PrintMarch 29, 2007
Mighty Joe Lieberman
It’s not often you see the entire body of Congressional Democrats completely muzzled in the face of serious criticism of their policies. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening today.
Independent Senator Joe Lieberman provides that criticism in his new article in USA Today.
He presents an excellent opposing view to the positions of the Democrats. Interestingly, he uses the word “retreat” three times to describe their latest legislation on Iraq. A very powerful word choice on his part.
The Democrats’ response to him is complete silence. The reason they can’t respond is because he provides their 1 vote majority in the Senate. That makes him one of the most powerful Senators in Washington. It also gives him the freedom to say and do whatever he feels without regard to party affiliation. But it wasn’t long ago that things were much different for him.
Last summer, Ned Lamont had defeated Joe in the Democratic primary with the substantial backing of the liberal blogs. The bloggers could hardly contain their elation and began to immediately throw around their newly acquired influence. Michael Moore was at the center of this with his “Cautionary Note” message.
Let the resounding defeat of Senator Joe Lieberman send a cold shiver down the spine of every Democrat who supported the invasion of Iraq and who continues to support, in any way, this senseless, immoral, unwinnable war. Make no mistake about it: We, the majority of Americans, want this war ended -- and we will actively work to defeat each and every one of you who does not support an immediate end to this war.
His words continue to influence the Democrats’ strategy and policy to this day. He went on to offer a statement that was probably both a threat and a promise.
To every Democratic Senator and Congressman who continues to back Bush's War, allow me to inform you that your days in elective office are now numbered. Myself and tens of millions of citizens are going to work hard to actively remove you from any position of power.
It must be an amazing feeling to rise to the powerful position of Democrat Senator, only to have to bow to the influence of such fringe groups as MoveOn.org and The Daily Kos. Fortunately for Joe, he no longer has to.
It reminds me of the line from the original Star Wars movie as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader are battling. Obi-Wan tells Darth, “If you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you can imagine.” Joe, or should I call him Joebi-Wan, has gone through that transformation. He is now a much more powerful Senator than the left-wing blogs could have ever imagined. A fitting analogy I believe.
Mr. Moore ends his letter with the witty remark, “If you don't believe us, give Joe a call.” Yes Michael, please give him a call. His Senate office can be reached through the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
