Why Is It Any of Harry Reid's Business?
Apprently, Senator Lieberman is on the outs with the Democratic Party, according to the New York Times, anyway. That is understandable, given his recent comments on Iraq, when contrasted with what Howard Dean has been saying. But this is what gets me:
Much of the open criticism has been from liberal groups and House members. But his comments have also rankled Democrats in the Senate. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the minority leader, phoned Mr. Lieberman this week to express concerns with his views, Mr. Reid's aide said.This isn't a parliamentary system where members can really be held accountable by party leaders for their votes or views. It is insane that any leader in the US would do that to a member of his party.
"Senator Reid has a lot of respect for Senator Lieberman," said Jim Manley, a Reid spokesman. "But he feels that Senator Lieberman's position on Iraq is at odds with many Americans."
posted by Ryan S. @ 8:59 PM
3 Comments:
At 11:04 PM,
M. McKain said…
This goes on all the time on both sides of the aisle, insane as it may be. That's what the whole position of "whip" was created for, at least to my understanding. The only difference with the Republicans is that right now, much of the call for conformity comes from the White House - witness Cheney's recent visits to the Hill to oppose John McCain's anit-torture amendment to the defense spending bill. In the end, its just how the game is played.
At 2:32 AM,
Ryan S. said…
According to my Congress & Public Policy prof, today, the 'whips' are more like 'vote counters.'
At 10:08 AM,
M. McKain said…
http://majoritywhip.house.gov/about.asp
Actually, its a little of both. Either way, it does not negate my point that this clearly goes on among both parties and isn't just a Democratic phenomenon.
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