Jake Tapper provides a bit of insight into what might have caused the reportedly intense exchange between Joe Lieberman and Barack Obama. The bottom line: Obama stuck up for Lieberman once and Lieberman fed him to the dogs in favour of John McCain:

Obama Confronts Lieberman On McCain Advocacy, Tone, on Senate Floor || Political Punch

“It’s one thing to support McCain,” said one Democratic source, “but many think Uncle Joe has gone too far.”

Obama campaigned for Lieberman in 2006 when he was challenged (and ultimately defeated) in his primary race for his Senate seat. When Lieberman opted to run as an independent, Obama stayed out of the race, unlike other Democrats, such as Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., who endorsed nominee Ned Lamont.

Wow, so much is going on today! But this one’s a real goodie, if you’ve missed it on TPM. Apparently, Obama and Lieberman got into rather an animated conversation on the floor of the Senate today. There’s some suggestion that the fact that Lieberman has chosen to go on the attack with the Republicans against Obama is not sitting well with the presumptive nominee:

Talking Points Memo | Conversation

While it was unclear what the two were discussing, the body language suggested that Obama was trying to convince Lieberman of something and his stance appeared slightly intimidating.

Using forceful, but not angry, hand gestures, Obama literally backed up Lieberman against the wall, leaned in very close at times, and appeared to be trying to dominate the conversation, as the two talked over each other in a few instances.

Well, it’s about time someone got in Lieb’s face. This could be about the campaign appearances or it could also have something to do with AIPAC, which is an alternative.