Don't get angry at this.
t got so bad two years ago between Joe Lieberman and Senate Democrats that he started skipping weekly caucus lunches because tensions were at a boil.
Now, Lieberman just might be one of the most popular senators in the lunchroom.
Along with other senior Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is quietly urging the Connecticut lawmaker to run for a fifth Senate term in 2012 — and to stick with the Democratic side of the aisle.
Democrats in the Senate are too stupid to punish Joe Lieberman. Remember, the asshole from Connecticut was a big reason Dems were so ineffective the last two years. Anyone who threatens as many filibusters from within the caucus shouldn't be welcomed, much less woed for another term.
But here's the thing ... we want Lieberman to run for reelection. As the nation's most unpopular Senator, he's ripe for replacement by a real Democrat in Blue Connecticut. Indeed, the Nutmeg State will be one of the few real Senate pickup opportunities we'll have in 2012.
But this is more than just picking upgrading the seat. It's about finishing off a grudgematch we should've won in 2006. I don't want Lieberman to take the easy way out, pretending he's beloved as he rides off retired into the sunset. I want the voters of Connecticut to render a final judgment, firing his ass, making it very clear to him that his shenanigans the last few years didn't do anything except feed his monstrous ego.
Reid's wooing means the Democratic establishment will likely rally around Lieberman as well. Let them. If it encourages Lieberman to run for reelection, all the better. Because right now, I fear nothing more than a potential Lieberman retirement. Whatever keeps him in the race is a-okay with me.