How To Neutralize Joe? We May Not Need To

I think this comment on TPM Cafe is pretty darned perceptive. The heart of it is that Lieberman can only appeal to voters if they don't know what he'll do if he's elected.

There is NO way Lieberman can be forced from the race by lecturing him. He's already said "my mind's made up." Even if the polls show him losing, his delusions of grandeur will keep him in.

But Joe's tip-toeing on the lip of a volcano. Is he going to vote with the Republicans or Democrats? Becuase if he declares himself he's doomed.

I agree 100 percent that the only thing that gives Lieberman any chance at all is if he pretends electing him will be good for both parties. In the current atmosphere, where both parties are so far away from agreement, however, he can't appeal to moderation. Being the guy who stands exactly halfway between the parties will only mean he won't reach either side. So, he has to convince both sides he's with them. As soon as he gives any concrete idea where he stands though, one side or the other is going to abandon him.

Actually, I think that's already happened. Joe's decision to run as an independent is a clear signal that he doesn't and won't support the Democratic Party. Even with Republicans dancing in the background, he can't or won't realize that his run is not a principled effort to bridge the ideological gap; it's a selfish and foolish act that supports Republican ambitions. And really, who thinks that, after everything he's said, Joe relishes the prospect of Dem's taking control of Congress enough to caucus with them if he wins the general? The thing that has driven him into the arms of the Republicans is the war in Iraq and that is something he and the majority of the Democratic Party will not find agreement on before the election. He's said it himself in more than one way. He doesn't trust the Democrats to be in control. They'll muck up his beloved war. Does that give anyone an idea which side of the aisle he'll choose?

I hope his friends in the Democratic leadership can convince Joe to back out, but if they can't I think it'll be very obvious to Democratic voters just who it is Joe really supports.