What did Specter represent besides himself?
posted at 5:15 pm on April 28, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Allahpundit has done a great job of covering Arlen Specter’s rather unsurprising switch to the Democratic Party today, but we’ve already seen a meme arise that blames Republicans for not embracing Specter warmly enough. Lindsay Graham went so far as to blame Pat Toomey for daring to challenge Specter in a primary, and apparently for being so much more popular among Specter’s constituents that an incumbent Senator fell 21 points behind a primary challenger.
David Frum writes, reasonably enough, that the Republicans can’t govern without crafting a majority party, but picks the wrong poster child:
The Specter defection is too severe a catastrophe to qualify as a “wake-up call.” His defection is the thing we needed the wake-up call to warn us against! For a long time, the loudest and most powerful voices in the conservative world have told us that people like Specter aren’t real Republicans – that they don’t belong in the party. Now he’s gone, and with him the last Republican leverage within any of the elected branches of government.
For years, many in the conservative world have wished for an ideologically purer GOP. Their wish has been granted. Happy?
Let’s take this moment to nail some colors to the mast. I submit it is better for conservatives to have 60% sway within a majority party than to have 100% control of a minority party. And until and unless there is an honored place made in the Republican party for people who think like Arlen Specter, we will remain a minority party.
I’ll take exception to both the “catastrophe” and the idea that we lost any influence in Congress at all. First, Specter made it clear with his vote on Porkulus that he didn’t intend to stand for much of anything — except Arlen Specter. Republicans had been steamrolled on Porkulus, locked out of negotiations first by Nancy Pelosi and then by Barack Obama, who told Republicans, “I won.” Had Specter held firm on Porkulus, he would have forced Democrats to compromise on the stimulus package — and many Republicans wanted a reason to throw money at their constituents, but in a somewhat more effective manner. Instead, Specter back-doored his caucus, and then convinced Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to do the same.
Maybe that’s the reason Specter can’t get within 21 points of Toomey in a primary.
I agree with Frum that the GOP has to offer a big tent, and that we have to allow for some diversity of opinion on issues in order to build a coalition around core values. But what core values does Specter represent? What did his Porkulus vote tell us about his core values? He doesn’t support the social-issues positions of some conservatives, nor does he support fiscal constraint and responsibility. I’m looking for any corner of a Republican tent that could possibly cover where Specter stands, and I’m not seeing any. Taxes? He voted to water down the Bush tax cuts. Judges? Specter went along with the Borking of, well, Robert Bork. Specter in 1990 opposed parental notification on abortions — not consent, but notification.
But Porkulus is the real key. Even center-right and liberal Republicans in the House rejected it. More Democrats rejected Porkulus than Republicans voted to support it.
The surprise isn’t that Specter switched sides now; it’s that it took him this long to acknowledge reality. His constituents realized it before he did. It’s not Pat Toomey’s fault that Specter can’t touch him in a primary, and really, that’s why we didn’t lose any influence, either. If Specter couldn’t stay strong on Porkulus, which got a grand total of 3 Republican votes on Capitol Hill, he’s a lost cause already.
When push came to shove, Specter couldn’t even stand up for negotiation and compromise on Capitol Hill, opting instead to negotiate for himself. He’s not a fiscal stalwart, a social conservative, or a conservative on judges, and disloyal to boot. What exactly did we lose here?
Update: Corrected one sentence for clarity; thanks to commenter Count to 10 for pointing it out.
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RINOs smell bad anyway.
Rumor has it that Meghan’s friends lovingly call her “carp”.
Spiritk9 on April 28, 2009 at 6:22 PM
I understand Ed’s position. Specter was certainly not in any way a true conservative. He was surely a RINO. But he was an important one. It’s voices like his that gives true conservatives an avenue with the independents and people who may not feel as strongly about abortion as others.
The point of having a party is for everyone to come together and build one voice out of many different voices. Specter represented the independents who Aren’t necessarily sold on strong Union labor but aren’t totally against the idea of some government spending. I know you guys may not agree with that worldview, but that is a good 5% of the population, to say the least. Him leaving tells independents that people who don’t really care or subscribe to the fact that a little spending by the government isn’t a bad idea is unwelcome in your party.
That, frankly, is terrible as now how are you going to attract new voters? This grand belief that people will come flocking if Obama fails is a pipe dream if you have nothing to offer to replace Obama’s policies.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:24 PM
I didn’t ask you to describe the cynical position.
I asked what is your view of mainstream.
Why should most people vote Republican? What do you have to offer?
Right now people are not seeing or hearing the answer to that question.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:26 PM
I thought the point of a party is for those of like mind to have a place to come together and put those that believe as they do as representatives of their ideals.
Specter tossed that one a while ago for sure.
Spiritk9 on April 28, 2009 at 6:27 PM
You’re absolutely right. Pres. Bush helped get us into to this mess big time. Know why? Because he gave up on his conservative principles! As far as standing for something? I love how liberals always say the Republican party needs to stand for something. What have you stood for other than the opposite of whatever Bush wanted? And I love how you libs have such a big tent. Lieberman is one of the biggest liberals in office, but he supports Bush on one issue and he’s labeled a traitor. Specter decided to support the party about %50 of the time and we’re the intolerant ones! You guys are laughable in your hypocrisy.
kongzilla on April 28, 2009 at 6:27 PM
As a resident of beautiful western Pennsylvania, I’ve always felt Mr. Specter best represented all those who lust for power. Nothing more, nothing less.
Zorro on April 28, 2009 at 6:28 PM
What is it with these RINOs like McCain and Spector?
They get old, get cancer and hang onto to their Senate seats like a couple of damn barnacles.
All the while they try to destroy the very party that supported them while they also attack their supporters and contributors who had treated them so well.
Old sick worthless bastards, in my opinion.
TexasJew on April 28, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Isn’t that “mainstream”? We keep hearing that conservative views are passe and can’t win.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Give it time. Once the folks see their box Cheerio’s go up to $10 bucks a box, they will start listening.
Knucklehead on April 28, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Now you are asking him to leave because you want a purist version of your party. I just don’t understand how you think you can pull independents on board when you aren’t willing to compromise.
ckoeber
Why don’t you try telling the Democrats to compromise their (so-called) principles on abortion, taxes and spending? Because they’d laugh you out of the room. But you have no problem telling Republicans to become Democrat-lite to suit you. Troll.
SKYFOX on April 28, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Give it time. Once the folks see their box Cheerio’s go up to $10 bucks a box, they will start listening.
Knucklehead on April 28, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Obama will blame it on Big Cereal.
TexasJew on April 28, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Hypocrisy? When he wanted to defect we offered to sit down and talk. And when he decided to stay we let him keep his seat and chairmanships, even as he actively campaigned for the other side.
Your guy leaves and you want to kick him out the door as he is stepping out. No major conservative voices saying that you are sorry to see him leave. It’s everyone saying “He didn’t leave soon enough!”
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Does anybody know if DKOS gives classes in these talking points or are they allowed to make some things up as they go along? Are they twittered hourly?
Yoop on April 28, 2009 at 6:36 PM
No, you assume conservative views are mainstream when it isn’t. Not everyone feels the exact same way on Abortion, tax-cuts, healthcare, etc.
How about this: You have a person who supports single-payer healthcare but opposes any form of abortion and is staunchly pro-military.
Do you welcome that person in your party?
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:37 PM
LOL, just answer the question. You complain about “trolls” yet when someone tries to have an actual discussion you go on and on about irrelevant things.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:38 PM
Oh, but we didn’t see the price of food and gas go up under the previous administration?
Even before the Democratic party took power back in 2006-7 in the House and Senate the prices were going up.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Arlen Specter did not leave on his own accord. He was forced out of the Republican party. Forced. He knew it when he heard the boos at a recent press conference, last month. He knew when Toomey started beating him. He heard the calls of the people saying they will NOT contribute to the RNC if Specter gets one dime. Specter knew DeMint was going to support Toomey.
Specter wants to play senator for a few more years and needed $$ for his campaign, which Obama and Dems will readily hand out.
Conservatives win this round!
TN Mom on April 28, 2009 at 6:41 PM
You’re taking a stricter definition that doesn’t fit into mainstream society. 300 Million people from vastly different backgrounds can’t possibly be just divided into a left and right camp.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:42 PM
1. I already told you what “mainstream” is.
2. No, I wouldn’t. Abortion isn’t quite the litmus test for me that it is for pro-choicers.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:42 PM
How does conservatives win? You lose a seat in PA AND your prospects of regaining that seat is dim at best. Toomey is seen as someone who leans far to the right.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:44 PM
You keep talking about “mainstream” but yet 300 million different views. Something doesn’t compute.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Yep. If it talks like a Democrat, Walks like a Democrat, VOTES like a Democrat….
TN Mom on April 28, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Well, that settles it. The only answer is to become Democrat Lite.
How is Toomey “far right”? Maybe he’s anti-abortion and anti-gay marriage?
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Now imagine that Mitch McConnell is a Democrat. Wait, I don’t think a Far Righter like McConnell could be a Democrat. LOL
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Over 2/3 rds of Americans want SMALLER government… the polls have been consistant for years.
Republicans lost their Mojo by NOT being the Fiscal Con Party… thus kicking out a Big Spender who voted with the Dems starts them back on the Path…
IF the Repubs can rebuild their Fiscal Con Reputation, they will be back in power very quickly.
Problem is that its the Grass Roots who are forcing this, not the Repub party Oligarchs… so it may not work.
Romeo13 on April 28, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Wow, the cajones on you! He’s an INDEPENDENT because your party turned against him for supporting the war. ONE issue and he was damaged goods. Specter has been voting your way %50 of the time and HE chose to leave. You do know what hypocrisy means, right?
kongzilla on April 28, 2009 at 6:49 PM
1. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt here. This is what you wrote:
So you truly feel the left represents America? I’ll give you a second pass at the question.
2. So I assume any choice having to with public spending is a no go for you then, right (according to your answer)?
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Specter, the cranky old b@st@rd who borked Bork, later borrowed a spine and helped show Anita Hill’s charges against Clarence Thomas were false. But the guy has spent the past 18 years trying to repent for that, and frankly, I’ve had more than enough of him.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on April 28, 2009 at 6:50 PM
The analysis I’ve read about the Nov 08 election is that the big difference since 2004 was a major lack of conservative votes for McCain. That makes the realpolitik argument for dumping the likes of Specter. Even without that, who is gonna vote or contribute to a party that’s just a light version of the other. The electorate swings back and forth but you have to be on the right side when it swings back, not in the middle. Many people will never vote Republican, but many more would if there was a good reason to. How hard can it be to build a popular alternative to what we have now. The public is starting to and will soon be very interested in a true different path.
bagoh20 on April 28, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Fine. Tell you what. Kick McCain, Snowe, and Collins out as well. We’ll take them…
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:50 PM
I am no longer a Republican, but I hope the party works to have “a big tent.” I don’t for a second believe this move by Specter is about a party that has “gotten too conservative” or offensive efforts at “party purification” (as much as some posters here would like it to be). This was about an old man about to lose his power and position and now lashing about to grasp whatever straw he can to stay in the DC elite.
The whining of Graham and Snowe about how Senator Specter has been offended and chased out is balogna. These people routinely ignore what people say to them. They couldn’t survive in the “business” if they didn’t. No, the attitudes displayed are just evidence of the same kind of entitlement attitude most DC Republicans and Democrats have. In their world they “deserve” special status and all the opportunities to decide who gets what, and they think they deserve to do this til they croak. It is this attitude that has millions of people angry and frustrated. We’re expected to pay for their playing and keep our opinions to ourselves. Not any more.
RClark on April 28, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Too young to remember the Carter years? When prices on everything doubled overnight in the grocery store? As far as your assertion on prices going up in 06-07, you can put that blame on ethanol.
With the debt the Obama is putting on us, you’re going to see inflation like you never saw before. And that is a promise.
Knucklehead on April 28, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Toomey vs Specter in 2010? Who knows. Assuming Specter wins the Dem nomination, which isn’t a gimme. I think the Left probably have their own strict standards to maintain. Ask Joe Lieberman.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:53 PM
LOL…the thing is, you already have them, for the most part.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Conservatives have been screaming for RINO’s to get out. Today, one finaly got the message.
Unless you are Meghan McCain, conservatives are looking for someone who leans far right…
TN Mom on April 28, 2009 at 6:54 PM
That was during the primaries and a runner up beat him, fair and square. We didn’t “turn against him” as much as another person ran in the primary and won. Had Leiberman won that primary we would have supported him.
Even when he did all of his stuff we welcomed him back.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:55 PM
They’re already yours.
TN Mom on April 28, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Specter wins hands down as it stands now. Let’s see what Toomey pulls.
If a Dem primary knocks out Specter then it’s even better because the choice is more clear cut for us and the people of PA.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:57 PM
I don’t want McCain kicked out like many conservatives, but you know damn well that your party wouldn’t accept him. If there is a tent smaller than the conservative tent it sure as hell would be the liberal tent.
kongzilla on April 28, 2009 at 6:58 PM
“Grace” is not a word in Specter’s vocabulary. Keep hanging in there until you fall over, you worthless old fossil.
Cicero43 on April 28, 2009 at 6:58 PM
I would be happy to welcome RINO’s like Specter in my political party, but first I’d need to see…
Wake me when that happens.
Huckabye-Romney on April 28, 2009 at 6:59 PM
It’s “mainstream”. I told you. As in, you know, “mainstream media”. The Left is “mainstream” by definition, which is why there can be no such thing as “liberal media bias”. See?
Check your original question. It was about health care vs abortion and military policy.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Ehhh, we need them to change their letters. Then they really have to answer to the Left. As it stands now they get to piss you off while stealing our votes in Presidential elections.
Kinda cool but if they completely switch then we can move forward with rebuilding America faster because they’ll need to directly answer to the Dems…
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I’m not so sure. Sounds like more lefty trashy-talking, which has been easy in the First One Hundred Glorious Days. But pffft, maybe so. If some PA voters are ignorant enough to send people like Murtha to DC, any hack has hope.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 7:02 PM
If that was the case we wouldn’t be at least willing to listen to Specter.
We would take him, just as a trophy.
He’ll retire soon so that would be really cool to have him retire as a member of the Democratic party after serving as a Republican for 20+ years.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 7:02 PM
LOL. Sure, Bachmann is a shining star of the GOP.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Nah, now they can piss you off. As long as you like unprincipled types, have at it.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Probably irrelevant to you, possibly quite relevant to the other posters. So perhaps your decision regarding what is relevant is really, well, not relevant.
Your “actual discussion” begins to resemble a stuck record. Maybe your view of mainstream flyover-country is a bit off?
Yoop on April 28, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Specter no doubt has a promise from Gov. Rendell that there will be no primary contest. Rendell and Specter worked together in thd DA’s office years ago. I suppose there is the possibility of a MoveOn type ignoring the Dem machine and running, but that’s unlikely.
Wethal on April 28, 2009 at 7:05 PM
I’d rather have her representing me than either Specter or Murtha. But that’s just my personal preference guess.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 7:06 PM
OK, so then let’s change the wording then.
What do you feel is middle of the road American values?
What does an average American stand on most issues, in your eyes?
I bring this up as I am assuming you feel Specter does not represent the average American.
ckoeber on April 28, 2009 at 7:06 PM
McCain will not win re-election and a Dem will not take his seat. Pretty cool for you.
Knucklehead on April 28, 2009 at 7:07 PM
The Captain nailed this one. And now the string is on fire with what is essentially a debate about how one defines a political party. Appealing to independents should not, in and of itself, be the goal of any party. That’s Clintonism – power for the sake of power without any moral grounding or direction. The idea that ANYONE who considers themselves a Republican could even remotely consider voting for the stimulus should be a disqualifier. For the three Republicans who voted in favor there should be a real debate about whether they are indeed part of a party or whether they belong elsewhere. One can certainly argue that the benefit of the national party machinary and the associated resources should be witheld. My hope is this debate results in the exit of Snowe and Collins as well. If they continue to vote like liberal democrats they might as well drop the ruse.
MajorKong on April 28, 2009 at 7:07 PM
The “average Americans” are suspicious of Big Government and want lower taxes. They are also generally anti-gay marriage and anti-abortion, though they want abortion to remain legal. In other words, moonbats really are not mainstream.
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 7:09 PM
If Toomey is such a loser, why did the Obamessiah jump on giving Specter a clear field with no concessions?
Speedwagon82 on April 28, 2009 at 7:14 PM
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Small government, fiscal restraint, federalism?
Ooops. I said the F word, Janet will be coming for me.
MajorKong on April 28, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Speedwagon82 on April 28, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Maybe this is for Ed but could all this mean they think something is going to go wrong for Franken?
MajorKong on April 28, 2009 at 7:17 PM
He lost the primary because he wasn’t supported by the party! One issue made him too far right for you progressives.
I think that’s debatable. Regardless, that was mighty big of you!
kongzilla on April 28, 2009 at 7:21 PM
So, how does one go about getting their donations back?
PAGOPgirl on April 28, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Well, I supported Specter up until he voted for Porkulus. There needs to be room in the party for the pre-Porkulus Specter. It was just so insane for the three moderates to vote for the crazy socialism of that bill. I plan to not vote for Senate in 2010. Toomey is just too right wing for me and I don’t like the cost of losing Specter–even if I’m angry about his vote for Porkulus.
If American political parties become too conformist, the next step will be to just have one party.
thuja on April 28, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Yay. Does this mean that now we (meaning Frum and other barely recognizable Repubs of his ilk) can get on with it, and shut up about how the Republican party needs to move more to the center?????
Puddleglum on April 28, 2009 at 7:40 PM
thuja,
there is “just on party” and will be for a very long time.
foxone on April 28, 2009 at 7:41 PM
So Arlen “Magic Bullet” Specter finally acknowledged what has been an open secret for years. He’s really a egomaniac, Democrat.
How surprising. Next we’ll learn he is also a social and military liberal. His is a constituency of 1 – himself and no one else. I doubt if he includes his wife in his planning.
Now, not only is Arlen Specter second only to John Murtha in the Pennsylvania slime, but he is also responsible for making the United States of America a truly Socialist country.
Until the citizens wake up and put him to pasture with the rest of the pond scum.
SeniorD on April 28, 2009 at 7:59 PM
This guy’s got one foot in the grave anyway. (Arlen the Ghoul)
Let’s replace him while the body is still lukewarm.
omnipotent on April 28, 2009 at 8:15 PM
I allways cringe when I hear or read the phrase “Big Tent”.
Just what the heck is that supposed to mean? Be fiscally conservative and socially moderate? How does one be socially moderate and not give in to social liberalism? I do not see how a fiscal conservative can possibly pretend to put the reigns on spending when they pursue a socially moderate agenda. It just flies in the face of reason. So what would the rinos have us do? Just walk a little slower to the left? Perhaps if republicans who felt more comfortable with the social policies of the democrats crossed over to the democratic party they might return a little fiscal sense back to the democratic party. It would be great to see the democrats looking a little more like republicans than the other way around.
jims on April 28, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Before you can be a “Moderate” Republican, you have to at least be… a Republican.
I’m in agreement with Ed. Specter couldn’t even be counted on for the basics in core Republican principles. He proved that on the Porkulus vote.
He’s no loss. He was a Democrat in sheep’s clothing anyway.
Murf76 on April 28, 2009 at 8:32 PM
I can’t answer for everybody, but for me… I view the “Big Tent” philosophy as an embrace of CORE VALUES. IOW, if you believe in limited central government, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, federalism… you’re a Republican.
Republic is the root word. So, if you’re an atheist or a pro-choicer, in the “Big Tent” model, there ought to be a place for you when you agree with the basic tenets of Republican party philosophy.
The problem with people like Benedict Arlen is that he can’t even get THAT much right. He’s just out for himself.
Murf76 on April 28, 2009 at 8:41 PM
In fact, he left because he probably would not have withstood a primary challenge; after trying to arrange an open primary, where he would have been able to enjoy support from independents and dems.
Clearly, it wasn’t being a Republican he found difficult; it was maintaining his position, power, and perks.
massrighty on April 28, 2009 at 9:14 PM
RE: Joe Lieberman:
You wrote:
Joe was under attack from his own party, for the sin of taking a contrary position on one issue. He argued from logic and passion both, and was rewarded by being dumped by his own party, who openly supported an opponent in the primary.
Contrast with Specter, who, when challenged last time, recieved the support of his party and his President.
Leiberman went on to run a successful independant bid, and chose to stay within the caucus of the Democrat party.
If memory serves, he was stripped of at least one leadership post, for supporting John McCain.
massrighty on April 28, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Much better a RINO show his true colors than confuse the electorate. RINOs must become extinct. When the people can finally see who is giving someone else the diamond mine while all they get is the shaft, they will wake up and stop voting for those left of center, including RINOs.
Dandapani on April 28, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Specter worked against Republican ideas when they were in the majority and he worked against Republican ideas when they were in the minority. So now he work against Republican ideas from the outside. At least now, we are free to tell him what we think.
Fred 2 on April 28, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Whaaaaaat?? Are you saying there’s no room in the Democrat Big Tent for Specter and McCain as they are right now? They have to hew more closely to the Lefty line?
ddrintn on April 28, 2009 at 10:31 PM
It may be a 20 year process but if the dems want to be whores the public will…eventually catch up. OK..maybe 40 years.
MajorKong on April 28, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Murf76 on April 28, 2009 at 8:32 PM
On the stimulus vote I got the sense Sen. Specter liked being the center of attention. He should get along well with the President.
MajorKong on April 28, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I see that Biden and Obama are holding a news conference to put their trophy turncoat on display.
rplat on April 29, 2009 at 8:02 AM
The “public” elected Obama so they obviously aren’t very quick . . . I’d give the at least a millennium to begin to recover from their comas.
rplat on April 29, 2009 at 8:06 AM
What will Specter do when his 15 minutes are up? He won’t be the courted swing vote anymore, just another lousy Dem.
ctmom on April 29, 2009 at 8:10 AM
Of course, the stimulus bill cost him a lot of votes. He was front and center, and a lot of people disagreed with him within his party and his state.
79 year-old men don’t make particularly sharp decisions. He didn’t want to end his career by losing.
AnninCA on April 29, 2009 at 8:26 AM
Hard to say where PA will be come general election time but when the “bitter clingers” get hit with the economic effects of Obama’s environmental policies Pat Toomey’s growth agenda may resonate. Toomey has hammer the Dems out on all their high tax, anti- business and anti-coal initiatives. Then he may have a shot.
muggedbyreality on April 29, 2009 at 8:53 AM
Arlen Specter is example extraordinaire of what is wrong with this country. First, he is an attorney and we have too many lawyers in Washington running this country. These folks are taught in law school the art of circular argument, so they never have to stand for anything. They twist in the wind depending on the direction. How pathetic!!!! And secondly, he needs to read John Kasich’s book, “Stand For Something.” It’s a sad day in this country when someone Specter’s age still can’t find his values!!! Mr. Specter, we won’t miss you.
ice princess on April 29, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Spuck Fecter.
and Buck Fiden and Buck Farack too.
leetpriest on April 29, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Good example of how Specter damaged the party more from within than he could ever damage it from the outside.
petefrt on April 29, 2009 at 9:04 AM
I for one am glad he’s gone. Reject this tripe that says we need to be more “inclusive”. Reject Specter and his ilk.
The Purge is working.
rollthedice on April 29, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Ira Einhorn voted for Specter 4 times (absentee ballot from the lam)
Bevan on April 29, 2009 at 9:41 AM
We had no “leverage” with him. The only leverage was him saying “give me what I want, and I might vote with you”.
He is a typical selfish politician.
Snowe and the rest are the same, they only vote what is good for them.
right2bright on April 29, 2009 at 9:42 AM
Ed, I wonder what is happening in Washington that this issue is distracting us from. Certainly Specter has chosen this particular time as a favor to the dems to allow them to sneak through some despicable piece of legislation while we are occupied with his betrayal.
csdeven on April 29, 2009 at 9:44 AM
I’m starting to think that the deal Specter made with the democrats in order to vote yes on the porkulus was that they would let him run as a democrat, and that everything he said afterwards were lies.
Vashta.Nerada on April 29, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Specter represents everything that’s wrong with politics. He’s a professional politician. He’s indignant that his future would be decided by Republican primary voters. He doesn’t care what his departure does to people who campaigned for him. All he cares about is being a Senator.
What happens to his war chest? If the GOP has raised money for him, does he get to carry it across the street?
hawksruleva on April 29, 2009 at 10:18 AM
I’m not a huge believer in the whole “distraction” theory, because it gives the Administration too much credit. But it’s hard to find coverage of the Sebilius nomination…
hawksruleva on April 29, 2009 at 10:19 AM
This is probably the most idiotic thing I have ever heard anyone say. The Republican Party will only begin to renew itself once we jettison opportunistic, grandstanding, non-conservatives like McCain. (I don’t give a flyin’ flip what his voting record is — in the causes that he chooses to hang his hat on, he shows that he is most assuredly not conservative.)
bulgaroctonus on April 29, 2009 at 10:21 AM
“I am staying a Republican because I think I have an important role, a more important role, to play there. The United States very desperately needs a two-party system. That’s the basis of politics in America. I’m afraid we are becoming a one-party system… I think as a governmental matter, it is very important to have a check and balance.” – Sen. Arlen Specter, 3/17/09
So much for principles, eh?
Jarhead68 on April 29, 2009 at 10:36 AM
What better time than now to rid ourselves of this old goat. Fiscal responsibility has to be the one place where open mindedness is not a virtue. Money is to be invested or saved, not merely spent for the sake of spending.
I’m not at all convinced that Specter fares any better in the Democrat’s tent… he is just out of touch with reality.
He sounded old and spent. His last political act is to betray friends who have stood by his nutty inconsistency. He has no legacy of honor to be remembered by.
Good riddance to bad rubbish. No country needs a man so without honor.
petunia on April 29, 2009 at 10:45 AM
The problem with the Frum argument is that his Big Tent led directly to the Bush era Republicanism – Terri Shaivo, massive spending, expansion of government, nation building foreign policy and so on.
What Frum has to answer is “what’s the point of being a Republican?” Other than the social/culture wars stuff (which is not something politics is well suited to EVER address) the R’s and D’s were indistinguishable anyway – a slight matter of degree and rhetoric.
As a small-l libertarian, I can find almost nothing to like about the Bush years version of the Republican party. I’m no fan of the Limbaugh types, but at least they offer SOME attempt at lower spending and fiscal restraint.
vimrich on April 29, 2009 at 10:59 AM
When asked where’s Arlen, Barney Frank replied “bent over his office desk where I left him…”
sabbott on April 29, 2009 at 11:05 AM
If I was a Democrat I would be pissed. Specter is a 80 yr old self serving politician who only votes his own self interest. He would have been defeated in the primary & chances are very good the Dems would have picked up the seat anyway by defeating Tomey.
So instead of gaining the seat with a younger more vibrant Lefty,.. The Dems gain it with Arlen Specter, an old self-center political hack….
One could say the jokes on them if they think Benedict Arlen actually believes their agenda,… he only believes in saving his own hide….
Could be a long 8 yrs for the Lefties to tolerate this guy..
RaisinsofWrath on April 29, 2009 at 11:42 AM
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2009/04/29/specter-switches-ira-einhorn-saga-deserves-wider-mention
Arlen Sphincter defended the stinky murderor/cofounder of earth day Ira Einhorn. The news goes un reported. It stinks.
seven on April 29, 2009 at 11:59 AM
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