Obama 'thrilled to have' Specter

Source: Politico

President Barack Obama talked to Sen. Arlen Specter at 10:32 this morning from the Oval Office, said Dems are "thrilled to have you," according to a White House aide.

Obama was informed of Specter's decision to switch parties at 10:25 this morning while receiving his daily economic briefing in the Oval Office, according to a White House official.

Obama was handed a note by an aide that read: "Specter is announcing he is changing parties."

The president reached Specter, one of only three Republicans to support his stimulus package, on the phone at 10:32 and told him "you have my full support." He added that we are "thrilled to have you."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/21800.html

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I think Obama is the smoothest operator the white house has seen in a long time...

Confirm Clarence "Long Dong Silver" Thomas(The Carbuncle on Scalia's ass)

Why yes Sir, Welcome aboard!!!

He will still vote for the pukes


Another over aged Judas

to the victors goes the spoils.

Specter was going to be defeated in the PA Primary next year (polls show him 20-30 points behind) as the voters are tired of him - at least in the Repukelican party.

He will stand a better chance in the General election - much like Lieberman...

Hardly comparable.

Specter, a popular figure in his hometown of Philly, doesn't have all those Philly voters in a republican primary. Philly only places a factor in democratic primaries and general elections. He may lose the primary but he was polling 10points against the unnamed democrat in a general election.

And works against every policy Obama supports, not to mention never votes with the 60 to end any filibuster threat.

Rp

I think he was one of 3 republicans or something...

From his statement:

"My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change."

Rp

He had once been a co-sponsor of that EFCA, until he got waterboarded by the RNC!
http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/04/15/pennsylvania-union-members-challenge-specter-to-support-employee-free-choice/

pnorman

I think it makes the Republicans look like the party of Long Ago.

It's better to have them jump ship than still wave the old Rethug flag.

Very happy.

Biden was always considered PA's 3rd Senator... and from what I hear, he had a hand in Arlen's switcheroo. There are plenty of Dems who rubber-stamped GWB and fight President Obama on everything. I think Specter will be interesting to watch on some key issues such as healthcare. And it remains to be seen how he'll really vote on labor issues -- Philly and Pittsburgh are blue-collar.

Wasn't he ill recently?

Thrilled, I tellya.

This ain't gonna end well.

But O is still the consummate pol, bless him, making the best silk purse he can out of the big ol' sow's ear.

But then, he has WAY more faith in the average American voter than I do, cynical old hack that I am.

I think this is the first effective retaliation the GOP has managed to pull off, after their humiliating defeat in November: "We'll send 'em Arlen!" "Yeah, let him embarrass the crap outta THEM for a change." "Woo-HOO!" High fives all around at GOP HQ.

prognosticatorially,
Bright

HAVE to take him? In his own words he's not going to vote with the dems. Are the pukes really that smart to see that far down the road?(2010)

To be a "Democrat" has become completely meaningless.

Republicans serve corporate/plutocracy interests. They are always against average working people - ALWAYS. To be a Republican is to oppose the people.

The Democratic party is made up of a mix of Republicans, Democrats (in dwindling numbers), and Republican-lite, DLC, New-Dem sell-outs who serve the same masters as the Republicans, but who throw us a bone once in awhile - just enough to keep most from bolting. It's sickening. Working people desperately need a new party.

My new motto for The Democratic party:

"THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY... BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVE, AND NOT A PENNY MORE"

:rofl:

Is a supporter of stem cell research(science). Which didnt sit well with the repubs.

The only reason he has switched parties I am guessing is because he was afraid of losing in 2010. That said, it was good that he supported the stimulus bill, wants to increase funding for science and is in favor of stem cell research. But, at the end of the day, in every other way he is a Repug.