Simon Rosenberg on Joe Lieberman

One prominent Democratic moderate who doesn't think a loss for Joe Lieberman would divide the Democratic Party or drive it into the ditch is the New Democratic Network's Simon Rosenberg, who offers this clear-headed appraisal:

I think there were three critical moments in this race which left the door open for Lamont to make his remarkable run:
1. Lieberman attacks other Democrats over Iraq. Last year the Senator choose to publically chastise other Democrats for challenging the President over our failing policy in Iraq.
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2. Lieberman ignores and discounts his opposition. In a period that lasted from last year to until a few months ago, Lieberman, in a very dangerous move, essentially told those who were unhappy with him to pound sand.
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3. Lieberman goes independent. So Democrats are wondering whether you a Democrat any more and whats the answer? File as an independent, essentially proving that the opposition's attacks on you were right. This was the most important moment in the campaign, and the one that if Joe loses, I believe, is the main reason why. Prior to going independent, Joe was up by 20 points in the polls and in command of the race.
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Rosenberg concludes on a personal note:

Joe Lieberman is my friend, and a mentor of mine. He is a remarkable man, a good leader and one of the smartest people I know. It has been personally very painful for me to watch this political trainwreck over the past year.