Durbin Has Run-in with Blogger over Lieberman

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) had a heated exchange with a liberal blogger from the site firedoglake during the Democratic Convention Wednesday.

Asked if Senate Democrats would kick Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) out of the caucus if he became John McCain’s running mate, Durbin said, “that’s sensitive, but what I can tell you is that he has voted with us all but for issues on Iraq, which are pretty important, and recently the McCain positions. I’m dissapointed, but by and large he votes with us.”

The blogger then asked, “what are the great pieces of legislation the Senate has been able to pass with Joe Lieberman’s assistance since this session has begun?”

“All I can tell you are key votes,” Durbin said, “and there are many of them.”

“Can you mention any?” the blogger asked.

Durbin, clearly annoyed, shook his head and started to walk off. Then, turning back to the blogger, Durbin said, “and where were you yesterday? No, no at 3:00, 3:02?”

“3:02 yesterday?” the blogger asked.

“Yeah, where were you?” an angered Durbin responded. “What shoes were you wearing? How about your socks?”

The blogger then sarcastically told the Illinois senator, “I appreciate your openness to discuss things with the media.”

“Well I appreciate your willingness to try and put me on the spot about 10,000 votes,” Durbin shot back. “Thank you very much, that’s very objective.”