If you wonder why the netroots is unimpressed with our Senate, look no further than this:
Senator Joseph I. Lieberman strode into a Democratic caucus gathering like he owned the place or, at the very least, like someone who is a flight risk and could leave at any minute, taking the Democrats’ new majority with him.
In other words, everyone was extra-special nice to the wayward Democrat on Tuesday.
“It was all very warm, lots of hugs, high-fives, that kind of stuff,” said Senator Ken Salazar of Colorado.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon marveled, “One senator after another kept coming up and shaking his hand.”
And Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas noted, “I gave him a hug and a kiss.”
Mr. Lieberman received a standing ovation at a caucus luncheon after Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, who is poised to become the majority leader, declared, “We’re all family.”
Look, I know that Democratic Senators can read a poll and do basic arithmetic. They saw Lamont was down in the polls, they knew that they would need Lieberman to stay in the caucus if they wanted to take over their committee chairs. I understand why they bolted on Lamont. But this crap is ridiculous. There is no need to kiss Lieberman’s ass, his lips, his cheek, or any other part of his body. Lieberman has decided to hold it against any of his colleagues that respected the wishes of the Democrats of Connecticut. What were they supposed to do?
Giving Lieberman a standing ovation is ridiculous. The moment we pick up another seat in the Senate we should strip Lieberman of his seniority and encourage him to caucus with his ideological brethren in the Republican Party.
Mr. Lieberman restated that it was possible he could join Senate Republicans, but he added, “I’m not going to threaten on every issue to leave the caucus.”
He thinks he is a kingmaker now and he keeps making veiled threats. That makes him less an ally than a menace. We’ll probably never know how many Democratic Senators are glad that Lieberman won and are truly glad to see him back amongst their ranks. But if he keeps acting like this that number will diminish. He’s acting like a first-rate asshole.
Clearly, friends say, he is relishing his sudden ascent from Democratic reject in Connecticut to Senate kingmaker in Washington. “He is just sitting there in the catbird seat, and it must be delicious for him,” Ms. [Susan] Collins said.
Our memory is long, Mr. Lieberman. And we will make sure you are in the minority no later than two years from now. You better hope that no Republican Senators die or get arrested that come from states with Democratic Governors. One more Democratic Senator and you won’t think the situation is quite so delicious.
You have proven all the people that doubted your character and commitment to the party to be right many times over. And there is nothing more unattractive than a gloating winner that carries bitterness in his heart.
