(Crossposted from
My Left Nutmeg.)
Back in December, Senate Dem Leader Harry Reid had this to say about Joe Lieberman: "I've spoken to Joe Lieberman and he knows he's out there alone. I mean, literally alone. Joe is a fine man, he has strong feelings, but he's just alone. Even Republicans don't agree with Joe."
Now he's letting Joe feel the love. Read and weep.
Received by delegates to the CT Dem State Convention.
I write to urge you to support my friend, Joe Lieberman, when you convene with your fellow delegates on May 20th, and then when you cast your vote in the August 8th primary.
I know that there's been a lot of discussion among you and your fellow Democrats about Joe, and I'd like to share my thoughts with you. Let me be clear: as the leader of the Democratic Party in the United States Senate, I need Joe to be reelected. We have many battles in the future and his presence in the United States Senate is essential.
Your faithful transcriber pauses to hurl. "Battles"??? WTF? Is he talking about Iraq? There sure as hell will be plenty more battles there if Joe has his way. But I digress.
Very few people I've known in my lifetime are as principled and decent as Joe Lieberman.
A little violin music, Maestro, if you please.
I don't agree on every position he takes, but he has an unquestionable commitment to the progressive principles that make our Party great. Joe has dedicated his career to advancing a progressive Democratic agenda and has told me time and time again of how proud he is of his Democratic Party affiliation.
Clearly, words speak louder than actions -- just the opposite of what that stupid old saying has led people to believe for the last several millennia or so.
As Democrats, we represent people from all walks of life and points of view. It's that diversity that's our strength. Unlike the Republicans, we don't always march in lockstep with each other.
A strategy that has resulted in a string of electoral victories, he might have added. Oh, wait ...
But that's a good thing. Why? Because our Party's diversity reflects the diversity of the American people. We're not the party of the privileged few.
'Scuse me, bucket time again. Whew, thank God we've got good ole Shoeless Joe Lieberman in the party, reminding us of our humble, shit-kicking roots.
I can always count on Joe when our Party needs to stand up to the Republican Party.
Holy crap! Not sure I'll be able to make ... it ... through.
Recently, a non-partisan Washington, D.C.-based publication -- Congressional Quarterly -- released its rankings. It ranked me as voting with the Democratic Party 90% of the time. Joe? 90% of the time. So yes, Joe's been there with me, and now we need to be there for him. The United States needs his continued presence in the Senate, so we can work together for a better America.
A better America that will continue bleeding in Iraq for the foreseeable future, I suppose he means.
This could be a historic year for Democrats. The complete failures of the Republicans in Washington have made America less safe, less secure, and less competitive than ever before.
And Joe Lieberman has been complicit in letting this happen. Remember that 10% of votes you mentioned, Harry? Like a penis, it's not the size that matters, it's how you use it.
Now for the rousing finish (emphasis in the original):
If I could vote at your Convention, I would proudly cast my vote for Joe Lieberman -- knowing that my vote would be cast for a good man, for a committed Democrat, and for someone who has devoted his life to good, principled government.
Backs have been scratched. Favors have been made. Chits have been called in. Deals have been made. Quids have been pro quo-ed. And the hope that Democratic Party in Washington might actually stand up and grow some balls has dimmed yet again.