(crossposted at five before chaos)

I was just going through a quick news peruse and something caught my eye. I was reading this article about Bush threatening the Dems’ latest effort to end the war (this time it’s by getting a mandated withdrawal date). Something stood out:

Pelosi and other Democratic leaders have struggled in recent days to come up with an approach on the war that would satisfy liberals reluctant to vote for continued funding without driving away more moderate Democrats unwilling to be seen as tying the hands of military commanders.

Democratic aides said their greatest concern was persuading liberals to come aboard, and they were hoping anti-war organizations would come out in favor of the House measure.

I don’t remember the last time I read a mainstream news article where the world ‘liberal’ wasn’t used as a slur or pejorative. Even when reading about things Democrats say, the usual tone is that like we’re the crazy uncle that they want to hide in the attic.

Now, I’m not going to read too far into this, but it might be another indicator of that pendulum swinging back. I’m going to keep an eye out for more of this and see if this is really a change in tone from the media and the Democrats.

The Montpelier Democratic Committee met tonight to nominate candidates to replace newly elected Sergeant at Arms Francis Brooks in one of two seats in the House of Representatives. Although there was speculation that there would be tension or conflict at the meeting, comity prevailed. Five people were nominated, each nominee made a brief presentation of his/her qualifications and interests, and the committee conducted a secret ballot.

The nominees, whose names will be submitted to Governor Douglas Friday morning, are Cary Brown, Mary Hooper, and Matt Levin.