Yesterday I reported on the Lieberman campaign's new 'Thug Strategy'. The Lieberman campaign is apparently sending pro-Lieberman crowds of staffers to pick fights at Lamont events in the hopes of generating backlash press against Lamont for having a bunch of unruly hippy backers. It's not working, as Jennifer Manes was a reporter stationed at one of the places where this happened, and wrote about what she saw.
This isn't just upsetting lots of local voters, it's also showing a side of Lieberman's operation that hasn't really been well-understood - the role of DC insiders. Bear with me for a bit while I walk through one particular person who seemed to be spearheading he Lieberman charge at the cheeseburger joint yesterday. The Record-Journal story pointed out that the main guy harrassing Ned was named Richard Goodstein.
"It was supposed to be a laid-back event and (they) ruined it." "We're just using our right. We're just exercising our rights to enjoy a burger," said Lieberman supporter Alex Hoffman of Boston. Supporters of each candidate debated outside on the sidewalk while many Lieberman supporters continued to badger Lamont, who acknowledged most questions. Richard Goodstein, one of the most vocal Lieberman supporters, repeatedly shouted, "Are you a Bill Clinton Democrat or an Al Sharpton Democrat?" Lamont calmly said he supported both.
Is this the same Richard Goodstein who gave Lieberman $1500 for his 2004 Presidential run? Because that Goodstein is a lobbyist in DC for the chemical and health supplies industry.
I'm not sure if it's the same guy. You decide. Here's a pic from the event.
And here's a pic from Richard Goodstein's bio at the National Home Infusion Assocation's 2nd Annual Legislative Conference. The NHIA "represents and advances the interests of organizations and individuals that provide infusion and specialized pharmacy products and services to the entire spectrum of home-based patients."
It sure looks to me like Lieberman is bringing up lobbyists from DC to set up ambushes for Ned Lamont. The Lieberman campaign continues to feel like a campaign staffed by well-paid three year olds.