Lieberman campaigns for McCain in Summerlin

Leila Navidi

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) arrives to campaign for John McCain at Temple Beth Sholom in Summerlin on Monday.

Monday, Sept. 15, 2008 | 2:29 p.m.

Sen. Joe Lieberman in Summerlin

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Temple Beth Sholom was buzzing this morning as more than 500 people attended a public appearance by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who was visiting Las Vegas to endorse Republican Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign.

Summerlin resident Joe Gelman, a member of the congregation at Temple Beth Sholom, was holding a small video camera and anxiously trying to find the best angle to see the senator.

"This event is important because people in this congregation aren't set in stone when it comes to their political views," Gelman said. "There are a lot of undecided voters in our congregation."

After touching down in Las Vegas at approximately 11:40 a.m., the Connecticut senator -- and former Democratic vice presidential candidate in 2000 -- was driven straight to the synagogue for his appearance.

Lieberman sought the Democratic Party's re-nomination for U.S. Senate from Connecticut in August 2006, but he lost the primary election to Ned Lamont. He then ran as an "Independent Democrat" in the 2006 November election, which he won with 50 percent of the vote.

Although he still describes himself as a loyal Democrat, Lieberman has come under fire in recent months for his support of the McCain campaign -- especially after delivering a speech at the Republican National Convention.

He said that he is supporting the best candidate for the country regardless of party affiliation.

"McCain is ready to be commander-in-chief from day one, and he's also more ready to deal with the big problem in Washington that we have to solve before we can do anything else, and that is partisanship," Lieberman said.

"McCain has a unique record of working across party lines to get things done."

He also took a thinly veiled swipe at the Obama campaign.

"Change and reform in Washington requires more than just eloquence," Lieberman said. "You have to stand up against those who are in your way."

Regarding foreign policy, Lieberman backed McCain's steadfast support of Israel against potential threats like Iran.

"He is a president who our allies will love and our enemies will fear," he said. "That's the kind of president we need."

A 20-year veteran of the Senate, Lieberman urged the audience to get involved and cast vote in November's presidential election.

"I don't think there's been a more important election in my adult life," he said.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or jeff.obrien@hbcpub.com.

Discussion: 5 comments so far…

By MichaelGreen

9/15/08 at 4:25 p.m.

Suggest removal

I wasn't there, but I thought I detected a rancid odor in the air.
By laguna

9/15/08 at 9:16 p.m.

Suggest removal

I have never understood why Jews vote for Democrats. BIll and Hillary were always entertaining Yasir Arafat at the White House and all lefties like the Arabs more than supporting Israel. What gives?
By jfnance32

9/15/08 at 9:40 p.m.

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It is funny on how Democrats eat their own.

Many of his follow Senators supported his opponent in the primary which use to be a big no-no.

They stucked a thousands knives into Lieberman's back and now are sooooooooo surprised that he supports a Republican.

I understand why Jewish people support Democrats. Many of them have liberal beliefs and it is natural for them to support Democrats.

Also, they need to control the Democratic party.

There was poll that found that over 70% blacks are either anti-semitic or somewhat anti-semitic.

It is important for the Jewish people to control the Party so they can keep those anti-semitic voters in check.

You would think that the Democratic Party would be anti-Israel. Many of Obama's friends like Rev Wright are anti-Israel. Some of his advisors are anti-Israel. But Obama has given speeches that are pro-Israel and almost all of the party leaders are pro-Israel.

I guess black people do not have much say in determining the Democratic Party's stand on Israel.

It is very important for the surival of Israel for Jewish people give their support to the Democrats to keep the anti-semitic Democrats in-check.
By neiman1

9/16/08 at 10:34 a.m.

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Call him anything you want. It takes courage to walk your convictions in the face of such attack. Joe believes in country first, even though I don't agree with 90% of his policies. It does tell you something about courage. There is a democratic state representative that came out for McCain last week and she is facing reelection this year. Another leader that is putting country first.
By JustTheFactsJack

9/16/08 at 11:21 a.m.

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He is a cry-baby who did not get what he wanted and has taken his marbles and deosn't want to play with the Democrats anymore.