Leadership - A discussion of traits, characteristics, and current news of leaders.

The power of bloggers played a role in this race. Perhaps less “pro-Lamont” and more “anti-Lieberman”, blogs like dailykos fueled grass roots support that was at times vitriolic. Kos writes tonight,

“Well, we got a blockbuster primary turnout. While only about 3 percent of Democrats voted in the Virginia primary a few weeks ago, about 50 percent will have participated today. That's an incredible number -- unprecedented -- for a Senate primary. I'll leave others to do the historical research, but this isn't normal. This is what people-power looks like, and it is changing the face of politics. I will help in whatever way I can the Democratic nominee from the Great State of Connecticut.”  

While Kos calls the Lamont victory an “earthquake” in politics and the “new face of the people-powered movement”, Lieberman blames his defeat on the “old politics of partisan polarization.” From the Washington Post,

"I am, of course, disappointed by the results, but I am not discouraged," Lieberman said. "I'm disappointed not just because I lost but because the old politics of partisan polarization won today. For the sake of our state, our country and my party, I cannot and will not let that result stand."

For democratic leaders, the question remains: can Lamont win the election with Lieberman running as an independent? And is this the new face of politics or old partisan polarization? It is a question for all political leaders and candidates.

Photo Credit Darren Mccollester -- Getty Images

PR legend Harold Burson  wrote:

With increasing media coverage and exposure and the ability of citizens to involve themselves in media (bloggers), it is becoming more and more difficult for political leaders to take a stand against an onslaught of public voices. 

This leadership issue is in full-swing in Connecticut where Senator Joe Lieberman is facing a difficult primary election. The former vice-presidential candidate supports the U.S.’s continued involvement in Iraq. His “stay the course” position is in stark opposition to his opponent in the primary, Ned Lamont.

As is often the case, those that position themselves farthest from the center tend to make the most noise. Lieberman, by supporting a policy of a Republican President, risks losing the Democrat's Senate seat. He has already lost the support of many left-wingers and has seen a large lead in the polls slowly dissipate as noted in the Washington Post.

Lieberman is standing by a position that he feels is right despite the costs. After four visits to Iraq in 17 months, Lieberman took his stand public in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal last fall. While far-left Democrats and liberal bloggers are mobilizing anti-war Democrats to support Lamont, former President Bill Clinton, a Democratic party darling, stands by Lieberman as Lieberman stands by the war. Loyalty to cause or person in a "flavor-of-the-month" society is a rare trait but necessary to lead.

“If you don’t stand for something, you fall for anything.”