PHOENIX (By Jon Garrido, USTimes) August 7, 2006 — Strike one: Lieberman is perceived as selling out to George Bush defending every move George Bush has taken on bringing about the war on Iraq. The carrot being appointment to replace Donald H. Rumsfeld as secretary of defense.

 

There was a time when Lieberman was found doing interviews each day on cable television and on Sundays national broadcast programs. Lieberman has become the victim of his own spin, his own preference for the war over his previous commitment to such Democratic principles as human rights even during the time of war. Lieberman, in his sanctimonious self-righteousness, has lost his moral compass — it is not just the war.

 

The message was always the same. It had to be for Lieberman was on message as programmed by the White House. It was not so much that Lieberman was an honest advocate as it was perceived Lieberman was extending his 15 minutes of fame as each opportunity provided the stage.

 

Strike two: Mr. Lieberman is not playing to win, seeing that election is out of reach, but playing to score as high a number as he can. If he can keep a Lamont victory spread to a few percentage points, it might help Mr. Lieberman rebuff Democrats who would call on him to drop out after the primary. Mr. Lieberman has said he will run as an independent if he loses the nomination to Mr. Lamont; if he loses tomorrow by 10 points or more, the calls for him to drop out will be greater than if he loses in a squeaker.

 

Strike three: Lamont will throw the 3rd strike in tomorrow's election.