Lamont & Lieberman. Will the Democrats Build or Destroy Themselves?

Ned Lamont has won. Joe Lieberman has lost. The question now is "Will the Democrats build or destroy themselves based on this result?"

Will Senator Dodd now support Lamont? Will Senators Clinton and Schumer? Senators Kennedy and Kerry? What about Bill Clinton? What about Howard Dean and the Democratic Party?

Connecticut's voters have spoken. More of them want their Senator to acknowledge that the Iraq War is a failed effort by a failed administration than don't. They want a Senator who will tell Republicans when they are doing the wrong thing, while seeking to work with Republicans when they are doing the right thing.

Telling right from wrong and steadfastly standing for the difference...and building a future based on what's right. That's what the Democrats can stand for. That's what the voters of Connecticut want.

But now here's what Joe Lieberman has said after admitting Ned Lamont has won...

"As I see it in this campaign, we just finished the first half and the Lamont team is ahead. But in the second half, our team -- Team Connecticut -- is going to surge forward to victory in November...

Of course, I am disappointed in the results. But I am not discouraged. I am disappointed not just because I lost but because the old politics of partisan polarization won today. For the sake of our state, our country and my party, I cannot, I will not let this result stand."

Joe is going to leave his party and run against the man who beat him...possibly enabling a Republican to win in November. Is Joe building or destroying the party he supposedly loves? Is Joe building or destroying Connecticut's...and America's...future?

I say to Joe, "Learn from Al Gore. Retire to private life. And work for what you are passionate about from that place in society. Al has done pretty well for himself and for our country in that role, wouldn't you say? Do the same thing, Joe. Set an example by showing people that you can put your party...and your country...ahead of your desire to stay in power. Be a good loser, Joe. That's how you can keep 'the old politics of partisan polarization' from winning."

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