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Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Threat

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2006
Posted on Thu Aug 10, 2006 at 11:19:55 PM EST
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Joe Lieberman, puppet of the Bush Administration.

"If we just pick up like Ned Lamont wants us to do, get out by a date certain, it will be taken as a tremendous victory by the same people who wanted to blow up these planes in this plot hatched in England," Mr. Lieberman said at a campaign event in Waterbury, Conn. "It will strengthen them, and they will strike again."

In 1994, Newt Gingrich's plan was to foist a Contract on America on us, instilling the fear of crime in the heart of every American. In 2006, Lieberman thinks he can propel himself to victory by cementing the fear of terrorism in the heart of every Amercian.

Newt's plan was unsuccessful when it came to crime issues. Lieberman won't fare any better.

Ned Lamont:

"Wow," Mr. Lamont said, after twice asking a reporter to read Mr. Lieberman's remark about him. "That comment sounds an awful lot like Vice President Cheney's comment on Wednesday. Both of them believe our invasion of Iraq has a lot to do with 9/11. That's a false premise."

Mr. Cheney, in an interview with reporters on Wednesday, said that Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups were counting on Americans to adopt a weaker military posture, and that Mr. Lamont's victory indicated that "the dominant view of the Democratic Party" favored that weaker approach.

The bottom line:

Some political analysts and Democratic strategists expressed surprise at what they viewed as Mr. Lieberman's attempt to leverage a terrorist threat for political gain, even while the threat is still under investigation.

"Senator Lieberman is sounding more and more like President Bush every day," said Steve McMahon, a Democratic consultant. "He's trying to demonstrate strength, but the risk is that he comes across as desperate."

Connecticut voters aren't that stupid and neither are we. Colorado Senator Ken Salazar hasn't gotten the message yet. He thinks he can support and disavow Bush's agenda point by point and be anti-war yet pro-Lieberman. At some point, he too will be held accountable for speaking out of both sides of his mouth.

< Bush Uses Terror Threat to Sell Surveillance Programs | The Path Not Taken >

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    Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Threat | 22 comments (22 topical)
    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 05:22:43 AM EST
    I think you meant Osama rather than "Obama". While Obama is a threat, I would hope they haven't talked about taking him out.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#2)
    by chemoelectric on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 05:31:05 AM EST
    I think you meant Osama rather than "Obama". While Obama is a threat, I would hope they haven't talked about taking him out. Doesn't matter anyway, because they would take out Obama by invading New Hampshire.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#3)
    by Strick on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 05:43:56 AM EST
    Karl Rove didn't hatch this plot. I just got back from Scotland flying through Heathrow and my mother-in-law plans to take my son to England for his 16th birthday, this isn't funny folks, it's real. It's origins and style predate current troubles, going back to 9/11 and even earlier attempts to attack planes, to the point where you really can't pretend that it's all the Iraq invasion's fault. Nor do I believe that Bin Ladin, dead or alive, would had any real impact on the plot (see my other post). Even if you don't think that Lieberman's remarks were more than political grandstanding, they were better than Lamont's pathetic fumblings. Not that the later's were that surprising from a novice candidate who's primary qualification was that he could contribute enough of his own money to the campaign to get the nomination.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#4)
    by kdog on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 06:11:41 AM EST
    I didn't know the accused plotters are part of the Iraqi insurgency? I thought they are British living in London. Pulling out a "victory" for them? I don't get the logic. It certainly would be a victory for US troops. What's more victorious than getting home alive?

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 09:16:32 AM EST
    Sorry Strick, but no one has said Karl Rove hatched this plot and no one has said it is funny. But it didn't take long for Karl and Co. to look for political gain in it. Furthermore, I don't see how the fact that you just got back from Scotland gives you any great insight into the mind of the alleged plotters. So what's your point?

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#6)
    by squeaky on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 09:45:49 AM EST
    Juan Cole puts the WH aka republican penchant of using terror for political gain in perspective. Evidentially the British have learned to leave the WH out of the loop in their terror investigations. The British have been working on the liquid explosive cell since 2005 and only notified Bush two weeks proir to the bust.
    US authorities were only told about some details two weeks ago, apparently. It may be that the British counter-terrorism community learned its lesson from the loose lips of the Bushies in summer of 2004. I argued then that from what we could tell from open sources, it seemed likely that the Bush administration played politics with information about a double agent in Pakistan who was helping monitor a London al-Qaeda cell. It seems likely that the election-year leak allowed budding terrorists like Mohammad Sadique Khan to escape closer scrutiny, and so permitted the 7/7/05 London subway bombings to go forward.
    Juan Cole

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#7)
    by Ernesto Del Mundo on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 10:11:46 AM EST
    One simple fact no one can argue with: The plot being stopped was a blow to the Republican/Lieberman campaign hopes of 2006. They need another 9/11 to exploit and they need it soon. Connecticut voters aren't that stupid... Which is why Holy Joe is in deep doo doo. Maybe he should relocate to NASCAR-land.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#8)
    by Strick on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 10:21:39 AM EST
    Plenty have said as much, grandmotherjo, if not here. They also say out loud this is a phony threat. The general reaction across the left blogshpere is that this knews is good for the right, so they don't want to believe. Oh, the right thinks it's good for them, too. Nor have I claimed special insight other than being aware that this one could have hit close to home for me. BTW, has anyone read anything further on the Time's report that this is related to Kashmir rather than any of the other issues we've been concentrating on since we first heard of Al Qaeda in the early 90s?

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#9)
    by Ernesto Del Mundo on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 10:23:14 AM EST
    Not that the later's were that surprising from a novice candidate who's primary qualification was that he could contribute enough of his own money to the campaign to get the nomination.
    And that such a novice could knock off a 3 term incumbent Senatoris an indication that your line of thought ain't playing well outside the narrow confines of your own mental playground.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#10)
    by squeaky on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 10:55:56 AM EST
    They also say out loud this is a phony threat. The general reaction across the left blogshpere is that this knews is good for the right, so they don't want to believe. Oh, the right thinks it's good for them, too.
    No Strick, most here and elsewhere on the left are horrified by the fact that Bushco seems much less interested in preventing terrorism, than using terrorism for self serving political enhancement of his power. For him terror is simply oil to maintain his political machine. If he actually was interested in stopping terrorism, like the British seem to be doing, he wouldn't bungle everything he touches. Juan Cole sums it up:
    The Scotsman is also saying that the UK plotters were "days" from swinging into action. If this operation is as advertised, then it underlines again the importance of plain old fashioned counter-terrorism and police work. An army of 136,000 men in the field can't stop bombs from going off in Iraq every day. What stopped the liquid bomb plot was something superior, a tool fitted to the task.
    A task that seems to elude Bush. Guess he is too busy acting the tool thereby making us less safe, rather than using a tool that would actually make us safer. Juan Cole

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#11)
    by Strick on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 11:17:48 AM EST
    Old fashioned counter-terrorism? Yeah, now that countries are no longer willing to openly support them with training camps and money. Too scared to for some reason. Of course, British counter-terrorism agencies have police powers that make the Patriot Act seem like the ACLU's dream. Even then they had to rely on the US to monitor international calls. Which was legal for us to do without warrants, of course. The FBI and Homeland Security would have been quite a bit less nimble.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#12)
    by squeaky on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 11:36:36 AM EST
    Strick-
    Of course, British counter-terrorism agencies have police powers that make the Patriot Act seem like the ACLU's dream.
    And Saudi Arabia and Singapore makes the British laws look like candy-land. And let's not forget about Stasi and the KGB. Funny that the wingnuts want to turn America into a Singapore or Saudi-Arabia. Why do they all have a love for totalitarianism and fascism. Maybe it has something to do with their early years. A too heavy handed method of toilet-training perhaps?

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#13)
    by Sailor on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 11:57:34 AM EST
    But Bush aides on Thursday fought the notion that they had exploited their knowledge of the coming British raid to hit Democrats, saying the trigger had been the defeat of Democratic Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut by an anti-war political novice. "The comments were purely and simply a reaction" to Democratic voters who "removed a pro-defense Senator and sent the message that the party would not tolerate candidates with such views," said Snow. [...] "Weeks before September 11th, this is going to play big," said another White House official, who also spoke on condition of not being named, adding that some Democratic candidates won't "look as appealing" under the circumstances.
    Remember when Bushco said it would be wrong to politicize the WOT?

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#14)
    by Slado on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 12:07:14 PM EST
    Since when did politicians using events for political gain become a problem? Why is Lamont the nominee? he used the troubles in Iraq for political gain. What else explains it. Certainly not experience. He was a one issue voter who took a position for pure politcal gain. Yet TL et all would have us believe Liberman is somehow being dishonest by using events to support his canidacy. Attention: Double standard at the highest levels. Please stop this silly game. its ridiculous for one side to accuse the other of being a politician. Use your brainpower for honest criticism of issues not this Pot vs. Kettle name calling.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#15)
    by Slado on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 12:09:13 PM EST
    FYI Bush and company are just as guilty as democrats of exploiting issues IMHO. It's called politics gang. Saying only one side does it or is somewhat worse makes you look silly. enough already.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#16)
    by roy on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 12:11:24 PM EST
    slado, But when my side does it, it's for a good reason.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#17)
    by Sailor on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 12:33:56 PM EST
    Since when did politicians using events for political gain become a problem?
    Uhh, when bush swore he wouldn't do it? When the right constantly attacks what they say are dems doing it?

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#18)
    by Rick B on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 01:46:12 PM EST
    Slade,
    Why is Lamont the nominee? he used the troubles in Iraq for political gain.
    And what are the events in Iraq that Lamont used as politics? He used the absalute idiocy of invading Iraq in the first place, and the complete and total fiasco which the Bush administration has committed on the nation of Iraq. Or, actually, the ex-nation of Iraq. Because of the utter incompetence of the Bush administration listening to the NeoCons hard liners, there will not be a nation of Iraq as we have known it recreated in our lifetimes. At best there will be three nations existing in some level of military tension with each other. Bush and company have also created a Shi'a from Iran through Iraq into Lebanon. Bushco has also set things up so that Iran is now the sole regional superpower in the Middle East, sitting on top of the oil WE need. And Bushco has made sure that Iran does NOT LIKE US. Gee. Is there nothing here to use for political gain? Would America not be much better off if someone did use this for political gain and exchange anyone else for Bush and the Republicans? Larry, Curly and Moe could not possibly have done a worse job in the Middle East, even if the Marx brothers were there to help. That seems to open a large element of political weakness for exploitation by politicians who think they can do a better job. Isn't that why we have political democracy? Let's hope that Lamont and others successfully replace this current set of losers who are dragging America into the lowest regions of Hell with them.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#19)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 01:49:07 PM EST
    "Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Threat" by saying "If we just pick up like Ned Lamont wants us to do, get out by a date certain, it will be taken as a tremendous victory by the same people who wanted to blow up these planes in this plot hatched in England,"....."It will strengthen them, and they will strike again."? So what, we should not even discuss the likely effects of a policy of retreat like the one Ned Lamont professes to support? Why? Because it would endanger the electibility of the Liberal Left's new boy-toy? Come on, Jeralyn. If Ned is going to run on a 100% anti-war, why can't we all just get along platform in the face of this kind of attack being planned by people who most definitely do not want to just get along, it only serves the national interest to have a discussion about it before he is elected. This kind of whine is what has started to make this site a joke.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#20)
    by Slado on Fri Aug 11, 2006 at 02:40:03 PM EST
    Sailor I'm not saying righty conservatives don't play the same game. Of course they do. I thought you guys were smarter then us? :-) Also I don't remember Bush promising not to be a politician. More then likely he promised as a politician not to be over the top or some other non comittal promise leaving the door open to again be a politician. Not that I don't love the guy, becaue like Liberman I do, but he is a politician and all politicians no matter how noble...yes even Lamont...become subject to their craft and eventually act like politicians. Can't we agree on that? Staking out a moral highground on this matter is just foolish. Rick B. That is your opinion. Thanks for it. But without difficulties in Iraq and Lamont exploiting the furror on the hard left over Iraq there is no way in hell liberman wouldn't be the nominee at this very moment. Sorry, those are the facts. Doesn't mean he's guilty of something but for his supporters to now turnaround and cry foul and Liberman taking advantage of a new development seems again silly.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#22)
    by Ernesto Del Mundo on Sat Aug 12, 2006 at 12:09:33 PM EST
    How many remain on the "hard right" and in the center?
    Repack, you should know by now that there is no "hard right". What used to be known as the wild-eyed John Bircher radicals back in the 1950s and '60s are now the political center and the rest of us are the "hard left". This includes anyone that doesn't think invading Iraq was a move of awesome genius...and who doesn't think attacking Iran is also a swell idea. Either you believe in the Rapture, or you are a heretic. And in that context, it comes as a shock to the system when Lieberman gets dumped and this can only be explained in the wingnut mind as Communist subversion by the Hard Left.

    Re: Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Thre (none / 0) (#23)
    by Sailor on Mon Aug 14, 2006 at 06:53:43 PM EST
    Sailor I'm not saying righty conservatives don't play the same game.
    But rethugs lied about it, said they didn't do it and castigated dems as if they did it ... and now you say everyone does it so it's OK. Lying is not OK, I didn't like it when clinton lied about a BJ, I really didn't like it when bush lied about WMDs. Lying is not OK, especially when your salary is paid by the folks who you are lying to. And most especially when 2500+ people died for your lie.

    Lieberman Tries to Exploit British Terror Threat | 22 comments (22 topical)