Have you heard that many liberal bloggers are upset with Barack Obama? They're angry because he opposed punishing Joe Lieberman (who, of course, campaigned hard for John McCain), when some Democrats advocated expelling Lieberman from the Democratic caucus in the Senate. They're angry because Obama met with McCain himself, assumedly to begin rebuilding their relationship to benefit future cooperation.

When I heard on NPR that many liberal bloggers are upset with Barack Obama, I thought to myself, "This is GREAT news!" It means that the president-elect might mean what he's been saying for months: that this is not a time for continued partisan gridlock in Washington, but a time for pragmatists to work together, because our nation's problems are just too great.

In fact, I saw another sign of this tantalizing possibility on the "News Hour" a couple of nights ago, when they covered the Republicans and Democrats' naming of their new leadership teams. You know how, during such announcements, there are always legislators clustered around the main person speaking, looking very serious? Well, when the Democrats were clustered around the microphone, there was Tom Carper! Who is Tom Carper? C'mon!! He is none other than the Senior Senator from the First State (now that Joe Biden has gotten a job in the Executive Branch). Carper has been a centrist for his entire career, and there he was, granted a position that put him in clear view of the TV cameras. Now, why was that? It had to be because of his approach to politics; he's certainly not good looking or telegenic!

Seeing Carper reminded me of how excited I was when Mark Warner announced his candidacy for the Senate from Virginia. He said he would be a "radical centrist," working with anyone who is willing to work together to solve our nation's problems.

What a relief, for our leaders to be taking a respite from the Karl Rove-style of politics: of division and demonization.