BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

Any way you look at it, or ever how you want to phrase it, Obama dumped Wright and McCain dumped Hagee.  Both have openly distanced themselves from their fringe pastor endorsements.  But, is Joe Lieberman undermining McCain’s denouncement of Hagee?

You can hardly see a picture of McCain without Joe Lieberman lurking somewhere in the background.  They toured the mid-east together not so long ago.  Remember the whispers from Lieberman into McCain’s ear, correcting McCain’s obvious errors on who the terrorist players are?  Since that time, old Joe stands in the background as often as not, looking over McCain’s right shoulder and watching his back.

According to the Huffington Post

Senator Joseph Lieberman is scheduled to headline Pastor John Hagee’s 2008 Christians United For Israel Washington-Israel Summit this July 22. In accepting Hagee’s invitation, Lieberman became the most senior elected representative confirmed to appear at the annual gala. Last year, when Lieberman spoke at Hagee’s summit, he compared the Texas televangelist to the biblical prophet Moses, dubbing him “an Ish Elochim,” or “a man of God.” Unless he rescinds his pledge to appear at this year’s summit, Lieberman can be expected to deliver another soul-stirring tribute.

In case anyone doubts Hagee’s stand on issues and non-issues…

Hagee’s vitriolic condemnation of Catholicism, his jeremiad declaring Hurricane Katrina divine punishment for New Orleans’ hosting of a “homosexual rally,” and his generally disturbing apocalyptic theology became national news last February when John McCain accepted his endorsement in a widely publicized ceremony.

A true nutcase!  But, at least John McCain recognized him for who he is, even if Lieberman doesn’t.  Or maybe, Lieberman has gone over the edge, too.

At the time, prior to McCain’s sweeping renunciation, Lieberman could have reasonably claimed to be unaware of the preacher’s repugnant views on the Holocaust. Now, he has no excuse for ignorance. As a key McCain surrogate who McCain may selectas his running mate, Lieberman must know why Hagee is no longer welcome on the so-called Straight Talk Express.

Well, we are all free to associate with whomever we choose… even Lieberman. 

It seems to me that while we all expect the Republicans to court the right wing fundamentalist evangelicals, the preachers… those who stand behind the Republicans and the Democrats… are seeking their fifteen minutes of fame.   

Politics and religion, a match made in heaven… or hell… can bring votes to candidates from the pastors’ followers.  Or, on the other hand, perhaps the preachers are the ones seeking the benefits.  Let’s face it, being seen and pictured arm in arm with a presidential candidate can possibly bring in more money for the churches.  People are fickle that way.  They love to be associated with the limelight.  So, when a preacher is seen endorsing a candidate that can work both ways… good for the candidate and good for the collection plate.

Now, the real question is will Lieberman keep his date with Hagee?  Or, will political pressure overrule the appointment?  It makes me wonder if it will become necessary for John McCain to ask Joe Lieberman to stand just outside the frame at the next photo op.