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Sen. Joe Lieberman's announcement that will not seek a fifth Senate term will end one of the great "buddy movies " in politics.
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I/D-CT) whispers to John McCain (R-AZ). Lieberman and McCain became good friends, especially in recent years and campaigns.
In a phone interview with NBC News Wednesday, Arizona Sen. John McCain said, "I'm going to miss Joe everyday."
McCain said he had discussed Lieberman's retirement with him many times "in general terms."
"I just respect his decision," said McCain, who added that he thought it would be "selfish" to try to persuade his friend to run again.
While remarking that no one is irreplaceable in the Senate, McCain said Lieberman has "played a very unique role, independent and bipartisan...Nobody understands Middle East issues like Joe." Pointing to the Connecticut senator's "knowledge, background and influence on national security issues," he said "that will be what's hard to replace."
Reflecting on how Lieberman broke with the party that had placed him on the national ticket in 2000 to endorse McCain for president in 2008, McCain recalled, "The moment I'll treasure most in the many years of our relationship is when he came to a town hall meeting in New Hampshire and endorsed me."
McCain said he believes that Lieberman's support "was key to securing independents" and said that led to his New Hampshire primary win and the GOP nomination.
Acknowledging that Lieberman has paid a political price among Democrats by backing McCain, the Arizona Republican pointed out that it was "not enough to lose his chairmanship" and "not amongst independents." Democratic leaders had considered but then backed off stripping Lieberman of his seniority after the presidential election.
McCain, who beat back a tea party primary challenge himself last year, said of his friend's political prospects in Connecticut, "I think he had tough fight but a deep reservoir of good will."
Although McCain and Lieberman sharply disagreed on the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, McCain said Lieberman's successful leadership on that issue can be judged a signature achievement, "I think so. From his standpoint, it has to be," he said.
While saying he is not sure what Lieberman will do after his term ends, "I'm confident because of his commitment to Israel and peace in the Middle East, he'll play a major role there."
With the Senate chamber different these days after notable deaths and retirements of long serving members, McCain said, "I think there's probably a short term lack of corporate knowledge in the ways of the Senate. But in the long run, the institution goes on."
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When Joe Lieberman went to a New Hampshire town hall meeting and endorsed John McCain, that was the beginning of the end for Joe Lieberman. Can't say I will miss you, because I won't.
He was your guys Vice President nominee in 2000.
The beginning of the end, when the libs turned on him, was when he didn't abandon his principles and flip-flop on the war in Iraq like the rest of the Dems. He was actually Bipartisan, the very thing you applaud and admonish the right for not being, yet vilify if it is a Dem - even your own VP nominee!
He was an independent by the time of the McCain endorsement.
Do you ever get anything right, (I mean correct)?
Anyway, I respect Joe for having a conscious, principles and respecting the will of his constituents, even if I disagreed with votes most of the time. Shame there doesn't seem to be room in the Democrat party for that type of representation anymore.
Nor apparrently the GOP. btw it's the Democratic Party.
Democrat Party has been around since the turn of the last century. Some consider it an epithet, some consider it more accurate than Democratic Party. Funny you should bring it up in this spot. The case for Joe supports the use Democrat Party - nothing respectful about being democratic happened to him.
The GOP has the Snowes and Collins still, although the Tea Party runs more along the purity lines likes the liberals do.
It's a shame, McCains BFF is leaving his side!
Now the once great Maverick will resort to yelling at pigeons on the park bench again!
Ah, the civil approach:)
Welcome to FR, BB.
"...But they CAN'T make us shut up"
(where does that sound familliar from....?)
I applaud Senator Lieberman's efforts to repeal DADT, to pass START and a few other things. But he let his constituents and the country down on health care. Prior to 2009, Lieberman campaigned on health care for all, medicare for all, public option--pick one and then he said "NO" to any and threatened to block passage. Until recently, Lieberman has often behaved as a petty, sore loser because McCain lost--we expect politicians to rise above pettiness. What will Senator McCain do without Lieberman to whisper the correct words in his ear on visits to the middle east? No disrespect intended for McCain but I found it troubling that a man who wanted to be President needed so much help keeping things straight.
^this
Too little too late Jody, he was helpful to get those laws on the books, but I can never forgive him for endorsing and campaigning for John McCain in 2008. He showed how petty and selfcentered he is, which in my view is unbecoming a US Senator.
Joe was only interested in Joe, good riddance.
Well when you consider he was probably in line for Cabinet Post in a McCain Administration, probably as Secretary of Defense or State, yeah I would say he was disappointed.
One of the great mavericks of our generation, he will be missed. Edan Aharony
Butty movies is more like it--and they have nearly a full two years more to butty it up.
So how many hours did you spend talking to yourself in the mirror before concocting that little gem? :p
I'm tortured by the recurring nightmare of Lieberman taking it to Collins missionary-style. That's another horror film.
No, that's just Rule #34 of the Internet.
I just threw up.
Bob,
"He was your guys Vice President nominee in 2000."
And Benedict Arnold was the hero of the Battle of Saratoga. Your point is?
Does that mean he will move to England?