Tomorrow Lieberman vs. Lamont on Russert: Joe's 3 options.

[Pale Blue Dot]

With Ned Lamont currently leading by 10-14% percent (depending on which poll you believe), tomorrow may be Lieberman's last chance to convince Connecticut Democratic voters that he should be their Senator. The way I see it, there are three different strategies he may employ:

1. "Stay the Course". Lieberman takes the same stance with Lamont that he took in their first debate: stay confrontational, accuse Lamont of being a closet conservative, etc. The problem with this tactic is that it didn't work the first time, and it is unlikely to give him the substantial bounce he needs;

2. "The Howard Dean Gambit". I believe that Lieberman has been attempting this one all week by sending his goons to Lamont events. The plan here is to coerce Ned into saying or doing something really stupid or embarrassing on national TV, thereby losing credibility with CT voters in a hurry. This, I feel, is the only thing that would give Lieberman a chance on Tuesday. How, exactly, he would "trick" Lamont into making a fool of himself, I'm not sure, but I'm sure he's thought about several different options;

3. "Ned is too Liberal". Watch for this one. If Lieberman tries to paint Lamont as a radical liberal, this would signal his concession of the primary and his intent to run as an independent. He may use Russert to begin his campaign for the general by trying to appeal to moderates and conservatives in the state.

Of these, I think (3) is most likely, although if I were Ned I would look out for (2). Ned should remember that he doesn't need to hit a Grand Slam tomorrow, he just needs to look competent. The election is his top lose, and he needs to be careful of ambushes and Lieberman's dirty tricks.

[eleny]

1. I think his only chance is to stay positive about himself

He can try to keep saying what he's done that's good. But jeez, I don't even live in Connecticut and I sent Lamont a donation. I think Joe's goose is cooked.

[Pale Blue Dot]

2. I don't think he can make up 10-14% by being positive about himself

It's too late for that. He needs something dramatic to happen.

[charlie]

3. I think the venue is a mistake for Lamont

I don't trust Timmy for a minute. I'd rather Ned wasn't doing this.

[Pale Blue Dot]

5. That's kind of the way I feel

But he agreed to this before the polls showed him way ahead. I think if he keeps his composure no matter what Lieberman or Russert throw at him, he'll do fine.

[Dr.Phool]

12. It'll be hard for Lamont to talk

While he's watching Russert blow Lieberman.

[eleny]

15. !

[elehhhhna]

18. lmao so true

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

4. Russert will be the one to watch

I'm sure he'll want to have at least one signature "gotcha!" moment.

"Really? Well, let's take a look at this video from your eighth birthday party . . .

[MysteryToMyself]

14. Watch the cameras

Sometimes they use a camera of the finest quality film settings on the Republicans and use a washed out or harsh setting for the democrat. Notice the size of the face. Sometimes they will have extreme closeups of the one they want to lose.

I bet Joe already knows the questions he will be asked and the best writers they can find are thinking of answers for him.

I will be surprised if they are fair to Lamont.

[TheCowsCameHome]

6. The clock is running out for Lieberman. Just over 2 days won't do it.

I thing CT voters have pretty well made up their minds, unless Lamont screws up big time between now and then.

[Robbien]

7. I would go with two. Joementum needs a "Dean Scream", or something equal

Something Joementum can pressure the media lapdogs to misrepresent and embarrass Lamont. Over and over

But I don't believe Lamont is going to fall into that trap.

[calico1]

8. I think it will be a combination of all 3 with

personal attacks the main focus. I don't like that it's with Russert either. However, my guess is that Lamont has good advisors that have helped him prepare. And I think he will do a good job keeping his cool. Lieberman is the one under pressure and if anyone screams it will be him.

[Artdyst]

11. Agreed. And if the Lieberman camp spends much time

here, they've probably picked up all the tactics they need to try and cause Mr. Lamont to say something or do something that they can then use to tell Conneticut voters that MR. LAMONT is a disrupting force that "good" Democrats should not support.

[Champion Jack]

9. Option # 4

Holy Joe comes out on the set, obviously he's jacked up on cheap wine and prescription speed.His eyes are glazed, he's wiping an almost steady stream of drool from his lip.
He babbles on , almost incoherently saying things like" I was wrong to suck bush's dick" "I never should have supported such an immoral war" "I'm really sorry" Than, tears streaming down his face, he stands up and pulls a .45 caliber handgun from his suit coat puts the barrel in his mouth and pulls the trigger.

[flpoljunkie]

10. Meet the Press will have Lanny Davis for Lieberman and Jim Dean for Lamont

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3898804/

Sunday, Aug. 6

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Lanny Davis and Jim Dean

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will join us on this Sunday's "Meet the Press with Tim Russert" to talk about the latest diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, the state of the war in Iraq, and the possibility of a transition in Cuba.

Then, we turn to the hottest Senate primary race in the country: Joe Lieberman vs. Ned Lamont. Will Lieberman, the one-time Democratic vice presidential nominee, be beaten in Connecticut's primary election on Tuesday? What will the results of the race mean for the Democratic Party and the politics of the War in Iraq? Lieberman supporter Lanny Davis, author of "Scandal: How 'Gotcha' Politics Is Destroying America," and Lamont supporter Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America, will square off.

All coming up on this Sunday's edition of "Meet the Press."

[Pale Blue Dot]

13. What happened?

I had heard that Lieberman and Lamont themselves were going to be on. When did this change?

This is actually very good news. :woohoo:

[eleny]

19. They need Sunday to be up in CT campaigning non stop

This sure is a good thing. Gives Ned more time to be in his state.

Frankly, I don't think I could have put up with watching Joe whine his way through the interview.

[never_get_over_it]

16. I was quite impressed with Lamont

at the hamburger joint. He didn't seem to get one bit riled by the lobbyist for Holy Joe, wouldn't worry about him losing his cool. My fear is Lamont supporters, thinking it is going to be a blow out, don't show up at the polls.....

[elehhhhna]

17. JOWLMWNTUM will make a stunning announcement: He's switching parties

and going to become a Democrat.

[nasher]

20. I pick #1. Joe, like Bush, has had a really bad "stay the course"

mentality with his campaign. Every single descision he has made in the last few months has been the wrong one.