"Weeks after Lieberman lost the Democratic primary - and defied his party with an independent bid - the three-term Connecticut senator was greeted warmly Wednesday as he attended his party's weekly luncheon and participated in Senate business. "Democrats gave Lieberman an ovation as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., introduced him at the lunch and welcomed him back, "The cordial response reflected a harsh political reality. If Democrats manage to gain six seats in November and Lieberman wins, the party will need him to take majority control. Lieberman, the party's 2000 vice presidential nominee, has said he would caucus with Democrats if he prevails in his independent run."
The Moose argues that there is only one real Democrat in the Connecticut Senate race.
Yesterday, Joe Lieberman was welcomed with open arms by his fellow Democratic Senators.
The Associated Press reported,
One of the great moments of the Moose's summer was when he and his family attended the Hartford Lieberman rally on the night of the primary. Although Joe did not prevail that night, it was clear that he had a message that would win in November.
Joe's theme is one of progress rather than polarization. He dares to sail against the polluted partisan polarizing wind to advance a politics that puts the country's interest first. And Joe's message is resonating in Connecticut among the general electorate.
It will be a great, hopeful development for the Democratic Party if Joe prevails in November. A Lieberman victory will tell those Americans who have been estranged from their party in recent years that there remains a place for them. Progressive hawks will continue to have a champion in the party.
Here is a thought experiment - who would Senators Truman, JFK, LBJ, HHH and Scoop be more comfortable with - Joe or his opponent? They would no doubt embrace Joe as one of them.
Lieberman, the real Democrat.
The Moose urges all Mooseketeers to check out this marvelous ad by Vets for Freedom - here. -- | 
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Wednesday, September 06, 2006
The Moose weighs in on two controversial Administration national security figures.
The Moose has never been terribly enamored with Secretary Rumsfeld. He has made far too many grievous errors in executing the Iraq War. First and foremost, he failed to supply a sufficient number of troops to restore order. America and Iraq are now paying the price for that mistake.
The error was further compounded by failing to correct it. Today, we still need more troops. But, this Administration failed to expand the military. Both parties should make this a national priority. It should be paid for by canceling the elimination of the death tax and raising taxes on wealthier Americans. Surely, there should be some sacrifice for this great cause.
So, the Moose would provisionally approve a resolution of disapproval of Rumsfeld . If the goal of the Democrats is victory and not retreat in Iraq, they are asking the President to do what his predecessor Lincoln did when he sacked General McClellan. This debate should be framed on the concept that Rumsfeld must go so that we can win the war rather than retreat or "redeploy."
While the Moose has disdain for Rummy, he swoons over John Bolton, our UN Ambassador. Although he only has temporary tenure as a recess appointee, Bolton has proven that he is a forceful and effective advocate for the U.S. at Turtle Bay.
The Moose joins noted liberal attorney Alan Dershowitz in supporting Bolton. Dershowitz recently wrote,
"On the basis of his performance, I have become a Bolton supporter. He speaks with moral clarity. He is extremely well prepared. He is extraordinarily articulate. He places the best face on American policy, particularly in the Middle East during this crucial time...
"Were he not to be confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations at this crucial juncture it would send a powerful message to the international community that Senate Democrats do not stand behind our policy in the Middle East. It would be seen as undercutting American policy toward Israel. Even if that were a misunderstanding, it would have a devastating impact on the world's perception of America's solidarity with Israel."
Bolton continues the tradition of Moynihan and Kirkpatrick of speaking truth to power at the UN. The stripped pants crowd often needs to hear some straight talk, and Bolton delivers.
The Moose suggests that the Senate Democrats offer some nuance in their critique of the Administration's national security policy. They should argue that it is too weak rather than too aggressive. And when an Administration official proves his worth, they should applaud.
Just say no to Rumsfeld and yes to Bolton. -- | Email
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Tuesday, September 05, 2006
The Moose objects to the pollution of the blogosphere.
For months, the Moose has observed that if you seek anti-Semitic and anti-Israel filth on the internet, look to the left side. Comment threads and diariists regularly rant against Jews and the Jewish state. What is striking is the degree to which it is tolerated and the "respectability" these sites receive from the Democratic establishment.
Well, there has been a significant development of awareness in the Jewish community about this rancid phenomena. The Anti-Defamation League has submitted a letter to MoveOn protesting the anti-Semitic hate that was found on their site.
Of course, the bloggers will defend themselves by suggesting that they are not responsible for the comments on their site. Perhaps, just perhaps these so-called "progressives" could pause from their efforts to purge centrists and take some time to wipe their site clean of hate.
And maybe some left wing introspection is in order. Shouldn't lefties ask themselves why the anti-Semitic haters are attracted to their sites?
But, even the respectable left is inured to the claims of anti-Semitism. Rather than express concern about the Jew-hater who leads a state that is attempting to acquire nukes, the left focuses their rage against those who would prevent this calamity. And the recent war against Hizbollah demonstrated that left sentiment is increasingly hostile to Israel.
The question is why Democratic leaders continue to collude with the anti-Semitic appeasing left? This should be a time for introspection for a party that relies heavily on Jewish support. -- | Email
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Friday, September 01, 2006
The Moose discusses immigration and the GOP.
The Moose has underestimated the power of the immigration issue within the Republican Party. In the past, he was skeptical that this issue would have salience within the party.
However, the experience of the past year has changed his mind. It has clearly struck a chord with part of the conservative base. The new Buchanan nasty screed against immigration has attained high profile attention in conservative talk show world. When not bashing the left, conservative commentators are attacking fellow conservatives and business types who are considered "squishes" on the issue.
Indeed, the illegal immigration is to the conservative base what the war is to the lefties. According to the new restrictionists, the issue has resonated on the right because it is about rule of law. But, the illegal immigration issue has also gained traction because it is an expression of conservative frustration about other issues - a case of displacement.
The right is frustrated about everything from the situation in Iraq to the level of Washington pork spending. However, it is on the issue of immigration on which the right has staged their rebellion against those they view as conservative "elites."
Expect Buchanan lite to have a resonance within part of the GOP. This phenomena also embraces such issues as protectionism and neo-isolationism. There is even the possibility that a Buchanan lite candidate might emerge as an independent candidate in '08 - someone like a Lou Dobbs.
Two candidates in the GOP Presidential primaries will play the immigration issue to the hilt - Tancredo and Newt. And with the popularity of his new book, maybe even Pat himself will launch a final run.
Ultimately, a restrictionist will not gain the Republican nomination. Saner heads will likely prevail and reject the new restrictionism. However, the divisions within the GOP are deep, and will result in a demoralized base in November. -- | Email
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