Reply #40: Joe has an uphill climb, IMO [View All]

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I think it's likely that Lamont will take the senate seat for the following reasons:

-Joe will get a lot of pressure from dems to drop out, making the question moot if he does drop

-The power and money of the DLC and dem infrastructure will get behind Lamont. Where will Lieberman get the money to run? He lost even while outspending Lamont 2:1. Will he have the same money advantage next time? Doubt it

-Will corporate money flow to Lieberman? If so, that should be a dem talking point making the need for replacement even more clear

-Joe really isn't that attractive to either party. Will republicans vote for him over their own guy?

-I doubt that the same 48% of dems that voted for him this time will stick with a losing, independent Lieberman next time. He will lose many more dems than republicans he will pick up

-I don't think things are going to get better in Iraq and the whole ME by next election. This reflects badly on Lieberman and the republican candidate

-Over the next three months, the need for change in every policy area will only become clearer

-Lieberman's ex-running mate, Gore, will endorse Lamont

-Lieberman can't help himself in the senate right now...his more liberal leaning votes will be seen as pandering and his more conservative votes will solidify voters' disdain

-The gloves are now off and pundits, writers, liberal dems can feel free to criticize his past stances since they know he is not on the same team anymore

-This loss, combined with a 2000 loss, brands him a loser. That will be hard to shake.

-Simply and most importantly: HE IS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF MANY ISSUES and a strong candidate who is not afraid to speak should easily be able to win on the issues.