
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is receiving a visit, CNN reports, from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, who has been actively lobbying his former Senate colleagues on health care -- and it should be noted, also had a key role in Lieberman retaining his position in the Democratic caucus.
Back in 2006, Salazar continued to endorse Lieberman for re-election even after Joe had lost the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont. At the time, Salazar said that Lieberman's "ability to bring people together would be missed if he wasn't there."
And in 2008, in the aftermath of Lieberman's support for John McCain in the presidential election (and his frequent attacks on Barack Obama), Salazar took a lead role in helping Lieberman to keep his committee chairmanship, and thus stay in the Democratic caucus.
When Salazar arrived at Lieberman's office, he told reporters, "I'm just talking to my friends." One can only imagine what those two friends are talking about.
Stroszek
December 14, 2009 3:17 PM
Salazar would have an easier time negotiating with Osama bin laden.
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
December 14, 2009 3:18 PM
Personally, I'm hoping Salazar wore a pair of steel-toed cowboy boots and just kicked the livin' shit out of him.
I don't mean that metaphorically.
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Stroszek
December 14, 2009 3:24 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Is that some kind of Zen paradox? How do you kick the livin' shit out of a livin' shit?
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hollywood
December 14, 2009 3:52 PM in reply to Stroszek
hahaha! exactly! hahaha!
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JohnMcCSF
December 14, 2009 3:35 PM
There's no dealing with that worm
He needs to be eradicated
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hollywood
December 14, 2009 4:07 PM in reply to JohnMcCSF
Lieberman should be shipped over to Iraq to fight and die in his precious war. This scummy religious asshole never cares who lives and dies for his selfish bullshit, so it is way past time for Joe to face his own "principles" head on.
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Peter Principle
December 14, 2009 3:36 PM
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) is receiving a visit, CNN reports, from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
They should have sent Luca Brasi -- with a fucking horse's head.
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fsudirectory
December 14, 2009 3:37 PM in reply to Peter Principle
Don't need a mobster for that, just Rahm
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JohnMcCSF
December 14, 2009 3:37 PM
The maxim "...keep your enemies even closer" does little good if you just let them knife you in the back
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CT Voter
December 14, 2009 3:38 PM
"ability to bring people together would be missed if he wasn't there."
ROTFLMAO!
Eric? That's an excellent catch on your part.
I would take this as evidence that the WH is pressuring both Reid and Lieberman. But I see no means by which to legitimately pressure Joe Lieberman. I can't help but think this was all timed by Joe Lieberman. The president appears on 60 Minutes the evening when Joe has announced he STILL can't vote for health care reform. What an opportunity for him to embarass Obama. He took it, and now I don't see how the WH bargains.
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Powkat
December 14, 2009 3:45 PM
Any teacher knows how to deal with a kid who disrupts the whole class. You put them in a position where their antics can be ignored. That's the answer to Joe - assume he'll pull this crap every time and ignore him - work with Snowe or Collins or anyone else - even if it doesn't work, I'm betting ol' Joe will be jumping up and down and waving his arms for attention within 24 hours.
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wyt
December 14, 2009 4:00 PM in reply to Powkat
You're right. Any deal with Snowe and/or Collins is to be preferred to a deal with Little Joe. He needs just an ultimatum: You're coming along and supporting us, or you're never getting a thing more, in any circumstances, from any of us. We will strip you of all committee assignments - not just chairmanships. We will avoid all media contexts that might be shared with you. We will review your tax records. We will review your communications with foreign powers, including Israel, for evidence of espionage. If you ever campaign for any office again, we will make sure your opponents have twice your funding.
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
December 14, 2009 4:26 PM in reply to wyt
The problem is that when Joe goes, he gives cover for a whole bunch of cowardly dogs to follow. Blanche can vote "no" and say "well, it wasn't going to pass anyway, so my reelection comes first." Landrieu can say whatever damn stupid thing comes into her empty head, Nelson can proclaim himself a man of conscience and vote against guvmint funded abortions without fear of consequences.
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Clavis
December 14, 2009 4:13 PM
Funny how Republicans like Lieberman are always able to put pressure on others, yet are never in a position to have pressure put on themselves. What has Joe set up, such that he's so damned safe? Doesn't he have any bills he wants to introduce, or some pork he wants for his state? Is he such a powerful politician that he doesn't even have to PRETEND to be working for anyone but himself?
God, right-wingers are such scumbags.
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PeninsulaMatt
December 14, 2009 5:20 PM
If only the Dems can make it to 2011 with the majority and set new Senate rules that eliminate the filibuster. Buh-by Joe, Ben, Blanche, Mary and the rest of you conservadems; let's pass some legislation!
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