Sore Loserman, the Sequel?

We have reached a point in history in which nothing--neither the economy nor hurricanes nor Supreme Court nominees--can be viewed absent the prism of Iraq. So it is for Joe Lieberman, who must count on two things in the coming weeks to keep his independent campaign afloat: an improved situation in Iraq and the ability to sidestep the notion of himself as the loser who wants a do-over. I suggested below that the three-and-a-half percent loss might give Lieberman the rhetorical space he might need; I also suggested his buddy Dodd might be ideal to deliver it.

Now, if, as apears, Dodd might be pressured to talk Lieberman into withdrawing, perhaps someone else, some renegade Democrat somewhere might deliver it.

This morning in NRO, Byron York points to other Lieberman difficulties.

If the GOP is wise, it will stay out. Say nothing save, Well, we of course our united behind our guy (Schlesinger, right?); we don't participate in squabbles between Democrats. Say it a thousand times, the way Valerie Plame says, "Thank you, my dress is Chanel," whenever the questions cut too close for comfort. In the midst of Kos's gracious victory posting--err, foul-mouthed, embittered rant--last night, he did make one salient point: If the Dems will fall in line to defeat Lieberman, they will have to divert money there from elsewhere (Montana, Missouri) for what, in the end, can be no better than a hold. That is the best piece of knowledge for the GOP.