“Lieberman keeps assuring Reid that he’s OK,” said one source. “But he’s one of those characters — you never know with Joe.

“Maybe he’s talking tough to get the public option watered down or he’s trying to get some stuff for himself on other topics or on other sections of the legislation,” the source added. “He’s basically trying to be a senator.”…

Sources attribute Lieberman’s public declaration of opposition as an effort to win concessions for his constituents, which include several major insurance companies based in the state.