What an amazing turn of events on this the 100th day of President Barack Obama's first term. In keeping his promise to try and reach across the "aisle" and work with republicans, he happened to pull back with him one of the most respected Senators in America. Senator Arlen Specter has been elected to the Senate as a republican for a Pennsylvania record of five terms. Today he announced he was defecting to the democratic party, giving Pres. Obama the majority he needs to pass any bill he submits if everybody votes along party lines.
But wait! Senator Specter has said his move is totally political and for self preservation. he said he realizes that the republican party is in trouble and he is worried that if he remains a republican he will not win re-election to his seat. He has also said that just because he is now a democrat doesn't mean he will always vote with them.
Okay, I have no problem with you switching parties, happens all the time when you disagree with the policies of your current party. I have no problem with a politician not voting with his party if he doesn't believe in that issue or policy. But to change parties just because you feel you won't get re-elected? I have a problem with that because basically you are an independent that is playing the field. If you flipflop your parties because of popularity rather than issues, you are not an honest person. You should just claim independence and vote with the issues you support rather than mislead the people who vote strictly along party lines. It will be interesting to see how the people of Pennsylvania react to this move. Will they continue to vote for Specter or will they vote for his democratic opponent? I'm sure he won't run unopposed.
But wait! Senator Specter has said his move is totally political and for self preservation. he said he realizes that the republican party is in trouble and he is worried that if he remains a republican he will not win re-election to his seat. He has also said that just because he is now a democrat doesn't mean he will always vote with them.
Okay, I have no problem with you switching parties, happens all the time when you disagree with the policies of your current party. I have no problem with a politician not voting with his party if he doesn't believe in that issue or policy. But to change parties just because you feel you won't get re-elected? I have a problem with that because basically you are an independent that is playing the field. If you flipflop your parties because of popularity rather than issues, you are not an honest person. You should just claim independence and vote with the issues you support rather than mislead the people who vote strictly along party lines. It will be interesting to see how the people of Pennsylvania react to this move. Will they continue to vote for Specter or will they vote for his democratic opponent? I'm sure he won't run unopposed.
