Lieberman To Reid On DADT: Back Off, I Got This

:scared:

Lieberman To Reid On DADT: Back Off, I Got This
Brian Beutler | December 8, 2010, 4:13PM

Senate Democrats are on the precipice of getting a Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal past a key procedural hurdle tonight. But key negotiators have grown frustrated by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his staff for upping the pressure at a fragile moment, potentially scuttling the deal.

"I've been pleading with Senator Reid, don't hold a vote on the defense authorization bill, the repeal of DADT, until we have a good opportunity to work out a fair process for the consideration bill with Senator Collins and some of the other Republican," said Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) this afternoon after a Dem caucus meeting. "Senator Collins really wants to vote for the bill with the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and Senator Scott Brown is the same and I think there may be at least one other Republican Senator to make that clear today."

That third Republican has since been revealed as Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Lieberman has been the lead Dem negotiator for repeal, and has been in regular contact with all three Republican supporters. But earlier today his efforts were undermined, in his view, by Reid's announcement of a test vote tonight, and by leaks from the leadership, accusing Collins of demanding too many procedural concessions, putting the success or failure of the vote tonight at her feet.

From Reid's point of view the math is two-dimensional. By calling the vote, and leaking to the press, he ups the pressure on Collins to make a decision -- and quickly. At the same time, he creates a focal point for liberal animus if the Senate fails to pass repeal before this Congress comes to an end and with it hope for a legislative solution to DADT. That's not helpful to Lieberman, who wants to keep negotiations fluid, egos unbruised and the bill alive.

"That's why I think it would be so wrong to bring it up before they give us the time -- Senator Collins, others, myself -- to work out an amendment process," he told reporters.

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http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/lieberman-to-reid-on-dadt-back-off-i-got-this.php

I know Lieberman has worked really hard on this and has been a strong supporter of repealing DADT but I think Sen Collins has been given enough time to make up her mind and if she's not willing to do the right thing simply because it's the right thing and not because of what she'll get in return, fuck her.

we can either try and play hardball and have her say ok f-it, or we can stroke her ego as much as it needs to be stroked to get her vote.

I for one am willing to stroke.

And after writing those sentences I need to go wash my keyboard.

I want this passed very, very much but the thought of having to stroke an ego in order to do the right thing makes me nauseous.

This is what compromise for the greater good is about.

But I think he needs a chaperone. Entrusting Joe Lieberman--alone--to handle an issue seems very risky given what he has done with the Iraq War and the public option in the health care bill.

republican convention. He is in the thick of this issue to wreck it. He is totally dedicated to McCain.

Trust or not, the facts are clear on that. And this is why Obama didn't strip him of his titles and power in the Senate. On this cause, we need the guy.

It all an act with him. He is trying to get points to run in CT again. He can say he tried, but will make sure he wrecks this DADT repeal. During the election he said he would stand by his man.

Don't get me wrong, he's a very self-interested man, but on this, he's remained consistent.

He can't decide what positions or powers he receives. That is in Reid's hands.

The best Obama can do is recommend. But that doesn't likely happen.

an auditorium full of hating, intolerant gay bashers. He is out to wreck this attempt at repeal of DADT.

he supported McCain's cause. Hate and intolerance.

Sorry to argue, I respect your views but these days I am not trusting any senator that supports republicans.

I know both mean well on this issue, but still . . .

DADT, faking that he is leading it. The guy is McCain's best friend and is dedicated to him.

And this is Connecticut after all...we even have legal gay marriage here and Lieberman never said anything negative against it. Our own Repub gov even signed it into law. Lieberman has consistent view on this and are in line with what the majority of us in this state agree with.

as weak as he is on pretty much everything else.

He has been on record for repealing it. He is friends with Republicans like McCain and can actually get them (maybe not Johnny Songbird) to vote to end it.

Reid can't handle the Blue Dogs. Lieberman, who was a Blue Dog, is a great person to persuade on this issue.

Not that I trust him or even like him, but this is something he might do to redeem himself.

Lieberman is generally liberal on social issues, I believe.