Obama rallies state Democrats, throws support behind Lieberman

[Rose Siding]

HARTFORD, Conn. -- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama rallied Connecticut Democrats at their annual dinner Thursday night, throwing his support behind mentor and Senate colleague Joe Lieberman.
...
Obama wasted little time getting to that point, calling it the "elephant in the room" but praising Lieberman's intellect, character and qualifications.

"The fact of the matter is, I know some in the party have differences with Joe. I'm going to go ahead and say it," Obama told the 1,700-plus party members who gathered in a ballroom at the Connecticut Convention Center for the $175-per-head fundraiser.

"I am absolutely certain Connecticut is going to have the good sense to send Joe Lieberman back to the U.S. Senate so he can continue to serve on our behalf," he said.
...
Despite the camaraderie between the two, the crowd was clearly more receptive to Obama's remarks than Lieberman's speech about party unity and the potential for Democratic victories at the ballot box this fall.

In fact, scattered boos greeted Lieberman when he took the podium, and he had to stop three times during his remarks to shush the crowd so he could deliver key points.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-30222017.apds.m0042.bc-ct--obammar30,0,2221245.story

[Roland99]

1. Lieberman? The man who just got ZERO support from CT delegates?

Alas, poor Barak. Buried himself in the DLC and snuffed his chance to shine.

[Rich Hunt]

56. that's not up to you

He's OUR Senator, and he's staying. We worked very hard to get him elected and we're quite happy with him.

[Roland99]

73. Well, enjoy your GOP-lite Senator, then.

[CTyankee]

99. Joe is my senator but I want him gone

Just wanted to let you hear from another CT resident who wants a change. I'm working happily for Ned, thank you.

[saigon68]

110. He's whinny, annoying and the Chimp's Bitch

He's a lot like this Dog Turd

[Occulus]

80. I'm quite happy to help get him out and keep him out

As a lifelong gamer, I give a great, hearty SCREW YOU to him and his. He doesn't just piss me off, he's an actual threat to a form of entertainment I happen to have enjoyed since I was a kid. He's the Jack Thompson wannabe of "Democratic" politicians.

Since he wants me to be able to enjoy my life a little less than I do now, I would like to see nothing more than LIEberman mired in an inescapable scandal which forces him from office and ends with him sitting behind bars. I'm willing to help make that happen, by the way.

LIEberman is bad for me, personally. Not just politically bad; this man wants to affect my life negatively. I got enough of that from my mom when I was a kid; I don't need Holy Fucking Joe telling me I'm baaaaaad for XYZ as an adult- and then holding the cookie just out of reach by legislating it there. No. I'm an adult and I'll decide what entertainment "harms" me, thanks.

He probably has a "problem" of some sort with Katamari (he'd likely find the King "suggestive" or some such crap)- and considering the game I'm speaking of, that's saying a hell of a lot. But, then, it's Holy Joe at issue here.

By supporting him, you're effectively saying you and LIEberman know better for me on that last than I do. I'll work against any politician that claims, by his legislation and publicly stated positions, that he knows "what's better" for other adults.

LIEberman needs to go, and stay gone, and I'm sorry you supported him. I hate to see us work against each other- but that seems to be exactly what happened.

Go read that link. LIEberman comes across as exactly that.

[yurbud]

117. Thanks for the input, Chamber or Commerce. Does your company

make body bags or coffins?

[dansolo]

123. self-delete

[kohodog]

124. You don't speak for me, Rich. I'm not happy with him.

Joe Must GO.

Lamonte in 06!

[adigal]

127. Are you happy about his comments on the censure

He is just so swell - saying no one is sure Bush broke the law, so dang it, we just can't do anything about it.

Daily Kos has a front page story on it.

[kaygore]

2. So much for Obama's future

Guess this shows his true colors!

[Dinger]

11. Ditto (nt)

[FiveGoodMen]

90. Tritto! Wow, Obama's a lot worse than I thought!

[movonne]

12. I have not been impressed with Obama...I think he leans the same

direction as Lieberman...

[Jade Fox]

17. I think he has more ambitions than principals.....

Sad. But Obama sure is shaping up to be someone with his finger forever in the air trying to figure out which way the wind is blowing.

I want Leiberman GONE!

[Rich Hunt]

58. that's outrageous

...to anyone who knows anything about the man.

What ARE his ambitions. He's already Senator, and if the people of Illinois have their way, he will continue to be Senator.

I don't know what gave you outsiders the idea that he's national "property" with larger ambitions. We'd like our senators around for more than one term, thank you.

As for Lieberman - he IS a Democrat, and it is the job of Democrats to support their party, no?? Why is this indicative of anything about Obama's "character"?

God forbid someone be as qualified as Obama. You don't get those qualifications by being vacant and greedy.

[VegasWolf]

64. Zell Miller IS a Democrat. Let's support him too! nt

[Rich Hunt]

67. comparing Zell Miller to Obama...

is ludicrous.

Case closed.

Look at Lieberman's record - he's not all bad.

Obama's just doing his job. Back off. He's not your senator. We elected him for a reason. Got someone better? Let's see how well you know Illinois politics and tell me who in the last senatorial election would have been better.

[VegasWolf]

71. "Look at Lieberman's record - he's not all bad" Okay! you say so! Case

closed.

[laylah]

100. Self-delete

Responded to wrong poster.

[western mass]

104. ironic, isn't it?

"it is the job of Democrats to support their party, no??"

I guess Traitor Joe never got your memo...

[tabasco]

105. It is NOT the job of Democrats to support their party.

THAT is the philosophy of brownshirts.

It IS the job of Democrats to support their Nation.

Joe Lieberman has aided and abetted the most corrupt, destructive administration in US history.

Support him at your own risk.

[adigal]

128. Here's the thread:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/4/1/155044/6033

Nice job on this thread in showing Obama's response to a constituent's question on where he stands on censure.

[dogfacedboy]

130. As an Illinois Democrat, I'll stick with Obama.

I'm not from CT. Lieberman is not my Senator. Obama is a Senator in the mold of Paul Simon, a GREAT former Senator from Illinois. When did party unity become a bad thing? Not everyone on the Left is from the far Left.
We're all in this together. Sooner or later the realization has to be made that most people in America hover near the center. The radical right needs to be removed from power. This can't be accomplished by flooding DC with the radical Left. Sooner or later, our Nation needs to be served by the pragmatic people on both sides of the line.

As another poster asked, when did Obama become national property? What gave anyone the idea he was anyone but who he is? As an Illinoisan, I'm aware of how he worked in the IL legislature, and there is no difference in him now in the US Senate.

[Rich Hunt]

57. excuse me...

But are you knowledgeable enough about his record in the state legislature to be qualified to comment on his character?

As I said, he's OUR senator. Back off.

[Don Claybrook]

78. If he's just YOUR senator

then why don't you get on over to the Illinois forum and stay out of GD? And for that matter, you'll need to get Obama to stay either in Washington or in Illinois--no side trips to Connecticut or anywhere else.

YOUR senator, in short, will need to get out of national politics if he wants me to "back off".

Thanks.

[Ms. Clio]

93. S-N-A-P

[Guaranteed]

112. He's also MY Senator, and I sure as hell am not impressed

by him so far.

[VegasWolf]

63. Obama supporting Loserman, what a joke. Hell, even Zell Miller claims

that he is a Democrat. I've never seen anything spectacular from Obama and I'm doubting that I ever will.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Well, that's a big disappointment.

[xray s]

4. ah well...

...so much for that.

[IndianaGreen]

5. Barf alert!

Lieberman should join the Bush regime and stop pretending he is a Democrat. Obama is a complete idiot!

[madrchsod]

7. well i`ll agree with that

good thing he`s got a few more years to redeem himself...i really hate not to vote for him again

[babylonsister]

6. Noooo! Bad move, Sen. Obama. nt

[depakid]

87. one of how many ?

I see a one termer in the making.

[napi21]

8. Hasn't anyone told Joe it's not ONLY because he supported the war?

Sure the war is part of it, but to me at least, it's his constant agreement and support of SHRUB!!!!!

Has he forgotten he's "supposed to be" part of the OPPOSITION PARTY!!!!!

[beltanefauve]

27. Not ONLY his support

of the war, but going on talk shows and cannibalizing other Dems, and chiding us for not supporting the "pResident", because we still have * for three more years, or so he says.:puke:

"It's time for Democrats who distrust President Bush to acknowledge that he will be the commander in chief for three more critical years and that in matters of war we undermine presidential credibility at our nation's peril," Lieberman

[reprobate]

37. Sorry Joe, but Mad George needs no help undermining his credibility

According to the polls the average American believes he is a liar. No amount of your kissing his ass will change that.

[JerseygirlCT]

49. That's it. I could tolerate support for the war, if backed up

with some sort of reason.

I cannot tolerate the fawning support and more, the refusal to criticize, this horror of an administration.

There's a huge gaping difference between: "well, we agree to some point, and let me explain why", and the kissy-face obsequiousness Lieberman has shown toward Bush.

And the kicker is that I always get the feeling even that is planned, calculated -- an effort to make himself look statesmanlike and moderate.

A failed effort.

[Webster Green]

9. Obama, the rising new star of the Democratic Party?

Really fucking weak!

What a dick!

Guess he got himself some of that "Joe-mentum" :banghead:

[MisterP]

30. Joementum is like that gut-lining-shedding-feeling you get after

food poisoning

[XemaSab]

108. Nice analogy

:D

[Tiggeroshii]

89. Look I'm no fan of Lieberman..

But I think that our troubles in 06 go far beyond how liberal or conservative a fellow Democrat is. We're here to bring justice and investigate a corrupt president, not persecute and accuse our own Dem leaders whose only folly is being more conservative than we would like. If we keep up this rhetoric, we are more likely to kick him out of the Dem caucus for good and lose a loyal Democratic voice when the time is most crucial in getting our subpoena power. As much as we don't like him, he has worked hard to follow what he believes iss right -which is a more independent stance than a lot of Dems. Also, his precense in the Senate gives those Dems subpoena power when it comes to holding investigations against the administration.

Obama's point really wasn't as much how great Lieberman is, but rather how crucial it is now-more than any other time to stay unified as a party. Party division results in lower voter turnouts in general elections and thus the lack of enough votes to regain the Senate. The more unified we are, the greater a chance we'll have at taking back the Senate. It's tough to be able to do that when we are leading the fight against ourselves with an open invitation for the Repugs to jump in.

It's like that cartoon... The elephant's beating himself in the face, and at this point it's looking more like not only are the dems afraid to attack, but their left arm won't relinquish in their jabs toward their own jugular.

[adigal]

129. You mean unified the way they all decided to not show up yesterday?

At the censure hearing?? That kind of unified??

If they are going to be unified at being useless, then what do we have? We have today's Senate, that is what we have.

[geomon666]

10. Wow....

:wtf:

Way to underwhelm.

[Vidar]

13. Proving what a jackass he reall is yet again.

[Erika]

14. Obama is trying to bring Joe back into the fold

Joe was truly hurt by being considered a Republican Lite.

Joe should either continue his worship of W and turn Republican or become a democrat again.

[UpInArms]

15. What a hoot!

Now that strange little bible thumper wants "party unity"?

:rofl:

Where was the "party unity" when he had his head up *Co's butt?

[DanCa]

16. TAPS to Obama's career.

All's I can say is thank god I have Durbin.

[Rich Hunt]

61. oh, bullshit

If you think he's not gonna get re-elected, perhaps you should act like a REAL Illinoisan and study the career of Paul Simon.

Now that Simon's gone, everyone pays lip service to him, but there were people who actually accused him of being soft on Reagan.

An Illinois senator is elected to represent us well and be a well-spoken statesman. If you expect to agree with everything they say and do, you need to grow up politically.

[depakid]

95. This Illinois Senator looks to be a one termer

The man's made one bonehead move after another-

You can chalk up a few things to rookie mistakes- but this sort of thing is a pattern with him- one that I fully expect to continue.

[spindrifter]

18. He's also been stumping for Maria Cantwell.

They are throwing him into some of the most contentious re-election situations, almost as though they are testing the waters to see how he does as a uniter.

[Rose Siding]

20. I'm not convinced anyone has the heft to throw him anywhere

He gets 200 invitations a night. Is there an indication he's "in" with Rahm or Schumer? I don't think Dean would have advised supporting Lieberman, but I couldn't swear to it.

I tend to believe Obama is making his own calls. This is a bad one. For the future of the party, imo.

[tuvor]

19. Best to find out now, I guess.

I say he's nuts for doing this so early in his career, but it's his gun and his foot.

[leesa]

21. Obama...what a surprise. Perfect DLC corporate whore.

[Pastiche423]

26. A surprise and a giant disappointment

Has Obama done anything positive for the party besides his convention speech?

:thumbsdown:

[Ben Ceremos]

51. Obama has never fooled me.

He just showed that he is essentially politically blind, or ignorant or both. Walks like a duck, etc

[katinmn]

53. As is often the case, should have elected the speech writer

:)

[psychopomp]

29. Surprising...no, sickening

Sen. Obama was lauded in the black press as being a rising star who would speak for those who do not feel they have a voice on Capitol Hill and many African Americans as well as Democrats of all stripes had high hopes for him.

We were very wrong about him, I am sad to say.

[Rich Hunt]

65. give me a break

Those who supported Obama early on saw this "DLC" business before he even got elected.

He was NOT a "DLC-er". He was listed in some DLC list or publication as a rising Democrat - that's it.

Get your facts right.

Calling him a corporate whore is laughable if you study his record as a State Senator.

I suppose Paul Simon was a corporate whore, too. And Durbin.

Frankly, Durbin's not much different from Obama - the only difference is that Obama has been hand-picked by the media whores to pump up and shoot down. Anyone who talks about taking Obama out of Illinois is messing with our senator, for one thing and would clearly like someone else to take his place.

And who would that be, I ask these vicious meddlers? Millionaire (and nice guy, but wholly unqualified) Blair Hull?

Back off.

[anitar1]

92. You just called it! Pretty much what I suspected after

Obama made his one and only "speech". I was surprised how many were ready to worship him just over "the speech". His voting record is not great,IMHO. I think he is very ambitous and following instructions from the DLC.

[MadisonProgressive]

22. Dammit, Now Obama is a bust too??

[Ecumenist]

23. HUH?? WHAT THE..?

Why didn't he tell us he was a crackhead? Because that's the only explanation and excuse...:wow:

[msgadget]

24. They've been dragging him around all year

and I can't tell if they've defined him or if he's chosen this path. Obviously Lieberman needs all the help he can get and maybe Obama feels he has enough mojo to repel the stink.

[CrazyForKucinich]

25. Obama is officially insane.

This guy is a party hack. I hope he never runs for President because he sure the fuck ain't getting my vote...even if he's running against Jeb, Neil or any other Bush or jackass.

[OKthatsIT]

98. He's a WUSS Centrist

[Media_Lies_Daily]

28. I hope that's the political kiss of death for both of them.

[Zorra]

31. If Lieberman gets elected again, do you think he'll jump ship and

become a republican? I mean, he seems to be pretty ideologically like a republican already. He's the closest thing we have to Zell Miller right now.

Better to defeat him in the primary so that a real Democrat can "serve on our behalf".

[WhoWantsToBeOccupied]

34. Bush would make him Sec of Def & Gov Rell would appoint a Repub senator

That's my sad theory because Bush has already reportedly offered him two cabinet posts, and he's been rumored as Rumsfeld's replacement.

But I believe Ned will win the nomination and force Lieberman to declare as an Independent or Republican for the general election.

[CTyankee]

121. As a Lamont supporter, that's a horror

It would cook him for good in CT, if he isn't already somewhat cooked. My Lamont sign is proudly displayed on my lawn and we're ready to fight here in New Haven, CT!

[Oversea Visitor]

32. Where Obama put eyes

Brain misplaced......:(
This not good for his future
Like tying bush stone round neck
bush sink all sink
No not good
He not check mood

[KittyWampus]

75. Very well put "he not check mood"

[tatertop]

33. obama wants to borrow LIEberscum's lipstick:

Revlon Traitor #3

[Art_from_Ark]

40. You mean the lipstick that Joe borrowed from Zell?

Yeeuck

[tatertop]

115. Yes, that is exactly what I mean

[slay]

35. WTF!?!

Obama seemed smarter than that. That's too bad really cause, as any intelligent Dem voter knows - Lieberman is HORRIBLE! He compromises with Bush wayyyyy too much - to the point where he almost is a Republican. I urge everyone here to do there own research into Joe, but seriously, he is a TERRIBLE Democrat.

[Nothing Without Hope]

36. Once again, Obama disappoints - though I've grown to expect it.

Too bad - I had great hopes for him, but he's so clearly made himself part of the politics-as-usual machine.

Screw 'em. We'll fight against Lieberman despite what "man of the people" Obama said to the moneymen.

[Us vs Them]

38. I would have walked out.

Sorry. My respect for Obama is waning.

[TankLV]

39. Well, this confirms how big a dissappointment he is to me.

He is the most OVERRATED dem in existence.

I don't like him at all.

A DINO at best - can't imagine what he is at worst.

Fuck him and his repuke buddies.

He only confirms my initial gut feelings about him every new day.

And they aren't good feelings.

[JohnnyJ]

41. And to think I thought Obama was a progressive.....

I guess party unity means more than ideals to Mr. Obama. Sorry, but support for DLC'ers bothers me.

[badgervan]

42. Damn

Any dem who backs Joe loses my support. Damn, I really thought that good things were ahead for Obama. No longer.

[JohnnyJ]

43. re:

---
Any dem who backs Joe loses my support. Damn, I really thought that good things were ahead for Obama. No longer.
---

The guy's alright but people have for some reason always ignored what I've been saying since he was put into office: he's way out of his league. He went straight from state senator to U.S. senator -- no matter what anybody says, that's one hell of a jump.

Watch the old speeches from last summer where Frist tried to use the nuclear option and when Obama came up to give his speech he stammered and stuttered through his speech and very clearly was nervous and didn't know what to do. I felt sorry for the guy.

[bee]

113. uhhh. Obama IS DLC. n/t

[Rainscents]

44. Too bad, he is supporting LIEberman.

Obama lost my support!

[RedG1]

45. every time I see Lieberman in the news here in Connecticut...

or national media...I get that mental image of bush planting a kiss on him after the SOTU and another of DINO Joe (Democrat In Name Only) at the bush Valentine's Day White House party/love fest...

<gag>

[formercia]

46. Obama is a DINO

From chatting with him, the minute I tried to turn the conversation in a progressive direction he started blocking and then had the balls to tell me he was a conservative.
Another Clarence Thomas wannabe.

[rman]

47. Obama doesn't know many outside the party have differences with Joe?

Is he out of touch?

[ElsewheresDaughter]

48. sigh...i suspected obama as DLC from day one...too bad and so sad...nt

[Rich Hunt]

68. oh yeah

"so sad"

Boy, I sure am being kept away today from this investigation I've been working on....

What hateful media move related to Illinois is next?

Hype, it's all hype.

[matcom]

50. "The Elephant In The Room"

well at least he got THAT right :eyes:

[wordpix]

55. I caught that too. Lieberman the GOP Elephant. Barak is right on that

[AndyA]

52. I had so much hope for Obama

But now I'm afraid he's just another politician.

I started to wonder about him when that flap with John McCain came up, and now with his support of Lieberman, it pretty much confirms my suspicions.

What the Republicans are doing is insulting, outrageous, illegal, and treasonous. If I were a Democrat serving in office, I would not be pussyfooting around with them. They are destroying America, step by deliberate step. The Democrats need to OPPOSE these people. They need to present a unified front that what is happening is WRONG.

Going to White House balls, yucking it up with the Bushes, and trying to take the high ground isn't going to work. These people need to be called out for what they are, and the only Dems I see doing this are Feingold, Boxer, Clinton, Conyers, and a hand full of others*. Which makes me wonder what the hell is going on with the rest of them.

I would really like to know what this administration and this party that's currently in control would need to do before the Democrats declare war on them. For chrissake, they're building concentration camps! Do we need to see murder and slaughter in our streets before the opposition does something?

Now is not the time to be nice. Now is the time to strike back at them loud and hard. It will take drastic steps and measures to do this, as the mainstream media won't cover it unless it's spectacular. The Republicans have been putting on quite a show the last few years, it's past time for the Democrats to return the favor.

*Omission of any particular name(s) is purely unintentional. I am not yet quite awake...need more coffee.

[iconoclastNYC]

54. WTF?! I guess Obama is stealth DLC.

Why else would he defend Liberman? This is bullshit.

[mmonk]

59. Unity shouldn't override

one's feelings over right vs. wrong. Iraq could be a defining debacle for the US.

[glitch]

60. He really wants to be Vice President when Hilary runs for President.

DLC is the path for that.

[Rich Hunt]

62. No, he does not

Supply proof of this.

We'd like to keep our senator very much, and we can spot the outsider plotting to get rid of Obama by shipping him to Washington a mile away.

Must be doing something right to make so many phonies want to "end his career".

This backlash against a freshman senator really stinks. It betrays an utter lack of political sophistication and knowledge of political history and strategy.

[glitch]

70. I can offer an opinion without proof. "Stinks?" You protest too much.

Unless you think just saying DLC is an automatic slur. I don't think Obama has a problem with it.

[TankLV]

102. Don't make too much of it - RH always shows up to trash progressives.

Just like clockwork.

[warrens]

66. Dick Durbin is and was Obama's mentor

That's just factually incorrect about Joe. I'm unhappy with Lieberman (I worked for Weicker during Joe's first run for the Senate; he's the poison who started the "too liberal" rant the Repukes picked up) but frankly, he's a decent senator who's on the far right of the Dem party. Al Gore made a big mistake choosing him as his running mate, and the guy hasn't done much good for us in years. But I can't get behind the hate that's oozing out everywhere for him. On the whole, he's pretty good, and it hurts me to say that.

[Rich Hunt]

69. Joe Lieberman is a good man

I don't agree with him either, but this divisiveness is bad for the party. Some people can't distinguish between civil criticism and screeching.

As if the content of Obama's speeches were entirely erased, too...

These people are nothing but puppets - notice how they have nothing knowledgeable to say about Obama - his values, his speeches. Nothing.

[VegasWolf]

72. Hey Joe! Is that you? Guess what, you suck on supporting Democratic

principles!!!!

[Ben Ceremos]

74. Joe Lieberman

is the least honorable Democrat after Zell Miller. A ggod man? Yes, he most likely has testicles and as such...but morally good? politically good? I fart in his general direction. His judgment is crap, he supported the illegal invasion of a sovereign country, he supported the lies that have killed thousands of your countrymen and women, he serves foreign interests first, Republican interests second...American interests he leaves for last. Such a good man should marry your daughter and bankrupt your business while selling you into slavery...yeah, Joe Lieberman, a "good man"...:puke: :mad: :eyes: :think: `Divisiveness is bad for the party, perhaps, but being led to the slaughter by your "defenders" is a bit too much for any free person to accept. And as for Obama´s speeches: how do you think he got into the position to sell you out in the first place? A velvet tongue and a speech writer...

[MGKrebs]

79. I think many perceive Joe as being the divisive one.

From the beginning, I was a strong supporter of the war in Iraq against Saddam Hussein. He was a dictator, warmonger, terrorist, outlaw, murderer, torturer, thief, and thug.
Joe Lieberman

Howard Dean's statements break a 50-year record in which Presidents, Republicans and Democrates, members of Congress of both parties have supported our relationship with Israel.
Joe Lieberman

I support development and deployment of a limited national missile defense. Few if any of our duties surpass our obligation to provide for the common defense of our nation.
Joe Lieberman

Opportunity means advancing American values in the world by protecting human rights, meeting human needs, and opening global markets.
Joe Lieberman

Some in my party threaten to send a message that they don't know a just war when they see it, and more broadly that they're not prepared to use our military strength to protect our security and the cause of freedom.
Joe Lieberman

[TankLV]

103. "but this divisiveness is bad for the party"

Then you'd better be scolding your buddy holy joe - HE's the one that's been trashing fellow dems while singing the praises of that dictator in OUR White House and lots of other democrats.

But WE won't be holding our breath for you to do that.

[PATRICK]

76. Two comments

At the very least this is another groaner about real political judgment from a safe seat rising star.

However, the unspoken agenda may be to prop up Lieberman to avoid a costly contest for an other wise safe seat. The Party budget being as it is, with the Senate begging the National for funds, this kind of natural favor carries an importance that cannot be put into words without creating the fear panic they want to avoid. On the other hand, the traditional foot in mouth practice of doing precisely that may argue against this wise guess.

These underlying party divisions, as swept under the carpet as an MSM news blackout, are showing up in the bare seams of primary contests and protests.

[bvar22]

77. Obama's Track Record:

Lets look at the facts.
These are taken from the Patrick Henry Senate Score Chart which tracks the voting records of the Senate.
This is a "weighted" scorecard that chooses voted that are critical to out Democracy.


Boxer.....+152

Kennedy...+152

Kerry....+95

Feingold....+72

Harkin.....+72

Clinton....+35

Obama.......+12

Feinstein....-105

Slalzar.... -170

Lieberman...-255

Nelson(NE)...-410

Hutcheson (R, Texas)...-570

http://patrickhenrythinktank.org/sen-score7.html

You can see from these figures that Obama is "mushy middle" in the Democratic Party, but the Democratic Party has members that are much worse. Lieberman ranks with the lowest, but not near as bad as Nelson, Pryor, Landrieu, and several others.
I would take an two Obamas before a Feinstein or Salazar.

There are some legitimate criticisms of the Patrick Henry Democratic Club. It is unashamedly LIBERAL (as am I). Most of the criticisms concern minor details. I have found that when looking at The Big Picture, The Patrick Henry Democratic Club gets it right.
Check out the site. Decide for yourself.

The Democratic Party is a BIG TENT, but there is NO ROOM for those
who advance the agenda of THE RICH (Corporate Owners) at the EXPENSE of LABOR and the POOR.

[Freddie Stubbs]

81. Patrick Henry 'Democratic' Club also endorses Republicans

Check out who they endorsed for Texas' 14 congressional district: http://patrickhenrythinktank.org/endorsements.html

I think that pretty much destroys their credibility.

[bvar22]

83. Ron Paul is more of a "Working Man's" Democrat....

..and has a better voting record than most anybody in the DLC.
The fact that Patrick Henry would endorse Ron Paul lends them MORE credibility; unless you are just a Party Hack and don't care about the Issues, the Republic, the People, or the Republicanization of the Democratic Party.

Look at the Voting Records,

Conyers...+480

Ron Paul...+250 (Republican)

John Murtha...-97

Melissa Bean...-250

The Democratic Party is a BIG TENT, but there is NO ROOM for those
who advance the agenda of THE RICH (Corporate Owners) at the EXPENSE of LABOR and the POOR.

[Freddie Stubbs]

84. I care about electing a Democratic majority to Congress

Ron Paul being reelected won't further that goal.

Ron Paul wants to abolish the Department of Education, federal welfare progams, and income taxes.

Is that what a "Working Man's" Democrat is?

[bvar22]

85. Ron Paul also wants to:

*End the War in Iraq

*Impeach Bush*

*Roll back the Patriot Act

*Withdraw from NAFTA, FTA, IMF, GATT

*Legalize Drugs

*Rein in Defense Spending

*Vocally opposes the NeoCon takeover

I wish the Democrats would post an opposition top the Bush* administration as powerful as Ron Paul's.
Admittedly, I disagree with Ron on many issues, but I love to hear him STAND UP and OPPOSE the NeoCons.
He does the Democrats more good in Congress than many Democrats (in name only) who openly aid the Republicans on the above issues.

There is a persistant myth at DU that everything will be wonderful if only the Democrats gain the majority in the House.
NOTHING will happen if those seats are won by Republicrats.


I FULLY SUPPORT organizatioons like The Patrick Henry Club that gives voters a quick access to information that cuts through the BULLSHIT of campaign rhetoric.


The Democratic Party is a BIG TENT, but there is NO ROOM for those
who advance the agenda of THE RICH (Corporate Owners) at the EXPENSE of LABOR and the POOR.

[alarcojon]

82. Not to sideline the discussion

but Kerry's record is even better than Feingold's and Harkin's. :wow:

Returning to the matter at hand, I think this was a tactical decision on Obama's part, nothing more. I happen to disagree with it, but I still think he's a dynamic speaker, which the Democrats need, and a true Democrat (unlike Joe or Zell). Using bvar22's link, Obama is tied with Leahy and Levin and is better than Bayh, Biden, Byrd, Corzine, Dodd, Inouye, to name a few. He's not that far off from Clinton, Reid, or Schumer. Of course he could be better, and I hope the good people of Illinois (my state of birth) will keep his feet to the fire on important issues.

[depakid]

86. Hopefully, the Dems will have the good sense

to realize what a HUGE MISTAKE they made elevating Obama to prominence.

[genieroze]

88. Obama another DINO?

[Politicub]

91. WTF?

Obama becomes more lackluster to me by the day.

[goforit]

94. Obama just lost a ton of support!.......Sorry charlie!

[Zhade]

96. Sigh...Obama, Lieberman IS the elephant in the room!

Oh well. I thought Obama was all hype anyway.

[Ravy]

97. I think describing Leiberman as an elephant in the room is

entirely appropriate.

[bvar22]

101. What he said!!!

:rofl:
:patriot:

[junior college]

106. from what i understand liberman is a fool

he supports this whole war bullcrap. if obama supports liberman then it looks like he supports the warcrap too.

[Triana]

107. Respect for Obama: 0

It is now..sorry but he ought to have better judgement than to support a Repub lite DINO. Unacceptable.

[BeHereNow]

109. Obama- The new Colin Powell..."Yes, coporate massa..."

Okay, I give.
My puke o-rama meter has just
been rendered obsolete
on the obama-rama
submission of defeat.
We are so FUCKED.
bhn

[Seabiscuit]

111. Seems Obama's an opportunistic phony with the gift of gab, nothing more.

Another Hillary-type cyst on the donkey's arse.

[bee]

114. Im truly shocked by how surprised everybody is.

one dlc supporting another dlc. seems logical to me.

[yurbud]

116. get the corporate toadies out of whatever race and creed

the pretty package doesn't make the poison less deadly.

[tom_paine]

118. Thanks for showing us your true character, Obama

Just another spineless jellyfish. How the FUCK did we let these people come to represent us.

Actually, they only represent themselves and their limos.

Fuck you, Obama, you can cower with the Gutless Wing of the Democratic Party (it is the smallest of the wings of actual Democratic Voters, yet by FAR the LARGEST of the Democratic Leaders), but don;t expect real people to stand behind you.

Limos and corproate $$$$...well, sure, and I guess in Imperial Amerika that's all you need.

Just :puke: ing sick over another toady. "Rising star" my ass!

[President Kerry]

119. Sadly, I see a lot of one thing here on DU.

Throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It's a cliche, but it applies. I'm no fan of Lieberman's, and would like him gone. But I'm NOT about demonize all he's about because I disagree with him on the war or respecting Shrub. I think it's dumb of him, yeah - but he is a Democratic voice who does hand it to Shrub every now and then (ripping him a new one for the Katrina debacle). As for Obama, I won't get on him at all for supporting a fellow Dem senator. Obama is no Zell Miller, and neither is Lieberman.

[VegasWolf]

125. Sadly, I see a lot of one thing here on DU too.

Supporting any politician with a (D) after their name. You mentioned Lieberman's war support. I'll mention his failure to stand up to the Alito filibuster. These DINOs don't represent my values. Therefore, I will in good conscience vote for a 3rd Party candidate rather than support some Lieberman that just wants to keep his lavish lifestyle. You say that Obama is no Zell, well we are simply waiting to see Obama is closer to Zell or Ted. So far, Obama looks super-hyped to me.

[lovuian]

120. Why would OBama commit this political suicide???

What a fool... he just exposed himself... He had such potential... so sad...

all for Liberman the Judas

[dansolo]

122. "Elephant in the room"?

Was he referring to Lieberman? Didn't Obama realize the irony of that statement?

[nyublue]

126. Obama is a joke

I can't believe this guy is referred to as a "rising young star" of the democratic party. Just another sell-out kissing up to the DLC branch of the party.