Conciliatory note #667

I am actually happy as a clam. I like both Obama and McCain, and I think either candidate is a massive upgrade from Bush, and a way better choice than Clinton. So however this deal turns out, it's all good to me.

I do think the challenge is dead, per my and Walker's comments on the previous post, but think there is lot to post that will be of interest to our many, many readers. And it doesn't always have to combative.

McCain, Obama Hug it Out

By Shailagh Murray
Sen. John McCain crossed the aisle in the Senate this morning to shake hands with Sen. Barack Obama, just a couple of political foes killing time during a vote-a-rama.

The two candidates spent a few minutes in animated conversation, with McCain doing most of the talking. He spoke forcefully at times, as Obama nodded at his GOP rival, a mild look on his face. When they said their goodbyes, they shook hands again and clasped arms in a modified man hug. The exchange was later recapped by McCain as "a friendly conversation, like you have with colleagues." He declined to provide details.

McCain and Obama have the second and fourth worst Senate attendance records in the 110th Congress, but both showed up today for all seven votes on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The hour-long session gave the two candidates plenty of time to catch up with their colleagues.