I think I have to eat my words.

[TheWraith]

A few weeks ago I was trying to put the brakes on some of the Lamont/Lieberman threads, pointing out that despite all the enthusiasm here, Joementum still had pretty much a mortal lock even on the primary, let alone the general. I went on to suggest that people here were setting themselves up for yet another disappointment.

It seems that I was wrong. In the last two weeks--if the polls are to be believed--Lamont has pulled off a 19-point swing, gaining a slim lead in the primary race for the first time. I still highly recommend caution, but it's sure as hell going to be interesting to watch.

[underpants]

1. I did too

I don't know if it was on the same thread. I just assumed that a sitting Senator with Joe's tie ;-) was a lock. Well good for the Dems of Connecticut they are sending out a crystal clear message that I hope the rest of us echo locally.

[bullimiami]

2. i hate joe. his claim to be a democrat despoils the very ideals

of the democratic party.

he has also been destructive to the party he wants so hard to claim he is part of.

[whistle]

3. It ain't over till it's over, or at least until the E-votes are counted

...oh wait a minute, in the primaries we still use paper ballots right? Or will Diebold get to count democratic primary ballots also?

[redqueen]

5. Here in TX many areas use e-voting for the primaries. n/t

[LynzM]

9. Connecticut still uses the old lever machines :)

My vote damn well better count!

I think the polls *are* to be believed on this one. Lamont has a HUGE upswelling of grassroots support, and is indeed going door-to-door himself, talking to people. It's having a huge effect - especially with those who contrast that with never having seen Lieberman, in 18 years.

[whistle]

12. Beware the "butterfly" ballots

[Atman]

18. No butterfly ballots. Old tanks made of steel with crank levers.

They weigh about a ton each. They're behemoths; no clerks taking them home at night. No pushing toothpicks through punch cards. You crank one of these levers and you get a good, satisfying grinding of gears and a final THUNK letting you know you're vote has been recorded.

[whistle]

24. Nothing like old reliable Chas Babbage voting machines hehehehe

[calico1]

10. No Diebold machines in CT.

We still pull levers. The "sitting" Senator bit always helped Joe in the past but this time is different. A lot of anger in CT not just over the war but over other stunts he has pulled. It should be interesting.

[redqueen]

4. Nice of you to say that.

I hope in the future those who caution the hopeful will temper their remarks ... there is reason to hope for change!

[ReadTomPaine]

6. That's a diet that strengthens the soul.

Never be afraid to admit a mistake - after all, what do you think of people who refuse to admit mistakes?

It's also an abject lesson to everyone how powerful perception is over reality, esp in politics.

[Bonhomme Richard]

7. Joe just doesn't get that every commercial he runs........

screams arrogance and entitlement. Every one of them says that he knows better than his constituency.
It's no wonder he keeps dropping in the polls and maybe my Lamont sign in front of the house helps a little bit.

[calico1]

11. Ned talks to the voters, Joe talks down to the voters.

Ned's ads are positive, humble and he even pokes fun at himself. Lieberman's ads are almost all attack ads, and he comes across as arrogant, mean and holier than thou.

[jonnyblitz]

15. everything about Lieberman screams "pompous asshole"

there is nothing remotely likeable about him as a person, let along his positions on the issues. nt

[ShortnFiery]

8. How gracious of you TheWrath ...

You are a credit to DU for your demonstrated understanding and subsequent humbleness regarding this issue.

:applause: :hi:

[AndyA]

13. I sure hope the people of Connecticut give Lamont a chance. He seems

like he would be a really great guy to have representing their interests, certainly a big cut above Lieberman. If I lived in Connecticut, I'd sure vote for Lamont.

Joe has done too many things that show where his true loyalties lie, and it isn't with the people who voted him into office. Time to give him the boot.

[autorank]

14. TheWraith, you're a good guy/gal! I like this type of dialogue.

I'm a long time Joementum doubter. It started when he, imho, ran from Gore and the great fight that didn't happen (except for Al and his people) between Democrats and the Republican thugs. But I was a tad worried about CT. After all, he'd caucus with us, right? However, the process up there is pure democracy. People slugging it out in principle and saying, Lamont, we're going to do this. What a headline in the Hartford paper today. It's like a Frank Capra movie (except Capra would have Lamont plaid by someone without major bucks;).

Why not have this dialogue...if we lack people to take a view different than ours, on an issue where there are arguments in either direction, then we lose.

Now, what the heck is this about "old Joe" contemplating a run as a Republican? If that happens, I'd like to be in the room with Schumer. Learn some new words...

[Warpy]

16. Crow should be eaten with a lot of garlic and rosemary

I find it disguises the rather gamy taste quite well. I've had to dine on it enough since my eyes have gone partially kaput.

Seriously, you're not the first to make a mistake about a developing situation and you certainly won't be the last. Wisdom consists of recognizing an error was made before more facts were in and correcting one's mistake. You may have an occasion to refine your outlook still more as more information about the race comes in.

It takes a fool to cling to the earliest assumptions and refuse to change them.

[Dr Fate]

17. You may still be right- but the race is important either way.

I'm praying for Lamont-even a close race w/ Lieberman winning sends a message.

[xchrom]

20. i'm going to let dr fate echo my sentiments.

[lonehalf]

19. You do have to be wary of polls.

Remember:

President Michael Dukakis
President Walter Mondale
President Al Gore
President John Kerry
President Howard Dean

All of them were leading in the polls at one time or another.

President Dean was elected by the polls before a single vote was counted in the primaries.
President Mondale was leading until he said he was going to raise taxes in his acceptance speech.
President Kerry had been elected by the exit polls on election day until the actual votes were counted.
President Dukakis was leading until he took that tank ride.

I bet that many DUers lie to pollsters.

I think our party relies WAY too much on polls.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

21. Damn right you do!

:grr:

[Vidar]

22. Big of you to admit it.

[xxqqqzme]

23. Boy o boy I hope

Connecticut Democrats send the message. It will echo LOUDLY in the dlc halls. Hopefully it will give notice 2 the dlc that their days (& influence) are numbered.

[Totally Committed]

25. Very, very classy of you to admit it...

I admire people who are so pricipled they let their truth speak volumes about them.

Thanks for the post!

TC

[AtomicKitten]

26. I second TC's comments -- very civilized and appreciated. n/t