Eric Alterman is right to ask: Is Karl Rove advising Joe Lieberman? The latter has been shilling for the disastrous Bush war all along. Last night he announced, “The Bush recession would be followed by the Dean depression.” Expect to hear Republicans quote that ad nauseum should Dean become the nominee. This too from a Lieberman press release: “HOWARD DEAN’S PROTECTIONIST TRADE POLICY WOULD DEVASTATE AMERICA’S ECONOMY.” Lieberman was originally elected with the help of Republican conservatives led by William F. Buckley Jr. to defeat Lowell Weicker, one of America’s most distinguished and independent-minded senators. The leopard, spots, etc.