October 27, 2009
Posted: October 27th, 2009 02:09 PM ET

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Sen. Lieberman said Tuesday that he opposes any kind of public health insurance option.
Sen. Lieberman said Tuesday that he opposes any kind of public health insurance option.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sen. Joe Lieberman told reporters Tuesday that he will support Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on a procedural motion in order to start the health care debate - but opposes any kind of public option, including state opt-out and trigger provisions, and will ultimately not vote to approve any health care bill that includes any version of a public option.

The announcement means that even if Reid is able to get a measure introducing a public option that allows states to opt out onto the Senate floor for debate, Lieberman - who caucuses with the Democrats - won't provide a crucial vote needed to get it off the floor and up for a final vote.

"I am strongly inclined, and I have had this conversation with Sen. Reid several times, to vote for the motion to proceed to take up the bill. Why? Because I want to vote for health care reform legislation, so I'd like the debate to begin," said the Connecticut senator. "But I've also made clear to Sen. Reid that if the bill remains as it is now, I will vote against cloture, to finish the bill and pass it affirmatively."

Lieberman said the inclusion of an opt-out provision would not change his position.

"To me, the opt out doesn't change the basic facts. The last thing we want to do now is create another Washington-run health insurance company," he said. "There's enough good things that we're talking about - health care delivery reforms, insurance market reforms, extending coverage to people who don't have it now. I think we're just asking for trouble that the taxpayers don't need. I think the end result of it - I mean we are having enough time sustaining Medicare."

The Democrat-turned-independent said he could not support the creation of a public option because "it still creates a whole new government created entitlement program for which taxpayers will be on the line."

"I can't see a way in which I can vote for cloture on any bill that contained a creation of a government-operated-and-run insurance company, it's just asking for trouble," he said. He also rejected the idea of a "trigger" option that would allow for the launch of a new public option if the insurance industry failed to meet certain coverage benchmarks. "I feel this way about a national government-run health insurance company whether it's a trigger or not," he said.

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Filed under: Democrats • Health care • Joe Lieberman • Senate


haren   October 27th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

He will vote for public option if Obama start war with Iran for Israel.

Bob Zmuda   October 27th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

Just switch parties already.

Peter E   October 27th, 2009 3:40 pm ET

Newsflash, hypocrite! Republicans are vocal advocates of Medicare and are even whining in case it gets reduced in any way, and Medicare IS a government-run, taxpayer paid program! And all these politicians are themselves getting subsidies for thei health care through the government. (i.e. more taxpayer dollars) So if you don't like government programs then give up your own share too! Oh, and along with that why not give up Social Security, police and fire services, public roads, clean water, and our much touted military too! Those too are government-run programs! Yes, I'm sure we'd be so much better off when the nation's security will be provided by a for-profit corporation who decides whether to protect us on whether we can pay their surcharges!

phoenix86   October 27th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

Reid is pushing this to shore up the radical left to fend off a challenge in Nevada. He doesn't give a sh!t about a public option, only himself.

Ethan   October 27th, 2009 3:38 pm ET

And it's a total coincidence that Connecticut is the home of most insurance companies...

FactCheck   October 27th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

Who is this Lieberman fellow and why is he relevant? Sounds like a lapdog to me.

hockeybear   October 27th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

Joe Liebermann is a traitor to the Democratic Party. Put the old geezer out to pasture. He needs to go.

Proud Member..Party of No   October 27th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

This is more rare than a spotted owl.......a democrat with a brain.

PappyHappy   October 27th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

THANK YOU JOE!!

It is time for the Administration to START OVER - CLEAN PIECE OF PAPER!! Keep the far left and far right out of the picture, and develop a true Health Care Reform package for the American people - NOT THE US GOVERNMENT.

As a minimum, the following elements should be included:

* TORT reform – a real driver of costs!
* Health Savings Accounts to allow individuals to at least be partially responsible for their OWN health care.
* Inter-border health insurance sales
* Targeted language for fraud, waste and abuse of MEDICARE and MEDICAID.
* New initiatives to provide scholarships for doctors and nurses to pursue medicine to preclude a further shortage of doctors and nurses. Folks, there is no need to develop a ‘Health Care System’ if you do not have a viable delivery system.
* Language that will permit government funds for health care be only expended for US CITIZENS.

NEED TO KEEP NANCY PELOSI, HARRY REID, AND BARNEY FRANK AWAY FROM THE PAPER!! HOW HAS THEIR ‘DOG’S BREAKFAST’ WORKED FOR YOU SO FAR???

Grrr-awful-o   October 27th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

Opt-out sounds like a very bad idea. What if a quarter of all states decide to opt out? This is not inconceivable since there are far more states than that who are conservative (red states). A lot of people in those states don't want the government healthcare as proposed so far.

If 25% or more states opt out, will they still have to pay for other states' health insurance? Or will only those states that opt in be required to pay? Pretty soon it becomes a state by state healthcare framework. And the economy of scale is an essential part of the current proposals (so they presumably won't work if all states are helping to pay). If this is the case (and I can't see how it won't be) then states really can't Opt out because those taxpayers will be paying twice: once for the whole country (for which they opted out of) and once for their own actual healthcare expenses. Who would pay twice? No one! So no states would opt out unless they don't have to pay for the national plan. And I'm pretty sure the national plan won't allow for that – will it?

Would some politician please answer this question? CNN, how about asking!

We need a public option!   October 27th, 2009 3:34 pm ET

We need a public option, unfortunately, because insurance companies have screwed this up so royally, that we cannot trust them. There needs to be some competition to bring prices down. My family's premiums just went up AGAIN. Something has got to be done, we don't get raises, but we have to pay more – every year. Lieberman, you don't know what it is like for the average American, who has to foot the bill for health care. Let us have the public option to choose from, please!

Cindy   October 27th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

All those who vote against the Public Option will be voted out.

All these Senator and Members of the Congress need to know this.

By 2012 all the Defunct Republican Party Jokers are going to be voted out.

Republican Party is the Garbage of American Politics, Dump the Garbage.

sonny chapman   October 27th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

Since when did an ultra-Liberal have philosophical problems with a govt. run program? The lil fellow is still p/o @ the Dems.

Jim in Philadelphia   October 27th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

What is this fool still in the Senate for? I thought most Republicans got voted out in the last round?

Anna, Mo   October 27th, 2009 3:32 pm ET

Of course he says this. His words are chosen very carefully to cover himself. He wants something, and press time is right up there at the top of his list. Is he really willing to take down the whole healthcare reform bill, the top priority of this administration, and the Demcratic party, and expect to remain in any Chairmanship in January. He will find a way to vote for the bill, even if it has the public option. Just got to do his grandstanding first.

Lulu'   October 27th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

I knew it..............

this man is the biggest traitor ever..............

I hope he'll lose his seat soon.

Joshua College Station Texas   October 27th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Lieberman's reasoning sounds fair enough, but after switching parties just to remain a career politician, his credibility is weak. So he is not loyal, but I didn't expect him to be. But what a joke. This guy is going to be stick in the mud just to be difficult. I guess that's the nice thing about being an "independent" now. You can screw everyone and be loyal to no one. How self-serving.

Right Leaning Independent   October 27th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Way to go Joe!!!! Public Option is the 1st step toward a single payer system!!! No Public Option!!!

Slider   October 27th, 2009 3:30 pm ET

There's a word to describe Senator Reid during his latest presser on this issue...

Alone.

Gorbashov - Long Beach, Ca.   October 27th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

If Benedict Lieberman, or any other Democratic Senator doesn't vote for cloture then they should be stripped of any and all chairman positions, period. It is unconscienable that he or any other Senator would vote against the party to even bring it to the floor for a vote!

Dave   October 27th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

Haaaaaaaaaaa, YOU GO JOE!
I wonder if the Dems even thought about what could happen when they tried to push him out of the senate and supported Ned in the primary? Looks like Joe just got payback.LOL

ggb   October 27th, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Will Reid ever listen to a voice of reason or did he have a motive to set the bill up for rejection with a "state opt out"? That would never work for so many reasons. Seems Lieberman hit the nail on the head.

Lillie   October 27th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

Lieberman is in favor of the crooked insurance companies...vote him out next time!!!..

ART   October 27th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

I once had respect for joe leiberman, but alas this two faced idiot should be voted out ,turn coat begone

Zago   October 27th, 2009 3:27 pm ET

So he's saying that he's worse that any right wing extremist. You can't teach an old dog nwe tricks. Forget it. The guy is a republican. Remember, he was McCain campaign co-chair. What would you expect more from him. He needs wars. He needs blood! No peace! No social justice! We get the message Joe. The Democratic vice-presidential nominee campaingning against a democratic ticket for the next election cycle. Have a bit of shame!

Dominican mama 4 Obama   October 27th, 2009 3:24 pm ET

This guy has been a pain in everyone's behind. We should've gotten rid of him when he showed his ignorance during the elections. So the question is: who got to him,and how much moola is he getting?

Bob   October 27th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

Then we'll call it the Lieberman filibuster. We'll bring in cots and TV cameras. Then he can explain to voters why he doesn't want to allow them choice. And he can explain why he's voting party-line Republican. And then he can say goodbye to his committee assignments.

Jill, California   October 27th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

How much money does Lieberman receive from the insurance companies? But then again, he does has good health care for life. Try living in the real world Joe.

Ken in NC   October 27th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

This sucker needs to have his chairmanship yanked, kicked out of the caucus and shipped off to the Republicans. Then the Blue Dogs, who are only undercover Republicans need to be stripped as Democrats and shipped off to the Republican Party and then we will have to deal with our own party after that but at least we will have Democrats only.

Bryan from Topeka   October 27th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

I think the time has finally come to boot Joe out of the caucus.

Todd   October 27th, 2009 3:22 pm ET

How does he feel about outright caps on all medical services across the board? That's the only way costs will be controlled absent some direct market pressure. Given the fact the health care costs have outpaced inflation by double digits for so long now, the current market forces are clearly not enough!

Chris from NY   October 27th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

What else is new. He's been a Republican in Democrat's clothing.

Kevin   October 27th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

Joe Lieberman cares about Joe Lieberman, not about fiscal responsibility. He enjoys having his colleagues beg him to support legislation while he hems and haws on the fence.

Frankly, the Democrats don't need his vote anyway. If more than 40 U.S. senators vote to block health care reform for working Americans while THEY enjoy the best health insurance plans in the world, then it's time for the nuclear option (which the Republicans threatened to use repeatedly when they were in the majority).

Health care reform is 50 years overdue and it's time to get the job done. As for getting voted out, well they didn't go to D.C. to stay (well, maybe Lieberman did), they went to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Melissa   October 27th, 2009 3:18 pm ET

I'm so tired of this utter crap. Give us the public option and stop acting like whiny children. Star actually giving a crap about the people in this country.

LYNETTE IN CA   October 27th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

It's time for Conn to get rid of Lieberman! He was an embarrassment when he left the Dem party, he was completely embarrassing when he threw himself at McCain / Graham and now he's siding again w/repugs.

Is Lieberman's seat coming open in 2010? I hope so.

CONNECTICUT –
PLEASE VOTE FOR A REAL DEMOCRAT NEXT TIME!

Kenneth   October 27th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

I knew we should've kicked that backstabbing rat to the curb!

juliet hartford ct   October 27th, 2009 3:13 pm ET

I live in Connecticut and Joe Liberman need to go join the republican party....he is not a real democrat...he is a disgrace to the dems....he turn his back on his own party that he claims to belong to when the President who was then a senator...to show that the president is a total gentleman and forgive him now when they need him again he is siding with the opposition ...he need to go with the republicans because that is where his heart is...go lib.erman ..go.

David in Oregon   October 27th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

Whether they be Democrat or Republican it is quite obvious that neither Party is interested in us, the American citizen. Sure, they snipe at each other (while winking) to keep up the illusion that they oppose one another. But at the end of the day the both only care about maintaining the status quo which means catering to big business and the wealthy. Sadly, they use us voters as pawns in their nefarious dance; we're sheep who blindly follow one Party or the other, not realizing they both stand for the same thing (and it's not us).

Those of us in the middle (the majority of voters) who have watched the antics over the health care reform "debate" are beginning to awaken and we're getting very tired of seeing big business and the wealthy being represented at our expense.

My solution: vote out the incumbent Senator or Congressman, regardless of party affiliation, in 2010. Ideally, we would have more Independent candidates involved but, if not, just send the political parties a clear message by voting incumbent out. And then do it again in 2012 if the status quo remains.

Enough   October 27th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

NO PUBLIC OPTION! We don't want a government take over of our health insurance. Focus on reforming health care, not destroying it.

Health Care Reform not Social Reform   October 27th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

Good for Lieberman. The " Opt Out" plan is silly. Drop the public option or as Pelosi wants to call it " the consumer option". Yeah rename it, nobody will know the difference. Open insurance across state lines. Get real tort reform. If the left wants to keep the Republicans out of power don't force things on the public. The Republicans love that the Democratic majority is the senate and house are causing the problems. Blame the republicans all you want, it's the elected democrats killing the reform.

The left wants to make sure that those evil Insurance companies make less than the whopping 2.2% profit.

mike   October 27th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

lieberman should reject himself because nobody really cares what he says anymore

SH   October 27th, 2009 3:10 pm ET

Go Joe! Connecticut loves you!

richard Mock   October 27th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

Now we see how forceful of a leader the Democrats have in the Senate. I see Reid's options as follows:

(1) Have the Democratic caucus in a closed meeting vote to suspend any committee chairman of his position who votes to sustain a Republican filibuster.

(2) If cloture vote doesn't occur on the first vote then continue discussion and have a cloture vote each day. In other words make the Republicans actually filibuster.

(3) If Lieberman still doesn't come around then push whatever portion of the house bill can be pushed through under reconciliation. The House Ways and Means has already paved the way for this to be done. If this is important enough to Lieberman to lose his Committee assignments, then let him stand by his guns. I'm already pretty much fed up with him because of some of the things he said about Obama during the campaign.

Ray   October 27th, 2009 3:09 pm ET

Dear Democrats,

STOP trying to please conservatives and Republicans. You will NEVER get their support on this, and you are wasting time and our money. This public option is a failure. In allowing states to opt out, YOU have failed us.

Public option for ALL, NOW!!!

Sincerely,
Your Constituents

Matt   October 27th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

Thank goodness there are still people who really understand how bad this unfinished bill is for our economy, health and freedoms. Real reform is needed, but the monstrosity in the senate isn't it.

Retired US Army Officer-Kansas   October 27th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Without a public option, healthcare reform is dead. I really hate to break the news to the boys and girls in Washington, but if Americans could afford monthly premuims of $300-1500.00 per month we would not be having this issue before us. It is appartent to me that the folks in Washington have a very slim grasp on the reality on the ground in America. To cover all Americans with afforadble healthcare we have two options, a highly subsidized government option that cost the individual pennys on the dollar, or a single payer system. If insurance companies were capable of providing 100% afforadble healthcare this would not be an issue, they are not.

In reality, the only way we shall ever provide 100% of all Americans with adequate healthcare, is to go to a single payer system. You don't like it, tuff, it's the truth.

Jonathan   October 27th, 2009 3:05 pm ET

Can anyone name one part of the Democratic platform this guy does support??

Josh P.   October 27th, 2009 3:04 pm ET

I swear if this piece of crap is the one thing between the American people and the "Public Option" I think I will lose my mind! I hate Joe Lieberman with a true passion.

dan smith   October 27th, 2009 3:01 pm ET

Yes Obama wants total control of our lives,why you might ask? Because he's an evil man. Just look at the decision to call the swine flu a national emergency,by doing so he has created an opportunity for health care providers to put people in what basically amounts to concentration camps. If you don't believe that could happen here with this power hungry President I can assure you that the Germans thought the same thing when Hitler came to power,by the time people realized what was going on it was too late. Wake up America.

single mom   October 27th, 2009 3:00 pm ET

An opt out? Is that like having your cake – passing a health care reform bill as the President/Pelosi/Reid have promised, while eating it too – not angering the majority of Americans who have stated in numerous legitimate polls that they are against the public option?

Of course I'm in California – land of unbalanced budgets (when they get passed) and illegal immigrants. I apologize to the rest of the country for the additional debt added to the deficit.

Al Moore   October 27th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

I wish I could say I'm surprised at Joe the Whiner's announcement. However, as a long-time constituent, I see this as yet another attempt to straddle issues without taking any kind of ownership that would fly in the face of support from his Connecticut-based insurance company lobbyists.

dave   October 27th, 2009 2:59 pm ET

Thanks Connecticut. Oh, how we need Ned Lamont.

Barbara -   October 27th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

Doesn't Lieberman look an awful lot like the guy on ALF? Just an observation. He hasnt yet come to grips with what party he supports now? (Not surprising of course, he did support McCain). 'Nuff said.

David in Idaho   October 27th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

Surprise, surprise...
Who didn't see this one coming?
At this point I willing to say, use the procedural motion.... if the Republicans are this pig headed and we have so many fake democrats... Make the republicans use the fillibuster, then use the motion and attack the other side for not letting it come to a vote

Diane Portland OR   October 27th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

Take away all leadership positions and get him out of there!!

Just My Opinion in Texas   October 27th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

Hmm ... seems that Senators are starting to realize that the "public option" is pure poison to their political careers and are choosing their careers over an option that is NO option as far as tax-paying Americans are concerned.

Yes .. the system needs MAJOR renovations ... but a national Medicaid plan is NOT the answer and tax-paying Americans knows it!

Julia - Native American from Idaho   October 27th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

jJoe Lieberman is described by one word, SLIME.

wp   October 27th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

Well, the senator from the insurance industry will vote to protect that cartel, and he will do it with his characteristic self-righteous smugness even at the cost of sinking health care reform.
He has a long history of moralistic criticism of others but shows no capacity for personal shame.

Josh   October 27th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

This is what the dems get for not striping him of very bit of power. They should have seen this betryayer for who he is. He is sticking it to them. I hope they learn from it. He endorsed Macain for Pres, now this.

They don't need him to caucus with them, he vannot be trusted.

To filibuster your own party??? Whao !!!

John, Brooklyn, NY   October 27th, 2009 2:57 pm ET

As a Democrat, I simply have no more ways of describing my disappointment with Joe Lieberman. The fact simply is...he doesn't care about the uninsured, he doesn't care that we lacked integrity in justifying a war in Iraq, he doesn't care that we have shocked and alienated the global community by creating the Guantanamo Bay concentration camp.

Bottom line....Democrats care....but Joe Lieberman doesn't. Period.

Richard in California   October 27th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

Why is it so hard to understand that the health care industry reaps huge profits on the backs of American workers and corporations? If the government offered a public option, health care insurance premiums would come down. The US Government is not in it to give multi-million dollar "bonuses" to its executives like Cigna and other health insurance companies.

Whether you pay the federal government in taxes, or 3x as much to a private health care insurance company, you still get the same care. (i.e. Medicare does not force you to change your primary physician.)

Rod   October 27th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

And how much money has Lieberman taken from the insurance industry? If this guy keeps health insurance reform from occuring, the Democratic majority needs to strip him of every single important committee position he currently holds...and pour every dollar that can be mustered against him if he decides to seek re-election again. He is an absolute poor excuse for a Senator. A public option is the only way that we will ever seen any relief from the private insurance industry.

Hennessy Cognac Black, WI   October 27th, 2009 2:55 pm ET

Joe, Joe, Joe Lieberman, who would have ever thunk?

A man who the Insurance Industry bought-and-paid for many, many years ago, NOT supporting a PUBLIC OPTION... GEE, this is about as much news as: water is wet and fire is hot...

Johnny DC   October 27th, 2009 2:51 pm ET

Joe Lieberman may very well be the only truly noble statesman we have in Washington right now.

Everything he said made perfect sense. It didn't necessarily align with his party's (or caucus, rather) intentions, but that is why there are 100 voters in the Senate, not 2.

Linda Feldman   October 27th, 2009 2:51 pm ET

Lieberman, the self-righteous, self-appointed prosecutor of President Clinton, has now rendered himself politically irrelevant with his decision to vote against a public option. Supporting the opposition on an issue that the President campaigned for makes Lieberman part of the opposition. He was then and he is now.

skurfer   October 27th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

Joe is going to vote for the insurance companies who elected him,not the people of his state or the majority of Americans who want a public option.

Carnell From The Motor City!   October 27th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

It's Americas Political Version Of The Modern Day "Benedict Arnold!" Joe Lieberman. Does Anything This Man Try To Pull Surprise Anybody? We Saw In 2008 That This Technocolored Chameleon Would Stoop To Any Level To Stick It To Then Senator Obama And The Democrats.

andrew   October 27th, 2009 2:49 pm ET

Old joe's done it again.

Explain to me how this man is a democrat?
Pro disfunctional war in iraq.
Pro impreaching clinton
Anti healthcare.

Time and time and time again he kicks us. If he wants to be a republican fine, but why should he have powerful committee assignments during a democratic congress?

Dem Wrong   October 27th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

I am a Liberal who thought this Congressman was OK with his comments about the Republicans' Health care "plan." However, this kind of talk is Rush Limbaugh stuff. There was merit in what he said about Republican opposition to health care reform. Not constructive, not pretty, helpful to critics of the Left. Now, the quickest way for a politician to get CNN coverage: a) is it through careful thought tastefull presented; or b) not?

trustisearned   October 27th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

Thank you Senator Lieberman.

scott in Atlanta   October 27th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

How much longer must we be held hostage by these Republicans-in-disguise? The so called Independents and Blue mutts need to just admit their Republican affiliation so that everyone will know which way to vote the next time. Democrats need to be more focused in their targeting of those standing in the way of true reform. (ie, the Public Option)

Irma in North Carolina   October 27th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

Why dont he go join the republican party. He acts like one of them. He wants to support the big insurance companys. What does he care he has the best insurance around.

a little sad   October 27th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

Can anyone who is against the public option please explain to me where an insurance company adds ANY value to the health care proecess?

All they add are unnecessary costs, without actually providing any health care.

Jim   October 27th, 2009 2:46 pm ET

They should have censured him when he campaigned for McCain. Lieberman is a worthless piece of white trash...

Jay   October 27th, 2009 2:46 pm ET

No surprise coming from a closet Republican that supported a loser in the last election. I hope the Dems pick up more seats in the Senate so they can finally cut this liar and betrayer loose. You should be ashamed to be calling yourself a Democrat and doing everything that Democrats wouldn't want you to do. I pray you lose the next election you two-faced piece of garbage.

Frederik   October 27th, 2009 2:46 pm ET

Holy Joe the Hypocrite... always ready to put a knife in his party's back. Never understood why they tolerate this toad... they should have evicted him when he supported McCain over Obama....

katiec   October 27th, 2009 2:44 pm ET

Am sure headlines like this are one of the reasons CNN's ratings are plumenting. According to other media outlets they are on the bottom of the barrel.
Yet, they continue with their total bias for the GOP while claiming to
be "fair" and "trustworthy".
Even Jack Cafferty, who used to be the shining light on CNN and the only reason many of us tuned into CNN has joined the Blitzers etc in being totally negative about our president and the democratrc party.
This is so disappointing as the Jack we loved, admired and trusted has totally disappeared.
CNN is referred to by many as the second FOX.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   October 27th, 2009 2:44 pm ET

Then what does Lieberman want? Is he going to be a Republican about it and not offer any other ideas or options. There are far to many problems for co-ops to be really viable. If you don't like the bill offer amendments and then vote no on it.

MVDCT   October 27th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

Props to Senator Lieberman. As a CT resident, I'm extremely proud to have him represent us in the Senate.

Four and The Door   October 27th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

Joe Lieberman is exactly correct in his summery of the Public Option. Why would the Federal Government all of the sudden become proficient at doing Health Care Insurance? The answer is, they will not. We do not need another huge gamble like the Stimulus Bill. But the Public Option would be even worse because at least when the Stimulus Bill is spent, it's spent. The Public Option would be another big dramatic political game to shut down and that is saddling future generations with just another problem.

Ted Tartaglia   October 27th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

The Democrats should strip this opportunist of his plum committee assignment and seniority. Let him caucus with the Republican'ts he adores.

Proud American   October 27th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

Does Lieberman have any backbone???

lamuella   October 27th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

for halloween I'm going to go as Joe Lieberman. I'll wear a perfectly nice suit, but I'll turn up at the wrong party.

Kim   October 27th, 2009 2:41 pm ET

Joe Lieberman is a spineless nasally little man who cow tows to every PAC he can. He is a sell out back stabber. In the last 5 years he has raised 19 Million through fund raising. His largest sellout is to Wallstreet with 2 Million raised in the last 4 years.... Remember as a Senator they make About 175,000 He has Raised ONE HUNDRED Times that amount for HIS REELECTION over the last 5 yearsor TWENTY TIMES his wages per years. So I who does Joe work for?

Numbers obtained through opensecrets.org

Make sense or silence   October 27th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

So no compromise whatsoever? Enough is enough! Do the state opt out and trigger option for 'opt-out' states. Reconcile and bring this home. We have other problems. NEXT!

Disgusted   October 27th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

How come there's always money for war 'for which taxpayers will be on the line'??? Why do so many American politicians love to beat the war-drum yet are hell-bent on denying their most disadvantaged citizens access to good healthcare? Absurd and immoral.

Bryan   October 27th, 2009 2:39 pm ET

Now we will see Obama, Reid and Pelosi try to destroy Lieberman because he had the audacity to speak his mind.

Thugs sometimes speak softly and wear suits

SLM   October 27th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

Go Joe! Instead of the Democrats trying to cram this disaster of a health care bill through as a package deal, they need to slow down and do it right. Work on an area at a time, like reforming health insurance companies, Tort reform and allowing insurers to cross state lines to compete. Make health insurance affordable and available for all to purchase...............Keep the government out of our health care, they can't run anything efficiently. Republicans have better options, Democrats don't like them because it would require personal repsonsibility and not entitlement programs. Sorry, but the 53% of us that actually have to pay income tax are broke and can no longer afford to support the 47% that pay NO income tax.

Richard Lees   October 27th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

Throw Lieberman out of the Democrat's caucus and strip him of his chairmanships. At least it will then be clear that the Democrats do not have a 60 vote control of the Senate. The guy is loyal to nobody.

Bob Eling   October 27th, 2009 2:38 pm ET

Always a somewhat free thinker, not pushed around the masses on the left or the right.

rob   October 27th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

I can see how Lieberman will provide cover for centrist Dems to also withhold support. The only way they get this passed in the Senate is with the so-called "Nuke Option" with only 50 votes, and they may not even be able to do that.

The best thing that can happen to "Health Care Reform" is for it to fail now and be brought up again after the Mid-term elections in 2010. That way we may get a truely bi-partisan bill without the Gov't option.

katiec   October 27th, 2009 2:36 pm ET

Who in the world cares what this turncoat says??
He is a republican through and through and am sure this will
be his last term in office.

Moderate Sean   October 27th, 2009 2:35 pm ET

What a joke of a Senator Mr. Lieberman has turned into...time for CT to look elsewhere should he chose to run for re-election at the conclusion of his term.

fumblinstumblinoidiot   October 27th, 2009 2:35 pm ET

Good for you Joe. This is just another Obama fiasco that America doesn't want. How about the war mr president

They call me "tater salad"   October 27th, 2009 2:33 pm ET

"Once a slimey Republican, always a slimey Republican!" "A Leopard can't change it's spots!" "You can't teach an old dog new tricks!" "Birds of a feather flock together!" Joe Lieberman fits all of these old cliche's! He is a dirtbag, fence sitting, opportunist, who only wants to play for whatever team that appears to be winning the game at any given point during said game! Can you say major, credibilty issues?

Sean   October 27th, 2009 2:32 pm ET

Yeah Joe! Using OUR tax payer dollars for such a ridiculous "entitlement" as our health care is preposterous. I would much rather you continue to use our tax dollars to kill all of those Muslims who hate us because of our freedoms. Of course, you are only using your concerns about fiscal responsibility to provide cover when your real motivation is to only serve your puppet masters: Big Pharma, Insurance Companies, and Wall Street.

We want Revolution, Joe! And we are coming for you....

Your humble serf,

Sean

AssieMcGee   October 27th, 2009 2:32 pm ET

So when is Droopy–the cartoon dog with droopy jowels, a meak voice and a deadpan face–going to jump ship from the Democratic Party and go Republican rogue on us? Benedict Lieberman has basically has rejected about every Democratic core value that you can. Is this sad shell of man waiting for a proper fitting of the Darth Vader mask, a la Rick Moranis in "Space Balls", or what?

Obama Victim   October 27th, 2009 2:32 pm ET

well.....at least there is some sanity in DC........

get used to it Dirty Harry and Botox Babe....the Public Option.......D O A

Vito   October 27th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

It sounds like Senator Lieberman is having trouble understanding the bill. The public option under consideration would not be funded by taxpayers and would be prohibited from drawing on general Treasury funds; it would be funded solely by those who choose to purchase it. It's not like Medicare or Medicaid which are provided as a sort of "welfare" entitlement to people - the public option is a product which people can choose to buy if they want. Taxpayer funds will provide subsidies to lower and middle income people (and Senator Lieberman says he supports this), but those subsidies would be equivalent whether they are used for a public or private option. Finally, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has found that, if you're going to have subsidies, including a public option reduces the cost to taxpayers.

vicky from Milwaukee   October 27th, 2009 2:31 pm ET

Well Joe. What about all the state run insurance companies, Title 19, Medicare, Medicaid? You have turned into a mean spirited, nasty old man.

Assiecgee   October 27th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

So when is Droopy–the cartoon dog with a meak voice and deadpan face–going to jump ship from the Democratic Party and go Republican rogue on us? He basically has rejected about every Democratic core value. Is Benedict Lieberman waiting for a proper fitting of the Darth Vader mask, a la Rick Moranis in "Space Balls", or what?

Angilix   October 27th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

The great betrayer strikes again.

midwest liberal   October 27th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Why doesn't Old Uncle Joe put and (R) next to his name and title and get it over with...

brad   October 27th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Sorry. But from a major insurance state CT. Not sure if his opinion isn't bias. Independent, Republican or Democrat. Doesn't matter.

Fair is Fair   October 27th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

KUDOS to Joe Lieberman!

Zach K   October 27th, 2009 2:28 pm ET

Oh Joe, There You Go Again.

You betray our party and you want to tie up loose ends after your friend McCain lost, but I'd say bye bye to you in 2012.

Read the Bill   October 27th, 2009 2:28 pm ET

Finally, a level headed Senator. He understands about starting up a trillion dollar program at a time when we are flat broke, in a brittle recovery from a huge recession, and in debt to China for the next 100 years.

I wonder if a poll would ask this question about the government option.

Would you support the government option if it meant raising your taxes, potentially cutting your health services, for the price of increasing the national debt?

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   October 27th, 2009 2:27 pm ET

Sen. Lieberman might as well be a republican. Let's see how much longer he holds onto his seat.

Jay   October 27th, 2009 2:26 pm ET

Lieberman makes is a hypocrite. He's drunk too much Republican koolaid. If he fears Government run health care then he should be against Medicare as well.

LacrosseMom   October 27th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

Of course! Is this really news? LIEberman is a Republican, and so he is in the pocket of Big Pharma & Big Insurance.

45, 000 Americans die every year because they lack healthcare and the Republicans are OK with this!

Public Option will ensure that there is competition which is the best of Capitalism!

45,000 Americans are dying ....... do the Republicans care?

rachel   October 27th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

Thank Goodness. These Dems think they are so slick. What possible motive would your job have to continue to help you pay for health benifits if the public option goes through. They slowy want everyone on a government plan. Sorry but I dont have confidence in the government run health plan when they cant even get a flu vaccine out in time.

jeff   October 27th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

How did this guy ever get on the ticket with Al Gore? Pro war, pro big business, anti general populace. Next thing you know, he'll move to Kansas and push creationism.

Duck Fallas   October 27th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

Lieberman went on to say, "I knew I wanted to be a consewvative the moment I tasted George Bush's sweet wips.

Wowsy wowsy woo."

Doug, New Jersey   October 27th, 2009 2:24 pm ET

Barney Frank admitted that with the Democrat party today, they simply do not care one bit about Americans, Health Care, Terrorism, Afganistan, nope they only are concerned with one thing, expanding the size, scope, and power of the federal government.

Now think about why they want to do this, think about Obama's comments on every American who doesn't march lock step to his socialist ideology.

If you have the slightest understanding of history, then you cannot ignore these patterns, history is repeating itself, it may have never fully happned on this contenent, but it most certainly will unless all good hearted Americans come together and vote against the Democrats.

Ken   October 27th, 2009 2:23 pm ET

Joe, put on a dress and get some ear-rings and then you'll be even more like Olympia Snowe angling for the spotlight. What are you trying to get Harry Reid to give you in exchange for your vote?

Gene   October 27th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

good for him. he listen to the real citizens of this country.

Tommygunn   October 27th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

This guy is just trying to make a name for himself. Since he didn't do anything as a VP runner, and his past years serving as a Democrat he's been playing patty-cake....

I guess he wants to retire being a rebel but Democratic in nature with a Republican under clothes and an Independent top coat and hat.

It's time for his state to RETIRE him from the Senate and the DEMOCRATIC party starts the trend with the Committee he currently chairs.....

Go for IT....

Jack   October 27th, 2009 2:22 pm ET

Joe is philosophically against a national government-run health insurance company, so it doesn't matter if people DIE.

Joe is against Medicare then.
As is everyone philosophically opposed to government insurance.
Remember that, seniors (and those who will be).

Idiot_Pelosi   October 27th, 2009 2:20 pm ET

Yes, a true independent thinker with his own voice and opinion.

We need mode politicians like this. You won't always agree with him, but at least he is not voting down some stupid party line.

Tony in Maine   October 27th, 2009 2:19 pm ET

Does this surprise anyone?

The only thing that took so long was for him to receive direction from AHIP.

Edwin   October 27th, 2009 2:19 pm ET

So he is in favor of voting on the bill... but he won't allow it to be voted on? What kind of double-talk is that? He is probably just afraid that he won't get any more kick-backs from the insurance lobby.

The Truth   October 27th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

Liebermann's state is where one of the biggest healthcare companies are headquartered at. I guess Lieberman doesn't work for the people but rather the insurance companies. Et tu Brute.

Ben   October 27th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

Even more reason for Reid to keep reconciliation on the table.

Fools and their freedoms are soon parted   October 27th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

Thank you Joe! A man who has some sense. reform what we already have, cap malpractice awards, and remove all pacs from insurance and unions....

munchmom   October 27th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

Good for Joe! I like him more and more. Hope he runs as a Republican in the next Presidential election!

The Truthsayer   October 27th, 2009 2:17 pm ET

Senator Lieberman is just about the only democrat that has one ounce of smarts to him. He thinks real world and if we had more like him and less like reid and pearot i might vote for a democrat once again. As long as the leftists are in, i cannot vote for one to make them stronger. They are tearing apart the fabric of this great country. If we had more Lieberman's we would be on much stabler ground!

A.B.   October 27th, 2009 2:16 pm ET

Joe Lieberman is a benedict arnold!! His true colors are showing.
He might as well be a Republican–he thinks like them. Never the less, The train of healthcare reform is rolling to victory with or without Lieberman.

Sniffit   October 27th, 2009 2:16 pm ET

One would hope that this will be reason enough for CT to pull its head out of its proverbial backside and cease electing this buffoon...but it apparently wasn't enough when he became Bush's lapdog, so don't hodl your breath. Good on ya CT, good on ya.

Anne E.   October 27th, 2009 2:16 pm ET

Lieberman's position seems subject to anyway the wind blows.
I can't wait for him to be sent packing.

awestruck   October 27th, 2009 2:15 pm ET

Thank you Joe!

Kevin in Ohio   October 27th, 2009 2:12 pm ET

Yes! You GO, Joe! We must simply defeat Harry and Nancy's Public Option..... WE....CANNOT.....AFFORD....IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There is definitely bi-partisanship here....and it is AGAINST this liberal tax and spend "reform".

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