Did anyone really believe the Democrats would usher in a kindler, gentler era of "bipartisanship?" What a farce. It's equally naive to think Republicans will respond to being in the minority with some new found magnanimity after watching Democrats fight tooth and nail for the last few years to derail their agenda - and still be rewarded handsomely at the polls.

That being said, the new Congress presents unique challenges and opportunities for both parties, particularly with a lame duck Republican President serving as a backdrop. Democrats face fissures between new-comers and old-timers, as well as between the hardcore liberals and moderates and conservatives in the caucus. For example, take Melissa Bean, the Democrat from Illinois' conservative 8th District, who will now have to navigate an entirely different landscape:

Serving in the majority means there will be a lot more pressure on Bean to stay on the Democratic reservation -- it's a lot easier to buck your party knowing you weren't going to prevail on the issue anyway. And it's more difficult to disagree with party leadership when they've spent millions to win and defend your seat.

"I think there's always going to be those who feel others of their party affiliation should vote with them. There are others who will say I'm independent and I'm going to represent my district," Bean said.

So what happens when push comes to shove at voting time?

"I'm going to go hang out with my Blue Dog buddies," said Bean, referencing a group of House Democrats known for being more conservative on tax and spending issues. "They're like my blockers. I don't even hang out on the aisle seats."

It's probably smart for Democrats to start by playing "small ball," tackling modest but relatively popular proposals that will minimize their own divisions and at the same time be difficult for most Republicans to oppose.

But a small-bore approach to policy is unlikely to pacify for very long a Democratic base that wants results on big-time issues like the war, repealing tax cuts, and universal healthcare. That's when Nancy Pelosi will have to earn her stripes as a leader.

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