The Dems Double Standard

Editor's note
In an email sent out to media outlets today, Jim Barnett points out the hypocrisy of the Democratic Party in the way they are all abandoning Sen. Joe Lieberman,D-CT and embracing "Independent" and self-avowed "Social Democrat" (read "Socialist") for Senate in Vermont.

VT Dems Back Independent Socialist While Abandoning Moderate Democrat Incumbent

“Democrat leaders are not even pretending to be moderate anymore. Given the opportunity, they enthusiastically work on behalf of an independent socialist against fellow Democrats, while abandoning a moderate Democrat incumbent in favor of a radical liberal. It just goes to show that thoughtful moderates are no longer welcome in today’s Democrat Party.”

-- VT Republican Party Chair Jim Barnett


VT Democrat Leaders Shun Fellow Democrats In Favor Of Independent Socialist Bernard Sanders Who In Turn Shuns Democrats.

“Vermont's Democratic Party is maneuvering to keep the Democratic candidates for the state's open US Senate seat off the November ballot, as party leaders seek to clear the way for independent Representative Bernard Sanders in his bid for the Senate. State Democratic leaders are spearheading efforts to gather signatures to put Sanders on the ballot as a Democrat, even though Sanders has repeatedly said he would turn down the party's nomination if he wins the primary.” (Boston Globe, 7/13/06)

“Bernie Sanders has been an outstanding Congressman for the last 15 years effectively representing the interests of Vermont. I look forward to working with him in the U.S. Senate as we fight together for the needs of all Vermonters.” (Senator Patrick Leahy testimonial, Sanders for Senate 2006 website, www.bernie.org, accessed 7/13/06)

“Breaking party lines, former Gov. Howard Dean said Monday he supports Rep. Bernard Sanders' bid for the U.S. Senate, saying the Independent makes a ‘strong candidate.’ ‘A victory for Bernie Sanders is a win for Democrats,’ Dean said in a telephone interview Monday.” (Bennington Banner, 5/10/05)

But These Same Democrat Leaders Refuse To Support The Prospective Independent Candidacy Of Current Moderate Democrat Senator And 1996 Democrat Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Lieberman (D-CT).

Sen. Leahy Strongly Opposes An Independent Run By Lieberman. “Leahy says he hasn’t been asked to endorse either candidate in the Connecticut race, but he strongly opposes Lieberman’s decision to run as an independent if Lieberman loses the August 7th primary.” (Vermont Public Radio, 7/8/06)

Ø Sen. Leahy: “I’m disappointed that he’s talking about running as an independent. He’s always run as a Democrat. ... He ought to be willing to run as a Democrat. He’ll either win or lose the nomination, but if he doesn’t win the nomination then I would fully expect the Democratic party to support whoever does win it.” (Vermont Public Radio, 7/8/06)

Howard Dean Vows To Work Against An Independent Lieberman. Dean: “[W]e allow the voters to decide who’s a Democrat, so whoever the voters choose in Connecticut is who we’re going to support.” (CNN’s “The Situation Room,” 7/7/06)

Ø Dean: “I’m going to campaign for the Democratic nominee, and if it’s Joe Lieberman, you’ll see me along side Joe Lieberman, if it’s Ned Lamont, you’re going to see me along side Ned Lamont.” (CNN’s “The Situation Room,” 7/7/06)

Ø Dean: “We don’t get involved in primaries, we do support the Democratic nominee chosen by the people in the Democratic party in Connecticut.” (CNN’s “The Situation Room,” 7/7/06)