Various media outlets are reporting that Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman will not seek a fifth term. Lieberman became an independent in 2006 (after losing the Democratic primary) and won re-election; he was also on Senator John McCain's VP shortlist and spoke at the 2008 RNC. The NY Times reports that he "chose to retire rather than risk being defeated, said the person, who spoke to the senator on Tuesday," and a source said, “I don’t think he wanted to go out feet first." Lieberman will making some sort of announcement tomorrow. more ›

The legal troubles of Julian Assange and his quarter-million leaked diplomatic cables, the two narratives that now dominate the ongoing WikiLeaks story, continue apace. While Assange's legal problems are getting the most attention—and teaching the world about överraskningssex ("sex by surprise")—the leaks themselves are still infuriating the U.S. (Joe Lieberman, not amused) while possibly being suppressed by Twitter. Oh, and Assange is being accused of reneging on a promise, too. more ›

The latest development in the WikiLeaks saga? The site's DNS provider, EveryDNS.net, decided to terminate their relationship with the embattled website last night at 10 p.m. In a statement on their website EveryDNS cites the many denial of service attacks the site had been fighting off, which they claim threatened to bring down their entire infrastructure. But, just like when Amazon decided to stop hosting their servers earlier this week, the leakers have gotten back on their feet and moved to Switzerland. So, if you are in the mood for some leaked diplomatic cables, you can find them at http://88.80.13.160 or wikileaks.ch. more ›

Here's some non-Assange, non-leak WikiLeaks news: the embattled website lost one of its major servers today when Amazon decided (after pressure form Sen. Joe Lieberman) to stop hosting the site. Earlier this afternoon WikiLeaks tweeted "WikiLeaks servers at Amazon ousted. Free speech the land of the free--fine our $ are now spent to employ people in Europe." Though the site, which says it has been fighting off hackers, appeared to go down briefly after losing its Amazon servers it is back up now. And just to rub it in, the site pointed out "If Amazon are so uncomfortable with the first amendment, they should get out of the business of selling books." more ›

American citizens could be innocent until proven suspicious and stripped of their rights under the proposed Terrorist Expatriation Act [pdf], which would amend a 1940s law aimed at traitors who helped the Nazis or Japanese. The bill, introduced by Senator Joe Lieberman yesterday, would authorize the State Department to revoke the citizenship of any U.S. national suspected of providing "material support or resources to a Foreign Terrorist Organization or who engages in or supports hostilities against the United States or its allies." No trial would be necessary, just a signature from the Secretary of State. more ›

Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said yesterday that America's trains and buses are the most "vulnerable" forms of transportation for the kinds of terror attacks seen around the world, most recently in Moscow. Though the Department of Homeland security is introducing enhanced aviation security measures such as the "use of explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, or pat downs," Lieberman says that more needs to be done to protect public transit. "The threat is real to non-aviation transportation. All you've got to do is look around the world," he told David Gregory on "Meet the Press." more ›

Yesterday Senator Al Franken denied Joe Lieberman's routine request for an "additional moment" to drone on about an amendment to the health care bill on the Senate floor. If you're someone who's felt any degree of frustration with Lieberman's recent role in killing the public option, it's a trivial but deeply fulfilling video: more ›

Independent Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman surprised Democrats yesterday by declaring he would vote against the Senate health care bill in its current form. In an interview on Face the Nation, Lieberman said that he would "have a hard time" voting for the bill if it includes a compromise, reached last week, to set up insurance plans run by nonprofit companies supervised by the government, and allow people without insurance to buy into Medicare at age 55. His remarks seemed to surprise some Democratic leaders who thought Lieberman had agreed to go along with the compromise. more ›

Senator Joseph Lieberman discussed the Fort Hood shooting on Fox News yesterday and said he would launch a Senate investigation, noting there were "strong warning signs" that suspect army psychiatrist Major Nidal Malik Hasan was an "Islamist extremist." The Independent Democrat from Connecticut added, "If that is true, the murder of these 13 people was a terrorist act and, in fact, it was the most destructive terrorist act to be committed on American soil since 9/11." more ›

From the Courant: "A man dressed as a ninja waving nunchucks on a street corner this morning was arrested and charged with breach of peace, police said...Police said Garland Eastman, 30, of 335 Center Road, was yelling about wanting to beat up U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, among other diatribes, but he became polite and cooperative after officers started pulling out their bean bags and taser guns." more ›

Senator Joe Lieberman told Politico he doesn't feel punished after the Democratic caucus voted to let him keep his Senate chair on the Homeland Security Committee but forced him out of the Environment and Public Works one. He said, "I don't view it as a sanction," and suggesting Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid asked him to step down from EPW to let incoming Senators have a change (Reid's spokesperson "disagreed" with that). He also spoke to CBS News' Katie Couric, who asked if Lieberman regretted some things he said, as he campaigned for Republican candidate John McCain--like saying a "good question to ask" is whether Barack Obama is a Marxist. Lieberman said, "That's one of those things I wish I said more clearly. Obviously Barack Obama is not a Marxist... But then I answered it and said, 'no he's not Marxist.' I said at the time that he's somewhat to the left of me on some issues." more ›

Senator Joe Lieberman, whose support of Republican candidate John McCain raised the ire of Senate Democrats, was allowed to keep his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. He was, however, ousted from the less showy Environment and Public Works Committee, a move the NY Times characterized as a "a slap on the wrist compared with the prospect of losing the homeland security leadership post." While many Democrats wanted to strip Lieberman of both committees, President-elect (and Senator!) Obama said he wanted Lieberman to remain in the Democratic caucus (Lieberman is an independent who caucuses with the Dems). After the Democratic caucus voted, Lieberman said of his anti-Obama comments, "There are some that I made that I wish I had not made at all." more ›

Senator Joe Lieberman addressed the Republican National Convention in St. Paul last night, heralding presidential candidate John McCain's record. The former vice presidential candidate in the 2000 election discussed his political affiliations, "What, after all, is a Democrat like me doing at a Republican convention like this? I’m here to support John McCain because country matters more than party... John McCain’s whole life testifies to a great truth: Being a Democrat or a Republican is important. But it is not more important than being an American." (Video below) more ›

Last night, the Republican National Convention got off to a subdued start as most of the focus was on Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Gustav. First Lady Laura Bush and First Lady aspirant Cindy McCain asked for delegates and the country to extend aid to the affected region. While President Bush had to cancel his Monday night appearance, he will address the convention tonight via satellite at 9:30 p.m. EST. Other speakers will include former presidential candidate Fred Thompson and one of John McCain's VP shortlisters, Senator Joe Lieberman. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is bowing out due to California budget battle and it seems like Rudy Giuliani's keynote speech is getting bumped from today. more ›

The Daily News reports that Hillary Clinton's Democratic National Convention appearance will be introduced not by former president Bill but daughter Chelsea. The former First Daughter was active in campaigning for her mother, winning kudos for her poise. And apparently it was Hillary's idea--a source said, "[Barack Obama] has a problem with Hillary's more fanatical women supporters, and this is a way to help with that." And in other campaign news, the a Financial Times source claims McCain has added Joe Lieberman to the VP shortlist, "[McCain] loves Lieberman. And he is on the [short]list because Lieberman has never embarrassed anyone, never misspoken. The first rule is, don't take anyone who costs you votes." more ›

The 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show arrives at Madison Square Garden Monday. The two-day event has thousands of dogs undergo a winnowing process that culminates with the awarding of Best in Show. The American Kennel Club recognizes 157 disinct breeds that are eligible for competition, and four of those breeds are brand new entries to the field. They include the Tibetan mastiff (a working dog), the Beaucerand and Swedish vallhund (herding dogs), and the Plott (a hound). more ›

The polls in New York close in a half hour, so the media won't be reporting returns until then. But it's still exciting and heartbreaking to watch the other states' elections returns. For starters, Bob Casey ousting Rick Santorum for a Senate seat in Pennsylvania? That's exciting. Heartbreaking would be reports of bugs and intimidation at the polls. more ›

This morning, Mayor Bloomberg did a meet-and-greet commuters, but it was at a Metro-North train station in Connecticut! He was in Stamford to help Senator Joe Lieberman's re-election campaign. Mayor B said, ''I think the voters of Connecticut understand they need proven independent leadership. Joe Lieberman provides that. I think people of all parties are just tired of the political bickering.'' more ›

Mayor Bloomberg dedicated a monument to New York's "Fighting 69th" yesterday in Ballymote, Ireland. But much of the attention was on whether or not he will run for President in 2008 (it seems no, since he said he'd serve his second term) and discussed immigration reform, saying, "we need to inject some common sense into our immigration laws, and I'm doing my best to make that case in Washington." And amidst protesters, he emphasized the need to fight terrorists and defended Senator Joe Lieberman's pro-war stance. more ›

“Her position on Iraq is largely dependent on current circumstances and whatever audience she happens to be speaking before,” said Mr. Elliott. “Just by having that side, that kind of argument, put in contrast with whatever Hillary believes, she would just be forced to contend with an unequivocal position. She has for the most part been hedging her stance.”And all articles point to the fact that like Senator Joe Lieberman, Clinton has been pro-war whereas Tasini is anti-war. (Of course, Clinton has tons of money to spend on a campaign.) The NY Times has a quote from Marko Moulitsas that explains the lack of online enthusiasm for Tasini: “I fed off the excitement and energy [Ned] Lamont created amongst Connecticut activists and bloggers. I see none of that energy or excitement for Tasini.” Well, Clinton is married to Bill Clinton, while Tasini is no millionaire - he's only raised $200,000, which left him short of the $500,000 mark that NY1 requires for candidates to debate. more ›

Mayor Bloomberg, you remain an enigma wrapped in a mystery, cloaked in a conundrum. Our mayor, who recently said he'd support Joe Lieberman's independent bid for Senate, wrote an editorial in the Washington Post about the No Child Left Behind Act with Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Clearly, Dubya isn't talking all the calls from Jebby these days. Bloomberg and Bush's editorial outlines how the NCLB Act could be more meaningful and effective, and Bloomberg's involvement does make sense, since he has trumpeted himself as an education-minded mayor (though it's unclear whether or not his policy changes have resulted in real progress). The two Republicans propose four "lessons" for Congress as they reconsider the act:

- Make standards meaningful. Ensure that every state sets a high standard for proficiency. The existing law left room for states to define proficiency levels, and some have dumbed them down to create the illusion of progress. We need a uniform measuring stick... more ›

As Democrats abandon Joe Lieberman in the wake of his defeat in Connecticut's Democratic Senate primary and announcement that he would run as an independent, Lieberman has picked up one possibly very important ally: Our mayor, Michael Bloomberg. The Democrat-turned-Republican who may or may not have ambitions that include residing in the White House put his considerable weight (well, it's weight when you measure his net worth - we're not sure what kind of political pizazz he has) behind Lieberman and said, "This country needs nonpartisan elected officials who think that doing the right thing for the public is more important than supporting some party. I plan to support him if he wants that help." more ›

Now this was a primary. Ned Lamont defeated Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman in yesterday's Senate primary, 51% to 48%. Lieberman still plans to run in November's Senate race as a third party "petitioning candidate." A petitioning candidate with better website security, we imagine, after his campaign accused Lamont's of crashing their server, leading them to put up a statement:

"For the past 24 hours the Friends for Joe Lieberman's website and email has been totally disrupted and disabled, we believe that this is the result of a coordinated attack by our political opponents. The campaign has notified the US Attorney and the Connecticut Chief State's Attorney and the campaign will be filing a formal complaint reflecting our concerns. The campaign has also notified the State Attorney General Dick Blumenthal for his review."

Sam Seder, Director / Writer / Comedian / Co-Host, "The Majority Report" more ›

And really, is this betrayal any worse than Al Gore's snub of former running mate Joe Lieberman by supporting Howard Dean? The future is bright for Adam, though: While falling for Melana is not the most dignified thing, it couldn't be avoided in the hothouse NBC created, and now the reality TV watching world knows he's a "millionaire" (though one with a roommate in typical bachelor digs; maybe he's thrifty). Perhaps the sequel is "Average Joe with Many Shallow Girls Fighting For Him." Gothamist got swept into Average Joe fever for the obvious reasons: Rooting for the underdog is such sweet sorrow. Someone who also knows about sweet sorrow, and lots of it, Red Sox fan Lockhart Steele. more ›

It's Day 2 of Polls at Gothamist, and it seems that President Bush's approval rating is pretty high here in New York State. He is even viewed more favorably than Senator Hillary Clinton (which doesn't seem THAT hard), let alone the Democratic hopefuls for President, Senators Joe Lieberman and John Kerrey. Analysts attribute that to Americans feeling glad the war is being handled swiftly, and, the Democratic analysts especially, expect his ratings to drop afterward. more ›