Obama 2012? Some Dems in Congress Won't Say

Some moderates, liberals reluctant to voice support for reelection bid
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Suggested by Atticus-Rye
Posted Nov 14, 2011 8:37 AM CST
Election 2012: Some Democrats Won't Voice Support for Barack Obama
Some Democrats aren't yet offering support for the president's reelection.   (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

It may not come as a surprise that Joe Lieberman isn’t sure where he stands on President Obama’s reelection bid—but a number of Obama’s fellow Democrats aren’t rushing to support him, either. Instead, they’re refusing to comment or choosing their words carefully, Politico finds. Just a few Blue Dog Democrats the site contacted were willing to offer their views on the 2012 presidential race; other Dems skirted the issue. Some are holding off until they learn who Obama's opponent will be.

"I’m supporting the state of West Virginia and the people of West Virginia," said moderate Sen. Joe Manchin, who is himself seeking reelection. Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar said he would "be supporting the state Democratic Party ticket." And it’s not just moderates who are reluctant to offer their wholehearted support. Liberal Independent Bernie Sanders at first wouldn’t take a specific stance, though he called on the president to get tougher on Republicans and "big money interests." He later said he "hoped" to support Obama, but that it’s still "early in the process." (More President Obama stories.)

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