Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.
View Point
The overnight transformation of Joe Lieberman, once hailed as the "conscience of the Senate," into a political flack ostentatiously worshiping the latest reinvention of Al Gore is worthy of scrutiny by every Hawaii voter. Lieberman’s
convictions
are flexibleLieberman earned his "New Democrat" leadership credentials and political "moderate" rating over the years in part by supporting some degree of Social Security privatization for the benefit of younger workers, welfare reform, school vouchers and strengthening the military.
In addition, he openly opposed Hollywood's preoccupation with violence and sex, and criticized affirmative action.
He attained national prominence prior to the Clinton impeachment trial with a devastating Senate floor speech which characterized his fellow Democrat, Bill Clinton, as a disgraceful, lying sexual predator.
Lieberman, however, gave us an early clue on his "flexible conscience" by voting to retain Clinton in office notwithstanding his earlier scathing character appraisal.
He has expanded that political expediency "big time" since being picked by Gore for the No. 2 position on the Democratic ticket.
To ingratiate himself with the Democratic far left and Al Gore's campaign strategists, and denying that he ever supported the anti-racial quota Proposition 209 in California, "Jivin' Joe" has:
Moreover, Lieberman has now flip-flopped on Social Security by opposing Governor Bush's proposal to allow younger workers to build up some of their own financial assets within the system.Become an overnight enthusiast for affirmative action.
During convention week, candidate Lieberman went on to promise: "When we get to the White House, when the president decides, the vice president will enthusiastically support." So much for being a "man of conscience."
However, it is very reminiscent of his vice presidential mentor who, on the day his boss was impeached by the House of Representatives, proclaimed (with a straight face) at a White House rally that Clinton will go down in history as one of "America's greatest presidents."
Not to be outdone in political hypocrisy by his running mate, nominee Gore in his acceptance speech promised us that "campaign finance reform" topped his agenda and would be the first bill introduced in 2001 if he becomes president. Sure, Al, and your Buddhist temple fund-raising shenanigan was just "community outreach," your fund-raising calls from the White House did not violate "controlling legal authority," and your bladder was calling so you can't remember those meetings at the White House where all that "soft money" raising was set in motion for the '96 re-election campaign!
While these two hypocrites deserve each other, America doesn't.
Former state Sen. Fred Rohlfing is honorary chairman, Maui County Committee, of the George W. Bush for President campaign.