Video: Specter says he would have cured Kemp if GOP had listened
posted at 8:47 am on May 4, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Arlen Specter went a bit too far after being asked to justify his party switch yesterday. Specter told Face the Nation that had the GOP listened to him and spent billions more dollars in the “war on cancer,” Jack Kemp would still be alive:
Greg Hengler calls this “demagoguery,” and it’s one of the worst types. Had Kemp’s body even started to cool before Specter exploited his death for his own political gain? Specter certainly could have stuck with his own battles with cancer, and that would have been fair game, but to claim that he could have saved Kemp if only the GOP had spent a little more like drunken sailors between 2001-6 is just despicable.
It’s also a grotesque lie. During Republican control of Congress, federal spending on health research and regulation increased 46% after inflation, from $49 billion a year to $72 billion a year, or about 7% increase each year. That’s almost the same rate of increase as Defense spending got in the same period (48%), when we actually had a real war on our hands, and not a political contrivance for excusing federal spending.
And Specter wonders why he can’t get within 20 points of Pat Toomey in a primary race?
Blowback
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Specter is the epitome of a despicable politician. The fortunes of the Republicans increased the day this guy finally went where he always belonged.
TheBigOldDog on May 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Democrats, I hope you like your new Joe Biden. Own it and Love it!
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM
It reminds me of John Edwards stupid nonsense that when John Kerry is elected Christopher Reeve is going to walk again. Let’s see if the press jumps on this now that he’s a Dem.
itsspideyman on May 4, 2009 at 8:49 AM
It just proves that Spector really is a democrat
William Amos on May 4, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Why doesn’t Specter just take Teh One to Kemp’s funeral and have him bring him to life?
What a joke. Specter didn’t leave the GOP soon enough.
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Actually… doesn’t this mean that Specter should be dead if he were telling the truth?
Skywise on May 4, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Not quite yet.
Sloan Morganstern on May 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Wow. Just wow.
KS Rex on May 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Maybe he had Obama lay hands on him [Specter].
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Amazing miracles happen when we spend like liberals; I know because they tell me so. I mean, Christopher Reeves would be alive (and walking) today. Why don’t Republicans care about helping people live? /sarc
alteredbeat on May 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Actually… doesn’t this mean that Specter should be dead if he were telling the truth?
Skywise on May 4, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Good point.
itsspideyman on May 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Pathetic. Even for you, Specter.
LibTired on May 4, 2009 at 8:53 AM
I think this is one type of politician that should NEVER be allowed under the big tent… I’m failing to see the difference between Specter and a Gold Digger.
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Wonder if he plans to stand up and deliver this as the eulogy at Kemp’s funeral, while handing out “Arlen in ’10″ bumper stickers to the mourners and pallbearers (maybe even slap one on the coffin during the ceremony…)
jon1979 on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
He belongs where he is.
amkun on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Cancer isn’t a single disease, with a single cause. Not only is Specter despicable for this, and a liar, he has no clue about cancer if he thinks more $ = more cure. Scum bag should fit right in with the rest of the Democrats.
rbj on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Don’t give him ideas!
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Amazing. Please stick to playing politics, stop trying to play God. This is the best example of “drunk with power” that I have ever seen.
sherry on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Well, he’s certainly coming up to speed with how the Dems ‘work’, isn’t he?
Midas on May 4, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Speaking of which, was he drunk when he said this?
Upstater85 on May 4, 2009 at 8:56 AM
The whole Specter episode is in such bad taste that I’ll give you a funny Biden headline from today’s Wilmington News Journal, his hometown daily.
Biden in Del. today to discuss stimulus, use of wind
I would like to think they’re laughing at him, even just a little, but they also have a story today on how he’s making Delaware “cool.”
BigD on May 4, 2009 at 8:56 AM
specter was on all the sunday shows yesterday. he was so damn excited to get all this “positive” attention.
maybe the dems will shut him up the same way they did with biden; promote him. SC Justice?
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 8:57 AM
The spectre of Specter continues to haunt. Fortuneatley,Specter’s sphincter is a cancer that has mestasticized to the Demos’body politic.
hip shot on May 4, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Arlen Specter should go to hell and not die…
doriangrey on May 4, 2009 at 8:58 AM
dorian: specter is a dem now. so he is in hell.
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Ok, “big tent’ers” – still wish this a$$hat was in the GOP caucus? Sure, he probably wouldn’t have had the forum in which to spew this garbage, but he’s obviously capable of it, and we knew it. You want him back? Still think RINO’s are worth it, no matter what?
We need some intrepid folks asking Collins and Snowe (as well as some top Dems, but that’s another story) to denounce this publicaly and see how they react.
Midas on May 4, 2009 at 8:59 AM
oh they’ll renounce the statement specter made without renouncing the man who said it. just like they do with napolitano or biden.
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Cancer, and many other diseases will never be cured specifically because they get millions and millions of dollars. It’s a business.
Government funded charity …
darwin on May 4, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Using his own logic, shouldn’t he be dead by now?
JammieWearingFool on May 4, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Every time he opens his mouth, it becomes clearer why he had to join the Democrat party. He is a liberal Democrat and always “has been”.
afotia on May 4, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Spectre belongs with Obama and the Democrats. He has the pomposity down to a tee.
kingsjester on May 4, 2009 at 9:02 AM
What I had in mind involves a much more literal engagement with flames and screaming in agony…. For a very long time….
doriangrey on May 4, 2009 at 9:02 AM
He belongs where he is going–hell.
amkun on May 4, 2009 at 8:54 AM
FIFY.
BuckeyeSam on May 4, 2009 at 9:02 AM
A
ssholerlen Spectre – The Balding Old Skinny Male version of Mehgan McCain.BillaryMcBush on May 4, 2009 at 9:04 AM
Knock on Senate Republican Minority Leaders Office door
Opened it found a bound and gagged Arlen with a sign painfully stapled to his chest – nice try guys…..
EricPWJohnson on May 4, 2009 at 9:04 AM
turd
Akzed on May 4, 2009 at 9:05 AM
I know some people will opine that Spector is suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s. Not so… He’s simply demented!
MNDavenotPC on May 4, 2009 at 9:05 AM
dorian: revenge is a dish best served cold.
let’s whip his ass in NOvember. and i bet it will be cold in PA.
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:05 AM
and did you read the reports that Ridge might challenge Toomey in PA? any truth to that? what do you think?
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Specter’s latest bit of shameful behavior again emphasizes that his excuse for switching parties, that the party is too socially conservative, and he’s just a fiscal conservative looking for a home, is a gigantic pile of crap. He is neither a social nor a fiscal conservative and good riddance.
brobin on May 4, 2009 at 9:08 AM
If the Democrats had diverted some of the money that goes towards researching a completing preventable disease (you know which one) and put it towards fighting cancer Kemp would be alive…/ tit for tat…
Caper29 on May 4, 2009 at 9:08 AM
errrr completing = completely
Caper29 on May 4, 2009 at 9:09 AM
As a Republican, Arlen was the Specter of death for the GOP
His leaving improves Republicans
BDU-33 on May 4, 2009 at 9:10 AM
lets send Spector and Megan McShame to EXILE Island!
SDarchitect on May 4, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Specter wants be just like Plugs Biden when he grows up.
Wade on May 4, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Arlen and Sebelious HHS director will whip all manner of diseases. No I expect cancer to increase. In fact Research causes cancer.
We need we are told about 20 million more smokers in order for s-chip to meet plans. Democrats have no medical wisdom or favorible contribution.
seven on May 4, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Because lotsa money always equals positive results against all diseases, right Arlen?
God, I am now so happy he is gone from my party- disgusting old weasel.
jjshaka on May 4, 2009 at 9:13 AM
At a boy Arlen, you dumb jackass. If we had elected Kerry, Christopher Reeves would have risen and walked. You should feel great at your new home.
Big Orange on May 4, 2009 at 9:14 AM
Caper29
Ahhh, yep! from your mouth to G-d’s ear.
MNDavenotPC on May 4, 2009 at 9:15 AM
If Senator Specter has not supported abortion, one of the millions unborn murdered since he became a senator would have found a cure for all cancer? We don’t and will never know.
atemely on May 4, 2009 at 9:15 AM
I’m not being flip, but I think his brain surgery wacked this guy out.
marklmail on May 4, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Democrats: Byers Remorse.
No, we do not want him back.
GunRunner on May 4, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Go make me a sandwich and shaddap specter.
blatantblue on May 4, 2009 at 9:19 AM
LOL! He’s all yours Dems!
D2Boston on May 4, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Hmmmm…how much did you give to Rush’s Leukemia/Lymphoma Cure-a-thon a few weeks back (when you were still a Republican), Mr. Specter? No gov’t money, Obama recession, still broke all previous records. I don’t know what kind of cancer Mr. Kemp had, but there ARE many conservatives out there helping to fund & find ways–other than through gov’t funds–to cure cancer.
You DISGUSTING LIBERAL HACK.
hoosiermama on May 4, 2009 at 9:22 AM
What a despicable giant a$$. The dems own him now. Thanks for leaving!
scalleywag on May 4, 2009 at 9:22 AM
all kidding aside, why does anyone who is 79 years old want to be a US Senator. sure, its the coolest job ever (though the Supreme Court would be better), but he could be at home & still make all sorts of public appearances. its not the money because the govt. still pays him even if he is retired.
is it all about the power?
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Who’s Specter and why should I care what he says?
/sarc
Mr. Bingley on May 4, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Heck, after that stupid comment, I’d like to lay my hands on Specter, possibly somewhere around the neck region.
But that would be wrong.
Snowed In on May 4, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Specter is sick in more ways than one.
Herb on May 4, 2009 at 9:27 AM
He can say these obviously stupid things now because he’s a Dem. No accountability. Isn’t it fun?
SKYFOX on May 4, 2009 at 9:27 AM
He fits right in, then.
Mommypundit on May 4, 2009 at 9:27 AM
Wow, I guess the advantage of switching to the Democrat Party is that you no longer need to watch what you say. This is much worse than Edwards’ comment about Christopher Reeve IMO. At least that dude was still alive when the remark was made. To use a man’s death from cancer to score political points is about as low as it gets, particularly when it’s mere hours after he’s passed on.
I really hope Specter gets his ass handed to him in 2010. I don’t care if it’s Toomey or Ridge. He has no business being in Washington even one more day.
Doughboy on May 4, 2009 at 9:29 AM
I really don’t like that man.
changer1701 on May 4, 2009 at 9:29 AM
who will call him out for yesterday’s statement? sure, Rush might, but we need an elected official to make sure everyone knows what idiots the dems are.
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
I think the main requirement of being inside the Republican big tent is that you need to have a shred of common decency.
BardMan on May 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
I wanted to punch him in the nose yesterday if I chanced to meet him(ala Sugar Ray Robinson to Paul Robeson). Now I think I will throw up on him before I have a chance to swing.
thebrokenrattle on May 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
It wasn’t really about cancer. It was cheap demagoguery by a immoral politician desperate to keep his position of power and influence.
TheBigOldDog on May 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
He can say these obviously stupid things now because he’s a Dem. No accountability. Isn’t it fun?
SKYFOX on May 4, 2009 at 9:27 AM
In his next interview, Specter will opine on the clean-cut negro guy in the White House, and of course the media whores will swoon in ecstasy over his superior intellect.
Bishop on May 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
what a crackpot.
perfect fit with pelosi n reid.
bridgetown on May 4, 2009 at 9:32 AM
My question is why even ask this clown what he thinks about anything? Why is he relevant in any way, shape, or form? He’s yet another example of the dire need for term limits.
scalleywag on May 4, 2009 at 9:33 AM
oldleprechaun on May 4, 2009 at 9:33 AM
ok, if arlen wants to spend more on cancer research, i am all for it. first, he has to eliminate all spending benefitting unions, ACORN & other unpatriotic organizations. then eliminate all pork spending. then get all the bailout money back.
then let’s promote heavy spending into cancer/med research.
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:34 AM
I am going to count to 10 before I comment about this. Maybe 100.
faraway on May 4, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Yes. Kemp would be alive, Fox would be a Marine sharpshooter and Reeve would be running marathons. This guy is beyond contempt.
mr1216 on May 4, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Arlen Specter – The new spokesperson for the party of death.
izoneguy on May 4, 2009 at 9:37 AM
And beneath it, too.
mr1216 on May 4, 2009 at 9:37 AM
then let’s promote heavy spending into cancer/med research.
kelley
Is this like stem-cell research…if the government doesn’t pony up the money, it doesn’t happen? I thought private and public funding of cancer research was going on all the time. Are the private funding dollars that insignificant?
SKYFOX on May 4, 2009 at 9:37 AM
When the Right wins, we try to reach across the aisle.
When the Left wins, they try to reach for our throats.
faraway on May 4, 2009 at 9:39 AM
private funding is going on, but NIH & other institutions rely heavily on govt. assistance. what they wouldn’t do to have all the bailout money.
look what all technology came out of NASA once we committed all that money to go to the moon.
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:41 AM
Thank goodness we’re rid of that disgusting fool.
rplat on May 4, 2009 at 9:41 AM
Arlen hasn’t gotten enough attention from the press recently, so he was on WIP’s morning show in Philly today. It’s a sports talk station.
Akzed on May 4, 2009 at 9:41 AM
SKYFOX: i’d rather pay tax dollars for cancer research, legitimate research, than for a govt/union takeover of GM & Chrysler.
i suspect all of us here would, too.
but i’d rather not pay taxes at all.
kelley in virginia on May 4, 2009 at 9:42 AM
Just sick. Yeah David Frum, we really need an “honored” place for this POS.
WisCon on May 4, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Arlen Spector (D)
I never thought I would be playing “guess the party” on Hotair.
Rocks on May 4, 2009 at 9:46 AM
All this tells me is that he’s a perfect fit for the dems. Too bad he didn’t go over sooner.
4shoes on May 4, 2009 at 9:47 AM
In the past year, the honored place for most people like this in the (D) party has been under the bus…
Snowed In on May 4, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Specter, the idiots of CNN and the McCains assert that the Republican Party has moved far right since Reagan. Specter quit the Republican Party only one month after saying he was staying because Rasmussen polling in Pa. had him down 22 points to Pat Toomey in the Republican primary. As the name implies, Toomey and his Club for Growth are fiscal conservatives, live eat and breath the stuff. Specter, Collins, and Snowe voted for the stimulus package bill and the Obama’s earmark filled budget. Specter, Snowe, and Collins can only claim to be fiscal conservatives with a willing accomplice in the media – here CNN.
Toomey is a three term Congressman who honored term limits after three terms. He is well known and liked and has shown he can win in Pa. If the RNC opposes Toomey here, it is out of resentment towards the Club for Growth, not because he cannot win.
Angry Dumbo on May 4, 2009 at 9:49 AM
He best vote against nationalized health care. If they socialize medicine, those new and improved cancer treatments will dry up because we won’t have the money to pay for them. But alas, it is the Republicans’ fault.
ThackerAgency on May 4, 2009 at 9:49 AM
Christopher Reeves would be walking today if only . . .
Angry Dumbo on May 4, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Exactly. Like so many of our elected officials, all he’s doing is taking up space.
scalleywag on May 4, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Stick a fork in this guy. He’s done.
Troy Rasmussen on May 4, 2009 at 9:51 AM
To call this bastard’s comments despicable and demogoguery doesn’t go far enough. It is akin to John Edward’s claim that Christopher Reeve would be walking if we threw out the ethics of embryonic stem cell research.
The real question is why Specter felt compelled to use Kemp instead pointing out his own cancer troubles. Did he think that it would be self-serving and narcissistic to limit the tirade to himself? We already know he is both of those things from his blunt admission that he became a Democrat because he wants to stay in the Senate and the GOP voters of PA are unwilling to continue the madness.
highhopes on May 4, 2009 at 9:55 AM
If only the GOP spent much much less on cancer research Specter would have been dead in the physical sense and we’d all been better off having a ghost rather than a corpse in the Senate club.
After all, a ghost can be dismissed but a rotting corpse has to be tolerated.
Seriously folks, can anyone defend this boob after this statement?
larvcom on May 4, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Now is Reagan had just spent more money on feline research needs during his 8 years as president then my cat in the 1980s would not have ever gotten fleas.
Soooo happy the POS joined the
democrategotistical party.Branch Rickey on May 4, 2009 at 10:02 AM
WE HAVE A NEW GAFFE BLUNDER IN TOWN.
jaboba on May 4, 2009 at 10:02 AM
….if only he’d chose to watch that day.
larvcom on May 4, 2009 at 10:03 AM
How long will it take the Dems in PA to put up a challenger in the primary?
Meanwhile, let the purging in the GOP continue . . .
NebCon on May 4, 2009 at 10:05 AM
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