Julian E. Zelizer, professor, Princeton University
“Lieberman’s ‘flip-flop’ does raise the question of whether [Harry] Reid and the Democratic leadership should take a tougher stand against the handful of moderates who have been making things difficult in the Senate. This was the strategy used in the 1970s, when House Democrats finally moved against the Southern committee chairmen who had been the source of obstruction. They deposed four chairmen, instituted a series of reforms that diminished their autonomy and made the caucus a much stronger force in House politics. Thus far, the strategy has been to negotiate and compromise with the Senate moderates. At some point, the leadership might shift, especially if the Senate health care bill falters.”
www.politico.com
Lieberman riles many with role in health debate
Lieberman, a Democrat-turned-independent who caucuses with his former party, says he is feeling "relevant" as he threatens to withhold his vote -- potentially the decisive 60th -- on health-care reform legislation if it includes a government-run insurance plan. And it is hard to dispute that as Capitol Hill moves farther from the "public option," to the consternation of liberals.
"There is no question he's taken pleasure in this role,"said Jacob S. Hacker, a Yale political scientist who helped craft the initial proposal for the public option
www.washingtonpost.com
