Lieberman Aide Threatens Reid: He'll Bolt Dem Caucus

[ProSense]

Lieberman Aide Threatens Reid: He'll Bolt Dem Caucus

By Greg Sargent - November 7, 2008, 12:50PM

The Politico has just posted a story on Joe Lieberman's battle to hang on to his plum committee slot, but Politico kind of buries the lede. The real story here is that Lieberman's aides are now openly threatening Senate leader Harry Reid by saying that Lieberman will stop caucusing with Dems if his chairmanship is revoked:

"Senator Lieberman's preference is to stay in the caucus, but he's going to keep all his options open," a Lieberman aide said. "McConnell has reached out to him and at this stage his position is he wants to remain in the caucus but losing the chairmanship is unacceptable."

That's pretty clear cut. Lieberman's aide is leaking the threat that he wants to remain in the caucus but that losing his committee slot is "unacceptable" -- meaning that he'll bolt the caucus if it happens.

Another reason to boot Lieberman from his committee chair position.

[tekisui]

1. Reid needs to tell him to fuck off.

We don't need any traitors.

[FloridaGrl]

5. Ditto

[RiverStone]

97. 2nd that!

STFU Lieberman! Crawl into the bed you made --- with the rightie nutjobs. We don't need you anymore!

[Hamlette]

ta ta...I mean ta fucking ta nt

[scheming daemons]

2. Let him go..... he doesn't get us to 60 anyway...... buh-bye, Benedict Lieberman

[Spider Jerusalem]

46. Actually, he does...IF Franken wins the recount, if Martin wins the GA runoff...

and if late AK votes break for Begich. So it might be premature to be talking of booting Lieberman.

[struggle4progress]

69. But in fact, he doesn't -- because he wouldn't vote with us on cloture

[Marsala]

85. That would take not one but *three* miracles

Well, not miracles, but let's face it, our odds of winning any of those contests aren't great.

[Spider Jerusalem]

90. Most outstanding AK votes are from Anchorage.

Begich was mayor of Anchorage, and it's likely that a significant number of those votes are for him; the race could flip.

Coleman's lead in the MN race is down to fewer than 200 votes; with reports of irregularities and likely challenges by Franken over those irregularities, I'm confident of Franken's chances in the recount.

And the gap between Martin and Chambliss in GA was three points. A strong GOTV effort in the runoff is likely to see a victory.

I'd say the odds are better than you think.

[regnaD kciN]

99. I'd rather try recruiting one of the Maine Republicans...

...because, to put it frankly, they'd be more likely to side with us than Holy Joe would!

[yellowcanine]

3. Hmm. Lieberman brings knife to gunfight with Harry Reid.

[SuperTrouper]

25. But Reid brought the AK-47

[AlCzervik]

4. It's extortion, plain and simple.

[thoughtcrime1984]

6. When does this fool come up for re-election? 2010?

He was voted in as a Dem. If he decides he is a Republican now, the fine people of Connecticut will vote his ass out, with the financial help of ardent DUers, including me, no doubt.

[RL3AO]

7. 2012 I think

[Morning Dew]

29. actually, this time through, he was elected as an Independent

[AtomicKitten]

8. He's in no position to threaten the Democrats.

There was a time when his nose would be cut off and he'd be sewn into a bag with rabid weasels and tossed in the river.

[regnaD kciN]

101. That would be unacceptable...

...as cruel and unusual punishment -- for the weasels.

[DemFromMem]

9. Then he'll be breaking his pledge to his constituents

He convinced a lot of loyal Democrats in Connecticut to vote for him based on the promise of caucusing with the Democrats. I don't think he cares that much about the Democrats in the Senate, but he might not be so comfortable taking the heat from the people at home.

[ellenfl]

16. maybe they would impeach him. eom

[SuperTrouper]

26. Maybe the CT constitution will allow it.

[Hawkeye-X]

45. He already betrayed the voters of CT

By not conceding the primaries and being an ass about it.

That seat belongs to Ned Lamont.

[deadmessengers]

10. Don't slip on the carpet on your way across the aisle, Joe. n/t

[Higher Standard]

11. Methinks Obama needs to have another "conversation" with him

Just like the one when he pulled Lieberman aside on the Senate floor months ago.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

20. Was it ever revealed what they talked about?

I heard about the incident and was expecting some more information but I don't remember any follow-up stories about it, possibly due to it happening during the election season? Did anybody ever get a scoop on that?

[Meshuga]

12. I agree, that's great reason right there to take away Lieberman's committee slot

Let that asshole caucus with the Republicans. We don't need his slimy ass.

[Cha]

13. Fuck off lieberman..

I can't wait until I never see his name again.

[SoonerPride]

14. Adios then you worm.

Get the hell out.

[Renew Deal]

15. It's long past time that we boot this drama queen out of our caucus. BYE!!!

Don't let the door hit you in the ass.

[mtnester]

17. Good

riddance to bad rubbish

[Lyric]

18. Then throw him out before he has the chance. If he's going to leave anyway,

let's make sure he leaves with a big fucking hoofprint on his ass.

:dem:

[kwolf68]

19. Please dont go away mad Joe

JUST GO AWAY

"unaceptable"????

You mean like giving a highly partisan speech AGAINST our party's candidate?

[nomaco-10]

21. Boy, that's rich. joe finds it "Unacceptable".....

I find you UNACCEPTABLE joe.

If harry reid doesn't stand up to that little weasel, I'll be furious. joe has been knifing the party in the back for years. This time was the final straw and srongest betrayal yet.

JOE'S GOTTA GO!

[w4rma]

22. Strip LIEberman of all committee *seats*. Force the Republicans to use their seats on him.

Make him useless to his state for any pork he might want. He'll be crawling and begging to come back in a few months.

[grantcart]

23. Don't let him quit the caucus - kick him out before he has a chance to quit

[GreenTea]

24. Extortion.

[Orsino]

27. "Stay back, or the asshole gets it!"

Lieberman just put me in mind of Blazing Saddles.

[NYCGirl]

28. "So Long, Screwy. See you in St. Louie" — Bugs Bunny NT

[Alter Ego]

30. Go right ahead.

Sanders will still vote with us, and that gives us 56--a solid majority. Fuck off, Joe.

[mvd]

31. Bolt, then

Our caucus will be better for it.

[City Lights]

32. Good riddance to "my way or the highway" joe.

He's got some nerve.

Neither party should trust him.

[hatrack]

33. Then FUCKING LEAVE, you POS

Unbelievable arrogance.

[baldguy]

34. Tell me again, please - Why does the Dem majority need to kowtow to traitor Lieberman?

[sfam]

36. I'm having a hard time understanding this as well. Why keep him?

Its not like he'll vote against us on issues he agrees with. He knows his career is over at the end of his term. Why exactly do we want to keep an out of the closet Republican on a powerful committee who now fears for America now that the scary Dems have taken over?

[Ozma]

38. Will Traitor Joe vote for or against

Children's health? Stimulus Package? Tax changes for middle class?

I'm just asking. I think he's a social liberal on some things, and sometimes a fiscal liberal, but on war he's just old and paranoid about Israel, and is having a hard time with the plans for a pullout of Iraq.

[Marsala]

87. He doesn't have to be in our caucus to vote with us on those issues, though

Out with him!

[Hieronymus]

35. We already know his allegiance is for sale, don't we? What a whore.

[Danger Mouse]

37. We no longer need Lieberman. He doesn't get us to 60..

and we have a majority WITHOUT him. Therefore, he can fuck off and join the Repukes if that's what he really wants. Fuck him.

[Bjorn Against]

89. Even if he did bring us to 60 it wouldn't matter...

He has shown that he won't stick by us when it matters and he would side with the Republicans in a filibuster. He does more harm to us than he does good, time to let him go.

[Hepburn]

39. Boo-hoo...

...fuck off, LieberRAT! :grr:

[secondwind]

40. I can't stand Lieberman, b ut WE NEED HIM............

[ProSense]

41. We don't need him in a chair position.

Lieberman has a constituency he has to answer to in CT. He can vote against their interest and go the way of Chris Shays.

[Danger Mouse]

49. Why? What do we need him for?

[regnaD kciN]

102. Not anymore...

[SoCalDem]

42. buh-byeeeee Joementum... bolt away n/t

[BklnDem75]

43. Well... bye.

Smell that, Harry? Smells like someone died.

[Hawkeye-X]

44. So leave already, we don't need you.

FOAD.

[SoFlaJet]

47. Tell him it's our policy to NOT negotiate with terrorists

like him-war mongering traitorous fuck-everybody needs to go to Firedog Lake and sign Jane's petition

[ElboRuum]

48. Give this prick the fucking boot...

...and let him take his reelection chances caucusing with the Republicans.

[SoFlaJet]

50. URGENT!!!!!! Everyone please sign Jane Hamsher's petition

http://action.firedoglake.com/page/petition/nomorejoe

[gingersnaps1]

51. Reid and Dems need to tell this man. good bye.

There is no way he should remain in the caucus. He can't be trusted. The Repubs can have him. Hell, I will take up a collection to buy him new drapes for his office.

And, if he leaves the caucus this means he will most likely lose his re-election bid.

He wants to quit and have the Governor appoint someone, that's fine. In 2010 we will get the seat back.

[LTR]

52. Bye!

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

[sonias]

53. Let him bolt - in fact we should open the barn door for him

Joe Lieberman - you are no longer welcomed to caucus with the Democratic party. You campaigned as a Republican and you should just accept your new party.

Oh and don't let the barn door hit your on your ass on the way out!:evilgrin:


Sonia

[Snarkoleptic]

54. On the subject of burning bridges-

Holy Joe soaked the bridge with gasoline and waved the matchbook around.
Screw Lieberman!

[BrklynLiberal]

55. ...

[sub.theory]

56. Is that supposed to be a threat?!

Lieberman left us long back; his threats are hollow. Reid ought to throw him out.

[UrbScotty]

57. Please do, Joe, please do!

[Faryn Balyncd]

58. Liebermann has NO RIGHT to be a member of our caucus. KICK HIM OUT NOW!

[hvn_nbr_2]

59. Hey, Joe, take your marbles and go over to the other side that doesn't like or trust you either. nt

[jsmirman]

60. Fuck him. I'd rather have 59 than 60 with a gun to my head.

60 with a gun to my head makes Joe Lieberman the most powerful member of the senate, in the same way that Kennedy is the most powerful member of the Court.

Lieberman is one of the last people on earth who have earned that honor.

Eat nuts, Joe.

[jsmirman]

62. Ha, that was post 60 in this thread!

:rofl:

[wroberts189]

61. so he starts changing his votes? It's a bluff.

Its not an option for him. Its a bluff. He is toast if he loses the dem vote in CT.

CT'rs will finally know what side of the fence he is on and vote him out..

No chairmanship... that's not gonna help him bring home the bacon to the sub bases either.

So long Joe, take that McCain and the plumber fraud with ya as you will need to get re-elected soon. You won't.

[Hawkowl]

63. You're fired! But..but..I'll quit!

Lieberman is a pompous, egomaniac living in dreamworld. Hey Lieberman! You're fucking fired now get the hell out of the caucus!

[Mooney]

64. It's too bad this country doesn't have the Japanese tradition of seppuku.

Joe Lieberman is disgraced and dishonored. His best option now, I believe, would be to reclaim his honor by disemboweling himself.

I'm just saying what everyone's thinking.

[regnaD kciN]

103. He'd just insist that all Dems except him kill themselves...

...to regain the honor they lost due to their actions toward him. :eyes:

[gemlake]

65. Do we really want him heading an important committee?

Is that the best thing for this country? No. It's time to cast him out.

[yourguide]

66. Throw him OUT

[formercia]

67. Fuck that little weasel.

My apologies to Weasels.

[npincus]

68. GOOD... he's no DEM, he's a fucking traitor-ass piece of shit

he needs to GO.

[ulysses]

70. adios, shithead.

[Dr Fate]

71. I doubt Lieberman's CT constituents want him to be an Obama obstructionist.

If Harry has a half a spine he will see that Lieberman has little choice but to continue voting w/ DEMS 90% of the time no matter who he cacuses with- or lose the vote in CT.

It wouldnt be too hard to get DEMS up in True Blue New England (as well as across the nation) to organize around a strong candidate against him if he doesnt...

[RagAss]

73. He's a Cult-Like figure in Connecticut....they worship him !

[Dr Fate]

74. I'm not so sure about that now- New England just turned True Blue Obama Country.

Plenty of DEMS up in New England as well as nation wide to make sure he losses his job for good.

Joe becomes an Anti-Obama obstructionist against the wishes of his Blue state at his own risk...

[RagAss]

76. I hope so.......This POS is a disgrace to our party !

[regnaD kciN]

104. He USED to be...

...but polling in Connecticut over the past year or so have shown him sinking to Bush-like levels of approval since he campaigned for McCain and spoke at the RNC.

Unfortunately, his next election won't be for another four years, so we'd have a long time to put up with him either way. (Too bad you can't recall a U.S. senator.)

[Omnibus]

72. Save him the trouble of leaving, kick him out.

Boot him to the curb. Let him know that he's no longer welcome on our side of the aisle.



I'm usually a "big tent" kind of guy, and don't think we should have a cut and dried litmus test that we apply rigorously to exclude people from our party. Like Lyndon said, better to have him inside the tent pissing out, than outside the tent pissing in.

Lieberman's been standing outside pissing in for nearly a year, and now he thinks he can come back in if he hands us a towel? Hell, NO!

Kick him out, and kick him so far that he can't hit our tent with a fire hose.



We shouldn't let him run as a Democrat in the primaries in 2012, either. And defeating him in the general should be a high priority.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

78. Better: Strip all his committees away; put him in a small basement office; let him quit the caucus

voluntarily and move to the Republican side; then lavishly fund an impeachment effort in Connecticut.

[onenote]

75. there is one reason for keeping him as part of the caucus

explained here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4409361&mesg_id=4409361

And to be clear about this -- I wouldn't support giving him any position of consequence. But he isn't getting any committee chairs as a member of the repub caucus so it may be possible to call his bluff by giving him a face saving crappy position and in so doing, benefitting the rest of the caucus by increasing the representation of Democrats on committees across the board.

[Marsala]

96. I think almost everyone would settle for taking his current chairmanship away

Reid basically has to or else he'll look pitifully weak. By all means, he should strip Lieberman of Homeland Security and give him some minor, unimportant replacement assignment.

[mondo joe]

77. A vote is a vote., But if they'll have him, let him go. No one likes a Judas.

[dansolo]

79. Why do we even want him in our caucus?

So he can sit in our leadership meetings, and then pass on the information to the Republicans. Why is this even in question? Kick his ass out NOW! Once we got past 51 Democratic members, he is expendable. I don't even want him in our caucus. Maybe then the MSM will stop using him as the token Democrat.

[onenote]

83. reason explained here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7821365&mesg_id=7825018

[loyalkydem]

80. Fuck Liberman

He's a traitor, let him go to the repuks. They will screw him just like he screwed us

[truthisfreedom]

81. Then he can face impeachment, censure, or any number of things, plus he'll never get elected again.

Nanny nanny boo boo.

[onenote]

82. impeachment?

Even assuming senators could be impeached, which they can't, how would changing the party he caucuses with be an impeachable offense? Or even one subject to censure?

I'm glad they are taking a tough line with lieberman, but for reasons explained up-thread, there actually is a reason to hope he stays part of the Democratic caucus.

[political_Dem]

84. Lieberman just stepped over the line. He needs to go.

He still thinks that the Dems kowtow to extortion.

Reid shouldn't wait any longer. Put Lieberman out to pasture. It's a crime to leave him there.

[NoodleyAppendage]

86. GET THE FUCK OUT, YOU AIPAC BALL-LICKING TRAITOR...sorry had to get that out. n/t

J

[RepublicanElephant]

88. good riddance. the likud party is better served by the gop anyway. nt

[opihimoimoi]

91. TRAITORS must accept Consequences for their acts....aiding and abetting the enemy, giving comfort

and aid. speaking at their Pow Wows,...are treasonous acts, punishable by Firing Squad...without mask....and no cigarettes.

[onefreespiritedchick]

92. Forget him!

Lieberman can get the hell out.

[Colobo]

93. Fuck him.

[Jennicut]

94. I am disgusted this man is still my senator! Yuck. I wish we had Ned Lamont

Joe, we are coming for you in 2012, me and all the other pissed off CT-people!

[WCGreen]

95. No one likes a turn coat...

Traitors are never embraced by the ones the helped, especially ones as fawning as Joe...

[regnaD kciN]

98. Buh-bye!

:hi:

[iamthebandfanman]

100. aw he will? oh yeah, none of us give a fuck. c-ya joe, watch that door. n.t