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Lieberman Begins His Democratic Repentance

November 18, 2008 1:55 PM

The only orthodox Jew in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Joe Lieberman, Ind.-Conn., began the process of תשובה ("t'shuvah") or repentance, today, as his fellow Democrats voted to strip him of his seat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, where he held a subcommittee chairmanship.

The transgression?

Lieberman's strong advocacy for Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, which often led him to disparage President-elect Obama with whom Lieberman has not spoken since Election Day.

Lieberman spoke to reporters after the vote, noting that his colleagues' action "expresses strong disapproval and rejection of statements that I made about Senator Obama during the campaign."

What did he say to his colleagues?

"I said very clear, some of the statements -- some of the things that people have said I said about Senator Obama are simply not true," Lieberman said, per ABC News' Z. Byron Wolf. "There are other statements that I made that I wish I had made more clearly, and there are some that I made that I wish I had not made at all. And, obviously, in the heat of campaigns, that happens to all of us, but I regret that.  And now it's time to move on."

Lieberman will retain his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Government Reform Committee.

So, what comments does Lieberman wish he had not made at all?

"We are not getting into that," a Lieberman aide says. "We are not looking backward -- just moving forward."

Hmmm.

Would it be when Lieberman said, "The fact that the spokesperson for Hamas would say they would welcome the election of Senator Obama really does raise the question, 'Why?' And it suggests the difference between these two candidates."




Was it when he said the election was "between one candidate, John McCain, who has always put the country first, worked across party lines to get things done, and one candidate who has not"?

Was it when he said Obama "was prepared to accept retreat and defeat" in Iraq?

Or was it what rankled so many Senate Democrats, his speech to the Republican National Convention, in which he said, "When others wanted to retreat in defeat from the field of battle, when Barack Obama was voting to cut off funding for our troops on the ground, John McCain had the courage to stand against the tide of public opinion and support the surge, and because of that, today, our troops are at last beginning to come home, not in failure, but in honor!"

Was it when he said Obama "is a gifted young man, but he is not ready to be president on June (sic) 20th, 2009."

Or when he lambasted Obama's position on Iraq, saying, "I wish he would acknowledge the surge is working, rather than changing his position on how and when we should exit Iraq, without acknowledging that these are changes of positions that are understandably based on conditions on the ground. A president's credibility is based on the courage of his or her convictions, his or her acceptance of reality, and consistency of views are critical elements of national leadership. A president who squanders those does so at our nation's peril.

"Sen. Obama said this morning that he wants a foreign policy that is tough, smart and principled. This afternoon, I want to ask my colleague, who I respect and like, a couple of direct questions: Was it tough when Sen. Obama voted to order U.S. troops to retreat from Iraq on a fixed timeline, regardless of the recommendations of our military commanders or conditions on the ground? Was it smart when Sen. Obama opposed the surge and predicted that it would fail to improve our security? ... Was it tough and principled when Sen. Obama said he would be open to changing his plan on Iraq after going there and talking to General Petraeus, which I think was the right position, only to change that position hours later after being heatedly criticized by organizations like MoveOn.org? I say, respectfully, the answer to all those questions is, no."

Unclear, because Lieberman won't say.

As of early afternoon Tuesday, Lieberman had not spoken to the President-elect. But under Jewish law, he has until next Yom Kippur to seek Obama's forgiveness.

If he does so three times and Obama does not accept the apology (unlikely) the sin will then become Obama's.

But I'm pretty sure Obama would accept his apology; after all, he sent the signal to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that he wanted Lieberman to remain in the Democratic caucus.

Sen. Lieberman, do not worry. As the Lord said in Hosea, "Loving kindness I desire, not sacrifice," and it's likely that President-elect Obama will take the same attitude.

- jpt

November 18, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (43)

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Alice Bailey's 'nuanced' positions on race and religion deserve deeper reading than the 'happy talk' you posted here............

Posted by: dewde | Nov 19, 2008 12:02:06 PM

(Some wonder how Barack Obama can so easily forgive or be so non-critical.)

Alice Bailey in "Esoteric Psychology II" says there are three characteristics of a server who has made Soul contact.

1. Harmlessness in thought, acts and speech.

2. A willingness to let others serve in their own way. This is a big idea! Let others serve as they can without interfering. Why? Because their souls will direct their service, not us. We are to do our service and let others express their service. We help others by standing beside them as they serve, giving them encouragement and opportunities.

3. Joyfulness which is a quality of the soul.


There is a group of people in the world leading us into this age of service. Alice Bailey calls them the New Group of World Servers. This group of subjective servers has no outer form or organization. There is not even a list of members. They do not know each other by name. Through their service to humanity we recognize them. These individuals are a cross section of all races, religions, nations and organizations concerned with the welfare of humanity. The New Group of World Servers are busy leaders in every field, who mobilize people, resources and ideas forming the new world.

Their mission is inspiring people to believe in the essential oneness of humanity, the One Humanity. Their goal is to attract people of goodwill to work together without fanaticism, hatred, or separatism, to build a new world order. They do not force others to see the new view of the world. Instead, they present clear, concise, understandable ideas that people can identify with and actualize. These ideas, turned into ideals, stimulate all who come into contact with them. People want to join them to work for a better world.


Posted by: Angellight | Nov 19, 2008 7:59:07 AM

robert B-
re: "Let's elect only atheists"

sounds good to me

Posted by: Blue | Nov 19, 2008 1:02:58 AM

Wow, Jake's years at Akiba Hebrew Academy must have really paid off.

Posted by: the Talmudist | Nov 18, 2008 11:24:57 PM

Lieberman is an Independent Democrat who caucuses with the Democrats.

Despite their anger, Democrats (including Lieberman) know the Democrats need his votes which is why they “punished” him by taking away his minor post on the Environment and Public Works Panel and “condemned” his statements made about Obama during the campaign.

Big Whoop!

On the other hand, Lieberman let it be known that it would be “unacceptable” to remove him from the Homeland Security Committee, so they “let” him keep that position.

ROFLMAO!

It really makes me wonder who was begging who in that little meeting Lieberman had with the Democrats???

Gotta give Joe credit – he puts Country before Party - always.

Totally admirable.

Posted by: leelee.again | Nov 18, 2008 9:46:18 PM

robert b
people who espouse a belief but really dont live or vote according to it


oh,...you mean like republicans?

Posted by: Kracka in S.C. | Nov 18, 2008 7:37:34 PM

robert b
.. if Ned Lamont runs against Lieberman he will crush him close to 60% to 40%.
He beat him in the primary; 51.8%-48.2% among Democratic voters.
Lieberman left the Dems party when he lost.

Posted by: dewde | Nov 18, 2008 7:35:38 PM

Whatever...yeah, whatever

Let's elect only atheists or better yet, people who espouse a belief but really dont live or vote according to it, because those people are those we can trust to act on principle??

Posted by: robert b | Nov 18, 2008 7:27:57 PM

whether it's an orthodox Jew or fundamentalist christian, or whatever..... you can always see how religion messes everything up when it gets mixed in with politics......

Posted by: Kracka in S.C. | Nov 18, 2008 7:22:07 PM

Hyberbole, thy name is liberal punditry.
Most putrid campaign in history???, read a book sometime, huh.

Apparently Lieberman is his own man, not beholding to any party, and his state agrees that his career path is his own not his party.

P.S. I don't think there's one story in JFK's Profiles in Courage where you're left with the idea, oh how good it would have been if he had only been more loyal to his party....!!

Posted by: robert b | Nov 18, 2008 7:06:03 PM

Throwing under the bus" is what you do to your own supporters when they prove "political incorrect". So it is what Obama can and perhaps should do to some of you.

Obama realizes better than you that he needs smart and wise Senators to help him make good decisions.

Posted by: robert b | Nov 18, 2008 6:21:36 PM

----------------------------
point taken but what you don't take into account is that

Lieberman is a "supporter" because he caucus with the Dems"

The dems made Lieberman who he is today. And he jumps on board with the RNC. He has proven his disloyalty. He would be toast if I was Obama.

Obama is the POTUS elect with a MANDATE for change. Letting this turncoat back in the tent is something I can't comprehend. But that is why I am not President.

McCain agreed to run a respectable campaign. He ran the MOST putrid repugnant horrible etc... race in history.

President elect Obama .... I can truly say ... you are a better man than me. My hat is off to you.

What happens when Lieberman gets chummy with McCain again and strays off the reservation? hmmmmm

Posted by: Omentum | Nov 18, 2008 6:48:28 PM

Also lack of clarity seems to be a hallmark of the victors.

Obama could not "throw under the bus" Lieberman and he certainly can't do that to McCain.

"Throwing under the bus" is what you do to your own supporters when they prove "political incorrect". So it is what Obama can and perhaps should do to some of you.

Obama realizes better than you that he needs smart and wise Senators to help him make good decisions.

Posted by: robert b | Nov 18, 2008 6:21:36 PM

As President elect, I would make Lieberman write a 10 page book report on "Party Loyalty"

I would make him wear DNC Donkey ties for the rest of the YEAR.

I would make him fetch lunch for all Pelosi and Reid for the rest of the Year.

I would make him drag around a toy elephant and beat the elephant with a stick at noon every day on the capitol steps every day for the rest of the year.

Posted by: Omentum | Nov 18, 2008 6:17:32 PM

There you have it ladies and gentlemen.

One of the thousand reason why I am not president.

I would have thrown Leiberman under the bus soooo fast.

I would have took his chairmanship and gave it to VA-freshman - Warner just for spite.

He would have some many tire marks on his back it would not be funny - well it would be funny to me ... heck it would be HILARIOUS.

I would have thrown him under the bus election night as I gave my victory speech.

I would have thrown is buddy McCain under the bus for inviting him to the RNC only to trash OBAMA.

So there you have it folks ... one of the reason I am not President.

Posted by: Omentum | Nov 18, 2008 6:11:26 PM

Are you righteous or self-righteous?

Posted by: Newt | Nov 18, 2008 6:02:04 PM


The Democrats are weak as ever.

Posted by: Flash Override | Nov 18, 2008 5:55:17 PM

Case in point:
1)Lieberman a racist? What alternate universe do you live in?

2)His "policy statements" on national security are quite consistent

3) In 2012, with Iraq not an issue, and today's recriminations forgotten, Lieberman will either rejoin to be the Democratic candidate or will face a much weaker opposition than Lamont and Move On could muster.

Posted by: robert b | Nov 18, 2008 5:51:41 PM

Let's be honest, Liberman is a racist who preferred to vote against an African-American and tried to mask his contempt by making policy statements and standing center stage on a non-African-American platform.

Liberman's in office, just have to ponder if he will win re-election and what his place in history will be.

Posted by: Greyson | Nov 18, 2008 5:34:33 PM

Well, just because the "young turks" are victorious apparently does not give the Obama supporters, specifically from the left side of the street, much maturity in politics.

Lieberman of course is a politician who has been the one least acting like a politician. He did not bend with the wind on Iraq for any reason even with his political future on the line with Lamont. He became independent, which is most appropriate. Neither in 2006 or in heat of recriminations in 2008 has he appeared to be tempted to join the Republicans out of spite, even though I'm sure we're offering some perks if he did.

Did his stand make a difference? Well in 2006 his fortitude allowed the surge in Iraq to be a success and Reid's leadership to be thwarted in this regard.

In 2008, what is the impact? Is it only coincidence that Rahm Emanuel the son of Israeli freedom fighter is chief of staff? From his experience he will be quite competent in the task but there are others that could do it just as well.

And the Clintonistas and Clinton herself being so prominent in staff and cabinet considerations? Though Joe was pushed out and Hillary was bested in the primaries, the mainstream of the Democratic party can only be ignored at Obama's peril and Sen Lieberman's forceful opinions on our national security must be respected for their experience and wisdom.

- A humbled neocon's thoughts

Posted by: robert b | Nov 18, 2008 4:43:50 PM

Lieberman like so many didn't believe that Obama would win the election. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Any man with direction in his life will have enemies, but keeping them close can prevent an unexpected strike. It doesn't take Einstein to figure out that the toughest and most destructive blow comes when it's unexpected.

Posted by: CHARLIE | Nov 18, 2008 3:59:20 PM

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