Lieberman for Rumsfeld?

The Washington Post noticed something I did during the State of the Union address. Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-CT, came forward as the President made way to the floor at the end of the speech and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The Post didn't notice that Lieberman came more than half way down his aisle to do this, but they could "feel the love" like I did. This has spawned a rumor in the District that the Connecticut Senator will replace Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld within the next year or so.

A Newly Meaningful Relationship? (washingtonpost.com): "There's been K Street chatter, our colleague Jeffrey H. Birnbaum tells us, that Lieberman could be on an administration list to replace Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld in the next year or so.

That would be convenient for Lieberman, whose term is up in 2006, and could give Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R) an opportunity to appoint a Republican to the seat for at least a few months before the election, inching the GOP closer to a filibuster-proof Senate."

If Rumsfeld goes, this would be a welcome addition for the President's team. Lieberman is a "hawk" of the highest order and highly competent for this position.

P.S. Knowing that their weakness on defense played havoc for them in November, the Democrats would have been wise had they nominated Lieberman instead of Sen. John Kerry, D-MA. In so doing, President Lieberman would be working to shepherd his own nominee for Defense as we speak.