Thursday, Senator Joe Lieberman (so-called Independent) said he might endorse a Republican in the 2008 presidential election (Reuters). The repetitive senator proudly proclaimed this six months ago (Washington Post). Apparently, he'll say (or repeat) anything for a sliver of spotlight.
Lieberman added that he might support an Independent. Whom would that help, assuming Lieberman's influence would be perceptible?
Incidentally, I never understood how he made it onto the Democratic ticket in 2000, given his 1994 fight against expensing stock options -- which deprived ordinary investors of clues about what the stocks they buy are really worth (PBS).
Since Lieberman's stint on Face the Nation a few weeks ago, I now think of him as the man who sees Iran as the new Iraq. Firedoglake's Jane Hamsher urged Sen. Harry Reid to strip Lieberman of his Homeland Security Committee chairmanship.
Another solution is for the media to strip Lieberman of spotlight privileges, but that won't happen. He's good for too many laughs, like the sherry-tippling great aunt who gives Thanksgiving guests incoherent details about soiled family linens between random belches.
UPDATE: I've reposted this piece to share amusing (or interesting) responses that Lieberman's re-announcement provoked from the blogosphere (below):
The Impolitic commented: "Well whoop-de-doo. Lieberman waves his little stick and threatens for the billionth time to back the GOP candidate in 08. Why is this even news?"
True, it's not news -- except the part about its being the billionth time that Lieberman lobbed this threat. Even McDonalds publicly tallies how many quasi-burgers it has sold. I Can't Believe it's Not a Democracy agrees, stating: " This story is the political equivalent of a Perez Hilton post titled 'Paris photographed without panties!'"
On an analytical note, Down with Tyranny labeled Lieberman "the most toxic person in contemporary American politics" (aside from Bush, Cheney and Rove):
"His latest publicity stunt is to threaten to endorse a Republican for president. He normally does it every 5 or 6 days. I don't think any Democrats are quaking in their boots and I don't see any Republicans yelling "Me! Me! Me!" Lieberman has become a one man fundraising bonanza-- for his opponents. Anyone he endorses becomes a target and their alliance with Lieberman a motivation for thousands and thousands of activists. A sure fire way to tap into progressive contributions is to get Lieberman to endorse your opponent."
In other words, Lieberman has the anti-Midas touch: everything he brushes up against turns fecal. Outside the Beltway's brief analysis:
"It’s time for Lieberman to fish or cut bait. He’s either caucusing with the Democrats or he isn’t. His continually trying to have it both ways is just annoying. He’s in the same position where John McCain was after the 2000 election, enjoying the media attention that comes from going against his party."
Exactly: he's enjoying media attention. It reminds me of a newly elected prom queen after a second cup of hunch punch, striking poses everywhere in the gym, testing the lighting and hoping some classmate with a cellphone-camera will send her pic to a distant cousin in L.A. whose friend's sister schleps coffee at a talent agency. Or are prom queens appointed these days?
Shakesville pointed out: "...the differences between the Dems and the GOP are so vast at this moment in time on so many different issues, that it’s patent foolishness to pretend that there’s a possibility the nuances of their national platforms could swing you one way or another, unless you’re essentially a single issue voter. Which says everything that needs to be said about Lieberman."
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