Some conservatives and Republicans are worried that John McCain will choose Joe Lieberman to be his running mate.
Whether this comes to pass or not, conservatives and Republicans should embrace Lieberman the same way they did Zell Miller four years ago.
If you recall, Miller was the Democratic Senator from Georgia who took John Kerry and the Democratic Party to the woodshed as the keynote speaker at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York. His speech set liberals off in an absolute tizzy. In fact, I predicted that Miller would rile the Left as much as President Bush. (
Americandaily.com). It must be remembered that Miller was the keynote speaker at the 1992 Democratic National Convention (also in New York) singing the praises of Bill Clinton. Miller’s appearance at a Republican gathering set off cries of heresy in Democratic Party circles and beyond.
At present, Senator Lieberman is scheduled to address the 2008 Republican National Convention on its opening night on Monday, September 1st. Republican delegates should relish the Lieberman’s presence on the podium with the knowledge that it will set off Democrats, liberals and the Left a thousand times more than Zell Miller ever could.
I am well aware there are significant differences between Miller and Lieberman. Although Miller is a lifelong Democrat, he is a product of the South and has conservative social values. More importantly, Miller took his stand against the Democratic Party at the end of his political career. Conversely, while Lieberman is a hawk when it comes to national security and defense, he is a product of New England and has liberal social values although he is religiously observant. More importantly, Lieberman is at the height of his political power and isn’t going away anytime soon. His presence in the Senate keeps Harry Reid and company on their toes. Should McCain ascend to the White House, Lieberman might be named a Cabinet Secretary perhaps at Defense or State. Or he could be Vice President.
Frankly, I still believe McCain will name Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to be his running mate. But this is McCain’s call and his call alone. I won’t be thrilled if McCain picks Mitt Romney but I will live with it and make the best of it. Whatever reservations conservatives and Republicans might have about Lieberman (especially where it concerns abortion) it would be unwise to stage a revolt at the Republican National Convention. It should be remembered that Vice-Presidents don’t pick Supreme Court justices or sign bills into law. Lieberman would undoubtedly provide McCain with his two cents. McCain might take his advice. Or he might not.
Aside from showing disunity, conservatives and Republicans could open up themselves up to charges of anti-Semitism. I emphasize the word could. I don’t think conservatives and Republicans would have a problem with McCain having a Jewish running mate. If McCain picked Virginia Representative Eric Cantor (who is the only Jewish Republican in Congress) no one would bat an eyelash. But if Democrats didn’t have a problem with Al Gore picking a Jewish running mate but there’s a kerfuffle if McCain picks a Jewish running mate the optics of such a contrast could reinforce the historical mistrust American Jews have toward the Republican Party.
The main reason I think conservatives and Republicans should give Lieberman is a chance is that he, like McCain, puts his country first and his party second. I realize that can be a hard sell for a diehard political activist. But the fact Lieberman stood for America to succeed in Iraq when his party would not says a great deal about the man. To be sure, Lieberman hasn’t always agreed with the Bush Administration concerning the prosecution of the war. But for Lieberman defeat was not an option. This principled stand cost him the Democratic Party nomination when he ran for re-election to the Senate in 2006. Conservatives and Republicans in Connecticut didn’t agree with Lieberman on much but they could not question his commitment to our country’s well being and they voted for him as an Independent. Conservatives and Republicans in the rest of the country would be well served if they followed Connecticut’s lead.
Whatever role Joe Lieberman plays in John McCain’s bid for the White House, conservatives and Republicans should be glad that he is on our side.
Aaron Goldstein was a card carrying member of the socialist New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP). Since 09/11, Aaron has reconsidered his ideological inclinations and has become a Republican. Aaron lives and works in Boston.
