2009 was an exciting, thought-provoking year here at the Cafe. We're hoping to bring in a new slate of bloggers to ensure that 2010 is just a strong. But before we look at the top posts of the year, let's have a quick look at the week that flew by.

After a holiday break, the news returned this week. And, oh, with what vigor! The terror attempt, and the rampant, rollicking reactions stole the headlines. Health care reform returned from its slumber. There were also a couple retirements, right?

As usual, a number of stories snuck in below the radar. Dean Baker and Roger Hickey flagged some shady motives behind an influential financial report. Josh flagged a new, insightful blog on Yemen. Reader David Chura continued his vigilant watch on our "zero tolerance" policies. Charlie Albanetti, of Citizen Action, brought us up to speed on the public financing progress in New York State.

2010, it seems, won't mark the end of the racist junket in politics. But, never fear, Glenn Beck made it all clear for us. The Daily Show offered its phallic take on Flight 253, only to be topped two days later by the 'Ragin' Cajun.'

And, now, the top posts from TPMCafe for 2009:

1. "Obama Hatred" -- Jacob Heilbrunn rips into Charles Krauthammer for his criticism of Obama's foreign policy.

2. "The Truth About Richard Bruce Cheney" -- The former chief of staff of Colin Powell's State Department, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, reveals the truth about the "Sith Lord."

3. "Dying Conservative Intellect" -- Jon Taplin gives the eulogy to the conservative intellectual.

4. "'Don't Know Much About History'" -- The egregious revisionism of the fringe, documented by Jon Taplin.

5. "How America Embraced Lemon Socialism" -- In January, Robert Reich detailed the bizarre state of our economy.

6. "'Enervating'" -- Todd Gitlin compares Presidential apples and oranges.

7. "Jon Stewart Creates Sea Change On Middle East Coverage" -- M.J. Rosenberg explains how the cable host reshaped the media's approach to the region.

8. "The Media's Role In The Financial Crisis" -- Dan Gilmor plays the media watchdog.

9. "Playing Chicken With Obama" -- Jon Taplin writes on the Chrysler bankruptcy.

10. And, finally, Jon Taplin, again, looks at "Obama's Big Question"