Lieberman has wavering, hypocritical support from Democrats

The anti-Lieberman sentiment present throughout the Democratic Party hasn’t been mentioned much since the Connecticut Senator won reelection last month.

“Crashing the Lieberman Party,” a Congressional Quarterly article featured in the New York Times, describes some anti-Lieberman feelings that are still lingering throughout the Democratic Party.

John Orman, a critic and failed opponent of Senator Joe Lieberman, was the first and only person to change his party affiliation to the “Connecticut for Lieberman” Party, simply so he could declare himself party chair and use it as an outlet to denounce the Senator. Lieberman remains a registered Democrat.

The article sheds light on an issue that the Democrats have glazed over since winning a majority in both houses of Congress. Though I am a staunch Democrat, I was nauseated by the party’s treatment of Lieberman. While some of his views—particularly those on Iraq—differed with those of the party, since when was either political party a bastion of unity? The Democratic candidates supported this year ranged from the typically liberal Ted Kennedy to the atypically pro-life Bob Casey. The wide spectrum of thought within the party was apparent more than ever in this election.

The Democrats unsuccessfully campaigned for Ned Lamont and fought in a failed attempt to secure Lieberman’s defeat. The Connecticut Senator was the black sheep of the party, until his victory and subsequent decision to caucus with the Democrats helped ensure their majority in the Senate. At once, Lieberman was welcomed with open arms, and the harsh feelings of previous months were near forgotten. He was no longer an enemy of the party, but a vital ally.

If Lieberman had chosen to align himself with the Republican Party, the Democrats would not have found themselves in a position of power. All eyes are on the Democrats now, and they will need to have unwavering support for all of their elected officials if they want to have any leverage in Congress for the next two years.