I did think that the incumbant who knew he was going to lose his office, was way too jolly. I don't think American history has any such example of a US Senator laughing like Santa, because of the realization that he's doomed to lose an election.

Compromise is integral to the democratic process . . . elsewise we'd have 435 Representatives and 100 senators never agreeing to pass any legislation . . . ever! Still there is that "drop of poison"; that gray line between necessary compromise and selling out completely. HL Mencken said he enjoyed democracy so much because it was the most entertaining form of government; the greatest show on earth, I think he said.