Joe Lieberman Keeps Committee Chairmanship

Sen. Joe Lieberman - who infuriated Democrats with his very public and vocal support of John McCain during the White House race - will keep his Senate committee chairmanship after all.

There was much speculation that the Senate Democratic leaders would strip the Connecticut independent senator - and former Democrat - of his title of chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, as punishment for not just supporting McCain, but for giving an address at the Republican National Convention, and for being so adamant in his opposition for Barack Obama.

But on Monday, the Democratic caucus voted 42-13 on a resolution condemning statements made by Lieberman during the campaign but allowing him to keep the Homeland Security Committee gavel.

"I understand anger. I would defy anyone to be more angry than I was," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told reporters. But "is this a time to walk out of here saying 'boy, did we get even?' I am very satisfied by what we did today. I feel good about what we did today. ... We're moving forward, recognizing there was a time in Joe Lieberman's political career that I will neither understand or approve.

"We today announced to the American people we're going to move forward and handle the problems that face our country. That's what this is all about."

Does he trust Lieberman? "Yes."And Reid acknowledged the Democrats wouldn't have had a majority the past two years if it wasn't for Lieberman.

So maybe this isn't so much an issue of Democratic leaders in the Senate all of a sudden giving him a pass, but more a recognition that they owe him one? I'm not sure how much I buy the "unity" argument. They were out for blood, but they can only cut him so much since they need his vote. Obama himself also said to go easy on him.

They did take away his subcommittee chair on the Environment and Public Works panel.

Lieberman called the vote and process "fair and forward-leaning."

"It's a resolution that not only resolves the current dilemma but it's a resolution of reconciliation and not retribution and I appreciate it," he added. "This is all about going forward."

He also profusely thanked Reid for being so supportive. I wonder how much of that statement was forced upon him.

"I appreciate their respect for my independence of mind - that's who I am," Lieberman said, adding that he's been a Democrat for 45 years.

Lieberman also said he regretted some things he said about Obama during the campaign, but said there were other things reported in the media that he said - which he never actually uttered at all.