Alterman: "the implicit deal between the Lieberman camp and Rove"

[Pirate Smile]

"Here’s my prediction: If Lieberman wins the election, he will not switch to the Republicans, as some fear. But he will do the functional equivalent, which is accept Bush’s appointment to replace Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense, resign his seat and allow the Republican governor of Connecticut to appoint a Republican in his stead. That is the implicit deal between the Lieberman camp and Rove, Cheney, Bush etc and the reason, that alone, in the entire country, this is the only race where this most partisan of political operations, refuses to support the Republican in the race. Bush, Rove and Cheney do not make political decisions on the basis of what they think is good for the country. They care only about their party and themselves. If Lieberman supporters are genuinely supporting him as a Democrat, is it not enough for him to pledge to vote with the party in the Senate. He must pledge that, under no circumstances, will he accept an appointment from Bush or resign his seat under any circumstances, so long as a Republican occupies the state House."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3449870/

[dpbrown]

1. That's the danger

Lieberman wants it. Bush has it. Republicans take Connecticut.

[Skinner]

2. EarlG called it first

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2791098&mesg_id=2791098

[IndianaGreen]

13. Another nightmare scenario: Cheney quits due to "health"

Bush offers Lieberman the Number Two Spot on a "national unity" government.

[liberalhistorian]

3. Like this is any big surprise.

Many of us have suspected this scenario all along. So, apparently, did enough CT Democrats. He'd better hope that that isn't the case, because all hell will break loose against the lying, cheating, whiny, arrogant, egotistical, childish, back-stabbing repuke-in-all-but-name Holy Joe.

[Deep13]

4. If that happens, how long until a special election...

...to replace the governor's appointment?

[immoderate]

6. I think special elections are required only for the House.

I think it's not required for the senate. However, I've been wrong before. You know, if I think about it long enough, maybe I can remember a time.

--IMM

[Deep13]

11. Most states have 'em.

I know in '04 the MA legislature rushed a bill through for a speedy special election in the event Kerry was elected because they did not want the R governor appointing a long-term replacement.

[immoderate]

12. Doesn't sound like it's automatic though.

What about the governor (Alaska?) that appointed his daughter?

--IMM

[Pirate Smile]

5. kick

[glitch]

7. Apparently "how low can you go joe" remains an open question.

Nasty.

[Guaranteed]

8. This would be a great issue for Lamont to push him with. nt

[pa28]

9. Lieberman needs to be put on the record about this.

Nice catch.

[BluegrassDem]

10. I have one hesitation about this one

in that I don't think Lieberman would actually take the job at the Pentagon. Bush is in his last 2 years and Lieberman would basically only have a very short term job. And once he leaves the Senate, he's not gonna be able to come back. If this was maybe 2 years ago, I would believe it, but Lieberman would be foolish to replace Rumsfeld. It may be the worst job in the country. Hell, even Sen. Ben Nelson turned away such overtures from Rove.

But who knows, maybe Cheney will hook Lieberman up with a job at Halliburton after 2008. :puke:

I do know that Lieberman needs to be put on the record about this though. No doubt about that. Lamont needs to push the issue.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

14. I disagree. Lieberman would very much take it in my opinion

he would ride 2 years out at the Pentagon, then "retire from politics" and sign a lifetime contract with Faux news as a political analyst providing the view "from the left". Essentially job will be bashing the Dems who sweep the elections as being extremist..

[BluegrassDem]

15. Lieberman loves the limelight of the Senate too much

He loves it that the media has branded him the 'independent voice' in the Senate. He's the go to guy when the media needs to find a Democrat who supports a Bush idea. I really don't see him giving up all media love for a job at the Pentagon.