RINO Turns Jackass: Specter Officially A Democrat
The Washington Post reports:
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 senator 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."
Well, it is about time. Specter has been a thorn in the side for years now. He was often a reliable vote on law enforcement and judicial nominations but could not be counted on for much else. Specter's final betrayal was his participation in the passage of the "Economic Stimulus" bill. There is little excuse for his behavior on that issue. Although the Republican party welcomes many points of view, the one thing we should all agree on is that elected members of the party should not vote in favor of a $787 billion pork package.
Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Senator.
Posts
90 comments:
Specter had no choice. Toomey was kicking his butt by double digits in the primary polls and there is no way he would have won the GOP primary. Specter thinks the Democrats in PA will support him. They won't and he'll lose anyway. The PA Dems won't trust him and the GOP moderates won't vote for him either. It will be Toomey for the GOP against another Democrat in the primary...not Specter. I hope Governor Palin goes to PA and campaigns for Pat Toomey, a real fiscal conservative.
I disagree. I think the Fix is in.
Specter gives them sixty votes to ram things through the Senate. If you're Specter, and you promise to vote with Leadership, you expect something in return.
No primary challenger and party support in the Fall.
He'll get that. I'm almost certain there's a deal between him and Obama, Emanuel, and Ed Rendell. In return, Specter resigns midway through his terma and allows Rendell to appoint a machine stooge to serve out Specter's term.
A man will do a lot to save his own ass.
Section9,
You could be right but I can't see the Dems making the same mistake as the Republicans...trusting Specter.
About time he goes, now let the other two RINO's follow and the Republican party can get to the business of organising itself. The bright side, now with 60 votes the Democrates will only have themselves to blame when things go wrong.
By 2010 the American public will be fed up with them.
By the way i hope the door DOES hit him on the way out.
Democrats already had him on many of their key issues.
Adoring- I think many Republicans and Independents are already there. The more power the democrats have, the better the chances of getting Americans to flip towards a more conservative government.
I have always disliked Specter intensely since he played a key role in defeating Bork's nomination to the SCOTUS in 1987.
This is a good opportunity for the GOP to wake up and realize that they must recruit new blood and fresh faces to run for office instead of these unreliable RINOs.
The RNC, state and local GOP organizations should seriously think about reaching out to the Tea Parties and the grassroots to find candidates. Are you listening Michael Steele? I think we need to call Steele's attention to this.
The GOP needs to rebuild with people who will serve with a "servants heart" and who truly will fight and vote for conservative ideals like limited government.
Why would anyone vote GOP if they are offering a similar platform to the Democrats? We might as well have one party rule unless the GOP or a 3rd Party can offer something different from the Democrats. Or else people will just keep voting for the Dems in perpetuity especially since the MSM practically works for the Dems.
It's about time this clown impostor gets out of the GOP. He is an embarrassment and an annoyance. Toomey will definitely win against Specter in the general election.
GOOD RIDDANCE ARLEN..When I heard the news I literally stood up and applauded. Can he take McCain, his daughter, Snowne and Collins with him, now THAT would be a win/win situation. This is GREAT news. Time to throw out the RINOS in this party and bring it back to Reagan Conservatism. He only left because he knew he would lose the primary to Toomey. Don't let the door hit ya on the ass on the way out Arlen
Doesn't anyone stand up for principles anymore. He knew he would never get out of the republican primaries. He was getting no support.
Don't these politicians know how to get a real job and actually do real work. Oh, then again, I forgot, they don't know how to read. So maybe they can't get another job.
This is part of his statement
"Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle."
That won't be that hard, he probably hasn't received any therefore won't have to return any contributions..
sen. specter was an independent guy (which annoyed a lot of people) and probably saw the writing on the way but i do admire his willingness to still work (i mean he did battle cancer recently)... so good luck senator.
p.s. does anyone know who this toomey guy is? where does he stand on the issues?
As a citizen of the Keystone State, I can't wait to start campaigning for Toomey. IF (and that is a big IF) Specter does vote against card check (a big IF, because if ever a man was owned by the unions, it's this man), the gun-toting, hunting, blue collar union workers in the state will bail on him in a big way. Specter cannot win PA w/out the union vote.
Toomey would be wise to beg Sarah to campaign for him in the "T" of the state (the conservative areas). A lot of PA die-hard conservatives sat out the '08 election because of McCain.
Sarah Palin Rocks is exactly right. Too many republicans have nothing to say except "no" and "I disagree." Too many people think "conservative" means "religious right wingnut." Whether republicans like it or not, people like Limbaugh, Malkin, Cheney and so on are eating the heart out of the party. How can it be that it was republicans who presided over the Iraq "war" and spent nearly a trillion dollars on it after telling us it would all be paid for from oil revenues by a thankful people after the war was won? The Iraqis said yesterday, "get out - we'll "recall" you when and if we need you." They'll let us serve them as needed.
WAKE UP!!!!
Here's the other side of the story and all you can say is "don't let the door hit you on the way out? Do you really think the majority of the voters care that you don't like Specter now that he's turned coat? Don't be stupid. Read about how Specter is welcome while you think up ways to make him certain he made the right choice:
White House aides said on Tuesday that they had no advanced knowledge that Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter would be switching party affiliation from Republican to Democrat. Once told, however, the president reached Specter to express his thrill at having him in the party and to offer his full support.
According to a White House aide, the president found out about the switch at 10:25 AM while in the Oval Office receiving his Economic Daily Briefing.
The president was handed a note, the aide said, that read: "Specter is announcing he is changing parties."
Seven minutes later, President Obama reached Specter to tell him, according to the aide, "You have my full support" and that we are "thrilled to have you."
Sorry- HCB... there are rumors that the Democrats and Specter have been meeting for months. Especially since the stimulus vote.
Michael Steele had this to say:
"Let's be honest," Steele says in a statement. "Senator Specter didn't leave the GOP based on principles of any kind. He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record.
"Republicans look forward to beating Sen. Specter in 2010, assuming the Democrats don't do it first."
http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/specter-party-switch-sour-grap.html
It's about time this clown impostor gets out of the GOP. He is an embarrassment and an annoyance. Toomey will definitely win against Specter in the general election.In case you weren't paying attention, Specter switched because that exactly WON'T happen. He's more likely to lose to a more left-leaning Democrat in the primary than lose the general to a right-winger. I know you guys thought Pennsylvania was the great white hope in November, but Penn. now has two Democratic Senators, and it's going to stay that way, one way or the other.
HCB;
You really don't believe the press release the WH handed out about this, do you?
I mean, you didn't post here just to show the rest of us how naive you are, did you?
Do you think that Arlen Specter, who has been a Republican Senator since 1966, would just show up unannounced on the Democrats doorstep without so much as a by-your-leave or a conversation with Eddie Rendell or Rahm Emanuel? Are you that stupid? Do you not think he wouldn't try to make a deal for himself about next year's Democratic Primary.
The man wants to save his ass, and the WH threw him a lifesaver.
Jesus. Don't EVER believe the press release. And don't ever ask anyone else to, either.
Actually based on Harry Reid statement, he and Arlen did have a very long meeting about this.
Don't give me the hooey that the Dems and the White House did not make this happen.
http://washingtonindependent.com/40847/harry-reid-on-the-specter-party-swap
Personally I would like to thank Obama and the Dems for removing this dead weight from our shoulders.
i'm sure now the MSM will spin all this to say how the GOP is now dead, its a hard right party, a minority party and for the most part they would be right. The GOP has been devasted and its time for them to wander aimlessly into the woods... wandering... roaming... boy that sucks.
the key to resurgence of the GOP (in my humble opinion) is to push for state vs federal government. The federal government is too big and too restrictive. state government better represents the people of the state and can do a better job. oh and pushing for conservative ideas but at a state level.
thats my two cents.
Specter had been in secret talks with Senate Democratic leaders for months, according to Senate sources, but his final move to become a Democrat came after a recent poll showed him badly losing a Pennsylvania Republican primary next year.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21798.html
I hate to tell you this, but Toomey is likely to lose.
UNLESS he runs on a reformist platform. I would bet that people will want some change and balance in 2010.
Specter came to the same Conclusion that Barry Goldwater did
Quotes from Barry Goldwater
When you say "radical right" today, I think of these moneymaking ventures by fellows like Pat Robertson and others who are trying to take the Republican Party away from the Republican Party, and make a religious organization out of it. If that ever happens, kiss politics goodbye.
The Washington Post (28 July 1994
Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them.
November 1994, Conservatives Without Conscience, John Dean
I think every good Christian ought to kick Falwell right in the ass.
July, 1981, in response to Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell's opposition to the nomination of Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court, of which Falwell had said, "Every good Christian should be concerned."—Ed Magnuson, Time Magazine, The Brethren's First Sister, July 20, 1981. Retrieved 1/1/07.
When Republicans get rid of the Far right we will once again have a respectable party
It will be tough for Toomey but let us see how the stimulus works before 2010. If it does nothing then Specter is fried. If high inflation sets in Specter has trouble. If it takes longer for the negative effects he is safe.
Yes the way to go is a populist/reformer platform. As for as Specter. Goodbye and good riddance. Weak Fiscal, weak defense, weak judicial weak values on all GOP issues. I hate wolves in sheep clothing.
I love Michael Steele's statement! The only thing it was missing was the "don't let the door hit you on the way out!" By the way while the doors open take Meghan McCain, David Frum, Peggy Noonan, Kathleen Parker, the Maine ladies. Please, we'll hold the door for you.
It's not that hard to stick to conservative principles! Cut taxes, reduce spending, promote a culture of life, have a strong national defense, build the fence+ enforce the laws. Otherwise, just become the Democrat we all knew you were.
I wonder how much obama paid him
this had to happen.
the GOP is useless in washington and now the DEMs have full control so the people can't blame the GOP for anything.
its all on the DEMs while the GOP look themselves in the mirror and figure out what their looking at.
i think once the people had a full spoonful of DEM governance then the GOP can start making a comeback to real (regan) limited government conservatism.
Per Michelle Malkin on Twitter, Specter said in his presser that Obama and Reid promised they'd campaign for him in PA (big surprise lol). Let's hope Sarah does the same for Toomey.
PNW,
We've been trying it your way (moderate) since 1988 and look where it got us. The last time we ran an actual conservative was in 1984 and that, as I recall, worked out pretty well. That whole religious nonsense you're peddling is nothing more than Democrat talking point BS. I haven't been to church in 25 years yet I am a conservative. Liberals such as yourself feel threatened by religion. Conservatives, even those who are not religious, do not.
What a shallow weasel.. a sad but telling epithet to ones carrier of caving and vacillating...
He picked his proper burial ground!
did i hear that there are hundreds of swine flu cases in NY... 2 dead in L.A... *glup*... and so it begins... where is my bubble room when it need it.
Wow!
From Specter’s remarks today:
“I have traveled the State, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate.”
Is this not the epitome of arrogance or what?
DB
As the old Cliche goes
The proof is in the Pudding.
The far right is the demise of the Republican party.
Barry goldwater also said to leave the morals in your own perspective church and beliefs.
I also have not been to church in about 23 years.
What we have now is people seeeing the far right for what it is and that is a bunch of looney tunes that want it only their way. We need to be inclusive not exclusive.
It also has nothing to do with Talking points which is just a lame excuse both sides use for hiding the facts.
Oh Arlen, we hardly knew ye. I guess this may be the last chance to post this gem. Very revealing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZslGpjrrKow&feature=channel_page
jimr3,
"Wow" is right. It sounds like he is saying he doesn't want his career to be judged by those he represents. Unbelievable! What an a-hole.
HCB -
You misunderstood my comments. I think what Arlen Specter did was a horrible betrayal to his constituents, his party and his nation. The PA voters put Specter into office as a GOP member. He promised to represent his voters and the GOP. The GOP and PA voters gave him a lot of money and volunteer time and efforts to help him win re-election. He should return any campaign contributions received from Republicans for his 2010 run.
What I meant is that the GOP has to "wake up" and stop supporting these unprincipled RINOs who are focused on power and money instead of upholding true conservative ideals. These spineless RINOs in Congress are one of the main reasons so many have left the party.
The GOP needs to find brand new citizen candidates from among the grassroots and Tea Parties to run for office at the local, state and national levels. Conservatives and Libertarians are hungry to vote for people who will work in the people's interest and who are outside of the DC Beltway.
The GOP needs to do housecleaning and get away from those career politicians who do not support or vote for conservative principles. Otherwise you might as well have a one party system where everything is what the Democrats want if the GOP politicians are not going to stand for conservatism. Again, why would anyone vote GOP if they are offering the same policies as the Democrats?
PNW,
As I said, we've tried it the RINO way since 1988. The proof is indeed in the pudding. You want us to be more like Arlen Specter, conservatives want the party to go back the ways of Ronald Reagan. Strong defense, limited government, personal responsibility. That works every time it's tried. Lucky for your side we haven't tried it recently. That is about to change.
Governor Palin is the one who will lead us back to majority status based on those conservative principles.
Lots of nasty comments but not a lot of substance to move forward with except for a few posters. It does no good - and actually does harm - to throw rocks back and forth at each other or to say how glad you are a very senior senator is bolting.
Is anyone willing to define "conservative?" In my mind, it's limited government, adherence to the constitution and fiscal discipline. One of the problems is that George Bush says he's conservative but he sure didn't look like it. It seems the party should be finding ways to repair the damage done rather than simply shrieking things like "don't let the door hit you on the way out." That's pretty childish, isn't it?
Btw, Limbaugh, Coulter, Levin, Beck and Hannity all rock! They are outstanding in their advocacy for and defense of the principles of conservatism.
That's why they are all highly successful. They stand for something. I can't wait to read Levin's #1 book, "Liberty and Tyranny." I can't believe how well it sold!
pnw,
i agree on the inclusive part but i believe that the GOP does not know what it stands for so it has no way of attracting people to it... and i dislike the current washington leadership (too much insider dealing).
i also think if you believe that the far right of the party are in control then why was mccain chosen as the presidential candidate.
i've always been of the idea that people should stand on their principles whatever they might be and people will respect that and follow your leadership and this works for both repubs and dems.
oh and thats why i support gov. palin :)
Nothing change exept his name tag and probably his desk assignment.
And he is now in compliance with the Truth In Labeling Law.
Which Obama policies do you like, slashing defense, unions and treasury running banks and auto companies, government run health care, calling terrorists 'man made disasters' (yeah we can trust them to deal with the swine flu) but apparently putting veterans, and church goers as terrorists
apparently. Groveling to our
enemies, dissing our allies
Governor Palin is what is wrong with the Republican Party. She lacks Common Sense and the ability to think on her feet.
She appeals to a narrow small base and fails to see the big picture.
We do not live in the small world we once did 50 years ago where It was our way or the hiway due to our power.
Times have changed and we tried the Far right method and it is now leading as I said to the demise of the Republican Party.
Jindal is a buffoon and also lives in his own small world he sees around him and is as bad a choice as Palin.
While Reagan was a Good man he also is the Catalyst for our present day economy with the less government he put into place
Reaganomics is a Disaster.
His economic advisor even stated that Reagan was clueless on the economy.
LOL at PNW
your a lib OF COURSE YOU WOULD SAY THAT!
Sarah is the Future
with logic like that, obama is whats wrong with your party.
The reason why people are responding with comments like "don't let the door hit your @#$ on the way out" is because Arlen Specter is a traitor of the lowest order. People have every right to vent and be outraged.
What he did today was the ultimate betrayal as was his vote for the Porkulus bill. If he had any honor, he would resign mmediately because the PA voters chose a Republican for that Senate seat. Many Republicans and Conservatives contributed to his win because they believed Specter was a Conservative.
Specter could then run in 2010 as a Democrat. But it looks like he just wants to retain power and use the Democrats now like he did the Republicans. This is why term limits are a good idea.
this was to be expected, the moderate republicans snowe and graham are on tv talking about growing the tent (blah blah blah)... dude the GOP has the same problem with conservatives and moderates that the DEMs have with blue dogs and liberals.
on second thought go bash the party... destroy it mwahuahuahua... once it hits the bottom then we can only go up right... right... :(
"Many Republicans and Conservatives contributed to his win because they believed Specter was a Conservative." Sarah Palin Rocks
I don't see a lot of support for your idea, Sarah Palin Rocks. Just look at some earlier posts in this thread.
"Nothing change exept his name tag and probably his desk assignment.
And he is now in compliance with the Truth In Labeling Law."
Larry Sheldon
"As for as Specter. Goodbye and good riddance. Weak Fiscal, weak defense, weak judicial weak values on all GOP issues. I hate wolves in sheep clothing." PEC
"Well, it is about time. Specter has been a thorn in the side for years now." Blogmeister Russo
PNW,
I think it's time for you to head back to the Daily KOS and DU where you fit in. I am sick and tired of people like you labeling the GOP as being made up only far right religious zealots. They make up a part of the GOP. The GOP has room for anyone who believes in conservative principles. The problem right now is we have no one other than radio talk show hosts who are out in the forefront articulating those views.
As for Gov Palin not being able to think on her feet, I'll refer you to the RNC speech when her prompter went out and she ad libed for several minutes or when she has made speeches prompter free. You dear Messiah can't even speak coherently when his prompter acts up.
Finally as for Reagan, whether his advisor said that or not (it would be nice to provide some evidence), he must have done something right as the 1980's was the largest sustained economic growth the country had seen in decades.
Narciso
Unions Suck and are in part to blame for this mess we are in. the basic concept of a Union is good but it has gotten out of hand.
Health care is a disaster in our country and does need to be reworked.
The automobile industry has been in jeapordy in this country for a long time due to its thought process in making cars. It leaves us in the serious problems that we are faced with now. We can say screw you to it, but then again there will be tens of thousands of lost jobs with no way at this time to get the people back to work to feed their families and make ends meet. So either we say screw you to them or look at the big picture.
I knew PNW was a troll. Only morons claim "Reaganomics" was bad or the problem with the GOP is that they are "too" conservative. I guess all the prosperity in the 1980s was bad, right PNW?
oh god...now we got frum giving advice
http://newmajority.com/ShowScroll.aspx?ID=13e86822-61d6-459a-9aab-4fc32fc9acef
sheesh i know lets listen to noonan, parker, brooks the extra terrestrial that sits to the left of stephanoupoloupolopus...lopus on this week.
*sigh*
okay i give up.
Hal
Technological advances were a major factor that created the boom that carried on till the late 90's when we had our bust. It would not have mattered who was president. We jumped years ahead from the early 1980's to the late 90's which created a multitude of jobs and growth along with increased income and profits.
You are sadly mistaken hal in assuming that my vote was cast for Obama. Since you were not peering over my shoulder when I voted and you came to the wrong conclusion.
What is DU? I have never been to that website.
Frum is an idiot. He's probably having a big ol "see I told ya so" party over this.
Here's more BS from the Washington Compost:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/28/specters_departure_a_wake_up_c.html?wprss=44
I find it interesting that except in the disgusting comments, Palin's name is not even mentioned in the article w/ the other GOP "leaders".
PNW,
Democrat Underground.
I understand your first statement, but I am a bit confused as to how that is relevant to the earlier points. Please explain.
PNW- Senator Specter is that you? After the phone call from President Obama, had a little time on your hands to troll?
Just read the Frum piece. He is clueless as always. He is part of the beltway GOP that Scott Rasmussen talked about as being irrelevant in the ealier thread today on C4P. People like Frum, Noonan, et. al are a tiny minority of the GOP. Unfortunately, a lot of our elected DC Republicans belong to that small and shrinking club.
PNW,
What led to all that investment in the 1980s which resulted in the technology based productivity gains in the 1990s?
hal,
"Palin's name is not even mentioned in the article w/ the other GOP 'leaders' "
*phew* thats the best news i've had all morning :)
One of the many mistakes Rove and Bush made during W's reign was to pretend like Spector was a Republican and to back him in the PA Republican primary in 2004.
Rove destroyed the Republican party and it will take more than the next couple of election cycles to recover.
It is of course illogical to assume that everyone Republican today is in the Far right nor was that ever implied.
The fact though remains that the Far right is dragging the republican party down.
I wish i would have saved the Article I read where his economic advisor says he does not even know economy 101 along with where he said it was pinful to listen to Reagan talk about the economy.
there were many others that said the same thing.
just some musings:
* remember when greta on fox seemed to have an unusual fascianation on gov. palin but ever since they (liberals) tried to connect gov. palin, greta and her husband together in some kind of conspiracy shes backed off. Someone should send greta an email to stay strong and don't let them scare her away... i mean the free publicity for gov. palin was kinda nice.
* cafferty (i think thats the creeps name) on cnn who seems to suffer from PDS had his question about gov. palin's legal defense fund (something like would you contribute or something) and the best part was the free publicity probably did get gov. palin some contributions hahaha i love it... the more they try (and fail) to bash her the stronger she gets.
PNW,
What led to all that investment in the 1980s which resulted in the technology based productivity gains in the 1990s?
Off topic
Anyone have any recommendations for leather care products?
The leather in my BMW needs some TLC where it is dried out and would like to know if any of you have any suggestions:}
DB
There are a few factors that come into play.
The previous advances in technology but also the increased Research and Development done by both the private Sector and the Goverment along with the advent of the internet.
IBM was a forerunner along with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
Speaking of Bill gates that would be an interesting choice for president with his Business background.
DB - there are a lot of "morons" who say "Reagonomics" are what created the stimulus for the current economic "crisis." Take a look at the increase in debt by president here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_debt_by_U.S._presidential_terms
I know Wikipedia is self-serving. I don't think, though, that you'll find another site, though, that has different numbers.
The trouble with guessing all the prosperity in the '80s was bad is that it's partly true. First of all, the "prosperity" was built on borrowed money. Secondly, the "prosperity" - not just the ability to buy stuff with credit - was greatly limited to those who already were pretty prosperous. Thirdly, it was the beginning of the Ponzi arrangement that just now is crashing down. (it's a Ponzi arrangement because the early "prosperity" depended entirely on future taxpayers to pay for it)
I grew up republican - my parents were the first republicans in our county. I believe sincerely in the TRUE republican core. But a lot of the party has gotten mean spirited and myopic. Sure you can say so has the democrat party or snipe at "libs." But Republicans are supposed to be for the country. If "libs" are wrong, show it - do something positive rather than just shrieking about "libs." Malkin is an idiot who loves to shriek in competition with what's her name in a contest to see who can be more outrageous. Now it's the "illegals" who brought swine flu and she thinks it's a plot?
Of course one should stick to his or her core beliefs - unless they are demonstrably wrong and the person knows it. But that doesn't mean every idea brought forth has to be treated as "you're for me or ag'in me" with no respect for any other point of view. That was Palin's biggest fault - she couldn't really show much directly wrong with Obama so she decided to do it by innuendo and sarcasm and made up "facts." Like "he pals around with terrorists."
Politics is an art - it shouldn't be open warfare on opposing viewpoints. Sometimes an opposing view will c
BTW - why does the picture at the top of the page show Sarah with her arms crossed and her back turned on readers? It certainly makes her look close minded, unhappy and disconnected.
The first stirrings of the Palin Revolution? Last year the emergence of Governor Palin, the tea parties, the Obama administration pulling us toward socialism. I pray a conservative awakening is happening. Oops, shouldn't say pray. I give out good vibes that a conservative awakening is happening.
I'm glad to see I'm not alone in my thoughts - read what Sen Olympia Snowe says. And I hope no one invites her out the door as well ....
Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, one of the few remaining moderate Republicans in the Senate, said Tuesday that Arlen Specter's abandonment of the GOP is "devastating," both "personally and I think for the party."
"I've always been deeply concerned about the views of the Republican Party nationally in terms of their exclusionary policies and views towards moderate Republicans," said Snowe, who has been approached, she said, by Democrats in the past about switching parties.
Specter's switch to the Democratic Party "underscores the blunt reality" that the GOP is not a welcome place for moderates, she said.
So far, she said, she's staying put. "I believe in the traditional tenets of the Republican Party: strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, individual opportunity. I haven't abandoned those principles that have been the essence of the Republican Party. I think the Republican Party has abandoned those principles.
"So far, she said, she's staying put. "I believe in the traditional tenets of the Republican Party: strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, individual opportunity. I haven't abandoned those principles that have been the essence of the Republican Party. I think the Republican Party has abandoned those principles."
Ummm ok Olympia. This is why you were one of three who voted for prokulus? lololol what a hypocrite.
porkulus that is
Um PNW,
Let me rephrase. What change or changes in public policy during the early '80s allowed the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and other upstart entrepreneurs to have access to unprecedented quantities ofocapital with which to fund their businesses? In other words, what unleashed all the capital that was used to fund all the productivity increasing investments of the 1980s?
Let's be clear, Specter, Snowe, Collins, those of that ilk, are NOT moderates. They're liberals who become Republicans to win elections against nut-roots dems. Does the Republican party need moderates? Of course. But it does NOT NEED LIBERALS.
HCB
Snowe says the underlying principles of the Republican party are "strong national defense, fiscal responsibility, individual opportunity". Great. But how are those principles consistent with Arlen Specter's record? Or Olympia Snowe's for that matter?
HCB,
Anyone who lived through the 1980s and thinks they were bad times is the moron. They were fantastic times as anyone but the most left wing loon knows. I find it highly amusing when I hear liberals try to pretend that the prosperity that occured in the 1980s didn't or that it was really just an illusion. You can try to rewrite history but that will only work with the Obama kool-aid drinkers who want to take this country in the direction of France or Sweden. Your guy won the election and we'll see how well your ideas work. They are not new ideas. Socialism has failed every time it has been tried. The results when tried by the community organizer in chief will not be any qualitatively in 2012 than they were in 1980 after the peanut farmer tried them for four years.
DB - you know that question creates an endless argument about nothing. I could as well say, George Bush was the antithesis of a good republican by that definition.
Isn't the REAL question, "are those the underlying principles of the Republican party?" I think they are although I would add, "limited government."
And isn't the next REAL question, how to advance those principles? One person claiming to be Republican sniping at another professed Republican does nothing more than give everyone else the opportunity to say, "Republicans can't even get it together in their own tent."
Diversity of opinion is good so long as it doesn't get stupid. Whether we agree on Specter's or Snowe's record is irrelevant. When you go voting, presumably that record is important but, hopefully, the ENTIRE record is important - not just a position taken on one issue like, for instance, abortion.
Look how much fun is being had painting Rush Limbauh and Dick Cheney as the philosophical (and real) "leaders" of the party. And look at the response - Steele says what he thinks and then apologizes. As do others. How in the world can Rush Limbaugh be considered a "Conservative?" Just because he says he is? He's a fat, used up, womanizing, drug using, flack. Would you put him up as a "conservative" who believes in the value of family?
But Limbaugh and Malkin and the other extremists are what happens when it's "us against them." When Republicans talk about "strong defense" they mean of the WHOLE United States - right? It's just as bad that some liberals died in the world trade center - right?
So why, in deciding the way out of the current mess and the way toward the future, does it have to be "us against them?" The "stimulus" isn't "porkulus" and the Democrats are not trying to destroy the country. The ideas may be wrong headed but shrieking about them and condemning Specter as a "traitor" and saying the swine flu stems from some kind of liberal conspiracy makes Republicans look plain stupid - certainly not able to lead rationally.
I know - I talk too much. Shutting up.
Clean the party out and get some real conservatives in there. Glad to see him go!!!!!!!!
Well, DB - I was wrong. I thought you were one who would argue but not shriek.
So - I'm certain, given the force of your shriek, you have the answers to all the important questions. I'll look forward to you saying just what it is that should be done. Just get out of the way and let things sort themselves out? That's basically what got Roosevelt elected.
Oh - maybe also, while you're at explaining your plan to get the economy back on track, you could explain the Great Republican Experiement with War as an economic stimulus pushed by Bush and Cheney and other "conservative" republicans. You remember - the ones who said it'll cost 50 billion dollars and we'll get that back from oil revenues?
When you want to talk about kool-aid and pork, you really need to think about Cheney pulling Bush's strings so Halliburton could make money.
Oh - and don't forget who made the first 750 billion dollar payment toward the "porkulus." Remember the little guy at the big desk saying it had to be done this weekend? And his secretary of the treasury putting the whole "plan" on one sheet of paper ending with "and no one can sue us or legislate against us." Sort of a king of the hill, right?
You may be right about socialism although I don't think so because I don't think you know what "socialism" is.
Oh - also - remember the Republican's choice for president and vice president - McCain and ... Remember how she and he pushed the stimulus and how he wanted to spend the weekend in Washington to get things on track? The photo-op, I mean.
Republicans just seem to go out of their way to look stupid. And then shriek a lot about things they clearly don't understand. Rather than sit calmly, listen a little and come up with a reasoned response.
Good night, DB (Cooper?)
Rush Limbaugh is a conservative because he espouses heart-felt conservative principles. And he does it very well. What are you suggesting? That he's a liberal or moderate? Have you ever listened to him?
Did I miss something HBC? What does Bush have to do with Reaganomics? Why did you change the subject? What does McCain have to do with Reaganomics? I thought McCain voted against the stimulous? According to my memory, the only Republicans who voted for it were Snowe, Collins, and Specter. Is my information wrong?
Here's a conservative Republican to take out liberal Harry Reid:
Sharron Angle
http://libertarianrepublican.blogspot.com/2009/04/republican-candidate-sharron-angle.html
Spector is a prime example for term limits.
He really feels ENTITLED to his Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
Spector is everything that is wrong in politics and Sarah Palin is everything that is right in politics.
Gee - DB, I didn't know there WAS a "subject" to change. I pointed out that the upward climb in debt and the downward spiral in real prosperity began with "Reagonomics." I know you disagree and that there is nothing I could say to convince you. So, I don't simply change that subject - I abandon it as fruitless to argue about in a blog.
Bush has nothing to do with Reagonomics - I don't think. I'm sure he thinks he does but I think where Reagan was short a sandwich or two for a picnic, Bush went completely hungry. McCain? I don't know - did I say he had something to do with Reagonomics? I think you've forgotten the original "stimulus" - the one McCain and Palin referred to as "the bailout." Surely you haven't forgotten how McCain "suspended" his campaign so he could go to Washington and apply his skills (which he said were lacking) to resolving the great, developing problem of the economy. Remember? The one he said is "fundamentally sound?"
And surely you remember Sarah's remarks about how the bailout was painful but necessary to create jobs and cure healthcare and, and .... well, I'm certain you remember that interview.
But - you're right - when it came time to do it on the record, the three you mention were the only one's who disagreed with the party of "no." I'm sure some of the more thoughtful "no" people were wishing it could be handled like they handled the Iraq spending - no budget, no hearings, lots of scary talk and condemnation of anyone who voted "no" as "unamerican."
Techno - I suppose you'll agree then that voters are not smart enough to elect a person? Therefore, whether or not they want to re-elect him or her, they can't because you think he should be barred from running? I assume that applies to ALL voters - not just Republicans?
"Spector (sic) is everything that is wrong in politics ..." and yet, all those (republican) voters kept him there for so long? Wow. Hey - what about McCain? What would be the term limit? Twelve years? eighteen?
Term limits seem to be a little unamerican - "you can vote for whoever you want so long as it's not him or her." But, of course, it all started with the Republican party fear of another Roosevelt. So they pushed and passed a law prohibiting voters from relecting a president more than once - two terms and out. Term limits - recognizing voters are dumb and should be protected against their own stupidity by prohibiting a free vote - are one of those Republican ideas you can be especially proud of.
Palin is everything that is right in politics? Really?
No Great Loss.. the guy is a fake and a phony! I expect John McCain to be the nest one! He is in a tough fight in AZ. RINO's...true blue RINO's!
The only thing presently stopping the Democrat 60 seat Senate is the Franken/Coleman Federal Court Case. over a thousand votes "Changed" since election night and it is Bush v. Gore in spades!!! Coleman is not as conservative as I would like, but he listened to the people when we all melted the phone lines on the immagration issue. If anyone feels they would like to contribute to the court case you can go to colemanforsenate.com
HBC,
Trying to counter your logic (or lack thereof) is pointless. In your liberal dream world, what is good is bad and what is bad is good. The sky is green and the grass is blue. It's pointless to argue with a moron. Learned that a long time ago.
Well, with a filibuster, the Dems will completely own all the mess that they will create during the 4 years.
Quite a rejoinder, BD. Not a lot of thought but, then, I didn't really expect you to start thinking.
The good news is you'll be quiet now that you've admitted your inability to "counter [my] logic (or lack thereof)." A hint to make you look a little less foolish in the future - decide what you want to say before you start saying it. Of course, it may be you WANT to sound like Sarah Palin. In fact, I think she would say EXACTLY what you have about the sky is green and the grass is blue. That's the kind of thing she said when she tried so hard to understand the question and formulate an answer.
Get the tin hat and go look for russian bombers, lad - we need to be alert now that we know the airstrike will come through Alaska.
Even Fred Malek is weighing in on this.
http://www.fredmalekblog.com/
So we are gonna be working overtime to beat this Specter fellow, huh? We must. We must. If we have to go door to door and show people the news they're not hearing, such as Obama's plan for carbon tax, etc.
Toomey must have the polls on which issues are important to which areas in PA. Then we can hand out the flyers, customizing them per area.
HCB,
You are the foolish one. What I said, as you re doubtless aware but chose to counter with your typical obtuse answer, is that one cannot reason with a moron. Why bother. Life is too short. Anyone who thinks the 1980s and Reaganomics didn't work is not worth my time. Unlike you, I need to work for my livelihood and can't sit back, waiting for my handouts from Lord Barack Obama, your Messiah. Life is too short.
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