Joe Lieberman,Political Character and Defeating Extremism

As I sit here, I am watching the final returns in Connecticut's Democratic Senatorial Primary between incumbent Joe Lieberman, and upstart cable magnate,Ned Lamont.Lamont has won a slight victory,but the outcome while genuine is disturbing in its impact upon American politics,and notably the Democratic Party. Sadly, the political extreme,this time from the left has suceeded in diminishing our politics.
Joe Lieberman will continue as an independent moving forward to the general election.Here's hoping he succeeds.Joe Lieberman,whatever one thinks of his politics is a figure of distinction in a profession dominated by mediocre intellects.We, as citizens unceasingly lament the lack of principled leadership, but when its on full display by men such as Joe Lieberman,we reject our previous hopes.
The prospects for the Democratic Party are now called into question in the long,if not the short run.On stage with Mr. Lamont was Al Sharpton (Remember Tawana Brawley?),Jesse Jackson,in the shadows,George Soros,his moveon.org cronies and somewhere in the night,no doubt a delighted Howard Dean.This bodes ill, because it abandons all pretext for possible moderation in the Democratic Party. Joe Lieberman's mediocre kinsmen in the Senate will run for cover as they themselves lack core principles.
It has been said that Joe Lieberman's support for the war in Iraq was the cause of his "demise".That may be true, but more likely it reflects an increasingly radical liberal perspective to "blame America first". There are cries about "civil war" and demands that troops come home "now",without any resolution to the conflict. Democrats deny they have a "cut and run" policy,but their lack of alternatives belies their denials.
Joe Lieberman may be out of touch with some Connecticut Democrats, but he possesses the virtue of a statesman and is a civilizing force in an arena increasingly dominated by demagogues.
The republic will not wither and die for lack of his presence but it shall be diminished at a moment in time when clarity of purpose and commitment to a greater outcome is vital to our future.We need Joe Lieberman.