For those who believe I have nothing good to say about our President-elect Barack Obama. He at least has some good taste in contemporary historical literature:

It so happens that Obama and New York Sen. Clinton share a reverence for “Team of Rivals,” Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book about how Lincoln brought foes into his fold. Clinton listed it during the campaign as the last book she had read. Obama, clearly a student of Lincoln, spoke of it several times.

Now past could be prologue.

Obama is considering Clinton for secretary of state or another senior position, meeting John McCain on Monday to see how his Republican presidential rival might help him in the Senate, and sizing up one-time opponents in both parties for potential recruitment. He made one Democratic presidential opponent, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, his running mate. [link added]

In the coming days, as Obama’s appointments come forth, I may take the opportunity to deconstruct the breathless comparisons with the Lincoln presidency. For now, I’m glad to know we share an appreciation for Team of Rivals.