For sheer brazenness, nobody surpasses Rod, from John Kass at the Chicago Tribune. He nails it. And he is right that the Senate won't have much choice when it comes down to seating the only black American in that democratic body, or they risk looking intolerant. Congressmen Rush's statements likening this episode to a lynching were deplorable though. I thought this was the beginning of a post-racial era? Nope, just business as usual for the old guard black Democrats. If at first you don't succeed, tar your opponents as pre-civil rights racist. Or even better, do it preemptively, so no one can argue against you. Still, I will take Roland Burris over a Jackson any day of the week.

Oh, and Happy 2009!