to support many Rove actions. The party did the actions not McCain. JOE DID NOT and needs to go away.

It's time to go Joe!! Bye Bye!!

YES he sooooooooooooooooooooooo needs the boot! And do it TODAY please.

This is an EASY ONE!!

Lieberman sided with McCain because he felt that McCain was more likely to strike if Israel was attached.

His primary interest was to protect Israel.

We could argue either way if this was right or wrong and one could legitimately argue which country was Lieberman referring to when he supported the notion of "Country First".

If he was smart he should have stayed neutral and tried to influence after the new government was in – OH well.

Here is my PERDICTION !!!!

Loses – Chairmanship
Allowed to stay on the committee as an independent

Good compromise!

Send his butt packing. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He should be careful around Helicopters though. Sarah might be hunting.

Harry Reid needs to reign this guy in; he has done nothing but play "both sides against the middle" for too-long; he needs to either support President Obama, or be quiet until his term is complete and go back to CT.

CNN:
As many people have already noted, Lieberman was not the VP candidate four years ago!

Please change this information.

As a registered Democrat and diehard liberal, I say forgive Joe! Times are tough, and we can't afford to hold grudges when there is work to be done.

BREAKING NEWS – The state of North Carolina votes are tabulated and goes to President-elect Obama!!!
I am thrilled beyond belief – NC is my state!!!!!

I AM SO GLAD I TURNED INDEPENDENT! I DID IT FOR THIS REASON , THE WAY THE DEMS TREAT THEIR OWN, AND THE REST OF THE SENATORS ETC WHO ARENT ON BOARD. NANCY PELOSI IS ONE OF THE HARSHIST OF THEM ALL. LIEBERMAN AND MCCAIN ARE BEST FRIENDS FOR ONE. MCCAIN IS A GOOD LEADER AND TO PENAILZE HIM FOR HIS CHOICE IS RIDICULOUS… WHAT DOES OBAMA SAY: ALL OF THE PEOPLE. YOU TRUE BELEIVERS SHOULD LOOK TO YOUR NEW LEADER FOR GUIDANCE, CAUSE THE REST OF THE COUNTRY IS QUITE FRANKLY VERY SICK OF YOU.

Oh no Joe say it ain't so heheheheh LOL so off you go you turn coat. How could you turn your back on the Democrats the way you did you are toast politically as the Maverick has more of my respect then you….. Peace Out!

Lieberman was wrong with his attacks on Obama after promising he would not engage in them, but he had every right to support the candidate of his choice. Reid should allow Lieberman to stay in the caucus – if that's what Lieberman wants. Committee chairmanship is a different story, and needs to be renegotiated. Booting Lieberman will not only make Obama look like a fraud, but will also make the conservative Democrats in the Senate very neervous. Allow dissent without punishment, rebuke for breaking his word.

KICK 'EM TO THE CURB"…. along with GUILIANI, LIMBAUGH, ROVE AND HANNITY!!!

As a proud Republican, I have to say it's funny to watch all the liberals on this site over-reach. You are not only sore losers, but also sore winners.

Let it go. What happened to reaching across the isle? For your information, it is incumbent upon the winners to reach out, not the losers.

Throw the bum out and go build bridges in Alaska.

He is a traitor and should not be rewarded for his disloyalty. He is a backstabber. Fire him!!!!!!

Differing opinions should and are welcome. We do not need to be like the Bush adminstration that lived in a bubble and did not hear anyone or anything that did not fall in line with their desires.

Leiberman however was dishonest. That is the real problem in politics today. The Hannity, limbaugh, Oriely crowd can be as Bias as they want, the problem is all the lieing.

Todays replublican agenda simply does not exist without lieing. Honesty should be our goal, and especially so when our policies or ideas are found to be wrong. Both sides need to strive to be fair and Honest, not fair and Balanced. Life is not balanced andthe news is not balanced the only way to report it "Balanced" is to lie. That is what killed the republican party. We are going to need the help of honest conservatives to fix the problems we face today. It is in everyones best interset that the Republican party cleans itself of the hate radio and the lieing and becomes the once proud party it was. Yes together we can!

Yep you Dems. throw Liberman under the bus because he can't have a different point of view in politics. If I were Joe I would run out of that liberal nut party as fast as I can.

One could say that Joe lost the VP bid twice – 8 years ago, and again last Tuesday. But if McCain won, did anyone truly think Sarah Palin was going to have any real #2 duties, given her views and with the country so split? Joe Lieberman was going to be the "sidekick maverick" in an attempt by McCain to help steer the Republican party to the center. I believe McCain's grand plan was to form coalitions with fiscal conservatives of both parties, while marginalizing each party's social extremes – it was perhaps the only way he could have governed anyway.

But McCain lost – no, ceded – control of his campaign for perceived short-term opportunism. In the end, that's what the majority of voters saw, with no long-term vision on anything. Too bad for him that he did not stick to his higher principles.

Send Lieberman packing to along with his buddy, John McCain. He gambled on John McCain and lost and now he must pay the cost.

And Eva,

We're not all that quick to judge. Let's wait and see if Harry is tempered or brash.

I hope Joe Liebeman gets shown the door along with Joe the plumber and Joe Six-Pack.

This is no small matter. Demo for Mccain. Joe Lieberman made his choice,but too say those harsh words about a fellow Demo,that's running for the higest office in this Country. That clearly is a team changer. You don't need the Demo party anymore, we heard you loud and clear. Goodbye Joe,Thanks for the memories.

You can't trust Lieberman anymore. He will not work for or with Obama. I can't wait for Lieberman to be voted out of office.

Let's see how fast the President-elect's promise to be "everyone's" president falls by the wayside.

PS. PLEASE SEN. REID ASK LIEberman to retire! He, sir, is NO Democrat!

Screw Lieberman, he is a traitor to the democratic cause, he flips between parties to appease what ever best suits his best interests. He is a hack, and people from Conneticut should be ashamed that they have re-elected time and time again. Pull your heads out of your arses and don't let this ever happen again. Reid force this shmuck to go Republican, and then lets see where his re-elction hopes are at in 2 years. I am Jewish and I am ashamed that I share a religion with Deputy Dog.

It's time to let Lieberman go I don't believe he can be trusted.

Reid's an idiot, I hope Liberman pokes him in the eye.

Buh-bye Joe. I hear McCain could use another VP…

I think the only reason he should be kicked out is if he wants to display open hostility towards the head of his party, Barack Obama. Dissent is fine. You liked McCain better, fine, you guys WERE good friends beforehand. But its over, if you want to be a Democrat, fine. Fight for different solutions when you disagree with Obama. That's America. However, if he wants to be a Republican in Democrat clothing, the Democratic leadership HAS the right to strip him of high level DEMOCRATIC committees and chairs. I'm all for Obama. Joe can go where he wants, he should just be honest about what he believes, talk to Reid and make a decision. Its a legitimate question to ask him who's team he's on now.

I think Lieberman is a single-issue person: Israel. His only interest is keeping the US engaged militarily and every other way in the Mideast, as this plays to the safety and purposes of Israel. That is why he is so pro-war.

In many things, the US SHOULD support Israel. However, Lieberman is a US Senator, and he should not be putting any other nation's interests ahead of our own.

That said, he will complete at least his current term. As long as he is there, if he's any good at his committee work leave him be, there is no value in appearing to be vindictive.

Loyalty has no place in leadership truly. If Joe can do the job then so be it. To be honest, it would be a symbolic gesture of bipartisanship to keep him around.

Loyalty for Joe should be to his constituents and concience. If that put him at odds with the democrats then such is life. I think using the new power voted the democrats to destroy the man would probably be a very petty first act.

Benedict…

Make traitor Joe pay!!!!!!!

There is a difference between reaching accross the aisle and backstabbing. Lieberman needs to go because he is a backstabber, period. Let us not forget this is a guy that Obama actually helped and what did Lieberman do?

Thanks but no thanks Lieberman.

I am an independent that leans Democrat, but if I were a Democrat, I would be upset with Joe Lieberman as well. Does that means he should be kicked out of the caucus? I think not- keeping him in would send a strong message that the Democrats are willing to overlook his remarks and thus shows that they are willing to work in a bi-partisan manner. If the Democrats were smart they would make Joe Lieberman and John McCain important voices in the Senate to help bridge divides. Democrats need to govern to the middle- if they don't, they risk losing control of the House and Senate in two years. Compromise and bipartisanship are key. Let's try to reach across the aisle- it's what the country needs.

LIEberman, needs to retire! The man is a fraud, a liar and a traitor. You are free to support whom you please. BUT when you were a former VP candidate in the Democratic party with Al Gore, and then when the Neo-cons-Bushies come into power…… you suddenly SWITCH sides, you need to retire quietly and save some of the little 'face' you have left!

Joe LIEberman, go away quietly into the sunset, and be quiet.

Please Sen. Reid get rid of this traitor. He was completely nasty at the RNC and should they have won-he would have been all over McCain. We don't want or need him. Good riddance!

Mr. Lieberman is not a Democrat. If he were a Democrat and felt at odds with either the Democratic party platform or its standard bearer, a man of honor would have remained silent and done no harm. He did not do that. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he is honorable (a leap to be sure), he has shown that is not a Democrat and does not wish the Democratic platform to suceed. Thus, it is not retrobution or vengence to ask Mr. Lieberman, as a member of the honorable oposition, to relinquish his chair and any other positions of authority he may have possessed when he was a Democrat. He has show that he is oposed to the adgend set by the Democratic party, how could he possibly be trusted to implement its policies. Whether he chooses to vote for legislation supported by the Democrats is up to him. The Democrats should, of course, welcome his support and should reach out to him whenever possible.

I believe that Joe Lieberman should be replaced as leader of his committes and expelled from the Democratic caucus. If he wants to vote independantly let him be indepedant. Maybe he should talk to Zell Miller and do lunch.
Joe from Georgia

All of you are a bunch of Hypricrates. Joe is great senator, just because he did not agree with your choice for President. This is a America. Yesterday everybody was pushing Unity down the Republicans throats. Then you want Joe removed. Democrates will never change and that is why we have no unity in America.

Well my personal feeling are that Liberman should be out, to put it mildly. This man offered president bush, and then mccain strong support undermining the best interests of our nations let along his own political party.

That said, obviously this is a decision shouldn't be made quickly, or taken lightly. The Democratic caucus has a powerful majority and mandate, for now. We don't know if congress will swing back in another couple years, and frankly the democrats hardly have a fillabuster proof position. Every vote still counts, so perhaps from a practical perspective it might be a good idea to keep him on.

But honestly, lately I've seen liberman as not serving america's best interests. So I don't know… If I was Reid I'd be very tempted on principal to kick him out of the Democratic caucus.

People who are saying that this is an issue of bi-partisanship, and freedom of speech are a little off base. This is an issue of the Senate Democrats. Joe showed that he wasn't a Democrat when he lost the nominee of his party 2 years ago, and ran anyway as an independent. The Senate Democrats needed Joe 2 years ago to have a majority, they don't need him anymore. I think the person who said to allow him to continue to caucus with the Democrats, but strip him of his chairmanships had a good idea. Especially the foreign relations committee, because he does not represent what the Democrats want on most foreign policy issues. I am a Democrat. Part of me wants to see this guy thrown out for the nasty things he has said about Democrats, but I also see the value of extending the olive branch.

The amount of vile name calling and pure hatred being spewed in the blog by the Obama supporters is really sickening. It shows a complete lack of maturity. The Democrats won, and everyone accepts that, but stop with the childish name calling. It looks like a bunch of fifth graders elected Obama.
(The Dems won, now it's their turn to completely finish off the economy)
It's a sad state that we don't have a viable third party in this country, because I want no part of either the Democrats or Republicans.

It appears that the PUMAs are speaking up for Lieberman but are trying to ensure that Richardson will not get a position in Obama cabinet. You are such hypocrits.

Well my personal feeling are that Liberman should be out, to put it mildly. This man offered president bush, and then mccain strong support undermining the best interests of our nations let along his own political party.

That said, obviously this is a decision shouldn't be made quickly, or taken lightly. The Democratic caucus has a powerful majority and mandate, for now. We don't know if congress will swing back in another couple years, and frankly the democrats hardly have a fillabuster proof position. Every vote still counts, so perhaps from a practical perspective it might be a good idea to keep him on.

But honestly, lately I've seen liberman as not serving america's best interests. So I don't know… If I was Reid I'd be very tempted on principal to kick him out of the Democratic caucus.

I don't think you should get rid of him. I think he is a good man. He can still do a lot of good for his party. Keep him!!!

Leiberman needs to be thrown out of the Democratic cacaus. He is not even an Independant

I believe most of the reason Lieberman supported Mccain, he did it out of friendship for McCain. That is admirable and bi-partisian.
However seeing him nodding and smiling at McCain campaign events, when Mccain was speaking negatively about issues that Lieberman supports, causes me concern. Strip him of Chairmanship but not the Demo causcus.
It is a time for healing not revenge.. America needs us all

I would welcome different opinions and ideas. Except Lieberman lies when it could advance him politically. He does not deserve respect.

Hey Joe the Independent!! The Democratic Caucus does not need you. They won the election without your help why would they even consider anything coming out of your mouth as valid. The Republicans are saying Obama won because the economy was bad. Truth of the matter, Obama ran an excellent campaign and they're too proud to admit it. So why are you not palling around with McCain today?

Who cares about diversity ? If someone can do the job, it doesn't matter if they are all white. As Obma said, we are one America. He doesn't owe Blacks anything because we help to put him into office. If there is a Black qualified, then oh well! I would love to see Colin Powell serve in his cabinet, but he doesn't want it. Black people need to chill!

Well my personal feeling are that Liberman should be out, to put it mildly. This man offered president bush, and then mccain strong support undermining the best interests of our nations let along his own political party.

That said, obviously this is a decision shouldn't be made quickly, or taken lightly. The Democratic caucus has a powerful majority and mandate, for now. We don't know if congress will swing back in another couple years, and frankly the democrats hardly have a fillabuster proof position. Every vote still counts, so perhaps from a practical perspective it might be a good idea to keep him on.

But honestly, lately I've seen liberman as not serving america's best interests. So I don't know… If I was Reid I'd be very tempted on principal to kick him out of the Democratic caucus.

Those who defend Lieberman through the freedom of speech angle are mixing apples with bananas.

Lieberman can say whatever he want under the protection of law. But the question here is whether he should be awarded with a chairmenship, ahead of many other loyal, worthy democrates. I hope not.

Maybe he can be the Republican Senate Minority Whiner In Chief. Get him out of the Dem caucus, get him out of any chairmanships, especially Homeland Security. Mmmbuh-bye.

let me guess at that conversation. Dear joe, as the party of the minority people and as the party that will reach across the isle to republicans, and as the party that promises change, get lost.

I too believe Lieberman should get the boot. It doesn't mean that the Dems don't believe in bipartisanship. Lieberman is still free to vote with the Dems or not. It's his choice. He also made the choice to try to derail Obama's bid for the presidency. It's not retribution. It's just that Joe has made his decision fairly clear where he stands…. and he can't be a chairman.
Are there really PUMA people still around? Because the party, did indeed, look extremely unified even to a casual observer. PUMA naysayers were marginalized. They're still bitter…. too bad.

Joe was free to support whom ever, as Colin did:) Obama got the better deal!

With democrats like Joe Lieberman, who needs Republicans?

he looks like that kinda guy that reaches across the ailse to joe six pack for a cold one

Bye Bye Joe

They might need help in Alaska building a bridge or something

WOW – such words from you peaceful Democrats! I have to laugh as true colors are showing. Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you do get rid of Joe Lieberman the rest of us will see exactly what you are doing. Throwing anyone aside who doesnt believe in the exact way you dems think and feel. What happened to Obamas speech – when he said this country has to come together – and be bi-partisan? If McCain won he is one of the most moderate Reps there were and would have def worked across party lines.

Remember – those who you wish evil on have only two years to wait. Not long at all… perhaps the reps can get some of that same foreign money that Obama received in small donations to win some seats back.

This man is a filthy crook; back stabber and a lier. He should be thrown out of Democratic Caucus. Reid will make a big mistake in his political life if he keep this traitor in Caucus. Because the moment
LIE BERMAN got another chance, he will backstab… YOU BETCHA….

be gone joe! you're not a dem pure and simple.

No don't fire him yet. Do at a time that he would least expect it. Treat him like the slime he is.

Kick him to the CURB!

"I guess freedom of speech is only a protected right for Democrats who supported Obama. This is nonsense."

Nobody is trying to put him in jail for what he said, or even tell him that he isn't allowed to say it — that's what freedom of speech is all about. But just because he has the right to speak his mind, doesn't mean others have to like it. We all have a similar right to act based upon the words spoken. Each each party's caucus is like a "club" with conditions for membership. The members of the club have the right to decide who can be a member.

If President elect Obama can look to Republicans to help bring this country together,why not a man who took a lot of heat to do what he thought was best for the country? Obama will prove to be the best man at the right time , Joe Lieberman will see this and join with him gladly.

WOw, this is a tough crowd.
I'm actually agreeing with everyone, but I have to say that as a resident of CT–we don't need rogue senators or represenatives for that matter trying to change the country, so I would say I hope that Joe does feel the consequences of his actions and as should all others who do the same. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

As much as the Dems might want to keep the seat, after watching Lieberman grin through the nasty lies and misleading statements made about Obama, I think he should be asked to leave the caucus. He was only to give a speech at the convention, but as it turns out, he appeared standing right behind McCain with a big smile on his face. Disgusting.

I as an lifelong independent find it hard to understand how Lieberman could have crossed over from being a firm VP candidate Democrat to the position he held and the words he said at the RNC and than to be able to remain in the Democratic Caucus.

Did he just "switch" change his mind or was it more of a time for "opportunity" to be regained after his and Al Gore's loss in 2000.

At best he might hope to remain within the Democratic caucus but give up the chairmanship as he still in my eyes is an indpendent at best leaning toward the republicans by his actions. However, he should be allowed to represent the people whom voted him into office from Connecticut. I belive though he will no longer have the trust of the Democratic party.

I hope they throw him out. He was such a disgrace. Ridiculous…

Hey fellow Obama fans: lets not be hypocrits! Republicans got our country into a fine mess by ignoring half the country. Lets not make the same mistake. Hopefully Joe will do what all public servants should do: listen to their constituents and vote accordingly. In the mean time, lets continue our tone of reconciliation and solidarity–one United State of America–remember?

A reminder that the "majority" the Democrats have had is a thin "majority" of one. And that lone Democrat is Lieberman. So before criticizing Democrats for having a "majority" recognize that Lieberman was that majority and yes, there ought to be dialogue with Lieberman about his position in Congress. If you had a Lieberman in your organization you certainly would want a sit down with him to clear the air and open dialogue.

Stripping him the chairman position is not a partisan, but a policy move. If President Obama and the great majority of American want us to move out of Iraq, then why would you have someone in the senate leadership position doesn't have the right judgment to do so??

He should go. This is not a partisan issue!!

Let's go a step further. Any Amercan who supported McCain in this election should be forced to step down from any leadership position they hold. There is simply no room for dissent in this country. Support Obama or else!

So he loses with Gore and turns his back on the Democratic party, then expects that he's going to be welcomed back when his gambit for power with McCain doesn't work out. He's always been more of a Republican than a Democrat and he proved it, so why doesn't he just go join them? Oh yeah, he doesn't want to give his power.

Joe, now you can wonder off into the sunset with McCain.

If senator Lieberman wants to support the Republicans, bad mouth the Democrats, then let him caucus with them and let him have chairmanships on there comittees. We need unity and partisanship and those that can't deliver leave them behind. the people will soon rid congress of all those who are not for the people, all of the people.

If you don't already have 59 votes you don't need Lieberman to make 60.. He should be kicked out and given to the Republicans. This man is an opportunist who can't be trusted. If the Democrats get rid of him altogether then prehaps Conn will get rid of him in 4 years.

I would think it is in Joe Liebermans'best interest to sit as an independant thus allowing him to vote on matters as he sees fit and not having to worry about party affliation.I can't really see him sitting as a committed Democrat anymore,I think his support for McCain was
borne more out of friendship than policy.

It's not just about him supporting McCain…that's an honest difference of opinion, and what America is about.

It's that he has been in constant support of the most Nazi-like president in our history, based on the mere thought of terrorism. It's "leaders" like that…those that live in fear…that shred the Constitution. When we do that, and when we condone leaders who act this way, people like bin Laden WIN. No more of that. I believe reversing this collective notion is what Tuesday was all about.: Taking back the country from the party that says, "Be afraid…trust me…"

Lieberman should be booted out! He is a traitor and cannot be trusted, not in this administration.He is a snake!

I'm a conservative, who voted for neither McCain nor Obama in this election. I disagree with a lot of what I heard from Obama, but I didn't like how far to the right McCain moved in the last couple of months leading up to Tuesday.

That being said, I wonder how many people who post on these boards are actually of voting age. Lieberman is a grown man, who chose to do what he felt was the right thing for his country. G-d forbid he doesn't fall in lockstep with everything Harry Reid commands! He disagrees with the leadership of his party on one issue, and you'd think he turned into the devil himself.

Real adults are allowed to disagree with one another on some issues, even if they agree on most. Look at Jim Jeffords, who decided to switch to Independent, when he knew that doing so would give control of the Senate to the Democrats in 2000. Or Robert Byrd, who stated unequivocally that he felt that Clinton had committed high crimes and misdemeanors while in office warranting impeachment, but not conviction. Going against the prevailing ideas and voting for what you think is right, even when it's not politically expedient is called 'leadership' and the country would do better to have more men and women like him in every legislative body.

Just remember, anyone that agrees with everything you say is probably trying to sell you something–and if you agree with everything someone else says, you've stopped thinking for yourself. It's time to grow up, and start working together. That applies to each and every one of the 133 million+ who voted. Continued vitriol and name calling from both sides does nothing but provoke further division, and guarantee that nothing of substance will happen over the next 2 years, or until one party gains "super-majorities" in both houses of Congress.

This is not Obama's decision…

Put the boots to him, medium style.

Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer. Let him stay, but watch him like a hawk.

I read all the posts before mine, and I have only one comment.

While Lieberman surely deserves to be thrown out of the caucus, many of the Democrats, at least in this comment section, who have left their remarks seem to have the same affliction they hate most in Republicans, personal attacks.

Personal attacks are destroying political discourse in this country. We have become an increasingly uncivil society; hopefully, Obama can help that to. WE need to talk about issues, not people's personalities.

Goodbye Sell-OUT Liberman… he is a piece of crap that shouldnt be trusted by either party

You can't say that you're a FORMER Dem and be part of the Caucus. Joe chose a side. No one forced him…now it's time to go. Bye-bye Joe- you turncoat

I'd love to be a fly on that wall…

Traitor Joe!looser! Boot him off our winning team

Only took one day for mindless Lemmings to rally the Democratic party back to separatism; I'm impressed. Let's behead a fellow for having a broader perspective on some issues.

Does anyone remember how quickly Democrats tossed Senator Lieberman under the bus, during his last Senatorial campaigne?

How about a few doubts being cast on Reid, Dodd and Franks for their wonderful oversite of the banking community (a real issue), especially if you want to show someone the door.

Maybe just give pause for a while regarding the CT Senator. Or is personal integrity no longer a virtue?

I think Obama should offer him a cabinet post, DHS secretary maybe. That way the new prez appears to be the bigger person while Joe is put in a place where he can't do any damage to the agenda. Also, he leaves the caucus on his own and the CT gov can his seat to a real Dem like Ned Lamont.

Wait a minute, Joe has been trashing Obama and the democrats during this whole election cycle.
And you mean to ask me if he still should remain with them??

Out you go Joe, you traitor.

Seems to me when he declared himself to become an independent he ceased to belong to the Democratic party. Why should he then continue to use the party when it is to his advantage and abandon it when it isnt. Strikes me that so long as there are party affiliations as we have them now, he needs to pick one, not three. That carries bipartison to the extreme – and is also just a bit self serving – dont you think?

All of the repugnicans spouting rubbish about the Democrats' lack of bipartisanship are more than just a little hypocritical considering the Bush administration's my-way-or-the-highway attitude for the last 8 years. Joe Lieberman did more than just support his long-time friend John McCain. He knowingly lied about the president-elect and stood by and supported the lower than dirt campaign tactics of the Repugnicans. We should allow Joe to continue to caucus with the Democrats if he so chooses but he should not be allowed to retain any of his committee chairs.

As African Americans, we will support him to the fullest.Apparently, those that want him to fell are uneducated. Thank God for the white educated people!

"My view is Reid should take his chairmanship away, but leave him the choice to choose if he wants tp stay in the Dems caucus. The chairmanship will send the strong message that he messed up, while allowing him to stay says the Dems are willing to look forward and work with people with opposing views."

I agree. Strip him of his chairmanship but let him decide where to caucus and hope that he goes to the republicans.

Get rid of him. He's trying to play both sides. He chose his side the day he backed Sen. McCain.

Liberals…what happened to your philosophy of "we need to all pull together"? Sure not seeing it from your comments here! I would rather side with someone who stands by their beliefs than a shallow individual who only bases their support on political party…or who only votes based upon the color of someone's skin (*sound familiar to any of you?)

Reid should dump Lieberman and target his seat for a new Senator in the next election. It's one thing to buck the part line — Democrats have been doing that since the part was founded. But Leiberman has stepped way over the line in that he has enjoyed the benefit of holding a chaimanship and the perks that come with being in the part in power and, at the same time, betraying them over and again. Were he a Republican (or if the Republicans didn't need him anymore) and he pulled this crap with them, an affair with an child would be leaked to the press.

Get him out of there!!! I was living in CT when he turned on the Democratic party because he didn't win. His idea of democracy is pathetic. He felt that the voice of the people did not matter and he would do anything to please his own agenda. What's even sadder is the fact that they will let him stay. I think the outcome has already determined to keep him. Sad but true.

Reid should strip Lieberman of his Committee Chairmanship; let Senator Lieberman caucus with which ever party he wants (after all he is a declared Independent and as such isn't committed to either party). Senator Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should then both resign their leadership positions and be replaced by people who truly represent the mainstream of America.

Joe Lieberman needs to apologize, publicly, for allowing the Republicans to slander the Democratic nominee for president. For Joe Lieberman to support a Republican for President is silly and childish. Joe Lieberman's beliefs were put to the side, so he could thumb his nose at the party for real or imagined slights. Now that his Republican protector has lost, what choice does he have but to remain an independant, for who can believe now, that he follows the core beliefs of the DNC?

It's ok to be a Republican and throw your support for your party, it is another to be the VP nominee 8 years ago for the Democratic ticket and be as enthusiastic as Lieberman was with the McCain side, he has lost all credibility and Reid knows that if he keeps him as a Chairman of the HomeLand Security, Reid will loose a lot of respect from his Democratic Senators. He needs to go to the other side and stay there….

I'm an independant who is too conservative for any party. But I have to say that I thought the Dems were more "inclusive" than this. Most of the comments here lead me to beleive that a lot of "Dems" think that every one should just march lockstep with the rest of the party. WHEN WILL YOU UNDERSTAND THAT HAVING DIFFERENT OPINIONS IS HEALTHY FOR A PARTY AND FOR A COUNTRY. Do you really want a bunch of stupid "Yes Men" running our country who can't speak thier minds and have a differing oppinion? Hello Communism.

It's ironic how you could print someone's comments referring to Obama as "boy" withou awaing moderation , but would not print mine. You are full of it CNN.
Obama is not president yet, yet he is being criticized already. It is apparent that there are those who want him to fail, but with God on his side, he will succeed beyond expectations.

REID SHOULD BRING A CAN OF RAID

TO THE MEETING WITH JOE LIEBERMAN.

If Reid leaves well enough alone he signals "inclusion" by the Democratic Party. If he strips Lieberman of his chairmanship, but allows him to remain in the caucus he opens the way to reward someone who has shown more loyalty to the Democratic Party. If Lieberman is kicked out of the caucus he goes firmly into the Republican camp and can be counted on to give headaches to the Democrats for a long time. Remember that after he lost the Dem nomination for his Senate seat, he turned around and WON that seat as an independent. He's not going away. Probably the smartest thing for Reid to do would be to take away the chairmanship – which no one would fault him for doing but then extend the olive branch by continuing to invite him to be part of the Democratic caucus. My bet is on Reid to be heavily pressured to take a hard line and take maximum revenge against him for not following the party line (pretty funny since he is an INDEPENDENT not a DEMOCRAT senator so he doesn't officially have a party whose "line" he should be obliged to follow). I sense the Democratic party making a fatal mistake of overconfidence and engaging in payback which could lead to another swing back to the right during the mid-term elections which would stymie any reforms they might try to put in place in the next 2 years.

Yeah, Reid, you fool, use the man then discard him. Typical democRAT! I cannot wait until NOBAMA is discarded. My saving grace is the fact that I'm in Texas and Texas is a proud RED state!! All the idiots here that voted for the fool…. their votes didn't count and they had nothing to do with his election!!! I voted McCain and my vote counted.

Judas Lieberman is a chameleon………………..which ever way the wind blows, goes Judas. It is very pathetic and sad at how transparent he truly is.

Kick em to the curb! Connecticut, wake up!!!!

Uh oh. Democratic control of the Senate is no longer dependant on Lieberman……Bye Bye Lieberman.

Liberman is a disgrace and a big dissapointment. To think I voted for this man when he was the Vice Presidential pick to AlGore back in 2000 only to see him behave so unloyally later on to his party makes me want to see him gets whatever he has coming. It's would have been ok to endorce McCain due to his personal long-time friendship with him, but it was a totally different matter for him to campaign with him, standing next to him and whispering into his ears correcting his senior moments, dissing his once long time party at the Republican convention, and dissing his once long held party's nominee. This is unacceptable, and he should not be in a positon of chairing any democratic committees. He needs to be banned to the political wilderness without any semblence of power. At this moment, I dont have any love for Joe. The thrill is gone.

He betrayed his constituents who voted for a democrat. He would be considered a traitor in most instances. He needs to go join McCain and Palin, and their divisive ways.

Let's apply the "It's a Duck" formula.
If Lieberman walks like a Republican and he talks like a Republican, then he's a Republican.
Quack! Quack!

My heart goes to Lou Dobbs who tactically (by his words) did everything to de-campaign Obama and his policies during the presidential campaigns. He is, also secretly grieving Obama's triumph and he will continue to do everything to underrate the Obama cabinate in the fore years.

eh let him stay. He agrees with the Dems on everything except Iraq. We need his vote on social and domestic issues. Chuck Hagel cancels him out on th Iraq Issue anyways.

Some of you people are ridiculous. Lieberman is an Independent. He has a voice of his own and personally if we had more people like him in DC, we might actually get things done as opposed to just going along with the "Party" right or wrong.

Lieberman at least speaks his mind honestly and has a proven record of working with both Democrats and Republicans.

Way to go Joe – we need more people like you!!

It strikes me that this is a great opportunity for the new president-elect. If Obama intervenes with Reid on Lieberman's behalf (possibly using Rahm Emanuel as a go-between), he bolsters his bipartisan cred and puts Congressional Democrats on notice that he won't tolerate a repeat of 1992-1994. At the same time, he puts Lieberman deeply in his debt. Finally, it would help him mend his fences with John McCain.

PUMA, get over it. This isn't silencing anyone in dissent. This is getting rid of someone who wants to cower in fear of the GOP, and live in negativity. We don't need that anymore, and won't tolerate it. Get on board, or get left behind.

When Joe said America won't survive a Dem majority, that is negative absolutism. We've had enough of that for the last eight years to last a lifetime. Thanks, but no thanks. His time has past. He's no loner effective. He can't do anything toward making progress. He's obsolete.

Joe L. and Joe the Plumber can't pretend to be part of the cake. They were, are and will be eternally wrong. No place for Joe on the boat.

Let's not act too surprised by Liberman's actions lately.
He has always embraced the right wing extremist idealogy, and in particular Bush's falied foreign policy. When ever there been a discussion on a war in the middle east, Liberman has always been first in line to sign off on it.

This guy has wlays been a republican in disguise, come on, who are we kidding. Just follow his voting record with Bush's policies.

Kick him out Democrats, please, so he can finally be who he really is, another right wing nut job.

As an Obama democrat, I sincerely hope that Lieberman is not booted from the Democratic caucus. Obama campaigned on a message of unity and overcoming partisan divide, this is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that by allowing Lieberman to keep his place in the caucus.

Let's not act too surprised by Liberman's actions lately.
He has always embraced the right wing extremist idealogy, and in particular Bush's falied foreign policy. When ever there been a discussion on a war in the middle east, Liberman has always been first in line to sign off on it.

This guy has wlays been a republican in disguise, come on, who are we kidding. Just follow his voting record with Bush's policies.

Kick him out Democrats, please, so he can finally be who he really is, another right wing nut job.

It's not his criticism that people have a problem with Geraldine.
It's his lying.

As for silencing dissent – where have you been for the last 8 years?? Must be great to have such a selective memory.

This may seem odd to everyone that wants to get back at Lieberman for his actions this election cycle, but I think that Reid and other congressional democrats should bury the hatchet. Let Lieberman continue to hold his committee chairs. This is tough to swallow, but in victory – the democrats should be gracious to their opponents. Lieberman is still a democrat in his heart. He just happens to be a foreign policy hawk and a true friend of McCain. I respect his sound positions on foreign policy and his friendship with the opposition. Reprisals against Lieberman by Reid and other Dem senators would only be viewed with skepticism in this new "bipartisan" era and would give ammunition to the wounded GOP that continues to look for opportunities to attack the "left". So… let Lieberman stay put. He is up for election in 2010. If he gets the boot, then it's the foot of the people that does the booting. There is no need for Reid to rush this process. And such a merciful act by Reid would undoubtedly inspire a new loyalty by Lieberman toward the party that he loves and really is part of. His one vote in the senate will be very important in the coming months.

He went too far with his comments about Obama. I forgive him though.

Ronald Reagan had a golden rule. Thou shalt never speak badly of a fellow republican. Good or bad who can say? I am afraid that Joe will have to be made an example of because if they let him get away with this who knows what can happen. It's the same reason they used to shoot deserters during the Civil War.

Kick hiim out and to the curb. He is no longer needed.

Tom in Delaware,

You twit! The only thing you know about unity is your pathetic clinging to the past. Poor loser and insecure jerk who has to throw the communist label, because you have nothing else to offer.

Lieberman is a good person, whatever decision he is going to make let's just support him as long as it won't affect his job. If he wants to be independent so be it. Just avoid name calling it won't do any good.

i wouldn't trust him, but i guess time will tell. i love my country, God bless the USA.

The harsh vitriol of the vast majority of you reminds me yet again why I became an independent during the Clinton years.

Would your president elect voice your thoughts – - or these – - -

"With Malice toward none, with charity for all – - – to bind up the nation's wounds" – (Lincoln – dirty Republican that he was).

Chris is right. I am not happy with Lieberman either, however the election is over and his help will be needed by the Democrats. Stripping him of his positions would be acting like that mental midget Tom Delay. Democrats do need to take the high road and show the country they are above the Cheney tactics.

To the administration getting rid of Liberman, without letting the obama know is not sending a good message he will be the one getting the bad rap.

canada

Joe Lieberman just wants to fit in anywhere he can depending on what is convenient at the time.

So much for your "Unity" campaign.
Once again its the them v. us mentality in Washington.
We just traded in one bunch of partisan bafoons for another bunch.

ALL of you need to STOP attacking Lieberman. The guy went with his gut feeling, and he was wrong about McCain. Obama won, so stop being so petty. If you REALLY believe in Obama's inclusiveness you need to allow Joe Lieberman to do what he does best, speak his mind.

You people who hate on everything that is not Obama are not true Democrats, but Pelosi wannabes who are so far left you are almost Communist. Now grow up and move on. NEXT!

I voted against Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic Primary in CT — which he lost. I knew he was no good back then. The only reason he returned to the senate is because CT Republicans voted for him.

Lieberman is a traitor to the party that nominated him for Vice President once and, in general, a political prostitute. I bet Joe will try to cozy up to Obama now he's elected.

That's because Joe knows he's got no future with the Republicans either. they don't like him, and he'll lose his seat in 2 years.

Serves him right.

Lieberman should be removed from the Democratic caucus. Not because he backed and supported McCain, but because of the manner in which he backed and supported McCain. He trashed Obama in his speech at the republican convention and he used the McCain/Palin attack tactics aganist Obama. Send him packing.

Dave, Central Illinois: You exhibit even more of that special delusion from the pathetic rightwing. First of all, I don't know where you get your fantasy numbers from, but the FACT of the election told us that [R] members of congress had the lower approval rating. Second, the [D]s in Congress don't owe [R]s any "signal" of bi-partisanship after the [R]s ran from 2001-2007 the most uni-partisan government in recent history. [D]s certainly don't need to be lectured on how to handle dissenting voices from neo-tards like YOU who elected the likes of Bush, Cheney, Frist, Delay, into national office to run the government like a dictatorship. After 8 years of abject [R] failure, the [D]s deserve to leverage all the power they can to solve the problems YOU caused this country.

I disagree with Joe Leiberman's stand on the war, and his military hawkishness, but I believe it's a principled stand. On the other hand, he's a social moderate and votes with the Dems more often than some of the so-called "Blue Dog" Democrats. I admire someone who's loyalty to what he sees as the the country's best interests outweigh his loyalty to party, and indeed to his personal best interests. He's not dumb, and surely he could see what all of us predicted: a sweep for Obama and the rest of the Dems nationwide. So going against them was not exactly a career-building personal-interests-ahead-of-country move. We're better than that, and we Dems need to govern from the center in order to build a party legacy that will last longer than a single election cycle. The election is over; time to be inclusive, and besides–it's in our best interest to have him on our side when we want to cut off a filibuster attempt. IF HE WANTS TO STAY WITH US–and that's his choice–then we should be as gracious as McCain and Obama have been. We have enemies in the Palin wing of the Republican Party, and we'll need allies to fight them. Let's not burn bridges.

Joe's a pure bread opportunist, but we knew this 8+ years ago when Gore had him sign on, what else is new?

I doubt it is a pleasant meeting for Lieberman after his behavior in the this election. It's one thing to support the guy on the other side, but a completely other thing to trash your own side in the process.

Why are people acting so surprised.

Ever since I've gotten to know Liberman, he has always embraced the right wing idealogy, and in particular that Moron Bush and his falie policies. HE has always had one mission in mind, and that is to turn the middle east into tormoil.

This guy has always been a right wing nut job in disguise.

Throw him out Democrats, so he can finally be what he is. Another right wing extremist.

are you listening to yourselves. this is not change, this is asking for more of the same. Lieberman should be embrased not kick. you people are not for change. your like immature little school kids going nah nah nah nah…. grow the hell up

Let Leberman and McCain share a seat

Lieberman, come to the Republicans, you're welcome here!!!!!

Let him live his life according to his own values and principles. If his constituents want him fired, they'll do it. Strip him of any chairmanships IF he does not bring serious value to the task. If he gets things done for America in a way no others could, let him keep doing his job. We need to BE the change we seek! I agree with someone above who wrote that kicking him to the curb would be a small minded & spiteful GOP / Tom Delay sort of characteristic. We ARE bigger that that.

He's not a democrat, anyway, get rid of him. There's something about his wishy-washy, whiny and weak manner that I've never liked.

I actually think they should leave him as he is…there is nothing more satisfying than making someone "uncomfortable" and having them KNOW that they are not really "liked" by others…

McCain will be back there working so he'll have at least ONE friend…unless McCain gets a position in Obama's administration….

I feel Leiberman should leave the Democratic caucus altogether on his own, but if he doesn't, he should be removed. He left the party and became an independent, he is not a Democrat.

Lieberman is allowed to have his opinion. However, he can't expect to retain a Democratic appointment if he's been actively campaigning against the Democratic presidential candidate, in addition to defeating a popularly elected Democratic candidate in the CT senatorial race. Without DNC money, he'll lose his reelection bid in 2010 anyway.

Connecticut should vote senator Lieberman OUT, whether he chooses to run as a democrat, independent, or the party of Benedict Arnold!

First of all none of us know what is going to happen in the meeting. It's unlikely Reid will act contrary to the principles of unity by giving Joe the boot. More likely the meeting will be about mending fences.

I guess freedom of speech is only a protected right for Democrats who supported Obama. This is nonsense.

The republicans lost because it was either their way or the highway. Keep Joe Lieberman. That would show the Democratic party as the party that allows a clash of ideas. That is democracy. Kicking Joe out is immature. He is a good man. He was wrong on this one but who can claim to be right all the time……..Do i need to say IRAQ?

You sour sadistic vile and hypocritical dems. You applaud when Colin Powell support your messiah and you think it is free thinking. When someone from the dem side support a republican they are reviled, punished and called names.. Very hypocritical indeed. Congrats on showing your true colors- not uniting people, but after your own agenda.

Thanks for showing the color of the true democrats.

Joe is an actual bi-partisan . People like me who spend time on these comment pages are not . no one should take our comments too far.

If Joe feels he needs to atone, his faith will call him to do it. He's valuable and necessary for reaching across the aisle.

Don't be misled; many of the posters in here spouting the hate are posing to be Dems when they are not.

As much as I would love to say get rid of him..I just can't! I believe he should be watched carefully, however, he is entitled to his opinion, no matter how untrustworthy he is. At least we know where is stands. Just watch your backs!

The writing is on the wall: Lieberman must go. Lieberman turned on a party and principles that got him to where he is right now, and he betrayed the will of the Democratic voters; he had no use for us, now we have no use for him. Strip him of his chaairmanship and let him leave the caucus on his own!

Sen Reid is a very good politician. He did not get where he is by shooting from the hip. He is not about to shoot himself in the foot. He'll do what is going to help the Dems and Obama's position of partisan cooperation. He also knew that Lieberman was going to support McCain and speak at the convention. What angered Reid was the attacks on Obama – which Lieberman had promised he would not do. If he allows Lieberman to maintain his committee positions, it will most likely be with the caveat that he will be watched closely.

Get rid of him. I do not see the Presidant Elect valuing his chairmanship of any major issue he's working on.

CHANGE is here….get rid of him!

Lieberman was the vp candidate in 2000 not in 2004 as this article states. He allowed lies and smears to go unchecked about a candidate. He could have stood up and said something but he didn't. He was looking out for his own political career. He would have gotten on McCain staff as a reward. But he lost and he must be willing to face the consequences of his actions.

Hmmm…..Unite indeed. Bi-partisan efforts? I trust that Obama will not take the tact being espoused by all the hyper-partisan respondants here.

A conservative in liberal clothing — standing behind McCain at manay of his speeches.

Dump him! We need democrats who have the cojones to have the courage of their democratic principles.

Send him to the other side. He will be welcome there.

With friends like this who needs enemies? Let him be Sara Palin's running mate in 2012, he can shop for her new wardobe.

Get rid of this guy!

Lieberman is like a worm inside the Democratic apple. I know the old saying about keeping your enemies closer, but Lieberman should be shown the door by Reid in this case. Joe betrayed not just the trust of his democratic colleagues, but he betrayed the trust of the American people.

I really have no idea how one should deal with this.

Lieberman has been absolutely hateful to the Dems, acting more and more like a Reagan Republican.

Are you sure he's a dem?

He campaigns with McCain. Sides with Bush. Runs against Dems.

Hmm.

Keep you friends close and your enemies even closer!

Lieberman is the definition of jumping on the bandwagon.

Lieberman is definitley two-faced as per his speech earlier about how great Obama was and is the new face of the Senate, and then turning around and degrading him as not worthy of the presidency. Lieberman lost as a democrat in 2006 and had to win as an independent by splitting both the republicans and democrats to win narrowly.

Lieberman is a goner, now. No room in this party of "diversity," tolerance.

What better way to prove a "new spirit of unity and healing" than punishing Joe Liberman for his own views.

You people disgust me. Hope defeated fear, but it appears that hate DID win over hope.

Send him over to the Republicans. He is welcome there.

If Obama acts like his supporters on this board, his Presidency will be a disaster of biblical proportions.

I think Reid should keep Lieberman only if Lieberman is truly repentant. There's nothing wrong with supporting who you truly believe to be President. That's what democracy is all about, but in Lieberman's case he did a whole lot of backstabbing and spinning when he trashed Obama with lies at the RNC. There was an agreement between him and the Democrats to explicitly not do that, and he broke it. So what he did was very unprofessional, and unbecoming of leader of any sort.

If Reid wants to kick him out on the basis of that, that's understandable, and you Republipukes should shut your mouths because your elected politcians have done far more for far less offenses. But with that said, I believe Reid should take the high road and forgive Lieberman, and allow him to rejoin the fold. It can't hurt to have that much more power in the Senate, right?

And then mandate that Joe tosses every Senator's salad on Thursdays. hehe.

I don't really have a problem with Lieberman supporting John McCain, that was his Right. But when he got mean and nasty, he lost the Right to Caucus with the Dem. I want him gone and striped.

I hold Lieberman in lower regard than anyone in the Bush administration. He knowingly sold his soul for a handful of power. He's a sad sorry disgrace, skulking around DC, respected by NO ONE.

Do not let Joe caucus with the dems anymore. His views are turning more and more anti-American like those of the extreme Right. He needs to move down south so he can be party of the regional party known as the GOP. Please kick Joe out. Country First!!!

No cause for any punishment. Lieberman commits to reaching across the aisle, the rest is up to voters in Connecticut and Joe's conscience.

Note that many of the people posting here claiming to be Dem's aren't, dont feed the trolls.

I love how the hypocrisy of your 'change' campaign is finally being exposed. Joe Lieberman votes with Democrats on everything except the Iraq War! And now you guys are calling for his head because he supported John McCain?

You guys really don't make any of us believe change is coming. More of the same partisan bickering.

When you play with fire, you may get burned!!

The reality factor just touched down on Mr. Leiberman. I understand that McCain was a friend. Noone in the democratic party ever asked him to diss his buddy, but He alone, with his own conviction beleived that Barack was not qualified to be president. Fine that is understandable. But there is an honorable manner to present a position and a dishonorable manner, and his was the latter. For that He should not even need to be brought before Reid, he ought to just step out of the democratic party and become completely republican, and take the hit with his constituites when they decide they do or dont want to be represented by the GOP.

Obama Won, fair and square, Give Props where props are due!!
To the victor go the spoils, and trechorous minds must be made silent.

Fire the sucker!!!

No cause for any punishment. Lieberman is an effective and needed help in reaching across the aisle, the rest is up to voters in Connecticut and Joe's conscience. His faith will call him to atone if he believes atonement is called for.

Note that many of the people posting here claiming to be Dem's aren't, dont feed the trolls.

Liberman would have to really prove himself worthy of being a democrat again!!!! AND he needs to do some BIG apologizing to the democratic party (a public statement!) for what he did and said at the republican convention.

It is too bad that many of the posts have had such a negative tone.

We are at a point in this Nation where Unity has to be a priority.

To throw Joe under the bus and make disparaging remarks about him is not the kind of action we need.

Why is it that the political arena always becomes ugly? What is there about Politics that always seems to bring out the darker side of people?

What would be accomplished by "throwing" him out of the Democratic Caucus?

What would be gained by reaching out in a spirit of reconciliation and moving forward to heal this Nation?

Lieberman was a turncoat before Obama was elected. If McCain had won where do you think good ole Joe would have turned for his political life- don't make this about Obama's administration this happened under the Bush/McCain reign! Good riddance to Joe is what I say.

This is not what Obama has in mind for our future. Sure Lieberman said some nasty things about Obama, but so did Hillary Clinton and so did John McCain. They will continue to serve in the Senate and all is forgiven when you win. Lieberman, despite appearing more and more senile, should not be admonished for supporting McCain. We need him for filibusters and we need him on many of the important issues! My fellow democrats, let by-gones be by-gones and let's unite to heal this country!

Drew

So if you choose to back who you believe to be the best candidate you are criticized, ostricized and dumped? Wow, so much for non-partisan politics…..I thought this was America. You remember? Home of the Free. Gee, sad to think my grandfather took a load of mustard gas while serving in the military during WWI (in Europe) so that we have no choice about who we can vote for, support in a campaign or call friend. Is this an America we are proud of?

Kick him to the curb. He can join the Mavarick party with John McCain. I doubt that he will keep his seat much longer anyway.

You chose the wrong side, Joe. Now, deal with it.

No cause for any punishment. Lieberman commits to reaching across the aisle, the rest is up to voters in Connecticut and Joe's conscience.

Note that many of the people posting here claiming to be Dem's aren't, dont feed the trolls.

Politics are politcs and they can play one side against the other, and Lieberman is no different. In my opinion he should humble himself to President-elect Obama and kiss alot of bootie

Bless this Country with many good years, but remember it will take time to get us back to where we were 8 years ago.

Bill Clinton had said it best…He knows what it is like to take over the presidency after a Bush

I am a democrat, so Lieberman you made your bed, now sleep in it …. so take a hike !

Looks like they don't need Lieberman anymore so… poof!

As a democrat who voted for Obama, I think people are going overboard just a tad.

Where does it say that all people of one party have to think the same. Now while I agree that Lieberman seems more independant than anything else, I think the talk of turncoat and traitor is a little sad.

Why Dem's need Lieberman? Anyway they are going to get 60 votes even with his help…..Dump him and find a good candidate who can beat him in the next election.

Bye Joe and when you're up for re-election in the great state of CT, we will vote you OUT!!!

How can anyone trust this man?

They Should allow him to stay on in the Democratic Caucus as an Independant, but they should strip him of the committee chairman position on Homeland Security!

He was the nominee for VP eight years ago, not four. Sorry CNN.

This guy has to GO, plain and simple! I am being kind here by addressing him as a guy.

Kick him to the curb. He can join the Mavarick party with John McCain. I doubt that he will keep his seat much longer anyway.

II wonder how wooden teeth dobbs avoided having a heart attack.
He did everything within in tiv power to undermind Obama.

WELL WOODEN TEETH DOBBS, HE WON. I THINK YOU WOULD DO MUCH BETTER ON FOX NEWS WITH HANNITY. GOODBYE

This is a real show how the Democrats wil reach across the isle.
We need someone like Joe to stay where he is, we sure as hell are not going to have any other Democrats looking out for the welfare of the American people.

Don't forget it was Bush that has kept this country safe since 911, seven years ago… Not the Democrats.

Let not be blinded about what is really going on with the DEm. Congress and Senat.e… Don't throw Joe under the bus. We need him.

Put him on the plane with Palin back to Alaska

Why shouldn't he leave the Democratic caucus? He doesn't even call himself a Democrat anymore, he says he's an Independent while supporting Republican ideals. He'd be better suited as a Republican.

GET HIM OUTTA THERE not for siding with the Repulicans that is fine BUT for participating in their smear campaign which has been rebuked by the American public. KICK HIM OUT!! and let his voters decide his fate in his next re-election

This is to Xera-

I read these comments and FINALLY a person who posts a voice of reason! I completely agree with you. In my opinion -if Joe decides that his ideology is now more in line with the Republicans, then he needs to be removed and can change his party standing. If he is still primarily in line with the views of the democrats then great, let him keep his posts.

I don't see what the problem is with dropping him from the caucus. The man left the party a few years ago, and as seen in this election, he doesn't ally himself with the party anymore. It seems only logical to drop him from the party caucus.
I don't think this goes against the unity message at all.
Should the Dems let the GOP caucus with them for unity's sake? Then why let someone who clearly supports the GOP agenda?

Joe picked his side. Any GOP that dropped to independant and started pulling for the Dems would be dropped from their caucus much faster.

The only thing the Dems should consider is the future. Drop him now and he likely won't back you in the future.

He's not to be trusted…….

I would like to know how wooden teeth dobbs avoided having a heart attack. It is people of that ilk who have prevented the country from coming together in the past. In your face and through your wooden teeth dobbs.
Obama won in spite of your efforts to aid in his defeat.

Allow Lieberman to remain an Independent, with no retribution taken. Encourage him to continue to caucas with the Dems, showing their inclusive nature. Better to have him on Dems' side than to go completely to the Repubs caucas.

Joe Liberman is a traitor, no good, in the closet, manboy lover who tore his self a new one by joining ranks with John McClame and the rest of the repukelican morons. He deserves to lose his chairmanship and he should be cast out of the democratic caucus. He like McClame realizes too late how stupid his decisions were. I say get rid of Liberman for good. He's a loser just like the repugs.

"KICK 'EM TO THE CURB"…. along with GUILIANI, LIMBAUGH, ROVE AND HANNITY!!!

Scary, these comments (save for cjs).

Shoot a man for stating his honest opinion despite party ties? Wow.

Liebermann never put COUNTRY FIRST it was always ISRAEL first. Remember the USS LIBERTY. I won't miss the traitor. Send him to the Republicans.

I give em to the republicans, he doe not care about fellow democrats

He needs to be strip of any an all chairperson ship. Let him go with the Republicans. Hopefully Ct will ask him to resign.

I hope the Democrats throw Lieberman out. He doesn't belong in their group. And the Republicans may also want to throw him out…force him into retirement.

What happend to the guy doing what he believes in? I am personally sick of party line politics, Joe is the only senator on Capital Hill who stands for something!

"Lieberman who just four years ago was the Democrats’ nominee for Vice President."

It was the 2000 presidential election in which Lieberman was the VP candidate.

The Democratic Party hasn't left Joe Lieberman; Joe Lieberman has left the Democratic Party. Good riddance. Now if we could just replace Harry Reid, too….

As angry as I am at Lieberman for so vociferously supporting McCain, I think it would be a mistake to strip him of his titles or kick him out of the caucus. That just strikes me as something a Cheney or a DeLay would do. I think the Democrats need to take the high road and recognize that we aren't ever going to agree on everything.

Judas!

He should be allowed to stay and represent the voters who elected him.

But he clearly does not merit any committee chair positions because he represents a different set of values than the majority of Americans desire right now.

SEND JOE LIBERMAN BACK TO THE LOBBY SO HE CAN CAUCUS WITH HIS ROGUE FRIENDS.. HE IS NOT A BUDDY TO THE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY.

Lieberman was a snake in the garden, smiling in the faces of his former colleagues while stabbing them in the back when away. He wasn't nearly diplomatic enough in his handling of the election and his relationships with McCain and the Democrats. He deserves expulsion.

His support was far too enthusiastic and destructive toward Obama. I'd boot him no matter what the count was, he's totally lost his bearings and forgotten his party.

ahahah lol….Joe phe plummer should be dropped.lol

Just leave him alone. He's a good voice. It's good to have diversity, it brings perfection.

Look at 8 years of just ELEPHANTS! THERE WAS COMPLETE UNITY. EVERYTHING HAD THE SAME IDEA OF HOW TO CLIMB OVER A HILL. it produced disaster

Tell Loserman he no longer has his chairmanships..and his loyalties are clear…we dont need him. dont give him power, GIVE HIM HELL< HARRY!!!

He'll be known as "Joe the Outcast"

HAHAHAHAHAAA

My view is Reid should take his chairmanship away, but leave him the choice to choose if he wants tp stay in the Dems caucus. The chairmanship will send the strong message that he messed up, while allowing him to stay says the Dems are willing to look forward and work with people with opposing views.

Send him to SIBERIA….

Kick Judus out and make sure he lands under the bus. The democratic party put him on the ticket in 2000; gave him a chairmanship when he lost and we get repaid by his slandering our candidate. Now that President elect Obama is the winner he hopes to come back into the fold – for what so he can betray us again.

Joe Lieberman does not deserve a committee chairmanship in a democratic senate. He showed his true colors during the campaign.

I HOPE REID BOOTS HIM IN THE ARSE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE CAPITOL STEPS. LIEBERMAN'S BEEN RUNNING FOR EITHER VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT AND PROBABLY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MCCAIN THESE PAST 8 PLUS YEARS. HE'S DONE ZILCH FOR CONNECTICUT CITIZENS.

he is no longer welcome as a dem, he has no honor, we dont need him go sit with the right wing neo cons

He's not a democrat. McCain supports republican philosphies. I suggest that Lieberman is a Republican. He has made the choice. The honorable thing to do is to declare himself a Republican.

Just FOUR years ago was VP Nominee? What does John Edwards have to say about that to your fact checker???

CT hates Joe, amend our the state constitution so we can recall this idiot.

GET THAT FRUAD UP OUTTA THERE!!!!!!

Cut that little weasel loose. He's not a Democrat and he certainly isn't loyal to anyone but his own self-interests. Joe the Turncoat needs to go!!!!!!!

Come on CNN, get your story straight. Lieberman was the Dem VP candidate in 2000, not 2004.

Dumb him and lets move on.

How can you ever trust that lowlife again…

Why risk having to look every which way to see if he'll drive a knife into the Democrats back again
I say GET RID OF THE SCUMBAG!!!

He had no faith in your party, why have faith in him!!!

AMERICA WILL BE GREAT AGAIN…OF COURSE WITHOUT TRAITORS LIKE LIEBERMAN!!!

Get rid of him. He was very very disrespectful to President Elect Obama and all Democrats. He is not to be trusted and should resign his position but I doubt he'll do that, it would be the right thing to do.

Throw him to the curb. I think it's funny how people forget that this man betrayed his party a long time ago… the 2000 election. He doesn't deserve the responsibilities that have been given to him. By the way, he has not only become an Independent… but he practically ran with McCain this entire campaign cycle. This is a no-brainer.

Now Joe can go rest in hell. Men without values have no place in this new dispensation.

DROP HIM DEMS HE IS NO DEMOCRAT

Go away Joe.

You make me sick.

Reid Please Fire that Back stabber send him Packing with the rest let him help his sinking Party he fought so hard for HE IS A TRAITOR

See ya joe!

Lieberman was the nominee 8 years ago, not 4. Also, while I don't like Lieberman going and advocating for McCain and trashing Obama, I also think that the Democratic party needs to realize that differing opinions are welcomed and make the party stronger, not weaker.

First of all, Reid is a pathetic character who has a lower approval rating than President Bush. Only Pelossi has a lower rating. Second, if Reid is petty enough to do this to Joe, it will send a clear signal to Republicans that the Democratic talk of bipartisanship is simple talk. I have a feeling that Obama, Pelossi, and Reid's idea of uniting simply involves the destruction of all dissenting voices. Insert hateful Obamite remarks here……

John Edwards was the Vice-Presidential nominee four years ago.

It was 8 years ago he was the VP nominee. Great reporting, CNN.

Give him the boot.

After the way Joe Lieberman rebuffed the Democratic presidential nominee during the Republican convention was deplorable. The way he stood behind John McCain while Senator Obama was called a socialist deplorable. Boosting him out of the democratic caucus…priceless.

I think Joe the Lieberman has made it clear that he has little use for his old friends, the Democrats. I say show him the door!

Make this the first act of healing, don't do anything to Joe. He lost, he knows it, we dont need to punish him further. Besides, John really is a good man, nobody should be punished for supporting him. Ried should send the message that the democrats are ready to start the healing, this is an oportunity people, Obama Supporters Unite for practicing what we preached.

He didn't drink the kool aid and now it's time to pay…

Time to Pay the Piper. You disparaged the President-elect of the United States of America.

Lieberman must be punished so that others know that the Democrats are not to be taken for wussy punks.

Joe Lieberman can save himself by overcompensating on the liberal side of policies. Although democrat / independent in name, by backing McCain, he's shown himself to be a republican. There are no republican members of Congress from New England.

Joe, you don't have long to save yourself.

Throw the bum out. Turncoat!!! Let him stick with his fellow war hawks in the GOP. Hopefully Connecticut can come up with a strong truly Democrat candidate to kick him out of politics for good!!!

how can liebermann turn his back against the democratic party that gave him a shot at being a veepee in 2000?!

it's time for liebermann to pay the piper……..this man does not represent jews; he only represent judas!!!!

They need to kick him out. He is no longer a Dem and has admitted this. He need to embrace his new party fully and stop toeing the line.

Let's hear all the great calls for Unity from the Obomunists.

Yes you can!

Lieberman should be jettisoned from the democratic caucus. He needs the democrats more than they need him. And I'm pretty sure his constituents would like to see him step back from his previous statements.

Let him explain his his 'independent' votes to his constituents.

Joe L. need to join Joe the plummer. He has no loyalty to the democratic party, give him the boot.

I don't care for Joe Lieberman anymore. He crossed over to the dark side and he should be gone. His values have changed and he is no longer worth talking to. I just wish he would go away. Who needs him?

Hopefully Joe will punch him in the mouth.

Lieberman's political life is in dissaray – just like the GOP.

Say it aint so, Joe – you reap what you sow!

Great example of reaching across the aisle – banish anyone that dares to criticize the new administration. Get ready for much more of this silencing of dissent.

Should be a short meeting. If Lieberman has any honor he will accept the fact he is a Republican at heart and announcing his departure tothe red side of the aisle. As a Democrat, I say "Joe, don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out."

Lieberman needs to get out of the Dem caucus. He took a bet that McCain would win, and hitched his wagon to the ticket in the hopes of being on the winning side. I bet he was gunning for the VP slot, and afterward was hoping for a cabinet position. Lieberman is no longer needed for a Democratic majority and he needs to be booted from the caucus.

have a cup of Joe with Joe? Not likely. So long lieberman. You're a filthy crook and a liar.