Liberman Endorses a Republican - McCain - Political Forum

Albinonewt · #1 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

ARLINGTON, VA -- This morning in New Hampshire, Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) endorsed John McCain for President of the United States. Senator Lieberman issued the following statement on his endorsement:
"I have come to New Hampshire this morning to ask Republican and Independent voters to support John McCain in the first-in-the-nation primary on January 8.
"I know that it is unusual for someone who is not a Republican to endorse a Republican candidate for President. And if this were an ordinary time and an ordinary election, I probably would not be here today. But this is no ordinary time -- and this is no ordinary election -- and John McCain is no ordinary candidate.
"In this critical election, no one should let party lines be a barrier to choosing the person we believe is best qualified to lead our nation forward. The problems that confront us are too great, the threats we face too real, and the opportunities we have too exciting for us to play partisan politics with the Presidency.
"We desperately need our next President to break through the reflexive partisanship that is poisoning our politics and stopping us from getting things done. We need a President who can reunite our country, restore faith in our government, and rebuild confidence in America's future.
"My friend John McCain is that candidate, and that is why I am so proud to be standing by his side today.
"I have worked closely with John for many years on many issues -- from stopping genocide in the Balkans to combating global warming to creating the 9/11 Commission and enacting its recommendations into law. I have seen John, time and again, rise above the negativism and smallness of our politics to get things done for this country we love so much. I have watched him, time and again, work across party lines to make our country safer and stronger.
"John McCain has proven that we can trust him to do what is right for our country, not only when it is easy, but when it is hard; to do what is necessary, not only when it is popular, but when it is not; and to tell us the truth, not only when it is easy to hear, but when it is not.
"As President, John McCain will bring America together again. He will inspire a new American unity and a new American patriotism. He will push all of us to work together to solve our biggest problems, and defeat our most dangerous enemies.
"Throughout our history, succeeding generations of brave Americans have risked their lives for the cause of freedom -- which is America's cause. Throughout his career, from the ranks of the military to halls of the Congress, John McCain has made freedom's cause his own. He learned the ideals of patriotism and service from his father, he taught them to his sons, and he will hold those ideals high as an inspiration for all Americans.
"When it comes to keeping America safe in this time of war, John has proven that he has the experience, the strength, and the character, to be our commander-in-chief from day one. I have traveled the world with John, so I can tell you how much he is liked and admired by leaders across the globe. He will be a President our friends will respect and our enemies will fear, and a President who will lead our nation on the world stage with purpose and principle.
"When others were silent, and it was thought politically unpopular, John had the courage and common sense to sound the alarm about the mistakes we were making in Iraq and to call for more troops and a new strategy there. And when others waivered, when others wanted to retreat from the field of battle, John had the courage and the common sense to stand against the tide of public opinion and support the surge in Iraq, where we are at last winning.
"You may not agree with John McCain on every issue, but you can always count on him to be honest with you about where he stands, you can always count on him to stand for what he believes is right for our country -- regardless of pressure from politicians or vested interests. And you can count on him to be restless in pursuit of progress. In that sense, John McCain is the real change candidate in this race for the Presidency.
"There are many fine people running for President. Many of them are good friends of mine. But I have concluded -- and I hope you will, as well -- that John McCain is the candidate who can best reunite our country and lead us to victory in the war against Islamist terrorism.
"The nomination for President remains wide open, so on January 8th, New Hampshire's voters can -- and I hope will -- make history and send John McCain from the Granite State to victory.
"Thank you."

This is pretty interesting. Lieberman was the Democratic VP nominee just 7 years ago and a Democratic Presidential contender (eliminated in the primaries) 3 years ago. For him to come out for a Republican is a pretty big deal. Especially when you consider that McCain is pro-life and Liberman is not and they clash on any number of issues.

That being said, as a life long conservative and reliable Republican voter I despise McCain and if he's the nominee I'll either stay home or vote for some jackass out of spite.

Caltex · #2 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 01:06 PM

Lieberman is a Democrat, but he's a pro-Israel war hawk first and foremost. McCain also supports that agenda. Thus the endorsement makes sense.

liberalman · #3 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 01:43 PM

Lieberman was a putz when he ran in 2000 and is a putz now. His endorsement if anything will hurt McCain.....who outside of Ron Paul is one of the few Repulibcans running that is worth a tinkers damn.

That being said the GOP has no chance in 08 and the real question is which Democrat will be elected.

Diligent_d · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 02:12 PM

I was only mildly surprised by this, considering Lieberman's hawkish stance as of late.

superdude17* · #5 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 05:05 PM

As a staunch Rudy Giuliani supporter, I would have no issue with Senator McCain being the Republican Candidate. In fact, he is the only other I find somewhat responsible. I also like Duncan Hunter as well on certain issues.

I believe Lieberman has chosen the path that most Democrats should follow. Most of the country is in-line with Lieberman. I appreciate his service greatly to this country and think it is a great tragedy how the Democrat Party has treated him, without endorsing him on his last election. Do you blame him supporting a Republican?

Caltex · #6 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superdude17*

As a staunch Rudy Giuliani supporter, I would have no issue with Senator McCain being the Republican Candidate. In fact, he is the only other I find somewhat responsible. I also like Duncan Hunter as well on certain issues.

I believe Lieberman has chosen the path that most Democrats should follow. Most of the country is in-line with Lieberman. I appreciate his service greatly to this country and think it is a great tragedy how the Democrat Party has treated him, without endorsing him on his last election. Do you blame him supporting a Republican?

over 70% of the country is for leaving Iraq. Lieberman is out of line with most Americans on that issue, as is McCain.

superdude17* · #7 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caltex

over 70% of the country is for leaving Iraq. Lieberman is out of line with most Americans on that issue, as is McCain.

just a month ago that was 80%..show this country victory, and we will win.

francois60 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 05:27 PM

The main reason Lieberman endorsed him is because McCain, like Lieberman, is an independent mind who doesn't always toe the party line.

That's the kind of leader we need. We don't need followers in the Presidency, we need leaders.

SamInTheSouth · #9 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 09:08 PM

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Originally Posted by MountainMike

I like McCain on many issues, but he is wrong on Iraq. Voting for him might well lead to another four years in a quagmire. If that is not what he wants, he needs to come out and say that, as many voters will be taking that to the ballot boxes. Since Iraq to me is a huge issue, I can't vote for McCain.

That is not to say that I don't respect him for what I heard Liberman say. Bipartisan efforts are indeed rare and to be commended. He is the strongest anti pork, government waste candidate. He said as president he would never sign off on pork. I respect his experience as a POW and military credibility. Though his commitment to stay indefinitely "until the job is done" is not what I support, I know he supports the troops.

Liberman is officially an independent. He is going to get roasted by Democrats for what he said to endorse McCain. I think he just burned his bridges for any hope of return to the Dem Party.

We're going to be in Iraq for another four years no matter who we elect, other than probably Ron Paul. None of the Dems are going to pull out.

Caltex · #10 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 10:45 AM

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Originally Posted by SamInTheBurgh

We're going to be in Iraq for another four years no matter who we elect, other than probably Ron Paul. None of the Dems are going to pull out.

Richardson would. But yeah, the chances of an anti-war candidate being elected is small.