David Neiwert wrote a great piece about Lieberman already, but I wanted to follow up also. Bayh goes on the Rachel Maddow show and defends Lieberman keeping his committee chair. Obama has said that he wants Joe and Reid to work things out and for Joe to remain caucusing with Democrats and Lieberman supporters are using this, but that doesn't mean the Dems have to keep him just where he is. We have to give Harry Reid credit on this one. He told me straight out in Denver that he doesn't like Joe and wants him stripped of his leadership position since he broke a promise and attacked Obama while campaigning for McCain. That's a sin, "my friends."

Lieberman would be doing this country a great favor if he resigned, but he'd never do that so Bayh's first argument is about as lame as can be made, He ran with McCain to try and remain relevant. It was all about power. And then Bayh is worried that Lieberman would be "embittered" if he stays. Well, that's too bad. Senate Democrats must vote down Joe from his positions of power. Lanny Davis hinted that Joe would be bitter after begging Senate Democrats to forgive Lieberman.

My guess, Mr. Bonin, though I can't speak for Senator Lieberman, is that he will still vote on his principles - but if he is treated badly, it is human nature for his loyalties to party-discipline votes, including cloture, would be less.

Hey Lanny, was it was OK for Lieberman to treat Obama badly? If Lieberman has any real values left, you know, "Country First," then he will take the demotion and vote with his beliefs.

Digby weighs in:

I just watched Evan Bayh try to explain to Rachel Maddow why Lieberman needs to keep his chairmanship. Bayh explained that they have no choice because Lieberman is threatening to leave the Senate if he doesn't get his way --- and the Connecticut Governor will then name a Republican who will never vote with them. And if he stays and doesn't get what he wants, he will be "embittered" and then vote against them on close votes out of spite. So in order to do what's necessary for the country they need to give him what he wants.

I guess that's what putting "country first" means.

Bayh was just embarrassing. He's going to have to pop a fistful of Viagra and watch some "24" just to persuade himself that his testes are still descended after that pathetic performance.

They should just get this over with. Watching these people willingly (pretend to) cower like beaten dogs before Holy Joe's threats is just depressing. Just do it already.

And to think Bayh's name was floated around as a possible running mate.

Chris Cillizza says:

Senator Obama is a gifted and eloquent young man who can do great things for our country in the years ahead," said Lieberman. "But eloquence is no substitute for a record -- not in these tough times."

Can Democratic Senators look beyond these comments -- not to mention the fact that Lieberman was a regular presence on the campaign trail with McCain in the closing days of the race?

We'll find out some of the answers next week when the Senate Democratic caucus convenes. At that meeting, a vote is expected on whether Lieberman can retain his chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee.

The vote will be a secret ballot and even the most plugged-in Senate operatives acknowledge they have no idea how it might turn out.