Nov 09 2006
The Power Of Joe Lieberman
Thank God for Joe Lieberman. He now holds the balance of the Senate in his hands. He was elected an Independent, and even the Democrats understand the stakes by retaining his seniority in the party. There is a very good chance Lieberman has or will set down the law to the dems in the Senate for the next two years. He is pro Iraq war – he alone can stave off any move to pull the troops. If the Dems go to far he can switch power to the Reps and hold them accountable too. I hope he stays good to his word. Right now he is the most powerful man in Washington DC. In fact, he is setting himself up well for a run for the President.
In fact, Joe controls both sides of the aisle and will be key in a lot of conservative and liberal debates. Embryonic Stem Cell research? I am not sure but I believe Lieberman opposes it. Judicial nominations? A Gang of 14 member now controls the Senate. Immigration reform? You name it and Joe Lieberman has the final say (outside of Bush who must sign it). Move over Cheney, Lieberman just became Bush’s right hand man.
pro strong national defense.
uh, I’m not sure I would put McCain in that group of two.
Gang of 14, ‘don’t do anything now crowd’
AJ;
Question: If the Dems push Joe too far can he switch parties to Republican and officially change the Senate balance and majority (Cheney is tie vote breaker) or would that change not effect the “majority” status once the elections are over. If he could change the majority status, that does give him tremendous power. I remember a number of years ago that I think a Republican Senator switched parties to Independent and that effected some committees.
I don’t see him running for president. I agree he’s the most powerful man in Congress. If the Dems abandon Iraq or go off the track on defense, he will switch parties ..he’d be welcomed with open arms. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain by standing strong.
bobsunshine The answer is yes.
Jeffords switched to independent and caucused with the Dems in 2001 and gave Dems control until 2003. That’s how Dems happened to be in charge when they voted to go to Iraq.
I don’t know if there is any rule about how often they can switch.
interesting little story about how George McGovern is gonna tell the progressive Caucus how to end the war.
McGovern will present his recommendations before the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a 62-member group led by Reps. Lynn Woolsey and Barbara Lee.
Progressive, read formerly socialist and communist
Joe’s a man of integrity and I thought I’ve heard him say he’s not a Republican and that he’s not going to switch to the Republican party. I don’t think you have him pegged correctly.
I expect he will use his position as an independent to advance positions he feels strongly about.
AFTERTHOUGHT: Don’t be surprised if he runs for President— as an independent.
I believe “the Lobby” would pressure him not to. Too obvious.