George Jepsen op ed: Lamont Helped Light Democratic Fire

[Larkspur]

Lamont Helped Light Democratic Fire

More than any other single individual in America, Ned Lamont drove the signature issue of the 2006 election, the Iraq war. It is for this reason that the Republican-leaning Norwich Bulletin, in a post-election editorial, named Lamont as the national MVP of the election cycle. Not bad for someone who a year ago was completely unknown.

The national reach of Lamont's candidacy for the U.S. Senate was brought home to me personally in July when I visited relatives in rural Washington state. They were far more interested in Connecticut's Democratic primary contest between Lamont and Sen. Joe Lieberman than in their own state's Senate race.

Lamont's message resonated broadly because he was the first national candidate to dare say what many people believed, that America was being driven over a cliff by an ideologue, a divorced-from-reality president, and a corrupt Congress. Those responsible for the mess should be held accountable. What made the campaign unique was that its target was a fellow Democrat, Lieberman.

Pundits initially dismissed Lamont's challenge. But, especially in the wake of Lamont's August primary upset, the national debate began to shift. Democrats increasingly framed their campaigns as a referendum on Bush and the war. Republicans, on the defensive, began to speak about the previously unspeakable - the need for an exit strategy. Even Joe Lieberman recast himself as a war critic. By mid-fall, Ned Lamont's once-lonely voice had become mainstream.

SNIP

Note: I also cross posted this at the Connecticut forum

[madfloridian]

1. Lamont's primary win was a window to the future....my post

I posted about this just before the election.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/565

"Ned Lamont’s campaign, like Howard Dean’s presidential effort, will have accomplished more in defeat than most campaigns do in victory. History will remember that Ned Lamont enabled the Democratic Party to make Iraq the centerpiece of the 2006 elections. Dodd and Lieberman won’t be around forever, and Lamont will eventually find his rightful place in the Senate."

Based on an article I found.

[sillyparty]

2. Actually

I got tired of him real early. Every blog, every day. If only the netroots wouldn't have spent so much time on this loser, we could have won more elections.

John Kerry has been more outspoken then Lamont about this war. He has actually proposed an bill to get us out.

But to the netroots, he is a joke.

So Ned Lamont meant nothing to me, and I really have no idea what he has done.

Why is he a God, and guys like Kerry, Gore who spent a life in public service so dismissed.

And we all dismiss the loser's in this past election. Blame Rahm, and Dean or Carville or whoever.

But when will the Netroots step up and say they blew this one.

[blm]

3. Actually, Lamont and Kerry stayed close on withdrawing from Iraq so I don't get

why you would say that about Lamont - Kerry and Kennedy fully supported Lamont, especially after Lieberman attacked Iraq withdrawal plans on the senate floor on the GOPs time.

THAT is what lost it for Lieberman in the primary, and why Joe has targetted Kerry for his revenge.

If you supported Kerry it was a no-brainer to support Lamont. Your post has a definite disconnect.

[madfloridian]

5. This one started last night...just saying anything.

I intend not to pay attention. First for someone, then against them. Being silly.

[Alexander]

4. So you prefer Joe Lieberman? nt

[DeepModem Mom]

6. Thanks, Ned! K&R