Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA)

Newly-minted "Democratic" Senator Arlen Specter's decision to abandon his party rather than face an ignominious defeat in the Republican primary is a welcome development that illustrates once again the rot that is currently eating away at the innards of the GOP. Senator Specter (D-PA) switched parties for the same reason Joe Lieberman became an "Independent" in 2006: He was going to lose his high perch in the United States Senate. Now Specter must change his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) or else the Democratic base in Pennsylvania (meaning working people) is going to give him a lot of grief in the upcoming primary. Specter knew he couldn't face the fire-breathers in the Republican primary so he pulled the Ole Switch-a-roo. Political genius I say!

You got to hand it to these guys who've been in the Senate since the Spanish-American War: They sure have staying power and know how to maneuver. No wonder nothing bold or visionary ever seems to come out of the Senate. They're too busy most of the time ironing their togas and offering stentorian speeches than leading the country. We're fortunate that President Barack Obama served less than a single term before he made a move on the White House.

We'll have to wait and see what happens both in the Democratic primary and whether or not when Specter's re-election campaign heats up President Obama is willing to go down to Philly and rock their world for him. Specter's move gives Obama a lot of negotiating strength on lining up votes from the newest member of the Democratic Senate majority.

Be forewarned: If you're gonna caucus with the Democrats, Arlen, you better start voting like one.

Now watch the Limbaughs and the Hannitys and the Becks and the Coulters and the Roves go into full-throated character-assassination mode against Specter. "Specter Never Was A Republican Anyway!" "He Was Always a Baby Killer!" "He Never Defended Torture or Sarah Palin Enough!" The base of the Republican Party is eating its young (and in Specter's case its old). It's a joy to watch and we can thank Barack Obama for extricating the Democratic Party from the icy grip of the Blue Dog Clintonites and finally offering America a real choice -- and look how America is choosing!

Comments

[Joseph A. Palermo - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks for the comments I think that there are plenty of "moderating" influences in the Democratic Congress they're called Blue Dogs in the House and in the Senate there's Ben Nelson, Blanche Lincoln, Evan Bayh, Marie Landrieu, Joe Lieberman, and several others who are so boring and so Republican-like that I can't even think of their names -- but the biggest phony Democrat really was Bill Clinton when he was president -- he gave the Republicans everything they wanted including power after he left in 2001.

[billpa]

The Southern Strategy.
I bet Republicans are sooo happy they've not updated their master-plan since the 70s. It's kinda fun watching them shrink with their leader (Rush) trying to make them even smaller with his "take McCain with you" nonsense. Maybe the two Maine senators should leave the GOP as well...at this rate the Dems will have 70 votes.

[johnie2xs]

As a commenter to "Morning Joe" stated in an e-mail, Spector decided it was "better to be a moderating voice ON the steamroller, than under it". I really think that that is a bit hyperbolic. Call me a "Pollyanna", but I think the Democrats (Obama) are trying to be particularly judicious with the power they wield. There are just too many eyes on everything they do, plus the examples of what NOT to do is just a few years past. Add to that the proclivity of the "Blue Dogs" to being a built in conservative influence, the Party therefore has a moderating voice within.

We are in a situation,in this country, where much needs to be done, quickly and decisively,and the Rethugs seem adamant about doing anything BUT, progressing. To them we should either do nothing,or go backwards. They have constructed their own prison. Now, they're painting it.

[SilviaMaria]

I would love to see the 2 senators from Maine switch to independent.

[bigeking]

Well I have to agree with both of you, Palermo and BusGreg, now if only we can figure out how to get the rest of the older ones that only care about their re-election more than they care about we the American people. We could use a real good shake up in both parties!

[johnie2xs]

Attrition will take care of the older ones. What the Rethugs need to do is not accede to the promotion of another level of Evangelical supremacists. They have to become more secular and promote the separation of Church and State, unless they prefer the Bedouin lifestyle.

[Joseph A. Palermo - Huffpost Blogger]

BusGreg, I couldn't agree more -- Are there any Pennsylvania Democrats who can step forward and unseat Specter in the primary? Who? Time to "Ned Lamont him!"

[BusGreg]

I would not hold my breath about Mr.Specter­. During his press conference today he reitterated that his switching parties is because - as you mentioned - he'd lose the election next year. If, as he said during that press conference, he would continue to oppose the EFCA he may not get re-elected anyway. Opposing this legislation won't go over too well in Pennsylvanis with its high unemployment. At his advanced age he is trying to hang on to his lofty job using any means neccessary. I think it is time for the "Inventor" of the magic bullet theory (JFK) to give way to a younger candidate from Pennsylvania, not change his affiliation to continue business as usual.