Did Pres. Obama go a little too far by publically supporting Specter

[SamCooke]

The guy is against Public Health Care, against the EFC act, and other things we as liberals care about. What is the guys purpose in the party? Please someone tell me. After seeing Specter over the weekend, I just don't see why President Obama would support this man. And why would Biden and others want him in the party?

[cali]

1. yes, and if that rat faced little fucker

doesn't toe the line on healthcare and EFCA, Obama should NOT campaign for him.

[LooseWilly]

26. Hey, what'd the rats ever do to you, you gottta insult 'em like that? (n/t)

[Captain Hilts]

2. Yes. nt

[librechik]

3. IMO yes

"welcome to the party--we'll see what happens in PA in 2010" should have been his comment.

But by saying what he did, it indicates a deal has been made. Sestak is keeping the election an open book--why didn't Obama?

[tridim]

6. I'm sure that deal will be nullified if Specter doesn't play ball

So far he's been a giant disappointment and is still 100% Repuke.

[librechik]

11. yeah--they'll kick him out with the trash like Lieberman

NOT!

I'd love to see it.

But Arlen "Magic Bullet" Specter seems to know where the bodies are buried, so to speak.

[Cha]

We'll see won't

we?

[bigwillq]

4. YES

and so did a lot of people here on DU.

Specter, is, and will always be, a scumbag.

Vote for the Democrat. Don't vote for Specter.

[Thrill]

5. No. He said he would support him in a GE. Never said that about a primary

[tridim]

8. Really? If true, that's an easy out.

[SamCooke]

9. now thats a good one. I hope he says that come the primary.

[Canuckistanian]

14. Maybe he said IF Specter survives the primary, he'd support him in the GE

Specter COULD be knocked off in the primary and Obama wouldn't need to fulfil his promise.

[Thrill]

12. Yes. All he said was he was confident he could win reelection.

But he has to win a primary first.

Again just like with things said on the campaign trail and Obama's torture statement. You have to actually listen to what he says.

[HopeOverFear]

7. Did Obama say specifically that he would campaign for Specter?

No one seems to know for sure.

[Canuckistanian]

10. Or did Specter pull a big con job?

He probably made vague references to "loyalty" and "supporting the President's policies", but never made a specific promise to FULLY support Obama's goals.

If Specter keeps this up, Obama should WITHDRAW his primary support.

[Occam Bandage]

13. No. He never promised support in a primary. nt

[Diamonique]

19. Of course he didn't. Presidents don't pick sides in primaries. nt

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

15. It is very disturbing, but apparently Obama has already pledged to help Specter.

I don't see how the Dems are getting anything out of this situation. This is maddening. Specter comes out looking like the winner because he doesn't have to compromise on much of anything. The Dems are already in discussion about how to give Specter seniority over other Dems with regard to committee appointments. Now, what in the Sam Hell are the Dems getting in return for all their goodwill? Why are Democrats always expected to compromise their principles and negotiate with Repukes????!?!??!

This is just PURE, UNADULTERATED BULLSHIT!!! :puke::puke:

[CLANG]

16. Specter's the DEVIL!!!!!

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

17. Dean, Carville Warn Specter: Shape Up Or Face Primary

I hope they get GANGSTA and STAY GANGSTA!!!!

<snip>

Dean, Carville Warn Specter: Shape Up Or Face Primary

Less than a week into his tenure as a Democrat and Sen. Arlen Specter is already stepping sharply on the toes of party elders. Key Democratic figures warned on Monday that their newly minted colleague, despite having the backing of the White House, could face a tough primary challenge should he continue to oppose key tenets of the party's agenda.

"I'm pleased that he saw the light and decided he would be a better fit for the Democratic Party and I think you have to allow for his political views to evolve," said former DNC chairman Howard Dean in an interview with the Huffington Post. "But he won't win the Democratic primary by taking the position that you should not have or a public option for health insurance... If he takes these kinds of views, of course there is going to be a Democratic primary."


As it stands now, Specter's chance to be the Democratic nominee in that race seems relatively solid. The White House has committed itself to campaigning with and raising funds for the Senate veteran. And his poll numbers against Pat Toomey -- the only Republican candidate to official in the race -- are rock solid.

That said, in his interview with the Huffington Post, Howard Dean scoffed at the notion that other Democrats in Pennsylvania will cede the race to Specter if they believe he is vulnerable.

"You don't clear the field in a place like Pennsylvania," said the former Vermont Governor. "You only clear the field by merit. Pennsylvania is too big to have some of these people put your arm round you and say it is not the right time.... and labor is a powerful force in that state."

</snip>

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/04/dean-carville-warn-specte_n_196033.html

[damonm]

18. No, and here's why....

do you HONESTLY think Obama is that stupid?

Do you think for one minute the guy who came almost out of nowhere to beat the Clintons when they had every advantage, the guy who turned EVERY Republican attack back on them, is so abysmally stupid as to NOT have gotten a healthy price from Specter in return for his support?

I seem to recall voices here during the primaries all crying doom on Obama because he wasn't doing what THEY would do - and ALL of them were wrong.

He's earned my trust that he knows what he's doing.

He can still lose it, but for the time being I give him the benefit of the doubt on political maneuvering. Based on his track record to date, I'm not willing yet to bet against Obama knowing EXACTLY what he's doing.

[CTyankee]

28. I agree with you on this. I can't believe that Obama would take a flying leap

with Specter w/o knowing exactly what his game plan would be. It's just silly to believe that Obama would leave himself open to having egg on his face.

Like you said, this could possibly not work out exactly as planned. But I still have confidence in Obama's political smarts and his integrity.

[polichick]

20. Depends on what Obama's game is.

[firedupdem]

21. No because at this rate Spector will never make it to the GE.

It's up to Specter to tow the line and pretend to be a loyal Democrat or see his ass tossed out in 2010. I think he's a rat and I really don't know why he switched parties. Based on his comments and actions he will never win a Democratic primary.

[democrat2thecore]

22. Hey! You gotta read this (TODAY'S Philly Inquirer)

Specter Is Vulnerable in Democratic Primary
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20090504_Specter_is_vulnerable_in_Democratic_primary.html

And by the way, Obama made it clear he'll support Specter all the way:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/30/us/politics/30specter.html

[PufPuf23]

23. Yes

The proper response should have been stay GOP, vote Democratic, and retire at the end of your term. Fini.

Obama makes mistakes but I am glad he is POTUS.

[bluethruandthru]

24. absolutely! n/t

[Hieronymus]

25. Yes

[LooseWilly]

27. I think there's a gamble going on.

I'm guessing that Obama and Biden and so on are going to give Specter time to let his views "evolve"... in other words let him take some time about it so he doesn't look like a completely unprincipled hack. And, if you think about it, until a vote comes up, whatever he says about being a loyal democrat or not loyal, or whatever... is just political theater.
That said... if he has the cajones to vote against healthcare or EFCA, I suggest y'all in Pennsylvania crucify his ass in the primary.

[CTyankee]

30. Specter knows that being crucified in the primary is exactly what he'll get

if he doesn't play ball with Obama. That's the sword hanging over him. If he wants to hold on to his seat he will have to make compromises. Still, nothing is certain as both he and Obama most certainly know...

[BlooInBloo]

29. Because I'm oh-so much better informed than Obama, I can certainly say yes.

[SIMPLYB1980]

31. No. nt

[olegramps]

32. It's a win-win for the Democrats

This speaks loudly for the failure of the Republican Party as it moves further and further from the position held by the majority of Americans. Their support is to be found among the extremists of the fundamentalist and racist persuasions.

Polls have revealed that on every issue they are on the wrong side, especially in regard to the younger voters. If Specter doesn't support the Democratic Party's position, he will be history and he will be replaced in the general election.

For the time being he is the consummate "useful idiot" that has given the Republican's a black eye. He has shown that they is no place for moderate Republicans in their Party. Hopefully the Republican Party, which has degenerated into a pack of raving extremists, will become a minor party without any power to spread their message of hatred and division.