Q Is the White House going to offer Senator Lieberman any help as he runs as an independent? And in addition, what makes you think that the anti-war sentiment that Lamont won on won’t work against Republicans, as well?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, I doubt that we have any intention or aspirations of getting involved in Joe Lieberman’s campaign.
Q Well, just other than –
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I think we can look at it on a personal basis and say I think he’s a good man. And if he were to leave the Senate, that would be a loss to the Democrats. But we’re not embracing Joe Lieberman’s candidacy.
Q The second part was, what makes you think the anti-war sentiment that Lamont tapped into won’t work against Republican candidates this election?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, you’ve got to remember that was in a democratic primary. But I think Connecticut — Connecticut is Connecticut. It’s got a long history there. They have not elected a conservative senator for quite some time.
Q So how certain are you that Republicans will maintain control of both houses for this election?
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I feel significantly better about it today than I did, say, three months ago. I’ve done about 80 campaigns now. I think we’ve got a lot of good candidates out there. We’re making a major effort. I’ve done more this cycle than I have in previous cycles with respect to these off-year elections. The President is actively and aggressively involved. I think it will be a hard fought election contest. Clearly, the off-year election in the second term of a presidency always is. But as I say, I’m more optimistic now than I was a few months ago that we’ll have a good November 7th. I think it will be a hard fought contest, but I do expect we’ll retain control of both houses.