Live Fact Checking of the Lieberman-Lamont Debate
by Matt Stoller, Thu Jul 06, 2006 at 03:03:42 PM EDT
I'm going to live-blog as best as I can. Please help in the comments.
Or go to the Lamont online debate headquarters.
Lieberman's opening statement: Wow, this guy is coming out angry, calling Ned a single issue candidate. Lieberman claims that he's opposed Bush on privatization on Social Security. And he's talking about how much he's done for the state and how much he's challenged George Bush.
Lamont: Giving his background, talking about him being a volunteer teacher, and building a business. He talks about how decisions in Washington are not helping ordinary Connecticut voters.
The first question has to do with Iraq. How can you ask Democrats to overlook the central issue of he race?
Lieberman: My position on Iraq has been clear. He's been critical of what the administration has done after the invastion. But we're there, and we have to let the Iraqis take over, not the terrorists. He has the guts to take an unpopular position. He claims that Lamont hasn't taken a consistent position on Iraq. When you're a Senator, you've got to make decisions.
Lamont: Senator Lieberman cheered on the President every step of the way. He says that he has Murtha's position, and our very visible military presence is fueling the insurgency. This war is not a single issue, it says so much about who we are.
Lieberman: Produces piece of paper that says that Lamont has adopted several different positions on Iraq. Do you support a specific withdrawal from Iraq.
Lamont: Absolutely.
Lieberman: He says that the sooner he get out of Iraq the better, but we can't leave too soon. If you want to allow the terrorists to take over, follow Lamont's policy.
Next question: Explain the difference between your position on Iraq. Lamont: Our best hope for success is to take the very American military face off this occupation, and start taking our troops home. At the end of the day, only the Iraqis can solve this.
Lieberman: Ned Lamont's got me confused. The situation in Iraq is a lot better than it was a year ago. Two thirds of the Iraqi military is now ready to lead the fight.
Would you support policies that Bush put forward even if it meant alienating Democrats, if you liked the policies?
Lamont: Of course. But Democrats need to stand up more effectively when we don't agree.
Lieberman: Washington has become rigidly and reflexively partisan, and I am one of the Senators who can reach across the aisle and get things done. It has helped deliver jobs for the sub base, and get more money, etc...
North Korea, what's your take? What dangers do N. Korea pose to the US?
Lieberman: Firing those missiles was provocative, but we should not overreact. The Bush administration has had an inconsistent approach to North Korea. We haven't tried to talk directly to Kim Jung Il, and we should (though not now).... This is not a crisis, it's a provocation. Tough diplomacy and economic sanction.
Lamont: The biggest threat to world peace is a rogue nation that can sell nuclear weapons to terrorists. North Korea fits that profile. We need to work with other countries to deal with the situation, it is the most dangerous situation we have in the world today.
What is the support for your campaign?
Lamont: Support is grassroots support, tens of thousands who want to see Democrats take a clear stance.
Lieberman: What being a Democrat means to me is what Kennedy in 1960 said. He quotes JFK's 'bear any burden' speech, and then says that Lamont is running a single issue campaign. I can do more for you and your families. Single issue candidate is applying a litmus test to me.
Lamont: It's so important that Democrats stand up and offer a constructive alternative, and that's what the party is.
Lieberman: He's spending a lot of his own money to disseminate lies about me. Points to Social Security and his opposition to privatization. He says he looked at it in the late 1990s, and thought it was a bad idea.
Tags: Connecticut, Joe Lieberman, Ned Lamont (all tags)









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