Doesn’t that one make your heart go pitter-patter?
Paul Begala lets loose:
The inimitable Mark Shields says there are two kinds of political parties: those that seek out converts and those that hunt down heretics. Barack Obama – like Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton before him – is a classic seeker of converts. He chose as his running mate one of his defeated rivals for the presidency. He reached out to Hillary Clinton, giving her one of the most important jobs in the world. Even as he pursues progressive policies, he continues to reach out to Republicans, independents and moderates.
Dick Cheney is a heretic hunter. On Face the Nation he essentially declared that Gen. Colin Powell is no longer a Republican. Granted, Powell committed a serious act of apostasy: he endorsed Barack Obama for President. But Joe Lieberman not only endorsed John McCain, he was a constant presence on the campaign trail, a featured speaker at the Republican convention and someone who was willing to stick a knife in Barack Obama. But after the election, Barack Obama and Harry Reid welcomed him back to the Democratic caucus.
Mr. Cheney is made of sterner stuff. He actually said he’d rather be in a Republican Party led by Rush Limbaugh than one led by Colin Powell.
Prometheus Unbound 