The war in Iraq is one of the hottest topics in America right now. While some Democrats may support the way, only only one Democratic senator has vocally in favor of the way, namely Joe Lieberman. Senator Lieberman was Al Gore's VP choice and ran for president in 2004. Right now, he's being called the wayward son of the Democratic party.

His statements are pro war and there's even been talk of making him Secretary of Defense if Rummy leaves. According to the Post, Lieberman had lunch with Rumsfeld the other day and people are beginning to wonder. Also consider he's the only Democrat the Republicans and the administration are talking nice about right now. McClellan said he was the only exception in a party "trying to score political points off the situation." Cheney called him him a "fine U.S. Senator."

He's always been a hawk on this war and some of this may be tied to him wanting a strong U.S. presence next to Israel. The Democratic leadership is a little annoyed to say the lease but Lieberman has said since Bush is going to be there for 3 more years, they better learn to get along and support him because it's hurts the credibility with the rest of the world. The problem is the credibility is already damaged severely.

Senate Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) is troubled by Lieberman's comments, Reid's aides said. "I've talked to Senator Lieberman, and unfortunately he is at a different place on Iraq than the majority of the American people," Reid said yesterday.

I don't necessarily have a problem with Lieberman breaking ranks a bit. It happens and if he truly believes in this cause, at least he's sincere. It's the wrong stance, but it is sincere. I don't think people should always follow the party line and do what they're told. We don't elect them for that. I'd be curious though how his constituency in Connecticut feels about all this. Especially now, since Connecticut Governor Lowell P. Weicker Jr. said he would challenge him in the Democratic pirmary. Weicker opposes the way. That's going to be a race to watch.

This does create problems for the Democrats because right now, it's my thoughts the Democrats are going to try and take back both houses of congress, which is feasible. When they do, Bush will be impeached for lying about the war in Iraq and if that were to happen Bush would lose. This is a trickier propostion though when well known Democrats are coming out in favor for the war.

I hope for all our sakes Lieberman knows what he's doing. He's walking a very tight rope right now, especially since other members of his party are trying to squash the administration. At this stage, I think it's foolish to think he'll change his mind. The only possible hope is if he gets the Secretary of Defense slot, he could perhaps bring in some liberal values into the administration but once again, a pipe dream I guess.

posted by Stithmeister @ 9:43 AM
 
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