So which US Senate Democrat is rooting hardest for the Democratic victories to hold up in the Virginia and Montana Senate races? Harry Reid? Chuck Schumer? Ted Kennedy?
No. Of course not. It’s Joe Lieberman.
With the victories in Montana and Virginia, independently elected Bernie Sanders and Joe Lieberman become the Senate Democratic Caucus’ 50th and 51st members. But, Socialist Sanders has no place else to go; and why would he want to go any place else? The Democrats rolled out the welcome wagon to help facilitate his election.
On the other hand, there are those in the Democratic Party establishment against whom Joe Lieberman might be bearing a grudge. And, no matter which schul he chooses to join, Joe makes the minyon. All on his own he is a majority of one.
Talk about having the last laugh.
Despite my reservations, I supported Joe in the primary, finding the Lamont race a waste of blood and treasure at a time when control of the Senate was at stake. Then, out of respect for the determination of the voters of my party, I supported Lamont in the general, although I thought a race between two Democrats not worth one cent of money, or one second of time, it might have drained from other races (actually, let me amend that; I was absolutely elated at the amount of Republican money Lieberman’s efforts diverted from their races). I got two shots and still couldn't pick a winner. But, I'm not sad.
As much as I usually favor harsh punishment for party deserters, those on the left who advocated stripping away Lieberman’s seniority should now be duly chastened. What unites us is still greater than what divides us, and we have work to do. Despite the sanctimony, the whining, and the aposties, Lieberman only votes with his Party about 90% of the time, and, on any given day, is more of a mainstream Democrat than John Murtha.
Welcome back Joe. Baby please don’t go!