After some strange behavior on Sunday, NPR political analyst Cokie Roberts was back on form Monday morning in responding to host Steve Inskeep's questions about the Connecticut Democratic primary:

Q: What is the implication of a Lieberman defeat in the primary? 

A: Bad for incumbents, especially Republicans.

Q: What is the implication of Lieberman running as an independent?

A: Bad for Republicans, will make the war an issue.

Q: What is the implication of a Lieberman win in the primary? Oops, Steve sort of forgot to ask that one!

Cokie was as usual able to explain why any political outcome anywhere and anytime is bad for Republicans.  Listen here:

Then I looked at the Newsbusters' coverage of her appearance on ABC's Sunday talk show 'This Week.' Cokie's assessment the day before: a Lieberman defeat would be a 'disaster' for Democrats!  It would force the party to the left, a position from which 'they traditionally lose.'  Her words. 

Newsbusters links to the video.

Co—panelist George Will seconded her opinion with the qualification that it might not be a disaster until 2008.  But Sam (of the horrible hair) Donaldson and host George Stephanopoulos were clearly flabbergasted at the notion of an outcome in Connecticut that could help Republicans.  Cokie practically thumped the table, and didn't budge an inch.

But Monday morning on NPR she budged about a mile, doing somersaults all the way.  It wasn't a softening her position; it was complete reversal, from a disaster for Democrats to a bad omen for Republicans.  Did Cokie get a 'clarifying memo' late Sunday, or was she adjusting her message for her NPR audience?  Either way, it was a remarkable change of outlook in 24 hours.

Dave Runyan   8 08 06