Campaign to Challenge Conservative Democrat U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman Could Revive Party

Interview with William Greider, national affairs correspondent with the Nation Magazine, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

Just after delivering his State of the Union address in January 2005, President Bush embraced and kissed the cheek of U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut. The conservative Democrat, who was Presidential candidate Al Gore’s running mate in the 2000 election, has infuriated many in his party over the last few years by supporting Mr. Bush on several key issues.

Progressive Democrats in Connecticut and around the nation were angered by Lieberman’s kind words for President Bush’s proposal to partially privatize Social Security, which ultimately failed. Lieberman’s steadfast and vocal support for the president’s war in Iraq has also created animosity toward the three term Senator, who supported several of Mr. Bush’s controversial cabinet appointments.

Over the past year a grassroots movement of angry democrats has begun to search for a candidate to challenge Mr. Lieberman when he runs for re-election in November 2006. Former GOP senator and independent Connecticut Gov. Lowell Weicker has expressed interest in the plan - Lieberman ousted Weicker from his Senate seat in 1988. The well-organized liberal group MoveOn.org, has also stated its interest in raising money for a Lieberman challenge. Between The Lines’ Scott Harris spoke with William Greider, The Nation Magazine’s national affairs correspondent who explains why he believes an effective campaign against Lieberman could have national repercussions in re-invigorating the Democratic party.

Read William Greider's piece about Joe Lieberman titled, “The Rise of the Rebels” in the December 24th edition of the The Nation or visit the magazine’s website at www.TheNation.com www.thenation.com

Related links:

www.DumpJoe.com

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