For all the noise, Senate Democrats decided to give Joe Lieberman a slap on the wrist while letting him keep his committee chairmanship and remain in the majority caucus. The vote wasn't even close. I'm not surprised. In addition to the recent comeback by liberal hawks, Democrats have been backing away from more draconian measures for at least two weeks. Obama gave them cover when he said he wanted Lieberman in the caucus. The votes coming up focus on areas where Lieberman votes like a regular Democrat. And I'm sure they figured now is not the time to give the Senate Republicans a new member.