Wow. I'm not from Connecticut, but I am a political junkie. The time line/development of an outside observer of Lieberman follows. . ..
- the Clinton impeachment. I was pissed as hell to be lied to, and had zero problem when Lieberman took him to task on it. Don't wag your finger and tell me that "you didn't have sexual relations with "that woman" when you were getting bjs in the Oval Office. Was majorly disappointed in Clinton, not cuz of what he did, but because of his obfuscation and non-denial denial. Also didn't stop me from thinking he was a tremendous Prez, but yeah, it was scuzzy and unworthy of the office he held. Compared to what we have now it's small potatoes, but at the time Lieberman said what a lot of Dems wanted to say, but didn't/couldn't..
- being picked as Gore's V.P. Initially, no prob. He brought a certain integrity for being honest `bout Clinton and broke new ground as the first Jewish major candidate. Loses major points by insisting on simultaneously running for his current seat. Lack of confidence/belief in ticket much?
- debate with Cheney. Tongue bath. Unwillingly to engage and challenge and freakin' DEBATE. Rolled over and got his tummy tickled. Hell, even I thought Cheney came out on top.
- stabbed Gore in the back in the post-election brouhaha. There was an obvious point where he decided to cut his losses as the VP candidate and sold Gore out in an effort to save his own skin and (questionable) reputation and future.
- the 2004 Presidential Primary. Obvious that he is running on the "support W ticket" and trashing all other comers is the order of the day. The hysterically funny "Joe-mentum" proves once and for all eternity that this guy is totally and irredeemably the Democratic Doofus Candidate (to everyone except the guys at the New Republic.)
- since then. . .being the Democratic Butt Boy for the Iraqi War and totally unable to see things as they are and acknowledge that things are FUBAR. Trashing Dems for pointing this out. Hell, trashing Dems for everything, and joining wholeheartedly in the "Everything Is Beautiful -In It's Own Way" song. Bush's fave Dem buddy
But, what hit me tonight - watching the debate - how inexpressably and unbelievably freakin' SAD that a man who was on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement, and who HAS exhibited integrity and independence has turned out to be such a total and complete TOOL.
When Gore ran, I was pleased that he had chosen a guy with impeccable liberal credentials and a long history of integrity. Now, I just wish he had chosen someone who had half the balls needed to WIN and a little less sanctimony.
And, if Lieberman loses his Senate race, as I fervently hope he does, I hope that he disappears. Which is sad, all around.
eileen from OH