There’s been a lot of talk lately about “tough decisions,” and “uncomfortable conversations” when Hillary Clinton’s name is brought up on Capitol Hill these days.

The latest victim of that apparent agony is Rep. John Lewis, an elder of the civil rights movement, and one of the coveted Super Delegates, who announced today that despite his friendship with Hillary Clinton, he would be backing Barack Obama instead.

His rational echoed that of so many others. He said he was surprised by Obama, by the burst of enthusiasm around his candidacy, that Lewis says is proof that “something is happening in America,” the same line Barack Obama often uses in his victory speeches.

It’s what Sen. Chris Dodd said in announcing his support of Barack Obama yesterday. He seemed unsettled by his decision too, saying he cared deeply about Senator Clinton and the phone call was not easy.

As difficult as it may be for her colleagues, even Hillary Clinton has said it’s not a bad problem to have. Friendships and loyalties have always been casualties of politics. But much like everything else in this business, the pain is usually temporary too.

Asked about the appropriateness of some of the questions presented during today’s Des Moines Register Democratic debate, Senator Chris Dodd took the opportunity to defend his fellow presidential contender, Senator Joe Biden, who was asked during the debate about his past comments in regard to Indians, inner-city schools in Washington, D.C., and Barack Obama.

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