Democrats' Lieberman Letter: Apologize

Connecticut Democrats want Sen. Joe Lieberman to apologize to President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden for comments he made during the campaign criticizing both men and questioning their ability to govern.

The request was made in a Jan. 16 letter from Nancy DiNardo, chairwoman of the state party, on behalf of the Democratic State Central Committee.

"We hope and expect that you will work constructively with the new Democratic president and Congress, and will give your full and active support to the Democratic agenda to help enact the policies and reforms so badly needed to get America headed in the right direction," she wrote.

Some top Connecticut Democrats, angry with Lieberman over his public support of Republican Sen. John McCain for president, originally wanted the state party to censure the senator. But after much debate, they decided DiNardo should write Lieberman a letter outlining their concerns.

The one-page letter chastises the longtime Democrat, who won re-election in 2006 as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, for speaking at the Republican National Convention on behalf of McCain.

It says Lieberman's appearance undermined the efforts of Democratic candidates in Connecticut and across the country.

Lieberman, the Democrats' nominee for vice president in 2000, plans to respond to DiNardo's letter. It was unclear whether he'll issue an apology.

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"Sen. Lieberman believes that this is not the time to look backward, but rather to unite behind the leadership of our new president to address the challenges facing Connecticut and our nation," said Marshall Wittmann, a Lieberman spokesman.

"Sen. Lieberman agrees with what President Obama so eloquently stated [Tuesday] that we must put an end to the politics of recrimination -- now is the time for unity, not for division," he said.

Lieberman and DiNardo met privately late last month, shortly after the state central committee agreed to send him the letter. DiNardo had called the meeting "very thoughtful and productive."

The state Democrats' letter also criticizes Lieberman for supporting controversial pastor John Hagee, a Texas evangelical preacher who has referred to the Roman Catholic Church as "the great whore" and called it a "false cult system."

"Your support of Republican candidates and of the views of Rev. John Hagee sent a message that you supported the failed policies of the past and supported views that are considered at best anti-Catholic and anti-gay," according to the letter. "These allegiances represent a fundamental deviation from the values that our candidates and supporters of the Democratic Party hold dear."

Comments

[KansasWrangler]

History is lblessed with the lives of men who chose death before dishonor; but it is also littered with those who lived out their lives in complete, but profitable, dishonor. Lieberman's Honor has passed its expiration date, and he is still alive...which path do you think he took?

[moda31]

good luck with that; traitor joe doesn't care about anyone but himself, least of all the democratic party and the constituents he represents.

[northstar11]

an end to the politics of recrimination

that needs a full explanation. sounds like it is free pass time.

[teacheng]

This guy will get his in the next election. He'll have to run on the Repub ticket to even compete in Connecticut.

[Elahrairah]

2012 - You are going down, Lieberman, Down!

[Prism]

Smacks of a re-education program a la the Chinese. What's next? How about shackles and a dunce cap as he's paraded through the streets of New Haven as the teeming proletariat jeers! Look, I think Lieberman is a one-issue obsessed turncoat who shows no gratitude to the party that elevated him to national prominence. He made me sick. But he voted his convictions. There's something fundamentally disturbing, and undemocratic about this demand of an apology. The group-think demonstrated in the last election by rabid zealots was, frankly, a tad creepy and it seems to be continuing unabated. Let the jerk just fade to oblivion in the next election. He is who he is. There is no going back and a coerced apology would mean nothing. Move on.

[Tom Payned]

At least the state party has the cajones the national party lacks.

While moving forward is a great idea, reconciliation makes it easier. When this two faced hypocrite runs next time, I will volunteer as many hours as I can make myself available to see him taken down. I'll also make as many donations that are legal to see him taken down.

So Barrack forgives him, good for him. But Barrack is not the only person harmed by Lieberman. He claims to be an "independent" Democrat when convenient, yet at the Republican convention he referred to himself as a Democrat.

News flash Joe, you lost the Democratic primary, you were not elected as a Democratic. Just for using our party's name while standing before the Rethugs we deserve a mea culpa.

We need to offer him some ambassadorship to some far off hell hole, like Iraq, since he seems to love the war there. And if he doesn't take it, boot his scancky arse out of the caucus.

He can hang with all the other losers in the minority party.

[SD Indy]

"We need to offer him some ambassadorship to some far off hell hole, like Iraq,"

--------------

I say, Iran. They just LOVE Jews over there. :)

[Mayoyo]

Lieberscum....I forgot about him.
CT better wake up when he runs again.

[shirleyfeeney]

If memory serves, isn't he technically an Independent now because the Dems didn't want him the last time he ran? And he said he'd vote with the Dems when he did this, right?

His support of McCain and harsh words about Barack Obama were shameful at the very least. I still wonder what Al Gore was thinking when he chose him for his running mate in 2000. Whatever, it's all over now.

I have a feeling that Joe's days in politics are numbered, period. If his only support is from John McCain and the GOP, then it's time for him to call it a career...just my humble opinion. But hardly the end to his political life that he imagined I'll bet.

[weatherwaxx]

I'm almost glad Al Gore had the election stolen -- I wonder how long he'd have lived with Weaselman next in line.

[Ourrias]

The voters of Connecticut are going to vote Libermann out in 2012 - you can make book on it.

[PoliticalAmazon]

We can hope, but they blew it the last time.

[suemag]

We can't help it if the Repugs voted for him!

[Helzapoppin]

"Sen. Lieberman believes that this is not the time to look backward . . ."

Those who tell you to keep looking forward don't want you to see what they're doing to you from behind.

[PoliticalAmazon]

Hey! You dated that guy, too!

[ztower]

Connecticut Democrats want????? They didn't even support Lieberman and he had to run as an independent. McCain stood by him when none in his own Democratic Party would. Lieberman owes no one an apology and the only one intelligent enough to recognize that is President Obama. Of course, that's why he's President. President Obama is above all the petty crap that the old guard politicians can't get beyond. Most of the gutless Pols hopped all around during the primaries until they could see a winner emerge and then took a ride the bandwagon. Good for Joe...Good for Barack - they both understand loyalty.

[JillQ]

Sorry, but you need to do your homework. Then-Senator Obama stumped for Lieberman in Connecticut, which makes the cut even deeper. He had nothing but praise for Sen. Obama after he won his senate seat, then criticized him during the presidential campaign. Pres. Obama has shown much more grace to Lieberman than he deserves.

[ztower]

I understand that, but my point was that McCain and Lieberman have had a strong relationship for years and that, yes, President Obama knew that and has the character to put all that aside. I admire him for that and, again, that is why he is President. But for the Democratic Leaders in CT he owes them no apology. I suspect that Obama's grace will win him far more respect and cooperation than the whining that continues in some quarters. Where was Joe's good buddy for many years Chris (sweet deal) Dodd, for example?

[Tom Payned]

Go back and read Lieberman's promises to the people of CT after he lost the Primary.

Then go look at his speech at the R's convention. "Now you may be asking why is a Democrat here supporting John McCain?"

He didn't state why is a Independent here supporting John McCain.

Sorry he can't have it both ways. Either he's an independent of he's a dem.

Either way, he's a two faced hypocrite, being whatever he wants at the moment to suit himself.

[gdaerin]

I just think it's ridiculous how Lieberman tries to put himself on the national stage and he Always fails. The fact is the broad majority of Americans, republicans and democrats don't like the man, don't like his politics and certainly don't understand who is voting for him!

If someone is buying their senate seat, I'd put my money on Lieberman.

[arcanepsyche]

Hm. As much as I think Lieberman is an a-hole now, isn't it a little too late to be bringing this up? Can't we just move on and be done with him?

[Gould123]

It was election year! Do they want Bill/Hillary to apoligize to him to? Or maybe Biden for saying Obama wasn't ready to lead! Remembe "Shame on you Barack, Shame on you"?

[FlamingLibrul]

Hillary made her digs at Obama when they were opponents, fighting one another for a Presidential candidacy. When the nomination was decided, Hillary flew up and down the U.S., rallying her supporters to vote for Obama. Bill took some time to get on board, but he never spoke negatively of Obama after the primaries were over.

Lieberman actually promised the Dem leadership he wouldn't say anything negative about Obama, and then proceeded to outright attack him- at the RNC convention no less. Big, big difference dontcha think?