I think we've stretched the definition of "moderate" a bit too far in some cases, like Dick Lugar. Sure he's not that conservative, but he's also not a moderate.
He cooperated on a bill with Democrats in one instance. That makes him a RINO.
Quite pathetic they would chuck him out for that. I would agree that the Republican far-right e.g. Bachmann, Cain and Palin, have taken over the party and castigated anyone who is not 100% with them as a RINO. Although the Democrats did the same to Lieberman, despite him agreeing with the Party 70% of the time or so.
In defense of what happened with Lieberman, part of the 30% there was the overwhelmingly dominant political issue in America at the time (the Iraq War), and the Senate Democratic Caucus let him keep his committee assignments afterwards.
Also, lieberman made a name for himself after his disasterous 04 pres bid for endlessly bitching about the sorry state of the Democratic Party. He became utterly embittered about primary voters not recognizing his greatness and turned against some fundamental views out of spite (including universal healthcare--he single-handedly scuttled the public option).
After going on every Sunday morning show or telling every reporter in sight about how much the Democratic Party had lost it's way, it was natural he wasted a lot of good will. Add to that his opposition on the most dvisive issue of the time at odds with the VAST majority of his party in a decidedly blue state and, well, the results can hardly have been unexpected.
