It's no wonder Time columnist Joe Klein sympathizes with Joe Lieberman's sudden electoral bitchslapping at the hands of Connecticut voters. Klein, like Lieberman, seems to suffer from a common political malady - that is, a lack of testicles.
In the July 31st issue of Time, now available in part online, Klein implies - no, wait, he actually comes right out and says so - that Lieberman's only problem is his unwillingness to reverse or soften his support for the Iraq War. To wit:
The real problem with Lieberman's position on Iraq isn't overweening civility, however. It is that he has abandoned his native moderation for utopian neoconservatism. His support for the invasion wasn't reluctant, nuanced or judicious; he saw a better world coming. Before the war, he told me that he hoped Saddam's fall would touch off a wave of democratic reform in the region. Given that the entire Middle East seems ready to collapse into chaos this summer, it might seem an appropriate time to revise or extend those remarks--to regret his naivete or defend his long-term vision or slam Bush for carelessly betraying that vision ... or something. But the Senator isn't doing that. Indeed, it sometimes seems his position is more reflexive than thoughtful. He still insists that progress is being made in Iraq.
To be sure, Klein himself can't seem muster a position with any semblance of conviction; en route to calling Lieberman out, he offers up the same great big ass-smooch that Dubya did at the SOTU address.
Grab a barf bag before reading these!
Let's stipulate that Lieberman's position is honorable, heartfelt and politically courageous.
Thankfully, Klein finishes the thought with:
But it is annoying, nonetheless.
Get this one!
...an almost saintly civility has always been part of Lieberman's modus operandi. His unflappable strength in facing down extremists of both parties--on issues ranging from welfare reform to immigration, the environment, education reform and Hollywood's frequent excesses--has been an elegant demonstration of political independence and flagrant humanity over the years.
Barf bag full yet? It will be...
Joe Lieberman is, without question, one of the finest men I've known in public life.
I can't stand to quote any more. Read the article "at your own peril," as Joe (Lieberman) would say.
To set the record straight, here are just a few of the real reasons why Connecticut voters are finally catching up with the momentum started, among other places, here at Kos:
1. Because Lamont isn't the one-trick pony he's painted to be.
He has strong ideas on energy, jobs, education and health care - and he, unlike Lieberman, opposes DOMA. Read all about these and others at Lamont's website.
2. Because Lieberman is a politician first, and a Democrat second.
Politicians love power, and they'll do or say whatever they must to get it. After 18 years, Lieberman fancied himself invincible, and so instead of maintaining a progressive agenda, he sided with power. Problem is, the power was on the wrong side of the aisle.
3. Because his support for the war is symptomatic of Lieberman's willingness to dance with those other than ones who brung him (if you'll pardon the mangled English).
Hey, Klein - did you know that Lieberman will run in November on the "Connecticut for Lieberman" ticket, if and when he loses the primary to Lamont? You didn't seem to mention that in your article. Perhaps you were too busy searching for those huevos.
I could go on...but then, I'd take away all the fun from the comments!
Free mojo to the best Klein smackdowns!