It may take a while to get used to this new style of government where intelligence and a desire for good governance replaces partisan hackery.

We don't need Lieberman, we don't need 60.

On any measure, you can expect Lieberman to vote with the Republicans to prove his bi-partisan bona fides, and you can expect one or two moderate Republicans (if there are any left) to vote with the Democrats.

We can have an "ad hoc" filibuster-proof majority.

As if all 60 Demo-cats could be effectively herded...

Lieberman or no, we would have to drag the Snowes and Collinses across to make up for the Nelsons and Salazars that would jump.

How the fuck is letting Lieberman walk going to do ANYTHING for party discipline?

Lieberman was a non-factor on the headcount—completely undependable, and there are a handful of others just like him.

So what happens if Sen. Lieberman goes against his word and starts acting like a suck-bag again? He already knows that the Left is gunning for him in 2012. What if he senses his career is over in a few years anyway and decides to make trouble for the new Administration. Obama will be up for re-election as well in 2012 and having a homeland security Chair that doesn't agree with his homeland security positions is bound to be a problem, especially when the MSM and the Right start to throw the fear card around again.

My question is what happens then?

I may be wrong, but once the session starts, I believe that it will take a 2/3rds majority vote in the senate to remove his gavel.

Where do they get those votes? Do you think republican Senators will vote to oust him if, in fact, they are benefitting from his behavior?

We have no choice but to put this debate behind us. I think there's a good chance that soon the phrase "Achilles Heel" could be replaced by "Obama's Lieberman", but what's done is done.

Let's believe that Obama is relying on more than just hope that Lieberman will change.

(and BTW, it's about time for SpellCheck to stop highlighting Obama as a misspelling of Obadiah!)

Ever heard of the Blue Dogs? 60 means nothing, shitcan Lieberman now. Oh wait! They already made that decision.

LIEberman cannot be trusted. Period.

Indeed, 60 means nothing because you can't count on Democrats to do as they are told - and that's a good thing. Just look what six years of giving bush everything he demanded got us.