Worst-kept secret in the country: Arlen Specter is a Democrat

[Little-Acorn]

Looks like Specter will finally make official what has been obvious for years: He's too liberal for the Republican party. And his constituents don't like it, and would probably vote him out in the next election. His solution? Instead of doing what his constituents want, he'll switch to a new set of constituents.

If nothing else does, that proves his liberalism.

------------------------------

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/specter-to-switch-parties.html

Specter To Switch Parties

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter will switch his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat and announced today that he will run in 2010 as a Democrat, according to a statement he released this morning.

Specter's decision would give Democrats a 60 seat filibuster proof majority in the Senate assuming Democrat Al Franken is eventually sworn in as the next Senator from Minnesota. (Former Sen. Norm Coleman is appealing Franken's victory in the state Supreme Court.)

"I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary," said Specter in a statement. "I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election."

He added: "Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans."

The precariousness of Specter's political position -- a Republican in a Democratic-leaning state -- was on display earlier this year when he was one of three GOP Senators to back President Barack Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus plan. That vote was strongly condemned by conservative Republicans and Toomey used that vote as the launching pad for his candidacy.

Because of the shrinking Republican vote in the state, Specter was seen as a dead man walking politically in the primary with polling showing him trailing Toomey by ten or more points. The bar for Specter to run as an independent was also extremely high due to the rules governing such a third party candidacy.

That left a Democratic candidacy as Specter's best option if he wanted to remain in the Senate beyond 2010.

[avatar4321]

What a surprise... he actually took off his mask.

[Little-Acorn]

One of the funniest parts is where Specter says that the Republican party has moved to the right since 1980.

[emmett]

One of the funniest parts is where Specter says that the Republican party has moved to the right since 1980.


Me too. I am still chuckling since I read this. There is nothing "right" about the Republican Party these days.

I have to point out though that Arlen Speculate is no surprise to me. He knows where the votes are. He is nothing but a vote seeking weak dick. Now all he has to do is prove to his new constituancy that he is genuine, which he will by changing his positions on many things. He set that example just the other day and I knew when he did that he had a different agenda.

The selling out of America like any task is hard work. It must be done one step at a time. Hey Republicans....just wait til you see your X-Presidential candidate, John McCain's platform evolve as he prepares to fend off the new threat he faces in his primary in 2010. It ought to be very entertaining. If you think he worked hard to masquerade himself as a righty when he ran for president, just wait on this show!

[moderate democrat]

+ Franken = 60:dance:

[avatar4321]

+ Franken = 60:dance:

You can count. Im impressed. :)

[emmett]

+ Franken = 60:dance:



:lol:

I got news for you.


+ Franken = 59 point something pal. :laugh2: The guy is a joke. He rode the Obama wagon and is a guarenteed "one term" guy so enjoy it while it lasts.

As a matter of fact. Enjoy this entire roller coaster ride to the cellar my friend, just remember there is going to be a loud crash at the bottom.

[Jeff]

+ Franken = 60:dance:

That little dude dancing is exactly what I think of when I think of you Virgil , only you are singing along , party over country party over country.

Seriously man is that all you think about is your party and how it can win??? what about how the United States can win!!!

And by the way in 2010 when the Dems get kicked out ( if we still have a Country) will ya be dancing then??

[emmett]

"Moderate Socialist" is more like it. No offense MD but damn man! Your so one sided that you are boring dude. Let me guess, you now love Arlen Spector! The same Arlen Spector YOU took time to critisize right here on DP. Want to see? It is really all about party isn't it? You have no standards at all.

[Jeff]

"Moderate Socialist" is more like it. No offense MD but damn man! Your so one sided that you are boring dude. Let me guess, you now love Arlen Spector! The same Arlen Spector YOU took time to critisize right here on DP. Want to see? It is really all about party isn't it? You have no standards at all.

emmett he answered that when he posted the little dude dancing and said


+ Franken = 60

He is no more worried about this country than Chavez is, he care's only how his party can win, this shows a man that couldn't give a dang about America as long as his side wins, real Patriotism .

[moderate democrat]

That little dude dancing is exactly what I think of when I think of you Virgil , only you are singing along , party over country party over country.

Seriously man is that all you think about is your party and how it can win??? what about how the United States can win!!!

And by the way in 2010 when the Dems get kicked out ( if we still have a Country) will ya be dancing then??


I happen to believe that the democratic party has the better plan for our country. Can you honestly tell me that YOU don't believe that we would be better off if the REPUBLICAN party were in charge?

gimme a break.

[hjmick]

Further proof that all politicians care only about getting power, keeping power, and getting rich. The American people are barely a blip on their radars.

[Jeff]

I happen to believe that the democratic party has the better plan for our country. Can you honestly tell me that YOU don't believe that we would be better off if the REPUBLICAN party were in charge?

gimme a break.



Honestly Virgil I don't believe either one is worth a shit anymore, I just feel the Republicans are more level headed liar's than your Dems.

I feel they are all just like you , PARTY OVER COUNTRY, and as I have stated before, that is PATHETIC!!!!

[theHawk]

Glad to see the shitbag leave the GOP. He is one of the reasons the GOP was doing so badly. This is a great begining for the GOP to clean house and elect some conservatives.

As for the magic 60 number, I could really care less. Fillibusters should not be used to block legislation. Everything should be voted on with a yes/no. And being veto proof is a moot point with a Dem Congress and President.

Now the socialist democrats won't be able to blame Republicans for getting in the way of their policies. They will have no one to blame next election cycle when they have driven the country into the ground all on their own.

[Kathianne]

Glad to see the shitbag leave the GOP. He is one of the reasons the GOP was doing so badly. This is a great begining for the GOP to clean house and elect some conservatives.

As for the magic 60 number, I could really care less. Fillibusters should not be used to block legislation. Everything should be voted on with a yes/no. And being veto proof is a moot point with a Dem Congress and President.

Now the socialist democrats won't be able to blame Republicans for getting in the way of their policies. They will have no one to blame next election cycle when they have driven the country into the ground all on their own.

Actually, taking away the filibuster option. The next election will be a referendum on how the Democrats do. If indeed the majority of people are ready to toss out capitalism in favor of socialism, they are about to find out how they really like it.

[emmett]

Glad to see the shitbag leave the GOP. He is one of the reasons the GOP was doing so badly. This is a great begining for the GOP to clean house and elect some conservatives.

As for the magic 60 number, I could really care less. Fillibusters should not be used to block legislation. Everything should be voted on with a yes/no. And being veto proof is a moot point with a Dem Congress and President.

Now the socialist democrats won't be able to blame Republicans for getting in the way of their policies. They will have no one to blame next election cycle when they have driven the country into the ground all on their own.


Interesting. Very true too. This should make it pretty boring at the US Government News Agency also.

[glockmail]

Glad to see the shitbag leave the GOP. He is one of the reasons the GOP was doing so badly. This is a great begining for the GOP to clean house and elect some conservatives.

As for the magic 60 number, I could really care less. Fillibusters should not be used to block legislation. Everything should be voted on with a yes/no. And being veto proof is a moot point with a Dem Congress and President.

Now the socialist democrats won't be able to blame Republicans for getting in the way of their policies. They will have no one to blame next election cycle when they have driven the country into the ground all on their own.

I'm glad to see the fucker go as well. As far at the 60, the rules are what they are, being watered down to the point where a filibuster means nothing.

Now that the assholes have their 60, I'll say it here again:

YOU ASSHOLE LIBS- GO AS FAST AND HARD LEFT AS YOU DARE.

I survived Carter I and look forward to Reagan II.

[Kathianne]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090428/us_time/08599189439400

With this, the Democrats own whatever happens from this point on. No more blaming Bush:


GOP Senator Specter's Party Switch Gives Obama a 100-Day Gift

By MASSIMO CALABRESI AND JAY NEWTON-SMALL
Tue Apr 28, 2:55 pm ET

Pennsylvania Republican Senator Arlen Specter turned the 111th session of Congress upside down Tuesday, announcing that he will switch parties and become a Democrat. The move was the product of weeks of intensive negotiation between Specter and Democrats in the Senate and the White House, and it favorably alters the balance of power for President Obama as he is facing tough votes in the months ahead on health care, energy and budget bills. "We are thrilled to have you," Obama reportedly told Specter on the phone just a few minutes after he learned of the switch Tuesday morning.

In a statement, Specter said, "Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans." (Read Senator Arlen Specter's statement.)
Specter was facing a nearly impossible primary challenge from his conservative nemesis, Pat Toomey, whom he defeated by just 17,146 votes (or 1.6% of the vote) in 2004. Specter's unpopular vote in support of Obama's stimulus package in February drove many of Pennsylvania's diminishing Republican votes to Toomey, giving him an edge of 41%-27% in one recent poll. This came after some 200,000 Republicans had switched parties to vote in the Democratic presidential primary last spring and have not switched their party registrations back. The combination made it extremely unlikely that a moderate like Specter would emerge victorious from a GOP primary next year. "I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate," Specter said in his statement. "I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania."

The switch dramatically alters the political terrain for Obama as his second hundred days in office begins - and as his allies in Congress try to turn his campaign promises into legislative realities. With the increasing likelihood that Minnesota's Al Franken will be seated in the Senate after his contested election last fall against incumbent Republican Norm Coleman, the Democrats will reach the all-important 60-vote threshold that could allows them to override any Republican filibuster, at least in theory. "Senator Specter will strengthen the hand of mainstream, pragmatic Democrats, particularly on health care," Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said. Democrats have not had a reliable, working fillibuster proof majority since FDR in the 1930s, though Specter made it clear in his statement that "my change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans." (Read more about a filibuster-proof majority)...


What has gone down is that Specter, nearly 80 years old, recovering from cancer realized he cannot win as Republican. It's questionable if he can win as Democrat, but at least he has a shot. His voting record won't change, as his been a RINO forever.

[82Marine89]

+ Franken = 60:dance:


:lol:

I got news for you.


+ Franken = 59 point something pal. :laugh2: The guy is a joke. He rode the Obama wagon and is a guarenteed "one term" guy so enjoy it while it lasts.

As a matter of fact. Enjoy this entire roller coaster ride to the cellar my friend, just remember there is going to be a loud crash at the bottom.

Come 2010 we will see some major changes. The concert is ending for this rock star president.

[REDWHITEBLUE2]

TOO Bad he didn't take a few more RINO'S With him Like McLiberal

[Agnapostate]

Actually, taking away the filibuster option. The next election will be a referendum on how the Democrats do. If indeed the majority of people are ready to toss out capitalism in favor of socialism, they are about to find out how they really like it.

I can't stress this enough: If people wished to toss out capitalism in favor of socialism, they'd have a great interest in ensuring the victory of rightist candidates and the establishment of Anglo-Saxon capitalism. After all, the liberal democratic capitalism of the Democrats has a capacity to achieve economic stability in a capitalist economy through the utilization of welfare programs that maintain the physical efficiency of the working class whilst simultaneously appeasing worker militancy through utilization of those programs and preventing the acceptance of "subversive" ideologies. Rightists' capacity to guarantee the eventual destabilization of the capitalist economy thus ironically serves as an ally of socialism. :laugh2:

[PostmodernProphet]

I can't stress this enough: If people wished to toss out capitalism in favor of socialism, they'd have a great interest in ensuring the victory of rightist candidates and the establishment of Anglo-Saxon capitalism. After all, the liberal democratic capitalism of the Democrats has a capacity to achieve economic stability in a capitalist economy through the utilization of welfare programs that maintain the physical efficiency of the working class whilst simultaneously appeasing worker militancy through utilization of those programs and preventing the acceptance of "subversive" ideologies. Rightists' capacity to guarantee the eventual destabilization of the capitalist economy thus ironically serves as an ally of socialism. :laugh2:

oddly though, it was the development of the European welfare state that eroded their structure into socialism....it's hard to argue against the slippery slope when you can track it's progress in western Europe......

[red states rule]

I'm glad to see the fucker go as well. As far at the 60, the rules are what they are, being watered down to the point where a filibuster means nothing.

Now that the assholes have their 60, I'll say it here again:

YOU ASSHOLE LIBS- GO AS FAST AND HARD LEFT AS YOU DARE.

I survived Carter I and look forward to Reagan II.

I am sure Obama now has ACORN reps all lined up to make sure Specter is reelected no matter how the people vote in PA

[moderate democrat]

Come 2010 we will see some major changes. The concert is ending for this rock star president.

that is your opinion. I am not sure what factual information you have upon which to base it.:lol:

[red states rule]

that is your opinion. I am not sure what factual information you have upon which to base it.:lol:

I am sure you said the same thing before the 1980 election and the 1994 midterms

[moderate democrat]

I am sure you said the same thing before the 1980 election and the 1994 midterms

you would be wrong...and I still don't see any evidence that America is anything less than pleased with their new president. Did you ever figure out what "oversampling" means, btw?:lol:

[red states rule]

you would be wrong...and I still don't see any evidence that America is anything less than pleased with their new president. Did you ever figure out what "oversampling" means, btw?:lol:

From another thread

Taking over private banks. Taking over GM and Chrysler. Federalizing health care. Cap and trade to destroy the coal industry. Tripling the national debt. Devaluing the dollar. Raising taxes on small businesses in the middle of a recession. Bowing to other leaders. Hob-nobbing with tyrants and dictators. Releasing top secret memos in a time of war.

What a first 100 days from the Chosen One

[moderate democrat]

posting the same inane stuff in multiple threads is a classic example of SPAM.:lol:

[red states rule]

posting the same inane stuff in multiple threads is a classic example of SPAM.:lol:

It fits your post Virgil - file a complaint if you want

[Noir]

Not overly surprising, many of his constituants who were more liberal republicans registered as dems to vote for H Clinton in the primeries, this left a rump of conservitive reps who never would of voted for him, ergo his move makes sense.
Also looks like a fillabuster proof senate is coming in December this year

[red states rule]

Not overly surprising, many of his constituants who were more liberal republicans registered as dems to vote for H Clinton in the primeries, this left a rump of conservitive reps who never would of voted for him, ergo his move makes sense.
Also looks like a fillabuster proof senate is coming in December this year

As in my case, they switched to support Operation Chaos - and switched back.

Now Dems must actually have to accomplish things - they have zero excuses

However, they will fall back on their #1 excuse when things get worse - they will blame Bush

[Noir]

...operation chaos...lulz lulz lulz, that's priceless

[mundame]

Noir saying,

Also looks like a fillabuster proof senate is coming in December this year


So long? The Coleman last court appeal to the Franken Senate seat is still working, and presumably can be dragged out some weeks yet --- but maybe this pressure on Specter to change parties now means that Reid thinks his 60 votes will come pretty soon now.

How many Dems will win challenge Senate seats in 2010? A couple more votes would make the Dems pretty much able to pass anything written by Pelosi and Reid without opposition. Apparently the big health care program would be the first major legislation.

[red states rule]

...operation chaos...lulz lulz lulz, that's priceless

The objectives of Operation Chaos worked

No comment on the Dems contribution in the current economic mess?

[Noir]

Im just amazed that a grown man would get involved in such puerile drivel, its pretty damn funny no?

As I said in another thread everyone is involved in the economic mess.

And as for Obama having no excuses, the dems will blame bush, you guys will blame obama, meanwhile the world will move on and the amazing deepth of hate and self loathing will mean that amercia only stutters its way outa this.

[Agnapostate]

oddly though, it was the development of the European welfare state that eroded their structure into socialism....it's hard to argue against the slippery slope when you can track it's progress in western Europe......

Considering that even Scandinavia practices a form of social democratic "Rhine" capitalism, not socialism, you'll have to refine your terminology somewhat.

[glockmail]

"Benedict Arlene" :slap:

[jimnyc]

To COMPLETELY change your entire platform that you stand for, one small month away from declaring it would be wrong, leads me to believe that Specter is either getting something out of this or is just a complete asshole.

Many will say that the GOP is going away from what "conservatives" truly stand for and that could be a cause. Or that we need more centrists in the GOP. But completely changing platforms? I can SURELY see how that will make things better. :rolleyes:

Now the man will be voting for/against things he has done for decades. Has he truly changed his mind on THAT many considerations that he needed to switch? Does he suddenly believe abortion is ok? Did he have a revelation and now believes we don't have a right to bear arms? Does he suddenly think that tossing money at the unfortunate is the resolution?

[Agnapostate]

What do you mean? Specter's been a RINO for a long time (and has been pro-choice for a long time). Now he'll just be a right-leaning Dem.

[Kathianne]

Spector is just going officially with where he's been for at least the last 10 years. My be for the best. He'll be a 'Democrat' that sometimes breaks with his party, as he did today with the budget. For the most part, he's with them. I'm not sure this will lead to his re-election, which was his goal.

[PostmodernProphet]

Considering that even Scandinavia practices a form of social democratic "Rhine" capitalism, not socialism, you'll have to refine your terminology somewhat.

sorry, I don't buy into your fifty year old definition of "socialism"..........

[mundame]

It seems odd to me no one has commented in the media (or here) the point that seems most peculiar to me:

Why is Specter clinging so desperately to his job as Senator at the age of 79?

79!!!!! Darn --- shouldn't he be retiring gracefully instead of changing parties after all these years just so he can keep on keeping on?

[Kathianne]

It seems odd to me no one has commented in the media (or here) the point that seems most peculiar to me:

Why is Specter clinging so desperately to his job as Senator at the age of 79?

79!!!!! Darn --- shouldn't he be retiring gracefully instead of changing parties after all these years just so he can keep on keeping on?

Hey, he's been there since the 60's, without any major legislation. So he's 'needed' to help new members. :rolleyes:

[Agnapostate]

sorry, I don't buy into your fifty year old definition of "socialism"..........

Yeah, my petty definition which just happens to be in the dictionary, an instrument so typically beloved by anti-socialists. ;)

[red states rule]

Hey, he's been there since the 60's, without any major legislation. So he's 'needed' to help new members. :rolleyes:

In other words Kat, What is really going on here is he read the polls and heard from the voters in PA and thought to himself "I'm about to get primaried, and instead of accepting my Republican constituency's wishes, I'm doing whatever it takes to keep on the money and power train".

[crin63]

I figure this means that Specter can only define himself as a politician, he has nothing else and he is nothing else. He is just a soul-less politician and to some degree I find that saddening.

I'm glad he switched and hope the rest of the RINO's follow.

[red states rule]

I figure this means that Specter can only define himself as a politician, he has nothing else and he is nothing else. He is just a soul-less politician and to some degree I find that saddening.

I'm glad he switched and hope the rest of the RINO's follow.

Crin, he actually likes the way Democrats spend money more.

Obama and his suporters wet dream just came true - a fillibuster-proof Senate. Obama's executive decisions, and others with help of Pelosi and Reid, will seem like picnic now

However, there will be NO excuses from the Democrats when the Country goes to hell in a handbasket. Not even their "Blame Bush" rants will work now

[mundame]

Obama and his suporters wet dream just came true - a fillibuster-proof Senate.


Not yet --- they've only got 59. Coleman has appealed the Coleman/Franken election to the state supreme court, and I would guess that will eat up several more weeks, which is the whole point, to deny the Dems the 60-vote majority.

[Agnapostate]

That's right. For that matter, even an electoral victory and entry into the Senate would not be in Coleman's interests, considering the ethics investigations into his conduct.

[mundame]

That's right. For that matter, even an electoral victory and entry into the Senate would not be in Coleman's interests, considering the ethics investigations into his conduct.


It's been an open secret for some weeks that this Coleman exercise is all about delaying the Dems filibuster-proof majority.

I think it's like the ancient joke about the man who had a year to teach his donkey to sing, or be executed on orders of the king. "A lot can happen in a year -- I could die, the donkey could die, or the king could die."

Who knows what might happen? One or two Dems may die or retire before the Coleman appeals run out (Teddy Kennedy comes to mind), anything could happen. And then the Dems maybe wouldn't get their 60 majority.

[red states rule]

It's been an open secret for some weeks that this Coleman exercise is all about delaying the Dems filibuster-proof majority.

I think it's like the ancient joke about the man who had a year to teach his donkey to sing, or be executed on orders of the king. "A lot can happen in a year -- I could die, the donkey could die, or the king could die."

Who knows what might happen? One or two Dems may die or retire before the Coleman appeals run out (Teddy Kennedy comes to mind), anything could happen. And then the Dems maybe wouldn't get their 60 majority.

Or perhaps the outright election fraud by the Dems needs to be looked at.

[glockmail]

It seems odd to me no one has commented in the media (or here) the point that seems most peculiar to me:

Why is Specter clinging so desperately to his job as Senator at the age of 79?

79!!!!! Darn --- shouldn't he be retiring gracefully instead of changing parties after all these years just so he can keep on keeping on? No kidding what the hell is wrong with retirement with his benefit package, free time and golf?

[PostmodernProphet]

It seems odd to me no one has commented in the media (or here) the point that seems most peculiar to me:

Why is Specter clinging so desperately to his job as Senator at the age of 79?

79!!!!! Darn --- shouldn't he be retiring gracefully instead of changing parties after all these years just so he can keep on keeping on?

so much country to fuck up, so little time.....

[Kathianne]

so much country to fuck up, so little time.....

He changed from Dem to Republican for first run. Now he's flipped back again. Interestingly many Dems don't like it either:

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Senator-Specter-meet-your-new-friends-44078122.html


Politics

[Print] [Email]
Senator Specter, meet your new friends

By: Byron York
Chief Political Correspondent
04/30/09 9:00 PM


What does the future hold for Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter? A lot of uncertainty, soured relationships, and possible disaster. And that's just with his new-found friends in the Democratic Party.

There's no doubt Senate Democrats wanted Specter's help with the president's agenda this year. His vote in the Democratic column could mean significantly better chances for the Obama administration's proposals on health care, energy, and education. So Specter's support will be valuable to his new party in the short run.

The long run is another matter. Go behind the news conferences and photo-ops, and Specter's fellow Democrats aren't exactly welcoming him with open arms and warm feelings -- or even respect. Specter's defection, one well-connected party strategist told me, "seems to me like the cowardly act of a cornered man."...

So Specter, 79 years old and apparently determined to serve another term in the Senate, is in a very vulnerable position. "Democrats have the blackmail card," the strategist explained. "In the past, the Republicans could say to Specter, 'We're going to challenge you in the primary,' and he could say, 'To hell with you -- I'll become a Democrat.' He can't say that any more. If the Democrats say, 'We're going to challenge you in the primary,' he can't say, 'To hell with you -- I'll become a Republican.' They'll say, 'Noooooo you won't.'"

As far as Republicans are concerned, it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. More than a few in the GOP were gobsmacked when Specter explained his defection in nakedly strategic terms. "He made perfectly clear in a private conversation with [Senate Minority Leader Mitch] McConnell that his decision was made last Friday, when his pollster came to him and said, 'You will not win the Republican primary,'" a top Senate aide told me. "So the decision to run as a Democrat wasn't because he wanted to leave the Republican party, or because the party was mean to him." Specter said much the same thing in public; his decision was born of sheer desperation....