“I believe there are some misunderstandings, yes, and I’ve seen it directly in conversations I’ve had with people,” Lautenberg said. “And people don’t know Obama, and there are suspicions being supported by what’s being thrown out by the Republicans.”
Lieberman stunned Democrats when, almost immediately following Obama’s securing of the nomination, he participated in a conference call organized by the McCain campaign where he criticized Obama for appearing to blame American foreign policy for much of the current tension between Iran and Israel.
“I’m certainly disappointed that he [Lieberman] would be such an active part of the campaign,” Schakowsky said this week. “I feel disappointed as a Jew, but primarily as a Democrat, and around a whole myriad of issues.”
But Schakowsky argues that Lieberman’s support of McCain will have little lasting impact on Jewish Americans.
“As the campaign goes on we’ll see that Jewish voters — who aren’t single-issue voters — will show the same kind of support for Obama, in the 75 percent range, that John Kerry got in 2004,” she said.
But getting those numbers will count on the ability of Jewish Democrats to close the gap created, in part, by Lieberman.
In the meantime, Democrats are treading lightly on how to handle the Connecticut senator.
Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said no decisions have been made on ousting Lieberman as chairman.
“Something like that wouldn’t really be talked about until the end of the year,” Stabenow said.
Lieberman said he’s “not worried” about the pressure from Democrats and activists.
“I’m going to do what I think is right, try to make the government work, and not worry about what political effect [that] may have a year, two years or three years from now,” Lieberman said.
That calculation includes convincing Jewish leaders to back McCain, even if it means making the case that Obama would not be the leader Israel would want.
When asked about concerns he is creating the impression that Obama would not be a friend to Israel, Lieberman responded: “It’s my way of thinking that if I’ve concluded, as I have, that John McCain is best for our country, then why wouldn’t I do that?” When asked if Obama represents a threat to Israel, Lieberman said, "No." He added: "I think John McCain has a strong, long-time record of support, generally for democracies in the world and therefore for Israel." And that remains a tough pill for Democrats to swallow.
“I would hope that Joe Lieberman would know better,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said. “I don’t know if this means he is transitioning to become a Republican. Again, I would hope not. I mean, he’s a positive member of this body, and I just hate to see this all happen this way.” Editor's Note: The third to last paragraph was added to this article on July 18.
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