NYT: Leery of ‘Defense Secretary Lieberman’

[kskiska]

— Since Senator Joseph I. Lieberman lost last month’s Democratic primary in Connecticut, a rumor has gained new life — particularly among his liberal critics — that President Bush might nominate him to replace Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, should Mr. Rumsfeld be ousted as many Democrats have demanded.

Mr. Lieberman, now running as an independent, has denied any interest in the job, and the White House has said it stands behind Mr. Rumsfeld. But that did not stop Ned Lamont, the primary victor, from alluding to the rumor on Wednesday to criticize Mr. Lieberman’s support for the war in Iraq.

“It doesn’t matter if Donald Rumsfeld retires and somebody who thinks just like him goes into place,” Mr. Lamont said at a Sperling Breakfast here, named for the journalist who started the gatherings years ago.

“If you’re replacing Rumsfeld with Lieberman, that would be what we call in my world a lateral move.”

Mr. Lamont, who has run as the antiwar, anti-Bush alternative to Mr. Lieberman, was later asked whether he would support the nomination of Mr. Lieberman to the position. Demurring at first, he said when pressed, “I don’t think I would.”

more…
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/07/nyregion/07conn.html?ref=washington

[Erika]

1. He is a traitor and a fool

He's not worthy of a WH post.

[ShockediSay]

2. I'm never sure which country he's representing nt

[davidinalameda]

4. in this White House, he would be an improvement

which isn't saying much

[niceypoo]

6. I agree completely

[JeffR]

3. "a lateral move"

Further proof that Lamont is going to be a helluvan asset to the Democratic Caucus come November.

:rofl:

Go Ned!

[Larkspur]

5. I don't see Lieberman giving up his potential senate seat

for a 2 year stint as Defense Sec unless the polls consistantly show Lieberman losing big time to Lamont. Lieberman is more of an asset to Bush in the senate than as Sec. of Defense, that's why Rove is helping Lieberman via the 527 groups, like Vets for Freedom.