Obama and Lieberman

"Senator Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead. But eloquence is no substitute for a record -- not in these tough times,"
- Senator Joe Lieberman at the 2008 Republican Convention


What should Obama do about Joe Lieberman? It looks like he will work to keep Lieberman in the Democratic caucus and hold his Chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee. This is a low cost solution politically for Obama with a high return. If he remains, Lieberman would continue to vote with Democrats on key votes. Obama would show the world he is in control of his party. It also sends a strong message, that in sharp contrast to the Republicans of recent years and the purist wing of the Democrats, Obama puts country above settling scores. This will make it easier for the President-elect to gather a wide range of people to work with him to solve the nation’s problems.


Lieberman on the other hand, would be grateful that Obama would have spared him the difficult choice of jumping ship. If Lieberman leaves and joins the Republicans he would lose his Chairmanship and the trust of both parties. His vote won’t make a difference to the Republicans overall, so there is no reason for them to give him much. The one place where Lieberman could make a difference is in cloture votes. But these are about specific issue, and as close as the Democrats are to sixty votes, it would be easy for them to peel off the one or two Republican votes they would need. So without much to offer to the Republicans in way of being a swing vote, Lieberman would be neutered legislatively.

It is also doubtful that he would feel at home in the Republican Party or they would feel comfortable having him. His ADA rating for 2007 at 70% was higher than the three most liberal Senate Republicans; Susan Collins, (55%); Olympia Snowe, (60%); and Arlen Specter, (60%). (Interestingly enough, Obama’s ADA rating was 75% - far from being the “most liberal member of the Senate.”)

But if Obama supports Lieberman’s position in the Democratic caucus and his retention of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee chair, he would have in a grateful Lieberman the support of a Senator with experience in a key Senate post.


After all the forgiven are the most loyal.