Not that I'm interested in stirring up a hornet's nest of controversy, but it appears that, just as we're critiquing Obama for his missteps in reaching out to Republicans, at least one part of his bipartisan strategy has apparently paid some enormous dividends:
The successful passage of the stimulus began with Obama's decision to pardon Lieberman for the sin of campaigning for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) during the presidential election.
Lieberman initially stayed at the edge of negotiations, but as they dragged on, he inserted himself more forcefully, leveraging the close relationships he has with Republicans - after all, they asked him to join them - to peel away a few crucial votes.
"He does have a solid relationship" with Republicans, said Nelson. "He's been here quite a long time, so he and Senator Specter have been here together the longest of the group."
Specter and Reid both give him credit for helping put the deal together:
"He was important," said Sen. Specter, who, along with Collins and her fellow Maine Republican Olympia Snowe, broke ranks to join the Democrats. "But the critical talks occurred between Senator Reid, Senator Collins and, for awhile, Senator Voinovich. Those were the principal discussions."
Majority Leader Harry Reid spokesman Jim Manley said that Lieberman "played a crucial role in keeping this all together."
And Reid went the extra mile to show his appreciation
Following the press conference, Lieberman was further rewarded. Reid, from the Senate well, asked that the deal just reached be consummated with floor speeches from Nelson, Collins, Specter and, in the honored anchor position, Lieberman.
Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) objected that the balance was unfair. Reid, with his response, subtly welcomed Lieberman back into the party.
"I would say that we are alternating," he said, "We have two Republicans and two Democrats."
Two democrats. Not one. And all because Obama persuaded Reid not to strip Lieberman of his committee chairmanship.