Caucus As A Democrat; Filibuster As A Republican

Well, it's no surprise that Joe Lieberman wants to have it both ways. He gets to chair an important committee, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, but he says he'll side with the Republicans to prevent a vote on health care if any bill includes a public option. There are two things here to keep in mind: First, Lieberman has no business caucusing with the Democrats if he votes with the Republicans on a filibuster and, second, the fact is — as I like to point out — that the filibuster is a rule, only a rule, and that the Senate majority (that would be the Democrats) can change it by majority vote at any time. If Senate Majority Leader Reid really wants to earn his chops he'll give Lieberman, the Republicans, and the White House a big Bronx cheer and ram a bill through with a simple majority. The way the U.S. Constitution intends. And then he'll dump Leiberman from all his leadership and seniority privileges.