Iraq ignites strife between Senate's senior Democrat, Republican: An often warm friendship turns chilly

CNN

The article discusses the relationship between Ted Stevens and Robert Byrd. Byrd can be cool when he delves into constitutional history, but can also be very blustery, plodding, self-righteous, and annoying. I really don't know how Stevens behaves, but Byrd's attitude is common among older senators beyond their prime. They basically feel they have the right to indulge themselves and waste everybody's time. I'm not suprised they've lost patience with each other.