Ted and Joe: Gone and Back

19 November 2008 |permalink | email article

In Alaska he’s known as “Uncle Ted.” But on his 85th birthday Sen. Ted Stevens’ narrow loss in his re-election bid marks the downfall of an icon and Washington power broker who has been in the Senate since the days of the Lyndon Johnson administration.

The winner, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, moves Senate Democrats very close to a filter-proof 60-vote majority. He’s the first Democrat to represent the Senate from Alaska in nearly 30 years.

Stevens held an early lead after the election but his conviction on federal corruption charges just days before clearly benefited Begich although a recount is possible.

While John McCain easily defeated Barack Obama, Democrats seem aroused and more likely to challenge Gov. Sarah Palin for re-election in 2010.

Joe, No True Apology: I thought Monday’s 45-minute meeting between Barack Obama and McCain to work together and change Washington’s “bad habits” was little more than a photo-op. Why was Lindsey Graham, McCain’s constant companion on the trail, along with Lieberman, there other than to make sure that the renegade Democrat kept his Homeland Security chairmanship?

Lieberman, Al Gore’s running mate in 2000, will never be forgiven for his savage attack on Obama at the Republican National Convention this summer and for standing directly behind him at scores of McCain rallies.

While a bitter pill for most Senate Democrats to swallow they caved in to Obama’s wish as the price for keeping Lieberman in their caucus.  DNC chairman Howard Dean called the move pragmatic, magnanimous and politically shrewd. Reading the blogs many Netroots supporters voiced anger and disappointment. Katie Couric grills Joe first tonight on CBS News.

“It’s a resolution of reconciliation and not retribution…and I appreciate it,” the smarmy Connecticut independent said. Yeah, sure!

Quote

“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer”— Michael Coreleone.

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