Sometimes, a bit of political judo is the best thing. If someone on our side were to make a bunch more copies of the flyer, and distribute them in some of the tonier white areas (Stamford, West Hartford, etc.), bet *that* would get some reactions.
The fact that Joe Lieberman has to go 40 years into the past to find something remotely resembling a good deed for African American's tells me everything I need to know about Senator Lieberman...
A preemptive good riddance from me to you Sen Lieberman...
So, what was wrong with Lieberman's flyer on Lamont. Are the statements quoted from Lamont accurate? Is the club discriminatory? Does it have any minority members? Why did Lamont feel the need to leave it? As an outsider, it seems to me that Lieberman told the truth and Lamont's supporters don't like it.
Dude,
Let me do this slowly:
From Lieberman shitty flyer,
He didn't pay as much attention to race...until he got into the race.
That's a big fucking LIE! It plants a picture in the mind of African-Americans that Ned didn't care about race relations.
HE WORKED IN A INNER CITY SCHOOL IN BRIDGEPORT FOR GOD SAKES!
David P. Graf ...
so what would you think if the answers to your questions were as follows....
Are the statements quoted from Lamont accurate?
Not completely...
Is the club discriminatory?
Lamont says the club isn't discriminatory, though he has acknowledged that the club isn't perfect on race. In the flyer the Lieberman camp left out a couple other of Lamont's quotes in the July Times story, which read as follows:
"It's not as diverse as it should be," Mr. Lamont said. "I didn't pay as much attention to that before the race began, to tell you the truth.
"They don't have any discriminatory policies," he added.
Does it have any minority members?
Yes.
Why did Lamont feel the need to leave it?
See above
....
Now...do you think it would be helpful if you stopped asking insinuating questions without any supporting facts...It would be kind of like me asking you "when did you stop beating your wife"...
With supporters like this...it certainly makes me realize even more why Sen. Lieberman needs to leave the Senate...He disrespects his constituency at every turn, why should they respect him...
How I wish I were a CT resident on Aug 8th...
justmy2,
Thank you, you made my job easier.
Sorry, but I don't buy Lamont's non-answer. For him to say that he wasn't as aware as he should have been that the club wasn't very diverse is a just a statement of fact. It does not tell you why he was so clueless. I suspect I know why. Lamont is rich and he associates with similar people just like him. That excludes not only most minorities, but the vast majority of whites too. This man won't even tell you where his money came from. Why do you think that a rich man who associates with others just like him is going to shake up the system that made him rich? It's just not believable.
If his opponent was anyone other than Lieberman, you'd be knocking the idea of yet another multi-millionaire claiming to really care about the interests of regular people. I got snookered a few elections ago by Bush's talk of "compassionate conservatism". We've seen who benefits from his compassion and it sure isn't the poor.
It does my heart good to see that Democratic liberals can be fooled just as bad as conservative Republicans.
Great post CTB - if anyone is missing the importance at this point, they're not worth trying to convince (sorry David).
David,
You're an idiot. Don't waste your time writing here. I have no time for your crap.
Have a nice day.
It's over.
I like how the main argument against Lamont is that he has money. What, and Joe doesn't?
The main issue here should be the media's willingness to keep silent about things that could adversely influence one candidate's popularity when they should covering all. it's not so much about the exclusive Greenwich club as about the attempt to use something trivial as dirt to throw. Silence is effective- look at war coverage, since Desert Storm we don't see the coffins coming back, so less outrage.
Graf is missing the point.
Obviously David Graf is a bit thick in the head, or he would be noting the use of elipses (...)
This is the trademark of a politican who has nothing. Lieberman's own words and actions cannot stand on their own, so he resorts to tactics like this.
Next I expect to hear about Lieberman running a Willie Horton type advert.
"Why do you think that a rich man who associates with others just like him is going to shake up the system that made him rich? It's just not believable."
Exactly. Only naive children believe in fictional characters like the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy.
You expect the media to call Joe on something as little as not including all the facts after it let WMDs slide? The media is done with calling people about anything anymore.
I have to say, this is a new use of the term "race baiting" in my experience.
If Lieberman were distributing fliers in white neighborhoods showing Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as Lamont supporters -- they were campaigning for Lamont today -- with the idea of portraying his opponent as the preferred candidate among black radicals, I can understand why that would be considered race baiting (i.e. appealing to people's racial prejudices). (I emphasize "if" because Lieberman has not not made fliers like that.)
But in this case, we have two white candidates, one of whom, Lieberman, is distributing a flier to black voters, based on the premise that he, Lieberman, is the candidate who truly supports black people, while his opponent does not care about black people.
That does not sound like race baiting to me. Lieberman's flier claims that he is the candidate who is more opposed to racial prejudice than his opponent. It may or may not be true, but it has nothing to do with appealing to racial prejudices.
See here for a blog post which talks about how "race baiting" seems to have changed its meaning in some people's minds.
I am all for Ned, because Joe has pissed me off deeply on so many issues, not just Iraq.
But...
It strikes me as so way over-the-top as to be downright dishonest to call this flyer "race-baiting". You seriously undermine the force of the charge by using it for this flyer - just like the people who charge one with being anti-semitic because one makes the slightest comment along the lines of "gee, it would be nice if Israel didnt kill so many civilians in their bombing campaigns".
Lieberman has been very good, historically, on civil rights issues, being a hero in fact, in his youth. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with making that argument, so the front of the flier is perfectly fine.
The back of the flier is also perfectly appropriate. Havent we made similar charges against Republican country-club members whenever we have the opportunity? Of course we have. The fact that Ned resigned from the club is, in fact, an admission on his part that maybe being a member was not such a good thing. How on earth can you imagine that ANY political opponent wouldnt use that to score a few points?
Race-baiting? Not by a very long shot.
Look, you are not doing us any favors with this stuff. When people make over-the-top, hysterical attacks on their opponents, it gives observers the sense that maybe there arent very many good reasons to vote for the candidate. But there are tons of good reasons to vote for Ned. Focus on those, and dont act like little Rove wannabes.
I find it so amusing the liberals are complaining about race baiting when they use that tactic in every single election. Not an election goes by without the Democratic party whipping blacks up into a frothing at the mouth frenzy against the so called racist Republicans. I am surprised that there has not been a major race riot caused by this tactic. Actually, presidential candidtate Al Shrpton has caused a few riots that has led to multiple deaths.
Lieberman's add is not race baiting, it is pointing out the fact that he has stood up for cival rights his entire life.
I find it depressing that in the liberal world, putting your country ahead of partisian politics is a crime that results in ex-communication and banishment from the tribe. The liberals I know today are the most intolerant, hate filled people whose entire world view is shaped by parinoid delusions. The post above a yet another prime example.
I'm an African-American from Ct. In my view Ned "Big Dummy" Lamont is a racist and I will tell everyone I know to vote against him. All you rich guys are the same, poser bullshit.
I agree entirely with aheiss and Timw. As an under 40 white guy born and raised in California there are no people more intolerant than those Fabian socialists (Democrats) who call themselves LIBERAL. Leave the party JOE.
Ever notice how many liberals are monetarily very rich? Ever notice how when a white family is in financial trouble and files a bankruptcy they are buying a house or getting small business loans within a year or two while a minority family in the same situation gets a bad credit rating, welfare and food stamps?
There is only one race!! (Human) and the intelligent humans are beggining to see that voting for a Democrat or a Republican is a scam. Take the third option vote for anybody that isn't part of these political parties. (Don't worry that they are Green party socialists or Christian coalition racists) At least they have the ethics to accurately portray themselves. They won't be better but they can't be worse; and they won't win, but the message will be clear.
You folks really ARE imploding aren't you? Amazing...
Yes I am a conservative, just browsing this site. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, including whether or not to support the nominee. But will you please tell me what was racist about this flyer? And correct me if I am wrong, but Bill Clinton has been campaigning for Lieberman in this primary campaign. I personally vote issues. In a race between Lieberman and Condeleeza Rice I would vote for Rice in a NY second.
Oh and did you know that Joe has an 80% correct voting record according to Liberal tracking? You are becoming a one issue party, it's called hating Bush
Whenever the Kossacks back a candidate I look to their opponent.
Why?
Kos does not represent the historic nor the current (D) party.
It's pretty clear who is best for Connecticut. And it's not someone who is remoting involved with the hysterical mouth breathers at Daily Kos.
Nice adult language in your post as well. Way to represent a mature, collected point of view and the candidate you support. Another reason to support Lieberman.
[Dang typo....]
... not someone who is remotely involved with the hysterical mouth breathers at Daily Kos.
Its sad that the vile hatred that is directed toward Lieberman from the left is due to the sole fact that Lieberman has put what he believes to be the interests of the country ahead of the party. The guy has a solid liberal voting record on domestic issues but because he does not try to fuck over Bush (and America) every day, he must be destroyed. Looks like we will have a new republican (or independit) senator from CT.
Great job liberals, please continue your party purification and please keep Howard Dean as party chairman.
I think you're on to something when you blame the media for it's silence. Unfortunately, not in the way you intended.
It's seems painfully obvious that if Ned were a Republican and a quit his discriminitory club just before running for office he would have been roasted alive by you AND the media.
Regretably hypocrasy is nothing new here, is it?
You have a point there. We should be upfront and speak truthfully and unashamed about why we want Joe to loose.
It's the war, not some manufactured controversy about a flyer that is in fact accurate.
See what happens when the WSJ links to this site...
Yes, I do see what happens when the WSJ links to your site. This is exactly how I found it. I am just a curious Southern fundamentalist radical who takes an overt interest in the issues that affect OUR country. I still don't understand how knee-jerk reactionism has become a substitute for honest discussion. Even though I have never voted for a -D since Walter Mondale (but several Libertarians), I have to respect Senator Lieberman for doing his best to hold on to his principles and articulating them in a serious and tolerant manner. (for a -D). Reminds me of Sen.'s Moynahan, Nunn, and Jackson, in that way. And Dirkson, too! I just simply (yes -- simply) don't agree with the majority of -D points of view on social policy. And with durn-near none of their foreign policy views. Let's get back to trumpeting our Anglophile-based Cultural Imperialism all around the world!! The facts sure seem to bear out the successful results of doing so.....requests for examples?....
So nice to see that a man with integrity for his entire political life is now served up on a platter for lunch by a "Limosine Liberal."
Of course Lamont resigned from the country club..."We'uns like them black folk, but watch your wallet in the dressing room." You should let kos pick your candidates for the entire (-D) party. The republicans would never lose another election!
I imagine that the WSJ link has really messed up the conversation here. The percentage of posts with f-words, s-words, and so forth has clearly declined. Reasoned arguments have too often supplanted venemous ravings.
As a charter member of the vast right-wing conspiracy, however, I am very gratified that the Democratic party is being taken over by the likes of those who use "dude" to address others with contempt. Republicans in Congress (and the White House) have made a number of errors over the past years, and some questionable trimming of principles, (such as saying good things about the economically imbecilic raise in the minimum wage). As such, they could be very vulnerable to a reasoned, rational opposition.
Such, however, is not forthcoming, and I root for Lamont to win, so that the rest of the (fly-over)country can be presented with the CT results as a cautionary tale of what the Democrats have descended to, and how rabidly and intolerantly they now treat anyone who strays ever-so-slightly from the far left reservation.
Sometimes it happens that your worst enemies can be your best friends. Thank you, Connecticut!
I'm sorry, but I don't buy Lamont's waffling.
Either he was concerned about a lack of diversity at a club for rich men, or he wasn't. It seems, by his own admission, that he didn't really think about it until he entered the primary. In fact, he kind of apologized for belonging.
I don't believe he's a racist. But I would rather have seen some history of him trying to change the dynamics of the club, such as sponsoring a few eligible minority members, or whatever.
His decision to leave the club seems solely for political opportunity. Perhaps it would have been better had he never commented on it, but he did, and he has to pay the price for his decision.
Lamont likely will win the primary. If I'm an African American, do I think that's the best outcome for me?
Lieberman has a real track record in civil rights. For all the faults the man has accrued in his Senatorial career, forgetting minorities has NEVER been one of them.
"Here's the racist flyer from team Joementum that everyone is dying to see. Read it and puke."
You still haven't explained the "racist" bit. You wanna hook us up with that?
Thanx.
Lieberman's rating from the NAACP for this year alone is 85%, that is NOT based on 40 years ago, but for his votes in the current congress.
Why not ask Ned Lamont about the more than 50% of his CT workforce that he fired, and then outsourced their jobs?? Why not ask why he deliberatly bought stock in Walmart, and i don't believe for one moment that he didn't know he owned stock in Halliburton. Doesn't he have enough money with out exploiting the suffering of the poor?
What is made plain to me is that the Lamontiacs here and elsewhere do not give a damn about the issues, any more than Lamont does.. they make as many excuses as Bush supporters do, and only make lip service to the issues. You are the ones who are hypocrites and do not deserve to be listened to.
Wow - like "back stabbing liberals" run amuck here. Lieberman stuck his neck out to save our region here in SECT by avoiding the Subase closure. And I'd like to hear from someone who actually recieved one of these flyers - the only person who has notified me about them is the nut that started this bullshit (ctblogger). We'll all vote for who we want without any input from your creeped out mind. GET A LIFE!
" See what happens when the WSJ links to this site..."
So, what, this is a closed club? No one is allowed to sully your minds with radical new ideas, like a couple of cold hard facts?
Don't know about you, but I'm always ready to give well-reasoned, factually-accurate points a good listen, whether I agree or not. I also prefer community and world leaders who are ready to listen to the same. Leaders tend to draw followers who think the same way they do. You should be able to follow the logic to its conclusion.
Karl Rove couldn't orchastrate a better way to take away a safe Democrat senate seat and replace it with an Independent. Looks like Dems are willing to stay the minority aisle in the Senate just to "make a statement". Take some advice: In the future when you want to make a statement, try writing a letter to your senator. How many of you Lamont supporters did that? Yeah right. GET REAL!
As an afterthought - it's tantalizing that many of the D's that voted Tuesday didn't want to wear their "I voted today!" stickers. Ah - now who isn't wearing their Scarlett Letter? I'll be in the crowds chanting "Six more years!" You go JOE!
I wrote on 08.02.06:
"(I emphasize "if" because Lieberman has not not made fliers like that.)"
Obviously, there should only be one "not" in that sentence.
Commenting by HaloScan
