Lieberman, McKinney Defeated in Primary Run-Offs

Over in Georgia, Democrat Representative Cynthia McKinney was handed a sound defeat by opponent Hank Johnson. The theory is the loss came about because of her antics and behavior including the recent capital hill tussle. I say its because she has proven to be so ineffectual a Representative. She may have gone to Washington DC, but she didn't do a whole hell of a lot other then make noise while over there. Actions speak louder the rhetoric. McKinney needs to tuck tail and never disgrace another public position again. She is the example of what we don't want in our leaders. Lets not make that mistake anymore.

Speaking of mistakes, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman was defeated yesterday in a primary run-off. After a tense battle against Ned Lamont, Lieberman has decided to run for office as an Independent in an effort to hold his office. Usually when someone loses the primary, they have enough sense to bow graciously and accept the loss, knowing its a sign that those the represent clearly no longer require their services.

Joe Lieberman apparently doesn't believe in the will of the people. He only believes the will of himself. He pretends to couch it in terms of doing it for the good of state, country and party. However the state has clearly said no thanks, the party has begged him to step down, and the country already chose not to elect him as Vice President back in 2000. The message is clear, the people don't want Joe Lieberman and the only one he isn't listening is Joe who clearly and desperately wants to hold onto the power and prestige (plus kickbacks etc) that he has grown accustomed to.

The sad fact though is that thanks to his antics, he could help turn the tide for the Republicans. How often does a Democrat candidate get a call from Karl Rove and President Bush after they lose? Well Joe did. It seems that Republicans are in fact quite pleased at his bid for a seat as an Independent. The conventional wisdom is that he will split the Democrats' votes allowing for a cakewalk to office for the Republican choice, whoever that is. On top of that, the Republicans can use Lieberman as the poster child for how much dissent there is within the Democrat party. Why this is bad I don't know since the unified Republican "whatever Bush says" Party hasn't exactly done wonders for this country.

I propose that the Republicans are wrong. Joe "Rate and Censor" Lieberman in fact will split the votes of both parties. He has clearly identified himself with Republicans on many issues these last few years. It has been suggested that Karl Rove has even offered assistance to Lieberman in his reelection campaign. In addition, senior GOP officials have suggested that they going to encourage Republican members to support Joe. Take a second for that to sink in.

The Republicans are so convinced of their man, Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman, the architect of the Bush Administration campaign and other officials are going to support his Independent bid for office. This despite already having their own candidate. That is the entire story, even Republicans think Lieberman is a Republican.

Despite this, there are probably many in the electorate that just find things like this just so confusing. This confusion over his party affiliation will only hurt the parties, the question is really how much. Joe thinks enough to get him back into office. I hope he is wrong. The country doesn't need another Bush Yes-Man nor does it need a Senator who has made it clear that he doesn't hold value to the Constitution.