Joe Lieberman: McCain's Bipartisan Wingman

Politico: The Two Have Been Nearly Inseparable Since The One-Time Dem VP Nominee Endorsed McCain Last December

(The Politico)  This story was written by Jonathan Martin.

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Wherever John McCain goes these days, it seems, Joseph I. Lieberman is there. 

When McCain needed a quick reminder in Jordan last week on how to characterize Islamic radicals in Iraq receiving aid from Iran, Lieberman was there to whisper into his colleague’s ear. A day later in Israel, the Connecticut senator proved equally helpful, stepping in to help McCain clarify the meaning of the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Whether wearing yarmulkes together amid the throngs at Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall, meeting reporters outside 10 Downing Street in London or sporting matching suit-and-sweater combos at a snowy New Hampshire town hall meeting, the two have been nearly inseparable since Lieberman endorsed McCain last December.

As McCain hopes to wage a campaign that appeals to an independent-minded electorate exasperated by the Bush administration and the political status quo, Lieberman, a former Democratic vice presidential nominee, has become something of a symbolic character witness meant to testify to the Arizonan’s bipartisan approach.

As recently as 2000, the McCain-Lieberman political partnership might have seemed unthinkable. At the time, McCain was running for the Republican presidential nomination. And Lieberman was one of the nation’s most prominent Democratic politicians, a well-respected centrist whose selection as Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore’s running mate drew widespread praise.

But always more moralistic than some in his party, Lieberman’s hawkish tendencies have put him squarely out of step with his party, a fact underscored by his dud of a presidential run in 2004.

His steadfast support of the war in Iraq, while the vast majority of Democrats soured on the conflict, left him increasingly isolated. His 2006 Senate primary election loss to a neophyte challenger underscored his fall from favor. Lieberman ultimately won reelection, but it was as a third-party candidate.

Though he had initially wanted to stay out of the 2008 presidential fray, Lieberman was swayed by a personal appeal from McCain, an aide to the Connecticut senator said. Shortly after returning from a trip to Iraq together over Thanksgiving, McCain asked for his colleague’s support, saying it would make the most difference before the New Hampshire primary, where independents and Democrats can participate.

But even after the GOP contest moved to states where his influence was limited, Lieberman wasn’t sidelined. The senator whose party affiliation is now “Independent Democrat” appeared with McCain in conservative South Carolina and in some of the most heavily Republican parts of central Florida.

Besides South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who joined the duo on their overseas trip last week and who enjoys something approaching favorite nephew status with McCain, no other elected official has taken as visible a role or become such a ubiquitous presence in the McCain campaign as the junior senator from Connecticut.

Newly energized and again relevant in national political circles, Lieberman is already being talked about as an obvious pick for a McCain administration, likely as secretary of defense or some other high-profile foreign policy post.

McCain strategists see great value in the dissident Democrat and promise that Lieberman will play a key role in the general election.

“He contradicts the DNC caricature [of McCain],” says Mark Salter, McCain’s closest aide and former chief of staff.

As Democrats seek to portray the Arizona senator as representing a third Bush term, argues Salter, Lieberman’s willingness to back a Republican “exposes that for the emptiness that it is.”

“It’s a great story about character and courage,” adds Charlie Black, another top McCain dviser, alluding to Lieberman’s unlikely path from would-be Democratic vice president to senior surrogate for the GOP standard-bearer.

“And it reinforces McCain’s character and courage,” he adds, hinting at the Republican’s own willingness to buck his own party for principle. “[The endorsement] would not have happened for any other Republican.”

Nor would it have happened at all had Lieberman not been so at odds with his former party.

“Clearly that primary challenge he faced was a turning point in Joe Lieberman’s political career,” says Will Marshall, a co-founder of the once-Lieberman-headed Democratic Leadership Council and director of the Progressive Policy Institute. “That experience liberated him to follow his conscience on other political questions.”

Lieberman, who an aide says has only signaled a desire to keep serving in the Senate, has disappointed some of his admirers by coming out for McCain.

“I wish I understood it,” laments Steve Rabinowitz, a Democratic strategist who stuck by Lieberman in 2006 even after his primary loss to Ned Lamont. “I just don’t know what to make of him anymore. I’m very sad.”

Rabinowitz speculates that Lieberman has entered a nothing-left-to-lose phase and that his endorsement strikes the first notes of a political “swan song.”

Those close to McCain and Lieberman, however, argue that the endorsement is the natural outgrowth of a long-budding relationship that has been cemented by a shared belief in the primacy of the threat of Islamic extremism.

While the two have served together for nearly 20 years in the clubby upper chamber, it wasn’t until the late-90s that they really bonded.

As members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the pair grew close while traveling together on congressional trips much like the one they took to Europe and the Middle East last week. Their friendship took root as they became regulars at the Wehrkunde conference, a Munich confab held every February that draws military and security experts from around the world.

McCain and Lieberman also joined forces on the two preeminent foreign policy issues of the era: American intervention in the Balkans and the decision to launch air strikes against Iraq.

“The split of the two parties on foreign policy compared to the '90s is crucial to understanding Lieberman,” says Bill Kristol, The Weekly Standard editor and a friend of both men. “He hasn’t changed his mind.”

For his part, on domestic issues, McCain also has moved closer to Lieberman’s brand of DLC moderation.

Just as Lieberman is now liberated from following political orthodoxy, McCain went his own way after losing the primary to Bush in 2000. The two paired up to sponsor legislation, opposed by the administration and most Republicans, addressing global warming, and introduced the measure creating the 9/11 Commission over the initial opposition of the White House. They were also key players in the bipartisan Gang of 14.

Those close to Lieberman, however, say that his decision to so enthusiastically get behind McCain is borne in their shared experience as party loners, as much about persona as policy.

“First and foremost, it’s character,” says Dan Gerstein, a Democratic strategist who helped lead Lieberman’s 2006 campaign and previously worked in his Senate office. “This is purely a personal decision and is based on faith and belief in McCain.”

Gerstein, a Barack Obama supporter, shares the same concern of other Democrats: that Lieberman could serve as exactly the sort of validator for McCain’s independence that the Arizonan’s aides are counting on.

Lieberman could be especially helpful in Florida, with its heavy Jewish population, says Gerstein.

But Marshall, the DLC co-founder, suggests that Lieberman could be useful in a more unconventional way - with gentiles.

“Oddly enough, Joe Lieberman may have more credibility with religious voters than the very secular John McCain,” Marshall says.

More than anything, though, Lieberman could aid McCain’s effort “to run a campaign that transcends the limited reach of the Republican coalition,” observes Marshall.

“It feeds the McCain image of being attractive to independents and crossover Democrats,” agrees Rabinowitz, who supports Hillary Rodham Clinton. “At best, it’s not helpful for us.”

The key may be which Lieberman emerges: the affable vice presidential nominee of 2000 or the charisma-deficient presidential candidate four years later.

“My only hope is that he’s able to deliver as few people to McCain as he did to himself,” Rabinowitz says.

[blkpresident]

What a difference eight years make: From "Sore-Loserman" to "McAin''tAwake-Loserman".

[timdgrim]

Lieberman''s Bipartisan Philosophy: Do Whatever is Best for Israel...

[armydog2]

lieberman is a traitor to the party that first helped him get into congress.

[downtowner97]

McCain is follwing in Bush''s footsteps. Bush went to the wailing wall in Jerusalem last month. The only differnce is that Bush brought a harpoon.

[rushlimpdrug]

"When McCain needed a quick reminder in Jordan last week on how to characterize Islamic radicals in Iraq receiving aid from Iran"

Oh, is that what it is called?
A "reminder"?

Son, you may want to go back to the video and see it again.
You missed something.

[brianbwb-2009]

"He''''d better get rid of Lieberman by his side if he wants any chance of winning." Posted by jh6379

He can''t just yet, Lieberman is his AIPAC connection.

[Gary Kempf]

While in Israel,A reporter over heard John McCain ask Lieberman Israel is What??

Lieberman speaking softly: Jewish

John McCain seen mouthing the word J e w i s h. With still a look of slight confusion on his face he was over heard asking Lieberman "Then no Shiites or Sunni''s?

Lieberman''s response: No John not here.

[rushlimpdrug]

With still a look of slight confusion on his face he was over heard asking Lieberman "Then no Shiites or Sunni''''s?
Lieberman''''s response: No John not here.
Posted by navpro at 10:46 AM

Poor John, thinks shiites is what is in his Depends,
and "sunnis" in the sky.

[leftyintexas]

Lieberman is not bi-partisan. He is a Republicon stooge and lobbyist for Israel. Through and through.

[nolalou]

The biggest mistake Al Gore made was choosing this loser as his running mate. If the Republicans want Lieberman, they can have him! Want more of the same Bush policies, then go ahead and vote for Lieberman''s buddy, John McCain.

[Gary Kempf]

Poor John, thinks shiites is what is in his Depends,
and "sunnis" in the sky.


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Posted by rushlimpdrug at 10:48 AM : Mar 24, 2008

As close as Liebermans been seen next to John McCain, It may not be that John thinks the Shiite''s are the only thing in his Depends.

[stn_sage]

So, maybe that''s McCain''s plan---name Lieberman VP in the hope of splitting the Democratic party and drawing conservative dems & independents! Hey, they can try it---but, I don''t think it''s going to work!

This election cycle is different. Too much Republican fiscal irresponsibility, corruption, and sexual perversion the last 7 1/2 years, combined with rising insurance rates, food prices, medical bills, & gas prices! Too many problems created by Reps, for the public to forget! Normally, I''d say this strategy was possible, but not now, because the rightwing extremists overplayed their hand!

[xlib]

Just thought I''d check this story out to read the anti semitic remarks made by the all accepting all tolerant libs. Thanks for not disappointing me folks. You''re all full of the hate and venom I knew you would be.
armydog2-traitor, you say. Could it be he just didn''t like the direction your lib, sociatist party was heading. Could it be that he didn''t leave your party but the party left him. Sounds like he exercised his right. He did not join the Republican party but became an Independent. Looks like the people of his state agreed there, fella, cause they elected him. Stop being hateful and grow up.

[danstoned]

Xlib, Joe Leiberman, John McCain, putting the interests of Israel First over America.

Know any American jews younger than 60 who support John McCain? Answer: NONE!

[danstoned]

Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain was formed to dispel the myth of "Straight talkin", principled, maverick war hero" McCain. Through more than two decades of investigation of his behavior, through open-source documents, public statements of his colleagues, and personal conversations with other Vietnam POWs, we have come to the unavoidable conclusion that he is unfit by virtue of his temperament, character, dishonesty, and emotional instability to serve as President of the United States or in any other position of public trust.

U.S. media has created and sustained an overwhelmingly positive image of John McCain''s character and his status as a "war hero." People who are willing to reveal the most damning facts which threaten these myths are largely ignored or heavily edited, and are most often treated in a "Kill the messenger" fashion. We have been forced to conclude that only by producing our own newspaper ads, radio and TV commercials can we expose the "real McCain" to the American people.

We have professional television directors, advertising consultants, and several national organizations who are working with us to launch this national media campaign.

[Gary Kempf]

Xlib, Joe Leiberman, John McCain, putting the interests of Israel First over America.

Know any American jews younger than 60 who support John McCain? Answer: NONE!


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Posted by danstoned at 11:11 AM : M

I don''t know any American that works for a living, that supports McCain.

[danstoned]

John McCains health care plan: Continue to encourage employers to drop employee health care benefits.

Check out this Israel First Traitor platform at
johnmccain.com

[omega39-2009]

Joe Lieberman is a former president of the DLC, Hillary holds a leadership position in it. Marshall Wittmann, a former senior fellow at the DLC, former legislative director for the Christian Coalition, and former communications director for Republican senator John McCain is a member of the DLC. If you want more of the same, vote for Hillary or McCain.

[jjp735i]

Lieberman is nothing more than a modern age Benedict Arnold.

[dante805]

Just proves there''s one or two Liberals that can make rational decisions. The only 2 DEMs I''d ever vote for are Joe Liberman and Sell Miller. Obama and Clinton are changes in the WRONG direction.

[rushlimpdrug]

Posted by Xlib at 11:07 AM


Yeah son, life is rough even on for a lying "Xlib"
Go back to mama and tell her that there are bad people out there.
Tell her the bad people write as if they had freedom to write.

[harrydoghiny]

Bipartisan? Surely, you jest.

[cdfoxtrot]

Since when is Joe Looserman bi-partisan????

[jerr11]

How about:

Joe Lieberman: McCain''s As*sman from Israel?

[donbl1]

IMHO, the "independent" elected Lieberman has been liberated from party dogma. He can be himself which must be really exciting at this stage of his political career.

[xlib]

hey rush & dan-Number one there rush, I''m one of those "typical white granny''s" so, let''s not assume the gender of a poster. Number two to both of you, I do not support mccain, ok!
And rushbo, just what am I lying about?? It''s really typical of a lib, when in doubt, throw out names and call the other poster a liar. So, point it out to me there rushy.
I just stated you libs didn''t disappoint me.

[rosesnpearls]

As a ''religious voter'' who is already very, very concerned about McCain as the Republican nominee because of his indecisive moves on abortion, immigration, gay marriage and other issues, having Lieberman added to the equation adds fuel to my concerns. Anyone who supports abortion is unable to acquire my vote.

[davek455]

the world has far too many religious politicians, such as Lieberman....stop the war mongering....impeach Joe. Joe''s gotta go! Joe''s gotta go!

[walt1944-2009]

There seems to be little doubt that John "The Great Pretender" McCain has already picked his running mate for the neocon Fascist Nazi Republican ticket. All indications are that "independant" Joe Lieberman is trying his best to get the Assistant Great Emperor job by constantly being at McCain''s side.

In a way, McCain needs Lieberman on the ticket to attract all those "independant" voters out there. He also needs Lieberman by his side to keep reminding McCain who he is and where he is at! This is much like the "arrangement" existing between VP Darth Vader Cheney and the Great Emperor Bush II, who, as everyone knows, has a somewhat limited IQ despite his have a degree from Yale (thank you, daddy!)!

SIG HEIL, BUSH!!!
sig heil (more of the same), McCain????

[davek455]

some of the biggest problems in the world today are religious in their origin.....religion is the problem, we have to graduate from religion

[antoniof123]

Posted by rosesnpearls at 12:10 PM : Mar 24, 2008

Spoken like a true neo cons the only problem is that we know true neo cons like you will always vote Republican you have no other choice because your religous leaders have decreeded it.

[vincan-2009]

Really? Lieberman is not bipartisan at all. He is a republican and he and McCain are two peas in a pod. Both want to continue the Iraq War endlessly without regard to the downfall it is causing in America.

[liberalme]

the world has far too many religious politicians, such as Lieberman....stop the war mongering....impeach Joe. Joe''''s gotta go! Joe''''s gotta go!

Posted by davek455 at 12:10 PM : Mar 24, 2008

This is a last ditch effort by "turncoat" Joe to remain in politics--the once partisan Democrat has for religious and political reasons only known to him, has done a 180 on his loyalty to this country.

You''re done in CT Joe and you know it.

[ponco seno]

McCainLieberman - NO WAY IN HELL.........

[mudrose-2009]

McCain/Lieberman will never happen, but it shows that McCain unlike the remaining two contenders can cross party lines quite easily. McCain really is the true candidate of change. Lieberman I most certainly hope will fill some post in the McCain Administration. He''s an old world Democrat, true to the party line that was not that is. Today''s Democrats are socialists.

[Gary Kempf]

McCain is the only candidate whos favorable rating exceeds their unfavorable:

On Monday, McCain is viewed favorably by 55% of voters nationwide and unfavorably by 42%. Obama%u2019s reviews are 46% favorable and 52% unfavorable. For Clinton, those numbers are 42% favorable, 55% unfavorable.


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Posted by trapbreak at 12:50 PM : Mar 24, 200

Was this survey done at one particular mental hospital,or several??????

[williamfold]

mccain needs break lights mounted on the back of his pants because if he makes a quick stop, they will need the "jaws of life" to pry lieberman out of john''s butt.

[Gary Kempf]

mccain needs break lights mounted on the back of his pants because if he makes a quick stop, they will need the "jaws of life" to pry lieberman out of john''''s butt.


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Posted by williamfold at 01:08 PM : Mar 24, 2008

That is McCain''s goal, Bipartisan sexual politics

[jgunther7]

Lieberman seems to be working McCain like a ventriloquist dummy, working his mouth from the back while he speaks his political statements for him. This will obviously get the New York and Florida vote.

[williamfold]

trapbreak,

here''s a clue, polls don''t mean dickly doo.

[tbweb]

Joe Lieberman: McCain''s Bipartisan Wingman
Politico: The Two Have Been Nearly Inseparable Since The One-Time Dem VP Nominee Endorsed McCain Last December

Senators Lieberman and McCain share a common interest in bombing Iran, I use to share that interest as well. But the U.S. nor Israel should bomb Iran, if it does happen a third party should do it.

[element51]

I read a abc board yesterday that had over 150 comments. It was about democratic voters switching to McCain as a result of the Obama/Pastor situation. I am totally convinced now that McCain will win the White House. I would estimate that out of all the posts on that board at least 90 percent said they will vote republican if Obama gets the nomination. It puzzles me that after what we have had for the past seven plus years and the state of things now people are willing to keep what we have for another four years at least. I have voted in every election since I was old enough to vote but in view of McCains sure victory I don''t see the point in wasting the gas to go to the poles this time. It is amazing how the democrats have the uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. My retirement savings are taking a beating so I guess I''ll check out one of those high paying Wal Mart jobs.

[parrot123-2009]

It is amazing how the democrats have the uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. My retirement savings are taking a beating so I guess I''''ll check out one of those high paying Wal Mart jobs.
Posted by Element51 at 01:30 PM : Mar 24, 2008

Who do you think you''re fooling ? - You were never voting for any Dem anyways so why insinuate such - besides your claims are very Bogus - on what specific ABC board ??? Besides you seem to be a very good (Living) proof of an excellent Repug rule. Cheers!

[element51]

One other thing that I found interesting on the ABC board. At least two posters firmly believe and stated with total sincereity that Obama is indeed the ANTI CHRIST. How''s that for a streach? Now that''s going to be difficult for him to overcome.

[williamfold]

element51,

don''t believe everything you read. right now, it''s waaaaay tooooo early to be calling the election. my guess is by the time gas hits $4 bucks this summer, the masses will be ready for anybody but a republican.

[tawpdawg1]

Obama way ahead.

Latest Dela Katessin poll has Obama beating McCain head-to-head in the general by 64% to 33% and that margin is increasing over the same poll last month while McCain would beat Clinton 55% to 42% with 3% too stupid to decide which poll to believe.

[element51]

parrot123...Man, you really missed the mark here. I am going to reply to you because you are so wrong. Normally I try to keep my political views somewhat cloudy on these boards because I don''t like the attacks I get from the right wing. I am a democrat, I have never once voted for a republican. I am an Obama supporter. I think we have the best shot with him to regain some of our lost status throughout the world. It makes me sad that John McCain is going to walk in and take the election over an issue that to my mind has already been addressed. I fear for our country and feel helpless to do anything. So don''t assume that you know me or my politics from one post. You don''t. There. Now I have left myself open to attack from every right wing nutcase out there. I guess I''ll sit back and enjoy the assault. Hello mudrose.

[parrot123-2009]

I fear for our country and feel helpless to do anything. So don''''t assume that you know me or my politics from one post. You don''''t. There. Now I have left myself open to attack from every right wing nutcase out there. I guess I''''ll sit back and enjoy the assault. Hello mudrose.
Posted by Element51 at 01:48 PM : Mar 24, 2008

I do need to apologise for that - but with the current state of affairs in this country - we can''t be given into fear .... it''s much better to believe and continue counting the days --- Repugs like Mudrose and Infidel are starting to feel the Repug BS and they''re much reluctant right now to come out all for McCain cuz alot of them do know better ..... Like an earlier poster pointed out, when Gas hits over $4 in the next few months, we''ll see how many more rabid Repugs remain. Cheers!

[tawpdawg1]

Man those Rasmussen people keep callin'' me about every other day for another poll. I wonder what they would think if they knew I was tellin'' ''em the opposite of who I''m really for ! HA HA HA

[element51]

tawpdog1...I hope you are right. I get so frustrated when I read posts from democrats who are going to jump ship if they don''t get Hillary. Why would you do that? If a person hates Obama that much, fine, stay home and just don''t vote. But why would you want things to continue to get worse than they are now? I just don''t understand. I love this country and I love the lifestyle that we are blessed with and I see all that getting thrown under the bus. We need changes and I do not believe we will see them under another Bush like presidency.