It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to
Ned Lamont beat Joe Lieberman in Connecticut's Democratic primary last night, to secure the nomination to run for the Senate in November. As others have noted, Joe's non-concession speech, with it's out-of-place halftime metaphor is going to be remembered even less fondly than his New Hampshire concession speech following the 2004 presidential primary.
But here's the part that really showed me how seriously out of touch Joe is.
But that's the whole point, Joe. All those people who came out to vote yesterday, over 40% turnout for an August primary, it's their party. They're the Democratic Party in Connecticut. Not Joe Lieberman.
Not any more.
Of course, Joe's new party is his party. The Lieberman party, a party of one.
Like all events in human culture, the significance of this election will be made known by how subsequent events turn out. But i think there are two main ways of viewing this election, one cautionary, one celebratory.
First, the cautionary. In a "liberal" state, with a clearly defined distinction between the candidate's positions, a nearly perfect campaign run by the challenger, extraordinarily high turnout, Lamont barely eked out a victory, winning by about 10,000 votes out of 280,000. For those of us looking to force our government to start figuring out to end a wasteful and counterproductive war, that's a sign that there's a lot of heavy lifting still to do.
But incumbent Senators are rarely defeated in elections, especially primary elections. Now we know it can be done. And maybe this election is the crack in the dam that will let those of us who know in our hearts that this country can be made right again that we cannot be held back much longer.
There's been a lot to celebrate this week. Corrupt Republicans like Tom DeLay and Bob Ney have had the bright light shined on them, and they're scurrying for the corners like roaches. We've won an election that 90 days ago was unthinkable.
A quick scan of the headlines shows how daunting the task is, of wresting power from those who only know how to sow destruction and fear in their bid to retain it. But it can be done. Last night showed that much, at least.
But here's the part that really showed me how seriously out of touch Joe is.
"For the sake of our state, our country and my party, I cannot and will not let that result stand," Lieberman said.
But that's the whole point, Joe. All those people who came out to vote yesterday, over 40% turnout for an August primary, it's their party. They're the Democratic Party in Connecticut. Not Joe Lieberman.
Not any more.
Of course, Joe's new party is his party. The Lieberman party, a party of one.
Like all events in human culture, the significance of this election will be made known by how subsequent events turn out. But i think there are two main ways of viewing this election, one cautionary, one celebratory.
First, the cautionary. In a "liberal" state, with a clearly defined distinction between the candidate's positions, a nearly perfect campaign run by the challenger, extraordinarily high turnout, Lamont barely eked out a victory, winning by about 10,000 votes out of 280,000. For those of us looking to force our government to start figuring out to end a wasteful and counterproductive war, that's a sign that there's a lot of heavy lifting still to do.
But incumbent Senators are rarely defeated in elections, especially primary elections. Now we know it can be done. And maybe this election is the crack in the dam that will let those of us who know in our hearts that this country can be made right again that we cannot be held back much longer.
There's been a lot to celebrate this week. Corrupt Republicans like Tom DeLay and Bob Ney have had the bright light shined on them, and they're scurrying for the corners like roaches. We've won an election that 90 days ago was unthinkable.
A quick scan of the headlines shows how daunting the task is, of wresting power from those who only know how to sow destruction and fear in their bid to retain it. But it can be done. Last night showed that much, at least.
Since 1949, Durhamites have slept soundly, secure in the knowledge that, in our town, erection can be depended upon. Now, thanks to the power of the internets, we can spread that security all over the world.
3 Comments:
The Democratic Party in the US has seemed out of step with its supposed constituency for a long time. I can't decide if this is the party and their constituency getting back into line, or out of it. I feel that party distinctions are more like distractions these days. Maybe Lieberman should join the Republican Party: that would probably work better than running as an independent. Hell, switching parties worked for Winston Churchill. ;)
By
Joseph H. Vilas, at 9:34 AM
I rather suspect that the only thing Lieberman could do that would be personally more harmful to his career than run as an independent would be to run as a Republican.
As an indy, he's still a bit of a disgruntled Democrat who can appear on Fox News or be lauded on the editorial page of the WSJ as an example of where the Democratic Party needs to be. As a Republican, well, he's another Lincoln Chaffee with his "liberal" views on the environment, for example.
Although he may be laying the froundwork for a switch, with his comments this morning decrying his defeat as a victory for the far let wing of the Democratic Party. As if Lamont, who we are constantly reminded in the media is a millionaire businessman, could somehow become the Hugo Chavez of Connecticut.
The narrative that this was somehow a victory for the "far left" will be echoed throughout the MSM by the Mighty Wurlitzer. CNN's poll showing that 60% of the US opposes the war in Iraq should put the lie to that thought, unless by far left we mean anybody who disagrees with Charles Krauthammer.
By
Barry, at 10:22 AM
Were it not for the unlikelihood of Lieberman's winning without the support of a Party, I'd agree with you. However, this column by Cathleen Parker in Monday's N&O pretty much sums up how I feel about the Democratic party. They seem to have whipped everyone into a frenzy, except for all the voters they need.
Who's going to run against Lamont, anyway? Besides Lieberman, that is.
By
Joseph H. Vilas, at 11:59 PM
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