November 17, 2008
Posted: 05:55 PM ET

From
Sources tell CNN Sen. Lieberman will keep his committee chairmanship.
Sources tell CNN Sen. Lieberman will keep his committee chairmanship.

(CNN) — Senate Democrats appear willing to let Sen. Joe Lieberman keep his powerful Homeland Security Committee chairmanship, even though the Connecticut independent campaigned vigorously for John McCain's White House bid, two congressional sources told CNN Monday.

Instead, Senate Democrats will likely strip Lieberman of his chairmanship of an environmental subcommittee — a considerably less prominent position than his homeland security post.

That outcome would be at odds with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's initial intentions. Sources told CNN last week that Reid had informed Lieberman it was likely he would lose his chairmanship of the committee and instead assume a leadership post on a less prominent panel. Lieberman told
Reid that offer was "not acceptable," according to sources.

The Democratic caucus will formally meet Tuesday morning to hold a secret ballot vote on Lieberman's future, but the sources suggested the outcome of that vote may already be a foregone conclusion.

Filed under: Joe Lieberman


DOCS 3   November 17th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

"JOE THE POLITICIAN" REMINDS ME OF "JOE THE TOILET". THEY BOTH SHOULD HAVE KEPT THEIR MOUTH CLOSED. SINCE THEY DIDNOT THEY SHOULD "REAP WHAT THEY HAVE SOWN".

Alan   November 17th, 2008 10:51 pm ET

There's a difference between turning the other cheek and letting yourself be abused. Lieberman spit in the face of the Democratic Party. I'm having a hard time finding forgiveness. I think he's shown himself to be a big rat, and when it comes to rats, turning the other cheek isn't a good solution. You don't want a rat in your party, anymore than you want a rat in your house.

DJCuecontrol   November 17th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Barack the Magnanimus

T   November 17th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Send Judas back! who needs him? I could never trust him again, and had McCain won, his nose would be covered in Bandini in quest for a spot in his administration. Kick him to the curb! He's an old grey head snake!

Matthew   November 17th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

HAHA! Go, Joe!

zoya   November 17th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Republicans or Hell, thats where Joe dishonest/liar 2 faced belong to!

Andrew   November 17th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Mitchell wrote, "The Dems stabbed Joe in the back by supporting Ned Lamont in the primary when Reid himself has said that "Joe votes Dem more than most of his supposed Democrat senators.""

Yeah – that was because Lamont WON THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

kaushik jadunundun   November 17th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

why would they it on someone who is already KO …on the floor….let Lieberman go on his own…we dont want to make a martyre of him and being accused of Vindication…by the way Hillary said worse than Lieberman…so…let the old dude hang on …until he realise he is a burden and go away on his own

kaz   November 17th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

Let him go, he is opportunist. Joe will not add any value…

Andrew   November 17th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

The Democrats should give the post to a Democrat.

Loony Lieberman   November 17th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Seems to me the demos can play this both ways and come out on top…let him stay in the party and give him a nice unimportant subcommittee to chair. I certainly cannot understand why they would let him be the Chair of a powerful committee like Homeland Security. Aren't those posts usually rewards for loyalty to your party and seniority? Lieberman lost the demo primary 2 years and then won as an independent only because the dimwitted republicans didn't want a real Democrat to win…then Joe the traitor has the nerve to show up at the repub coronation and question Barack's leadership skills (as though Lieberman has ever had any – choosing him as veep candidate was the reason Gore lost and the idiot Bush won)…if he wants to stay on the winning side then throw him a small bone, not a juicy steak. And if he doesn't like it then let him finish his term as a republican and become totally irrelevant- don't reward the disloyal fool!

Karl Clark   November 17th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Benedict Arnold. Judas Iscariot. Dick Cheney. Liebernab. All Traitors!

INDEPENDENT   November 17th, 2008 10:16 pm ET

LIEBERMAN NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MESS THE COUNTRY IS IN ALONG WITH THE OTHER RIGHT WINGED REPUBLCIANS.

GO HOME LIBERMAN!!!

caribbean admirer of OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

I don't think that CNN will place my comment but I once already told the American People where this creep does belong!
Drop him off in the Guantanamo Prison where he will be getting the treatment he deserves.

Jim   November 17th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Let's be honest with ourselves and each other…..something the politicians won't do. Joe Lieberman's loyalty to country and party is influenced by his loyalty to Israel. In itself, this is not a bad thing. They are friends and allies of ours. Even so, there have been (and will be) times when a lack of objectivity and a balance in the Middle East works to our own disadvantage. Joe Lieberman is not, cannot be, and will never be objective when it comes to Israel. His support for the Iraq war is a case in point. He jumped parties rather that support a position not popular in Israel. You can bet the ranch that if the situation were reversed, where Barack Obama was a "Hawk," Joe would have stayed on board.

Georgia PEach   November 17th, 2008 10:09 pm ET

I am sick to death of Joe Lieberman's double dealing and double talking in the guise of being independent. Supporting the Republican ticket was one thing; trashing Obama another. Throw the opportunist out. Working both sides of the street is not the same thing as working across the aisle -

Georgia PEach   November 17th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

I am sick to death of Joe Lieberman's double dealing and double talking in the guise of being independent. Supporting the Republican ticket was one thing; trashing Obama another. Throw the bum out. This has nothing to do with working across the aisle -

jimbojim   November 17th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Harry Reid this will be sad mistake if you cater to the gibberish talking Lieberman. Kick him to heck out of you caucus and get on with what you Dems. were elected to do. Stand up for youself and your electorate or go back to Searchlight Nevada and run for Mayor.

MR E   November 17th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Traitors dont have shame on there faces so does Lieberman. we the American people will come together and raise money for any one who is willing to challenge Lieberman in his next election. Make it $5 thats what i can afford , we need to vote him out

J.C.   November 17th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

Senator Lieberman is a great bridge between the two major parties.
Both parties will need him.

Angela   November 17th, 2008 9:51 pm ET

It is even inappropriate to strip senator Lieberman of his chairmanship of an environmental subcommittee. Senator J.L. stands up for what he believes in. One should therefore hold him and his decisions in great respect.

He happened to work across party lines and to back the candidate he thought best for the country at the time. He did it in the conviction that a senator has to be free in his decisions and obliged only to his conscience, his judgement, the care for public good and the benefit of the whole country. That is exactly his obligation as an elected representative according to the constitution . He behaved just as he ought to have. There is nothing improper, nothing to blame.

The decision of the democratic caucus to put one of his chairmanships of committees to the vote is inappropriate to the occasion.

It proves a misjudgment of the purpose of a party.
Parties are a think-tank to solve problems. They should promote informed opinion. Their purpose is not the establishment of a belief-system. Otherwise they become ideological. If a party majority is calling a party-memeber a „traitor“ and wants to punish him because of his opinions and his standing up for what he believes, it reveals that the party has become ideological and inimical to free discussion.

The claim for party loyality at all costs reveals a misjudgment of the mandate and the intrinsic value of the parliament or senate which is representation of the whole country and governing owing to free public discussion of independant individuals.
An elected representative who toes the party line is not any more a participant of a true discussion whose result is not basic to the whole subject but generated in the dispute as an outcome from the conflicting opinions and counteropinions, arguments and counterarguments. According to the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, in a free discussion the points made in a dispute emit sparks and lead to get clear about how to solve a problem.
In order to promote free discussion parties should not dogmatize party-line, program and solutions and should be open to constant vetting and transformation to escape the opartisan gridlock which guarantees infertile pseud discussion and division of society.

Let me remind on this occasion of Edmund Burke`s political speech to his voters November 3, 1774 in Bristol, England:
An elected representative should derive his honour and his happyness from his sense of community with his voters. (…) But he should never sacrifice his impartial opinion, his mature judgement, his enlightened conscience to voters or persons or to a group. Your representative owes you not only his industry but also his judgement. If he sacrifies his judgement he betrays you instead of serving you. (…) Authoritarian directives, mandates which oblige blind obedience, to stand for and to vote for even if it runs counter to the conviction, judgement and conscience of the representatives: these things are unknown to the laws of this country. They derive from a fundamental misjudgement of the whole order and spirit of the constitution.

JACKED-UP-POLITICS, FLORIDA   November 17th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Only question that I have is WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??????????

Willy Brown   November 17th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

Joe you are a good man. The last true democrat for America. Too bad you have to hang out with those bed wetting liberals who took your party hostage 20 years ago.

Jack Jodell   November 17th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Let's just hope the good voters of Connecticut throw him out on his tail in 2010 like he deserves!

Benz   November 17th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Liberman is bad luck. Bad luck to Al Gole. Will he be coming back to Dem. if Macain won?
Democrats should not be very careful being too nice. How can you give office to someone who cannot defend his group when they needed him more. He did not only campagn for Macain but he said bad things against his party's nominee. He wanted them to loose.
I believe that Bush had nothing against Obama but he did the right thing standing by his party.
They should treat him like Judas.

Stan   November 17th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Either Lieberman goes, or Reid needs to go.

Lierberman might vote with the Democrats on, say, labor issues, but he's a Republican on Homeland Security – the committee he's chairman of.

If he has to have a chairmanship, give him something that he's, you know, actually WITH the Dems on.

As for the Government Accountability chair, he should lose that for incompetence. No investigations of the most corrupt administration in modern history? Huh?

Lying about Obama at the RNC, questioning the patriotism of the Democratic nominee on FOX, insulting the Democratic party in general and campaigning for Republicans Shays and Coleman is just icing on the cake.

Lieberman must go. He actively works against the Democratic party. He has no leverage; if he wants to vote with the GOP on labor, social and economic issues then he can explain that to the voters of CT when he runs for re-election.

Let's see how that goes over in a state that went for Obama 61-38.

Nikki, Houston   November 17th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

I think that he should be reprimanded for what he did. Maybe they should put him in charge of a lesser committee.

pam Eugene OR   November 17th, 2008 9:32 pm ET

One more thing…
Can the Democrats ever stop being wimps? I am a Dem tuned Independent because of this very thing! Kiss and make up is not always the right answer. I don't want to see Obama start as getting kicked in the teeth.
Fire the bum if you ever want people to rejoin the party!

bella   November 17th, 2008 9:32 pm ET

the guy is a "wanna-be"…..a real jack—! dems would be better without him even though the vote would count. let's not patronize the guy….he's a spoiled man.

Texas Teacher   November 17th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Leaving a back-stabber in your midsts is pretty dangerous just to have his vote for the lame duck congress! I think I would risk his ire to have him out! The man will turn coat again… if he thinks his bread is better buttered on the other side! :(

Ron   November 17th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

WHY? WHY? WHY? Kick him out! This is not change I can believe in! Cowardly democrats.

Beverly in NC   November 17th, 2008 9:18 pm ET

Liebernan made himself an Independent when he could not get the Democratic Party's nomination. He then went further off course by campaigning with McCain and participating in the nasty Republican campaign of Obama bashing.

If I were a Senator I would not allow him to keep his prime chairmanship. Lieberman betrayed his Party. He betrayed the President-elect out of pettiness. Lieberman can no longer be trusted and especially not trusted to lead an important Senate committee. Homeland Security needs a steady hand and sharp mind – both of which Lieberman no longer possesses.

Tom   November 17th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

He reminds me of a cockroach. I am disappointed he did not get stepped on.

CAROLE   November 17th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

I AM HIGHLY UPSET THAT HE IS EVEN STILL SHOWING HIS SLIMY FACE!!!!!!

**COME ON CONNECTICUTT GET RID OF HIM AS SOON AS YOU CAN….ALL HE WANTS TO DO IS KILL ARABIC PEOPLE.

Kevin Novotny   November 17th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

It would really be to bad if Leiberman keeps his chairmanship. Not that he cannot vote and campagin for whomever he wishes. That is his right. Why he should lose it is his threat that if he loses it he will vote with the Republican caucus. Leiberman has proven that he is in it for himself, not for the country, not for his state, but for Joe Leiberman!!! and for that he needs to go.

Texas Trail Kitty   November 17th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

Lieberman should be sent packing. If he did not agree with the Democratic party, why didn't he just cross over? Independent my foot! His constituents should send him home permanently. He is not what they thought he was.

Pete Collins   November 17th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

Loserman gave his word he wouldn't be part of the Republicans' attack machine against Obama, then he joined in like he was one of their leaders. Joe Lieberman's gave his word to his colleagues in the Senate and broke it in the worst, most inexcusable way imaginable. He's a worthless, lying snake, and nobody likes a snake. The least Democrats must do is remove him from his committee chairmanship. The next President, in fact, should revoke his security clearance entirely. If he wants to make it official and join the Republicans outright — but they don't like snakes either. He will be cut off from Democrats' fundraising and there is a very deep-pocketed opponent eager to run against him again — in 2012.

big daddy   November 17th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

All this guy cares about is the war in Iraq..He must protect his intrests
in the mid-east.Thats what he is all about !!! Take a hike Joe.We
DO NOT want you in our party !

That Other Jerry   November 17th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Politics at its finest– The Dems need Lieberman for the crunch votes, because they're oh-so-close-but-not-quite-there for that supermajority. So they slap his wrist; he says "ouch," but they let him keep Homeland Security. And he votes with the Democrats when it matters and with the Republicans when it doesn't. He gets to look like an "independent"; the Dems get the votes when they need them; they don't have to replace him with some wimp at HomeSec, because they know in their heart of hearts that the country really needs a hawk with a little backbone in that position, but they don't have one. Everybody wins!

mohamed   November 17th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

liberman is done in ct.
don't worry he won't be in the senate no more.

Patrick, Fairfield, CA   November 17th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

Lieberman can thank Obama once again for saving his hide!

PL   November 17th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

I cannot believe that theirs a dem who would be willing to work with this idiot. Joe should be shipped off to Alaska to pall around with the head village idiot. When McCain and Palin lost the election, Joe should have lost his senate seat…

pam Eugene OR   November 17th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

I never agree with Harry but I do on this one. I guess there is always a first time.
Lie(berman) really needs to go. He has lied about Obama and shamed all Democrats. Out with Lieberman!

Dixie AZ   November 17th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Hate to say it, but I told you so. All Lieberman had to do was play his trump card — a threat to caucus with Republicans. The Dems caved in because they want a majority vote. BUT, sorry Joe. We won't forget your campaign speeches for McCain.

Simmy   November 17th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Enemies closer? I get it!

Sebrina Alfonso   November 17th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Mitchel,
Perhaps you are exactly what the republicans need. State your point without showing your level. Seriously, what exactly makes you king of the BOARD

Pepou   November 17th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Why the democrats need that clown, that pitiful Judas is beyond me.

John   November 17th, 2008 8:45 pm ET

LOL – These posts are hilarious!!!! You Dems couldn't say enough good things about him a few years ago. I thought the Dems were all about "inclusion" and working together. Didn't the Lord Obama just say he wanted to work across the aisle to set a new tone in bipartisianship? Ya, much like there has been over the last 8 years…HAAAHAAAHAAA. And no, I didn't vote for McCain.

Sebrina Alfonso   November 17th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

He knew what he was doing when he stood there and allowed lie after lie to be told. The Republicans wanted to win at any cost. Lieberman's ethics are not that of the Obama camp and he should not be allowed to CHair. Besides, he has not honored his campaign promises. He sometimes seems like an insider trader working against the Dems for the Republicans.
Democrats turn their cheeks too often. If he had done this to the Repbulicans he would have been let go months ago.
Obama don't stop Reid and others from removing him. Put someone in that position who agrees more with your policies. He sides with Bush. How can you get things done if you constantly have to over see what he is doing. Everyone else you have is up to the job. He holds a significant position which most of us do not trust him with.
Sometimes your reaching over the table seems more timid than partisan. DONT DO IT

vahe   November 17th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

kick that guy out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! two faced idiot

Drew   November 17th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

jewdis!!!

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   November 17th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

One word: Weak,.

bill for barack   November 17th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

NOT ACCEPTABLE ?
Joe is what's not acceptable here.
Send him running back to Johnny Boy, to hide behind his skirt.

anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

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John S   November 17th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

I'm not disputing Lieberman's choice on who he supported. What I am disputing is how it was done. It would of been fine if Lieberman had just said he supported McCain like everyone else did. Powell. and other Republicans who stated they supported Obama didn't go out of their way to put down McCain, call him a terrorist and traitor. His words were that he wasn't qualified for the job of President of the USA. They didn't go out and canvas for Obama, didn't join the campaign or anything else. Lieberman was out front on the campagn trail with McCain most of the time and the things he said about Obama was truely disgusting. That is the problem most people have with this Two-Faced Liar. He was out for himself because he thought McCain was going to win. It is plain to see by all who follows the Political scene. Anyone who would vote for this man in 2 years needs their head examined. He is a traitor to the very people who elected him. That is the problem we have with Lieberman

Andrea   November 17th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Come on Democrats grow a pair. Let Lieberman get what he deserves, and that is to lose his Homeland Security chairmanship. Let him go and caucus with the Republicans and in two years hopefully he'll be voted out of office. I mean how shifty does this guy get to be before he finally feels consequences of his actions???

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

THROW JOE LIEBERMAN OUT! HE IS A TRAITOR.

anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

« Back to mainPrevious article:
Obama team meets with Rice, Defense officialsNext article:
Obama team vetting Bill Clinton, sources say

anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

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Lady_Di   November 17th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

How could ANYONE, EVER trust this man again.

anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:22 pm ET

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Dianne   November 17th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Law Student:

If Joe Lieberman is not partisan, why is he trying to hang on to his position with democrats? Since he is an independent, why does he care aabout remaining as if he is a dem? He wants it both ways, independent when he wants to be and a dem to get on various committees. Then stand by his principal as an independent.

Lieberman is a snake   November 17th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

GROWS SOME BALLS , DEMS.

YOU ARE THE MAJORITY NOW. SHEESH. STOP LISTENING TO REPUBLICANS.

Chris   November 17th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

The Democrats need to stop being weenies and kick this guy out. Leiberman is just a Republican who calls himself an independent so it is more palatable to the electorate of his state. Time to send him where he belongs, to the minority. Then rev up the party machine to get him out of office when he is up for reelection.

Linda32   November 17th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

I hope they take away his chairmanship. Lieberman threatening to go over to the Republicans is disgusting and shows that he does not vote based on the issues. If he wants to go, don't let the door hit you.

Shannon   November 17th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

I understand that he voted with the dems most of the time. SO I guess its ok for him to stay but he hasn't done anything on his comittee about Katirina its really shamefule . He should have been dismissed for not investigating Bushes administration ann those fema trailors like he said in his relectionbid… We will see, I hope that they kick him out but you can't kick someone out for having a difference of opinion for president. Thats just childish. Kick him out for real reason.

Greg, San Francisco, CA   November 17th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

If the disputed Senatorial races (MN, GA, AK) come up for the Dems, Lieberman may find himself very lonely. It's all moot as CT will send him packing in 2010.

Dennis   November 17th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

President -elect Obama shows once again why he was elected in a landslide. While others want to wrestle in the mud, he takes the high road and tries to mend fences. He has certainly shown he is a bigger man than Lieberman.

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   November 17th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

Which means you can betray your old party yet again and be a total arsehole and still get what you want.

This creep needs to retire along with the other creep, McPain.

Turncoat   November 17th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Lame …. Leiberman needs to get the boot.

Larry   November 17th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

You Dems have a cult mentality ,you would drink the koolaid,if you were told too.Start using your brains instead of your over the top emotions.

Bob   November 17th, 2008 7:51 pm ET

They are taking their time waiting to see what happens in Alaska and Minnesota. Lieberman just might show up on game day wearing jersey #60.

JD   November 17th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Stripping him of a subcommittee chairmanship is a pretty weak rebuke. A stronger punishment would be to remove him from the environmental committee altogether.

SD,Michigan   November 17th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Oh, and one more thing: after any "war", there HAS to be a head in the basket presented to the victors. Personally, I don't want any Republican head , they have enough problems as it is, and their party needs to regroup, for the sake of balance.
I, and I think many others, if not the vast majority of Dems, want Lieberman's head on a plate. Traitors must go.

James   November 17th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Not happy!!!!!!!!!!

He should be grateful if he gets off that easy.

Ted:Canada   November 17th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

OUCH!

Brian   November 17th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

When Lieberman is up for re-election, we will see how the MAJORITY of the people votes! :)

Nick Parga   November 17th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

He look like a traitor on back of Mccain,s bomber.
We need him on Israel bringing food to the palestinian people,
until they become an independent nation. Nick

There IS hope for the future>>>   November 17th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Keep him for now, but, a warning for the next misstep and he's OUT!

paul oregon   November 17th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

thumbs down on liberman he needs to go and if the dem. dont oust liberman the rat they need to think abount there reelection

JT from TN   November 17th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Joe who?….what party is he gonna switch to next. I say take it away and show him he can't have his cake and eat it too.

Beverly, NYC   November 17th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Calm down everyone, it's politics. It 'scalled keeping friends close and enemies closer. Lieberman knows he owes the democrats his political life, now he is a guaranteed vote no matter what. If he steps one toe out of line no more chairmanship.

Douglas in Texas   November 17th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

How can Reid or any democrat trust this guy. I don't think his vote is worth this chairmanship. This is one of the most inportant post in the senate. Obama needs someone who is more in line with his thinking about foreign policy and this war. Hopefully the people of Conn. will vote him out next time. He has loyality to no one but himself. I voted for Obama to change this country and Liberman is old school and a war monger.

mbv   November 17th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

I'm a Connecticut refugie, believe me Lieberman will go the way of Chris Shays

Gia in Los Angeles, CA   November 17th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

It would be against Obama's message of unity and non-partisanship if they kicked him out. I agree he doesn't deserve to stay with the dems, but Obama is willing to let it go, so I think his example will influence the others to keep the peace and let things be. If they kicked him out, he would be likely to cause more trouble, but if they keep him, he might be more willing to work with everyone for the common good. So, it would actually be a good strategy to keep him on.

Ross in MD   November 17th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

If Democrats still haven't grown a spine, they truly are hopeless.

Kick Lieberman Out!

Bill Charlotte,NC   November 17th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

They need to send him back to the Repubs. He has no business with those "socialists" as he called them!

nahnopenotquite   November 17th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

This news is a slap in the face to everyone who worked so hard to get Barack Obama elected (and that’s a lot of people). This man did everything in his power to see that it didn’t happen and his reward is that he gets to stay on our team? In a position of power?

I am deeply, deeply upset to hear that this may happen. I intend to write to my senators, Chuck and Hillary, to let them know my feelings. How about you?

Here’s why this is so disappointing: There’s a lot of anger built up over these last eight years and we need to find a way to blow that off. Sure, getting Obama elected was huge, but we’re talking about eight years. Throw us a little red meat with our champagne. We want heads to roll. And Lieberman is the low hanging fruit.

Justice, truly, is not served by this cowardly move.

mbv   November 17th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

I aagree with Bryan, Lieberman is a misguided opportunist. What was he thinking ? Doiiiiii!

Lynda Ridgefield, CT.   November 17th, 2008 7:28 pm ET

Because I live in Connecticut, its pains me to have him as my senator!
He betrayed the citizens of CT., by endorsing McCain. I would have preferred he be stripped of his Chair of Homeland Security, but, if he starts trouble, I hope they censor him!

HE IS THE MODERN DAY BENEDICT ARNOLD!!!!

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

I can not believe that Lieberman has the nerve to continue in his post!

Mr. LIEberman, please apologize to America and retire.

kayla   November 17th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

LIEBERAT

Steve   November 17th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

He's a traitor and doesn't deserve even being a dog catcher.

Republican for change   November 17th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

I bet he's going to grab his pom poms and celebrate in his office.

rayjay   November 17th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Its plain you guys don't know how the game is played. If you don't have the players to put on the field, you go to to the place you can find them to be able to carry on Thats getting along

Tiaunia - DALLAS, TEXAS   November 17th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Please Dems explain to me why you are keeping him around?? He is negative and bad energy.

This is one of those situations where you know it's wrong but you go ahead with it and hope this idiot hides under a rock…..

Susan in NC   November 17th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Joe Lieberman not only supported McCain/Palin — that course I can semi-understand and somewhat respect.. However, he was sooooo obnoxious in doing so and said so many downright slanderous and disturbing things and in such an ugly and inflammatory way — It's really all quite hard to ignore or forget.

President Elect Obama — music to my ears!

Tom   November 17th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

He has been the least trustworthy senator in America for 5 years running. He has no concern for the country, only for himself. The fact that he gets to keep his chairmanship shows us how far the democratic party has yet to go in establishing true change. What a joke.

60 every time or only some time?   November 17th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

On this whole 60 senator thing … is this an individual vote to cut off a fillibuster? Or is it determined by how Senators caucus?

Once you have 60, do you always have them or can they break with you on individual issues.

values   November 17th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

Who can trust this joker. Traitor.

doug, fairbanks, alaska   November 17th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Boot the guy!!! as far as you can..he makes me ill!

Dadele   November 17th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

I need the Democrats to get a spine. If the Republicans had control Joe would caucus with them. He will be an obstacle to everything that comes his way and use his chairmanship as a platform to attack the President's agenda. So what if he switches teams officially, that will really help him at home in CT.

Allan   November 17th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

Say it ain't so, Joe the Mumbler!

Sashland   November 17th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Gripe on, too bad, he's a Senator and will hold the key vote for at least the next two years.

He is far more honorable than ANY of the Democratic 'leadership".

Great way to build a "new" political climate and a "bipartisan" atmosphere… begin the administration with hatred and retribution. Great.

What next, gays in the military as the first big agenda item?

Joe Lieberman is an American hero; Ramsey Clark is the traitor.

Go ahead and boot him, and be prepared for losing a lot of key votes on filibusters…

You small minded haters should just let it go and put the interests of the country first. Then again, maybe you should get him booted so you can help undermine the Obama agenda you hold so dear. Obama says let him keep his post – who's smarter, you or Obama???????

That's what I thought, your hate is smarter than Obama…

Joe Honolulu   November 17th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

The Democrats don't have a majority in the Senate unless they can persuade Joe, the straddling senator, to vote their way. But they still haven't figured out that Joe doesn't have any sense of loyalty to any party, except his own party of one.

Polly   November 17th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Senator Lieberman was right that Reid's proposed offer was "unacceptable." We need him right where he is. Homeland Security comes first.

Obama for President   November 17th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

You just can't get rid of this jerk! Even if Connecticut voted him out, he'd move to West Virginia or somewhere and run on whichever ticket best pleased him, and be back in the Senate in short order.

Dozirulf   November 17th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Traitor.

David Goldman   November 17th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

THAT SLUG LIEBERMAN HAS TO GO !!!!!!!

Brad   November 17th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

I disagree. Lieberman should be stripped of his committee chairmanship. If the Democrats see that there will be no consequences for an act like this, how can they ever be controlled?

ED FL   November 17th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

What a disgrace, to see this bum who has no honor or loyalty even think about staying in his chairmanship as a democrat. I will not vote for any Democrat or republican senator who votes for this loser. I hope that REID gets voted out of the leaders position and in addition hope that the people in his home state votes republican to get rid of him.

Vic   November 17th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Lieberman not only showed disrespect, he slimed his way across America with McCain and Palin. He should be kicked to the curb…..better still, wrap him in a red bow and give him to the republican party…..Merry Christmas LOL

Dianne   November 17th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

How can the Dems think about keeping Joe the traitor? He was sure America would not vote for Obama because of his race. He was sure he could get a position from McCain and would leave the Dems anyway. I am sure he received Oh no what have I done, after Obama win. He such such vile things about Obama without knowing him. He does not understand the work LOYALTY. He swings where ever it is best for him.

Dr Mimi De La Cruz   November 17th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE VIGOROUS CAMPAIGNING.

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE LIES, SLEAZE, NAME CALLING,

HIS DIVISIVE DOGMA, FEAR MONGERING & RACE MONGERING.

LIEBERMAN IS NOT FIT TO EVEN SERVE IN THE SENATE.

MikeH   November 17th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

This ts precisely the spineless behavior that gets the Democratic party in trouble. Lieberman works for Israel now, not America he is a mole for the Israeli right wing.

Lieberman needs to be ousted from Homeland Security, that way Israel doesn't find out our national secrets and doesn't exert undue influence over American policy.

Mitchell   November 17th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Joe should keep his post. This is the right call. For all you ignorant imbeciles on this board he has FOUR years before he is up for re-election and at that point could fade gracefully into retirement as a multiple term senator who served his country against all odds. The Dems stabbed Joe in the back by supporting Ned Lamont in the primary when Reid himself has said that "Joe votes Dem more than most of his supposed Democrat senators." Joe cares more for this country than any of the morons posting against him on this board. He did something that made no sense for him politically just to stand up for what he believed in. John McCain lost to fairly to a great man in Obama, but that doesn't make McCain any less of an American hero. Let's get a handle on reality here and not treat this as if Joe was endorsing Bin Laden for president!

recycle washington   November 17th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

—-this a shame that we have people like LIEberman as our Sen.

Cathy Salciccia   November 17th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

I find the "tit for tat" relatively nauseating. I don't see any reason why Joe Lieberman should be "punished" for taking the positions that he took during the election. He is an Independent, he votes with democrats, he was a good supporter of McaCin and talked down about the opposition. This is no different than what anyone else did. He wanted to get his favored candidate elected in the same way that Kennedy wanted to get his favored candidate elected. It seems to me that if the Obama administration wants to be "new and different", then they need to look at the underlying interests and value that Joe Lieberman brings to the table in terms of his genuine interest in security and in the environment. This comes from a Hillary Supporter and eventual intense campaigner for Obama up through the election. It is time to stop the external powerplays and punishing behaviors and bring people together.

Art H   November 17th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

If Reid does not remove Lieberman from his position, it will be a clear and certain indication of his weakness.

He needs to go and if he retains his position, it will be a strategic blunder for the Obama team and also the democratic team in general.

Removing him has nothing whatsoever to do with "Obama's magnanimity" or lack thereof. He is a traitor and needs to be kicked to the curb. Anything less and this viper will bite again.

David, Silver Spring, MD   November 17th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

If Lieberman is able to treat Obama like dirt and get away with it, what signal does that send to other "on the fence" Democrats?

More importantly, what signal does it send to countries like North Korea, Russia, or Iran? Seems to me what it tells them is that we don't protect our president or strike back at those who provoke us.

Not good.

David   November 17th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

The best thing that could happen for the Democrats is to lose in either Georgia or Minnesota so that they can deal with Lieberman appropriately.

Otherwise, they'll need Lieberman to get to 60 and he will be coddled accordingly.

Andy   November 17th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

It's unfair to say that Lieberman betrayed the democratic party, it was the other way around. Lieberman lost his primary because certain democrats hate him because of his losing Gore the election in 2000 (remember the VP debate). I'm a proud liberal who supported McCain, Lieberman should not be punished for voting his conscience, I wish more Senators would. Everyone says they want bi-partisanism, yet when somone actually does it, people want to sack them. Good on senate democrats for remembering this.

debchuck   November 17th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Why are we having this discussion? Lieberman is a fanatic. He's not a Democrat. He's whatever gives hi the most for the least effort. I have no problem with his Israeli stances. Not at all.

My problems with him stem from the fact that he cannot be trusted.

He's a Democrat when it suits him. He's a Republican when it suits him the other direction. He is for whatever is momentarily best or old Joe, and it's time the Democrats got some backbone and booted his butt.

I thought Democrats elected a Demo Congress a couple of years ago to get rid of Bush's stupid actions, but look what Reid and Pelosi did — ate lunch after lunch with Bush and never proceeded to do the first thing to turn things around. Now, the Demos have a chance to lay the wood to the fire — get rid of Lieberman. If — big IF — he should come back as a Demo, then deal with him at that time.

As an independent (closet Republican), he's worthless.

twiddly   November 17th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Unbelievable! He doesn't deserve any chairmanship post.

That he actively campaigned for McCain, knowing that a McCain presidency would further push the supreme court to the right, is really unforgiveable.

It's one thing to disagree over how Iraq is handled; it's another to put the supreme court in a position to overturn roe v wade. Not to mention the absolutely frightening possibility of Palin as prez.

Lieberman has shown that he's either a) just stupid or b) carrying a grudge over the primary, or maybe c) both.

drew   November 17th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

good for them. i respect senator lieberman, and i think if democrats are serious about unifying and causing change, it's time to put aside the election's bitterness and embrace people who can see from both sides of the aisle.

James   November 17th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

A neo-con heading up Homeland Security? This is egregious and incredibly disappointing.

David, Silver Spring, MD   November 17th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Meanwhile, senators who were good soldiers, who supported their party and their party's candidate, are stuck where they are because there's no public relations value in giving them increased opportunity.

Lieberman deserves to be booted. If he isn't, it just goes to show the ugly dirty underbelly of politics, where appearance and symbol is more valued than integrity and honesty.

paul (staunch Moderate)   November 17th, 2008 6:51 pm ET

Wow, folks!
Pres-Elect states he harbors no ill will toward Sen Lieberman. He requests everyone stop the partisan political rhetoric. Yet the comments from so many of you are quite hateful. Why?

He may have made some good contacts among the Republican party and will be able to use those contacts to sway some votes on critical bills. Lieberman may yet prove to be useful to the Dems – Don't throw him under the bus just yet.

Jeff Brown   November 17th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

This man makes me want to vomit!

Darrell Feagin   November 17th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

And the beat goes on….that is the same ole' playbook which has kept many of these useless and thoughtless politicians in office.

These career politicians tend to forgive and forget each other for their mis-deeds and often ignore the will of the people.

Shame on those whose vote will allow Lieberman to maintain his Chairmanship on any committee, just know we're watching and taking names.

Larry   November 17th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Are Democrat voters more interested in the Democratic Party or our what is best for our country ?Should be country first,shouldn't it?

Jon Davis   November 17th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

As much as I dislike Joe Lieberman primarily for his radical, extremist political views regarding Israel and Palestine, views which HURT our country, politics shouldn't be about awarding friends or punishing opponents, it should be about making the necessary compromises to move forward. In fact, since Lieberman is a de facto Republican (even if a moderate Republican), keeping him at Homeland Security is actually a bipartisan move on the part of Democrats.

Bryan   November 17th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

Why are people being critical of this Independent? He is not a Democrat. He was not the Democratic nominee. He is an I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T with no obligation to either party.

As an Independent, he supported the presidential candidate of his choice. The fact that he caucuses with the Democrats, who rejected him, is to their benefit. They could use every vote they can get right now.

Turning your back on a senator who's willing to caucus with you is a very dumb thing. Just ask Bush, who did it to Jim Jeffers in '00 and forever regretted it.

Eric   November 17th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

This is truly a disappointment and the poorest representation the Democrats could possibly have in this position.

New Day   November 17th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

People never cease to amaze me. How can you guys back Obama and his message of unity and then, at the first opportunity, prove you are no better than republicans? I was just as irate seeing Lieberman at the Rep Convention and hearing the things he said on the campaign trail but, all that is over. We have a country to fix, people!!! We need every vote in the senate we can get. Enough of the petty foolishness!!!!

Law Student   November 17th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Wow, this is ridiculous. This is a perfect example of how partisanship has gotten out of control in this country. You cannot even support the person over the party without being labeled a "traitor". Maybe it is about time that we all demonstrate some independent thinking like Lieberman, rather than merely following the group think, which is what ignorant people are so inclined to do. I am a registered Democrat and I thought that Obama's message was about changing the country and getting past the partisan divide, but I guess the Democrats are showing their true colors and I want nothing of it.

Mark   November 17th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Cali Girl, you're not quite right.

Joe Lieberman doesn't care about anything but Joe Lieberman.

He made a big bet that the US wouldn't elect a black man over John McCain, and he lost the bet. What he bet was the last shreds of his reputation and integrity. Which means the only remaining governor on his actions is he's got to be enough of a progressive saint over the next four years that we in Connecticut will forgive and forget.

I won't forget. And I bloody well won't forgive either.

Janice Illinois   November 17th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Friendship has lost it's meaning in the U.S. to a degree. A friend stands by you no matter what ,is the way I was raised. Joe says that he is a friend to Mccain and therefore he stands by him this doesn't mean that they agree on every issue. Powell stood by Obama, and he is republican, no scrutiny there? If your friends will not stand with you ,Who will, leave Joe alone, if being a good friend is all he's guilty of, he is a politician among politicians.

Edward   November 17th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Invisible hands one more time forced their agenda! We should ask why a Democrat president and a majority Democrat congress can’t remove someone whose ideas are in direct contradiction with president elect’s foreign and even domestic polices! The same invisible hands who brought Lieberman to senate after he lost the primary to his democrat opponent now want to make sure he will hold a powerful position and will serve them well. Do we really live in a democracy? Or just a few people with public exposure change and the core power remains in hands of the same people who use our country for their benfit. Great job AIPAC !

Brian   November 17th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Lieberman actually resembles Emperor Palpatine of STAR WARS – seriously!

I can't wait for the official vote to learn of his fate.

May the force NOT be with him! :)

Cynthia Jerman   November 17th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

He should not be rewarded for any position.

GERRY   November 17th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

HE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE IN THE SENATE AS A DEMOCRAT HOWEVER, HE DOESN'T NEED TO BE CHAIRMAN OF ANYTHING AND I MEAN ANYTHING. WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS ANYWAY?
HE TRULY IS A TRAITOR NO QUESTION. I DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR THAT AN ELECTED OFFICIAL SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CHANGE PARTIES LIKE THIS AND COME BACK……

james   November 17th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

If the Dems have any backbone, they will get rid of this idiot.

Ollie   November 17th, 2008 6:41 pm ET

It does not surprise me that neocons and neoliberals are able to penetrate the new administration and maintain power in congress. They have powerfull sponsors, intent on pushing this country into conflicts with Iran, Russia, etc, anybody that would dare to oppose their goals. Our military is being used as a foreign legion and our country's resources are being depleted to finance their objectives.

C Spurgeon   November 17th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

I think he should move to the Republicans as that is where his loyalties lie and hopefully the Dems will get in next time. He is merely going thru life to the highest bidder.

Jon, Conn   November 17th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Liebermann should be let go. He betrayed the Democrats.

JOE BLOGGS   November 17th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

This is a true test of Democratic spine. EVERYONE knows Lieberman has acted in a manner taht deserves retribution. If this happened on the REPUBLICAN side, there would be no suspense, no debate. LIeberman didn't only support John MCCAIn for Prez. He stood beside him and applauded every time McCain lied about Obama's tax plan and about Obaqma 'spreading the wealth' like a 'Socialist'. LIeberman is a slimey shark anad, if the Dems don't strip him of his chairmanship, they ahve proven to us all that they haven't CHANGEd at all – still a bunch of spineless wimps!

Margo   November 17th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Two more years for you Joe and hopefully you'll be GONE!

Anna, ATL   November 17th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

you guys are morons.
this isn't saturday night at the movies…

The people that throw their careers on the line for their principles are not the Washington gooks we need to be worried about.

Brian   November 17th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

I hope we get better news after the vote!

Lieberman is Palpatine – a man who cares only about himself!

gallimimus   November 17th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

It's not a matter of having a different opinion. It's a matter of how that opinion was communicated. Scum of the earth, yes he is!!!

Dal CA   November 17th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

If the Dems don't like what Lieberman did then they have only one option. Use the ballot box to send the message up his spine.

linda from South Dakota   November 17th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

if theres any doubt about liberman,, the show him the door,, its best for the country,, we dont need neg nor trouble from republicans anymore,,,

J.P.   November 17th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

How dare a senator actually think for himself and not fall in line with party leadership!

Larry   November 17th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

The Democrats know Lieberman was right all along,McCain would have been a better choice–the policians are more forgiving than the Democratic voters as you will see by the post on this blog tonight.That's because the voters are so emotional.

California Gold   November 17th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Most people understand Lieberman is a chameleon. Don't expect anything from him and don't expect his decision to be grounded in anything more than what is in his best interests. Think not? He aggressively campaigned for McCain and hurled wild accusations like Palin about Obama confident his Democrat voting record will keep his chairmanship intact. I know it's the way the game is played, but I don't respect Lieberman.

Bryan   November 17th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Does Joe have pictures of leading Democrats in compromising positions? There is literally no other explanation for this insanity on the part of Senate Democrats — they are an old boys club, pure and simple.

Neversaydie   November 17th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

He needs to go. He's a traitor to his party and to his country.

Inside job   November 17th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Hes a scumbag with way too much power.Make him go back to his own country in the middle east.

CS   November 17th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

What, Is this guy protected from up on high by the prince of darkness? He walks and talks like a chickenhawk but we're supposed to believe he's a Democrat? If Obama can forgive this idiot then he's a bigger man than anyone gives him credit for.

Glenn Doty, Columbia, SC   November 17th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

It doesn't really matter.

Lieberman is basically impotent if the democrats don't reach 60, and if they do reach 60, he'll be the most powerful person in the senate. This would be true regardless of his chairmanship.

Without 60 seats, any attempt by Lieberman to use the chairmanship for personal gain would be accompanied by a few dozen "leaks" of the conversations… He will be the ultimate omega wolf…. because the democrats would have a 7-8 seat cusion without him.

If they do reach 60, he would be the insurance against filibusters… and he will get his way on almost anything for two years.

It sucks, but that's really the situation that we're looking at.

Anne E.   November 17th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

The "good" senator from CT seems to be getting away with quite a lot. Here's hoping the voters will take care of his job when the time comes.

Sceptic   November 17th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Hm. I campaigned for Lieberman in the past. But by now, some five years later, I consider him off base and have no respect for him as a politician. More importantly, I strongly question which country's interests he has at heart. Israel or the US? That matters to me in particular if he heads up the Homeland Security Committee!

Don Jones   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Why doesn't this shyster just go away. " The Cooler" has worked his magic with two presidential campaigns, please don't turn him loose on our country. Connecticut is now the" Alaska of the East" for having elected this nebbish.

California Girl   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

My problem with Leiberman is not that he supported John McCain over Obama, but that he said so many horrible things during the campaign about Obama and democrats in general. I don't think he really cares about anything or anyone except Israel, and would gladly sacrifice every American soldier for that cause. He does not think israel can ever be wrong, and they are wrong a lot. And since he has such a low opinion of the democratic party, why does he want to be one? I don't understand this guy at all.

Mr. Lugo   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

He really does look like Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

Ed   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

I will never forgive you…you are nothing more than an oportunist and have no true interest in the betterment of America. You are a political traitor and self serving at best.

Sylvia   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

No! Very unwise decision.

Simsbury, Connecticut   November 17th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

We only have a few years before we vote him out.

Tom   November 17th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

Ridiculous. Grow a spine, Reid! Lieberman went way over the line. He should be allowed to keep lesser posts and remain in the caucus but forfeit the big chair.

Glastonbury CT   November 17th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Lieberman is done in this state.

Mike in Seattle   November 17th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Who cares what the wimp, Harry Reid, wants or says. He should go back to Nevada and commit himself to some missionary work. He is worthless as a senator!

sean   November 17th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

when he abandoned the democratic party he should have been stripped of all his party related percs. to allow an independent to dictate terms to a party is a sign of weakness. I'm no fan of either party but if a political party wants to have effectiveness they must keep their own house in order.

Adele   November 17th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

He is the biggest hypocrite and should be stripped of his post.

CJ   November 17th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Wow. This gives license to any politician in the Democratic Party to do what ever they want. Let him become a Republican since that's what he really is. The voters in CT will retire him in 4 years…

ken   November 17th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

he acted like a kid, I will never forgive him!

Anonymous   November 17th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Are you kidding me? It is ridiculous for the Democrats to cave in to a man whose views on homeland security are clearly more those of a Republican than a Democrat. Since they're not even close to the 60 votes they needed why caucus with him at all? Lest we forget he caucused with John McCain and had delusions of running for the vice president once on the Democratic ticket and once one the Republican one. I live in Connecticut and still can't get over the fact that we elected this man our Senator once again. Please, please get rid of him once and for all.

Diana   November 17th, 2008 6:28 pm ET

Good! This is a good first step towards unifing this country.
As a Obama supporter i was not pleased with Liebeman. But lets not forget that Joe is not technically a Democrat and he took a huge risk doing what he did, so I can only think that he must just really believe in John McCain.

Lisa P   November 17th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

I guess it will be up to the people of Connecticut to get rid of him then.

Sarge in Florida   November 17th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

They should kick this TRAITOR to the curb……I would spit in his face if I ever came face to face with him. Liberman can straight to H E L L as far as I'm concerned.

Andy   November 17th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

What a joke. Now the Democrats are going to be beholden to Lieberman going forward – particularly if they need his "60th" vote to break a filibuster. They should just sever ties now and be done with it. Let Lieberman go with whichever party he thinks is right in the future. This guy is the ultimate politician and has no loyalties or allegiances to anyone. When beaten in a primary for his party's nomination to run for his current Senate position, he immediately withdrew and ran as an independent. This guy is an opportunist and I believe should not be awarded any committee chairmanships.

Keep your enemies closer?   November 17th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

That's just great. This is how they intend to discourage Lieberman's behavior in the future?

1. Loses primary race for re-election
2. Runs against Dem candidate, wins as Independent
3. Caucuses with Dems, giving them a slight 51-49 seat advantage in Senate.
4. Campaigns for McCain. Says nasty things about Obama, now President-Elect.
5. Jumps the SS. McCain before it goes down.
6. Gets to keep his powerful Homeland Security Committee Chairmanship.

It's all a logical progression! Brilliant move, Dems!

Sam7_OR   November 17th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Joe Lieberman’s divisive actions will continue no matter what!

If you look back at this man’s history, you’ll see how twisted his agenda was (and continue to be). His main focus has always been on foreign policy… and why is that? Because that way he can continue to influence decisions related to the Middle East.

You see, it is Joe’s mission from God to protect “Israel”; and in order to do so, the rest of the ME must continue to suffer and stay destabilized. And if it meant that Americans have to scarify every last soldier for his cause… so be it…

It is so shameful that after all the ugly things that this man has done, the Democrats are still kissing his “you know what” instead of kicking it!

Dave in Atlanta   November 17th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

So they caved?

Hahahahaha

Get Smart Dems   November 17th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

Joe Lieberman is calling the shots? He is shameful. As usual, the Democrats don't know how to wield power once they've been granted it by the American people. Senator Lieberman is at odds with the Democratic Party on a number of critical issues, including the war in Iraq; and he was not just a traitor as a McCain supporter, but a nasty, mean-spirited, lying one at that. The Democrats are crazy to reward him with a competely undeserved committee chairmanship. Where's the recall drive in Connecticut for this dinosaur who needs to step aside and let the next generation of democratic leaders move their progressive programs and policies forward. I think the democrats in the Senate and the Obama administration would be grievously mistaken if they think that Democratic voters were looking for more coddling of the hawkish far right agenda that got us into this mess. Bi-partisanship? Sure. But not on Senator Lieberman's terms. Strip him of his post, make him apologize, and let him regain our trust through actions and vocal support of the new administration's efforts. Then see if his leadership is needed on a committee.

SD,Michigan   November 17th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Unbelievable! This is beyond disgusting!
So one can go around spreading lies and smearing, doing everything he can to crush the Democrats, and gets rewarded with a position of power. What kind of message is this to all the people who worked hard and did their best to see Obama and the Dems win?
Typically spineless behaviour.
I'm so dissillusioned right now….I'm at a loss of words…

David   November 17th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

They should throw this lying bum out with yesterdays trash and the rest of the Republican party.

RGG   November 17th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Joe 'Judas' Lieberman is a traitor. He will be more comfortable in Israel amongst his fellow Zionists.
Strip him of all his privileges that were given to him with the Democrats.

Lance Haun   November 17th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Hahaha

Lani in Los Angeles   November 17th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Joe "Benedict Arnold" Lieberman should be put in a corner. His actions were unconscionable.

This is one time I wish Obama wasn't so magnanimous.

Anna, ATL   November 17th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Well, I am glad he is keeping the big one.

Joe's foreign policy sentiment is solely attributable to the aftermath of 911; and his concern for Israel.
Everybody protects what is dear to their heart.

This has nothing to do with party LOYALTY. And who cares if it did?

i am sick of haggling over the two party system anyway.
These Washington hacks are our ruination–grappling for power!

It's about this Country and it's Citizens, not a stupid political Party.

sglman4Obama   November 17th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

HE IS A TRAITOR TO HIS PARTY AND NEEDS TO BE REMOVED! HIS FLIGHTINESS AND DISLOYALITY TO HIS PARTY AND HIS COUNTRY NEED TO BE DEALT WITH FIRMLY!

THERE IS NO ROOM FOR THIS TYPE OF TWO FACED HOOLIGANISM IN THE PARTY, EXPECIALLY WITH US IN CONTROL OF THE LEGISLATURE AND EXECUTIVE AREAS OF GOVERNOR. SEND HIM PACKING TO THE REPUBS WE DON'T NEED HIM!

GROW A SPINE HARRY (REID) AND SHOW HE THE DOOR TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE. LET HIM AND HIS DECREPID OLD BUDDY MCCAIN SPEND THEIR REMAINING YEARS AT THE OLD REPUB SENATORS HOME ALONG WITH TED STEVENS!

Irfan Mian   November 17th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Obama,
That will ba a biggest mistake you will ever make keeping this "LIEBERMAN" as chairman of homeland security…it is like giving the Dog responsibility to look after the Bone.
You will harm yourself…ARE you short of people or what?
You need a person like myself who can prove some worth to you and this country.

MLH   November 17th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

I would be sorry to see him keep the position. It is one thing to support a candidate from the opposing party – it is another thing to campaign for them ceaselessly, insulting your own party's candidate in the process.

Howie   November 17th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

Joe well deserves his leadership role. Democrats need to stop complaining and support one who has been a dedicated democrat for many years.

dale in indiana   November 17th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

show how desperate reid is. any body that backstabs the party the he did needs to be booted out or go to the gop…

Barbara in NC   November 17th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

I hope Connecticut gets rid of him in 2 years. Have never trusted him.

Jay   November 17th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Look Dems – I donated to you (a lot), I voted for you, I told everyone I know to vote Dem. You won, now grow some backbone and get rid of Lieberman – he's a republican! Why he gets to run such an important post is beyond me.

Another crooked republican   November 17th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Lieberman: Wolf guarding the hen house……be afraid, this man is untrustworthy.

KJL   November 17th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

Democrats are more tolerant than Republicans.

Terrell of Escondido Ca.   November 17th, 2008 6:12 pm ET

I do not like Joe. He is a back biter. And a closet Republican. He was also willing to see this country go through another term of bush polices. But do we have enough democratic seats in congress to drop him now? Oh to hell with it!!!! send his sorry behind to the Publicans.

Rich from Philly   November 17th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Bad sign–actions have to have consequences. Letting Lieberman off with a slap on the wrist is not good for Dems. in long run. It is not that Lieberman just said he supported McCain–he actively campaigned for the other party against the Dems. That makes him worse than a Republican, and they would not give a an R. a major committe chair.

jimbojim   November 17th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Go Dem's go. Dump this stupid old smiling dolt. Like John McCain say's "Stand up and Fight" , "Fight", " Fight:" etc. Fight for your principles. Stop acting like you have to have it all, i.e. 60 seat Senate. You can govern quite well with out total control of everything. Sucking up to a guy like "Joe the Turncoat" is never worth it.

Nimi from NY   November 17th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Why? He doesn't deserve to keep his top Dem post when there are people who worked hard to elect Barak Obama. My anger is not neccesarily that he was out there campaining for McCain but the way he criticized Obama was wrong and he should not be rewarded for bad behavior.

Independent   November 17th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

The Democrats are hypocrites. If a Republican crosses over and campaigns for Obama they get praise. If a Democrat crosses over and campaigns for McCain they get labeled as a traitor.

The Democrats complain about what Lieberman said at the RNC. It seems to me that the fact that Lieberman criticized Obama AT ALL is what they are reacting to. Saying he was "overly critical" seems inaccurate if you actually look at what he said at the RNC:

"Senator Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead. But eloquence is no substitute for a record — not in these tough times.

In the Senate he has not reached across party lines to get anything significant done, nor has he been willing to take on powerful interest groups in the Democratic Party.

Contrast that to John McCain's record, or the record of the last Democratic President, Bill Clinton, who stood up to some of those same Democratic interest groups and worked with Republicans to get important things done like welfare reform, free trade agreements, and a balanced budget.

When others were silent, John McCain had the judgment to sound the alarm about the mistakes we were making in Iraq. When others wanted to retreat in defeat from the field of battle, when Barack Obama was voting to cut off funding for our troops on the ground, John McCain had the courage to stand against the tide of public opinion and support the surge, and because of that, today, our troops are at last beginning to come home, not in failure, but in honor!"

SNAPPA   November 17th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Not to go off subject but I need to comment on what Jim Demint said about touting the conservative line. If Mr. Demint wants to live in a religious based society let him move to Iran or Pakistan or wait for the taliban to re- control Afghanastan. I am sick of these sick cult people trying to force our SECULAR nation towards a theocracy.

That to me is whats wrong with the republican party pushing their so called values on the public when behind closed doors they have the least values (Foley, Craig, Haggard and many more). If not seeing what an ignorant cult politician is like look to Palin and most of all Bush. The ignorant answers to some questions posed to Palin show what happens when the only thing you read is a bible you know nothing of the real world.

jimbojim   November 17th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

Go Dem's go. Dump this stupid old smiling dolt. Like John McCain say's "Stand up and Fight" , "Fight", " Fight:" etc. Fight for your princilpes. Stop acting like you have to have it i.e. 60 seat Senate. You can govern quite well with out total control of everything. Sucking up to a guy like "Joe the Turncoat" is never worth it.

Barbara   November 17th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

If the Democrats do not take the Homeland Security chair from him, they will send the message that they are the same old wimps they have been for the last eight years. It's not only that Joe Lieberman followed McCain around like a dog but he has not been doing his job as a senator for almost two years! The Democrats have got to stand up for something.

Alissa in Kansas   November 17th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

THIS IS CRAZY! Kick him the hell out altogether! Let him go to the Republicans! He's their toady anyway! I for one will NEVER forgive this!

robert   November 17th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

to endorse the opposing camp is one thing to actually address the rnc is another. liebermann campaigned also against the some democratic senate candidates. this is above what can be normal. chuck hagel was for obama but never did all these foolish things. my oppinion liebermann is an egoistic opportunist and should be stripped of all chairmanships… he should caucus with the gop. he voted gop. last line he is a war monger.

FIRE HIM   November 17th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

Incompetent, flip flopping, two faced, liar………………..GET RID OF HIM NOW!!!!

zenter   November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

The democrats can be such wimps sometimes. Lieberman should get kicked off the democrat caucus period. He does nothing but rally with losers (Gore, McCain) and he crosses party lines to make stupid decisions. Lieberman should go ahead and caucus with the republicans since he is so well alligned with them on all our modern issues. Social issues are simply on the back burner these days so these issues do not carry enough weight to be consideration on which party a Senator caucuses with. The economy and the Iraq war clearly puts Lieberman on the side of republicans. But the congressional democrats, as usual, are showcasing their gross incompotence. This is why i am an Obama independent and not a democrat.

Boered1   November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Obama has already started to heal the wounds, he has talked with the liar hillary, he has talked with the dishonorable mccain, and now he has forced the idiot reid into moving to accept Lieberman "as is" I wish I had Obama's capacity to forgive but I still hold too much anger towards the liar hillary and her puma kids and my dissappointment with mccain will take a long time to heal. I take my hat off to the better man, OBAMA!

Nifty 60, female and white   November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Strip him of everything. He does not deserve to be part of anything the Democratic Party has to offer. As a traitor he should he glad that he is not being shot. At least the Repubs stayed true to their colors. Get rid of him once and for all.

Jim   November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Wonderful. More of the same spineless leadership we've come to expect from the Senate Democrats.

To hell with Lieberman. Harry Reid, the Democratic equivalent of Neville Chamberlain, deserves to lose his seat over this.

Real Change   November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Yah see that picture. That would be good ole Joe speeking at the Republican convention.

I say we need to squash Joe like a bug.

Dave in Houston   November 17th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

The Dems have to suck it up and let Lieberman keep his chairmanship. Even if we run the table with Begich, Franken and Martin, we will need Lieberman to stay "filibuster-proof."

However, if we can pick up more seats in 2010, we can really stick it to Joe for his traitorous behavior. Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Brain in DC   November 17th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

If it was up to me, I don't want him as chair on Homeland Security committee, or any position of significant influence on National Security.

let go luke   November 17th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

let him go. hes a less than inspiring public figure.

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