Jeez, Joe, For Your Next Debate, Why Not Kick A Puppy?

Bob Schrum said that Lieberman's behavior in last night's debate with Ned Lamont made him wish that Lieberman had been half that aggressive in his debate with Dick Cheney in 2000. I expect he said that with a little extra bitterness, since Schrum ran that campaign and was no doubt backstage tearing his few remaining hairs out while Joe and Dick held their nationally televised singalong. The Lieberman/Lamont debate was less a discussion and more of a pistol whipping. Lamont gets much deserved points for simply emerging with an intact skull.

For Lieberman, though, it's a little more complicated, because it seemed to me that his vehemence was simply over the top. It reinforces an impression that's been hurting Lieberman all along--that he not only differs from other Democrats on policy issues, but that he also holds those Democrats with whom he differs in contempt. His manner indicated that he considered this primary challenge nothing more than a damned impertinence, and that showing up at all was somehow beneath his dignity. His attitude was to sniff and say to the audience "How dare you think that I shouldn't be your senator?"

Is it really wise to be that meanspirited and pugnacious toward a fellow Democrat during a primary debate? I guess we'll find out. But somehow I don't think the idea of Joe Lieberman's reserving all his venom for members of his own party will sit that well with primary voters. Instead, I wonder whether voters will think that Lieberman's disdain for Lamont extends to them as well. People like well informed, caustic, and funny debaters; but no one likes bullies, even when they win.