I just returned from the Old Statehouse in Hartford and I'm happy to report that Ned Lamont is a legitimate candidate to challenge Joe Lieberman for CT Senate in the Democratic primary.
I had great hopes but few expectations when I walked into the room for Lamont's formal announcement. To my pleasant surprise, there was a packed house of passionate progressives just itching to enter the fray. Even better, Ned Lamont seemed ready to lead the charge.
He began by wisely laying out the idea that he is not simply an antiwar candidate but a pro-Democratic candidate. Staking out the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party, he laid out a progressive agenda on all
FLIP IT
the positions that most Kossacks, and most CT voters, would agree with. He then quoted from a Lieberman speach from 18 years ago to make the point that Lieberman's grown out of touch with CT and should "stop by Bridgeport on his way back from Bhagdad," thus laying the groundwork for an "it's time for a change" theme that should resonate with a fair number of people who have grown weary of Joe and his "bipartisan" B.S.
But the highlight was of course Mr. Lamont's disagreement with the "Bush, Cheney, Lieberman" adventure in Iraq's civil war. Making his perspective clear, he emphasized that Bush wouldn't be calling him his "favorite Senator" if he's elected.
Lamont's wealthy and telegenic. His announcement looked great on the evening news. He's well-spoken and has a good looking family. There's noblese oblige in his background and he looks like Jimmy Stewart. That's not a bad start for anyone who might throw a legitimate challenge Joe's way.
I'm getting on Lamont's bandwagon right away. I hope Kossacks will do likewise and throw their support to this guy who would truly represent the antiwar majority that exists in CT, and who would dethrone Bush's greatest Democratic enabler.
Go to www.nedlamont.com