Joe Lieberman at the RNC: Political suicide on national television?

Question

Alright, the moment i put this one up i'm probably going to beset by a bunch of radical Republicans and Democrats towing the party line.

But to those who see politics beyond ideology (and like me, probably lived in the Beltway at least one point in your life), to those who are cynically/wise enough to understand the importance of personal interest in the political process - i ask this question:

What the heck was Joe Lieberman thinking?

Even if McCain does win, the political cost he'll face in congress will be rather high....perhaps a little too high. I can't see him profiting politically from this move at all (and please don't start suggesting a cabinet post or something to that effect, being a Senator is soo much better).

Nor do i see him "turning Republican" anytime soon, his track record and views are far too radioactive for the mainstream of that party.

On the off chance that there's a part of him that really went up there to deliver a speech because he actually believes in what he's saying (not unheard of, McCain is a friend, and Zell Miller of Georgia did the same thing in '04), i guess the bigger question would be why the Democratic party still produces high profile "turncoats"?

Answer 1

The CNN dudes said he was there to deliver the "reach across the aisle" speech (I guess it was mentioned in the program or itinerary) to bring in the Independents that McCain needs to put him over.

I was surprised that he introduced himself as a Democrat, because technically he is an Independent.

The Republicans gave him a  decidedly cool reception but applauded politely.

What REALLY struck me is that his speech seems to have been figured into the strategy BEFORE Palin came on board (or the "problem" brought her radical religious stance to the forefront more than they wanted) because realistically reaching out to Independents seems out of the question now.

His speech might have been indicative of a major miscalculation in strategy for the Republicans.

As far as damaging Lieberman...I doubt it. He is the single Independent in the Senate. He is the "go to" man if a Senator needs to secure bipartisan support for a bill. He will survive something as minor as supporting McCain at the convention, in fact he was on the short list for his VP.

He should have gone that way and he would now have a decent ticket.

Answer 2

Lieberman has exposed himself as a liar on national TV tonight.

He called himself a "Democrat".  Funny, didn't he renounce that party because he would not be nominated to serve another term within it?  So, his action: switch to being "independent", simply to sate his thirst for power.

Lieberman has no idea who he is, obviously.

PS - when Zell Miller went on his lunatic rant he was already voted out of office.

PPS - Lieberman could very well be the most boring speaker I have heard since my college economics professor.

Answer 3

He's already been beaten up by the Dems. The only thing left is to take his Chairmanship away and if they do that it will hurt them more than help. I lived in Herdon when I was stationed in D.C

Answer 4

He committed political suicide two years ago by running as an independent and continuing to support Bush.  His career is over and he knows it.   It is painfully obvious now why we lost the 2000 election.

Answer 5

if you were to ask me about it, i'd say he drank a few too many brewskis went walking down the street looking for DNC...ended  up here and said, "Well, why the h**l not stick around and at least be someone again.  Now he's on t.v. and people are talking about him.  Way to freakin go Lieberman!

Answer 6

Lieberman was abandoned by the Democrats over one, ONE issue. The war in Iraq more specifically the surge.  They nominated an opponant.  Joe is well respected in his State of Conneticut and was elected DESPITE the dems.  He was forced to run as a lib.  

Tell me, does America need more party puppets or more Joe Liberman's?

Answer 7

Joe Lieberman was simply stating that he truly believes that between the choice of John McCain or Barack Obama, McCain is the clearly the better choice for President of the USA.

No head games, no retaliating, just Joe stating his honest opinion.

MCCAIN/PALIN 08!

Answer 8

The Democrats ran Lieberman out, so that's why he ran as an Independent and won in to congress.  He thinks with his own mind, and not just what his "old party" thought.  Do your homework, you sound very foolish and ignorant.  

He doesn't owe the Democrats anything!  He's his own man.  Do you understand that?

You do seem concerned about the way this election has flipped.  McCain/Palin 08' USA USA USA

Good question though, you do seem to be a reasonable person that hasn't been tricked by the loony far-left.  I'm not trying to be rude or anything, just answering your question with my own opinion.  See ya

Answer 9

Either he's going to get some kind of reward from the Republican party, or he's still really POd at the Democratic party for not supporting him (and winning anyway).