[On some Democratic Senators' opposition to Condoleeza Rice's confirmation as Sec'y of State]:

Knowing full well that Rice had the votes for confirmation. To what end, God knows.

It's called "voting your conscience". It's also called "stating for the record why you're voting that way."

The brighter Democrats sat it out.

"Brighter"? As defined by whom? Silly question, obvious answer.

Leiberman's comments can be read here.

Joe Lieberman is the Republican Wing of the Democratic Party -- which is why he had no chance in the last election, nor ever will (unless he switches parties). Unfortunately, your link was time sensitive, and expired.

McCain had his own opinion: "I can only conclude that we are doing this for no other reason than because of lingering bitterness over the outcome of the election."

Poor John -- I wonder who got to him. He's right about "lingering bitterness", but wrong about the cause. See RNE's post in OffTopic.