Joe Lieberman's Hubris

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Howard L. Reiter, chairman of the political science department at the University of Connecticut, said Mr. Lieberman had developed the complacency and hubris of many long-term incumbents.

"When you've got a major politician who has been very successful, and they get a lot of stroking, and someone they never heard of comes out of left field, they almost feel it's an affront they have to defend their office, and a lot of them are caught off guard," Professor Reiter said.

Mr. Lieberman has received political advice from a chorus of former senior advisers and prominent national Democrats, including Mr. Clinton and Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York as well as Mr. Dodd. Mr. Schumer, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has also pressed some of his own donors to help Mr. Lieberman, said associates of Mr. Lieberman's.

Only Chuck Schumer would steer donors to reward hubris.