No one likes a flip-flopper. The public tends to mistrust inconsistent politicians (read: John Kerry). After hearing former Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman’s recent anti-Obama remarks at the Republican National Convention (RNC), it wouldn’t be surprising if 99 percent of Democrats now harbored a serious distaste for the Connecticut senator.
During his Sept. 2 speech at the RNC, Lieberman gave a speech praising his longtime friend John McCain while simultaneously questioning the leadership ability of Barack Obama, stating, “Eloquence is no substitute for a record.” He also criticized the Democratic Party’s views on the Iraq War, but praised Bill Clinton in the same speech, which seems slightly awkward.
Though it makes me uncomfortable, Lieberman’s endorsement of McCain is not morally wrong. Lieberman has a right to his own opinion and is not obligated to support Obama
What does bother me is that the Democrats’ 2000 vice-presidential nominee would so openly criticize his party, especially in such a hostile, public environment While it may be permissible to support someone on the opposing party for president, it seems disloyal for Lieberman to go the extra mile and denounce his party’s decisions and its candidate.
Technically speaking, Lieberman is actually an “Independent Democrat.” He, however, sides with Senate Democrats on most issues and holds some leadership positions in Senate committees because of his affiliation with the Democratic Party.
Not to be cliche, but it seems to me like Lieberman is biting the hand that feeds him. He owes the Democratic Party for its support of his political career. The least he can do is not badmouth Obama to a room full of die-hard Republicans.
The real issue here is loyalty, and it is a complicated issue in the context of politics. To be appealing, politicians must seem to be free thinkers who make decisions based on their personal thought process, not based on the thought process of their party leaders.
At the same time, politicians also must not seem too disloyal. Disloyalty is almost as bad as blind loyalty, if not worse, because disloyal people are suspicious and untrustworthy.
I believe there is a valid argument supporting a politician’s general party loyalty. Most of the time, people run for office with a party label. Though some people claim they care about the candidates and not the party, it’s undeniable that party preference plays a huge role in many voters’ choices. Thus, a winning candidate partially owes his party for his victory.
In Lieberman’s case, a gray area exists. Lieberman actually lost the Democratic primary in his state, which forced him to run as an Independent.
One could argue he does not owe the Democrats anything for his most recent victory, but Lieberman has been in the Senate for 20 years. Along the way, I imagine more Democrats than Republicans helped Lieberman achieve his legislative goals.
For his own sake, Lieberman should have made his pro-McCain speech while still maintaining a loyal facade. Top Democrats are paying attention to his words, and he will have a tough time getting back in their good graces.

Aimee Sobhani is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Science. She can be reached at aimee.f.sobhani@vanderbilt.edu.