Does Anyone Here Think That The WH Is Upset That Specter Lost?

[Yavin4]

Do you really believe that? Do you really believe that the WH won't support Sestak in the Fall elections? Really?

I'm sure that Obama is friends with Specter, and probably wanted him to win in some way. However, I don't think that they're torn up about it.

[WI_DEM]

1. No. There are many more things that Obama could have done with Arlen

including personal appearances, but didn't. It was moderate, tepid support a--thank you for the 60th vote, but my guess is that they are smart enough to know that the general election can be more easily won with Sestak and will work hard for him. I'm more worried about Gov. Rendell who did go all out for Arlen and said just yesterday that Arlen would be the more electable candidate if he will get 100% on board now for Sestak?

[zipplewrath]

2. Yes, personally

Biden and Obama were personal friends of Specter's, so I suspect they feel bad for him, and would have enjoyed keeping him around. Plus, he had been a reliable vote for their point of view. Are they torn up about it? No, and they weren't torn up by dumping the public option or including cadillac taxes and mandates? No. What's your point? And what about Rahm? Has he just decided that all of PA democrats are "retarded"?

Will they hold a fund raiser for Sestak? Will they show up in PA? Will OFA send out mailers under the Presidents name? Will they make TV commercials and robo calls? Will they get DSCC to back him?

Specter was who they wanted. Face it.

[mkultra]

6. Specter was the incumbent

And a known entity in support. Sestak is a democrat. The line of reasoning that he cant like both is retarded. Maybe that's where Rham gets it.

[zipplewrath]

9. Incumbent REPUBLICAN

They backed the wrong horse. They don't have to hate Sestak to perfer Specter.

And Rahm has a demonstrated history of not liking democratic primaries and working to prevent them. But go ahead and ignore all that.

[mkultra]

12. The simple fact is that Obama can endorse whomever he wants

Wether you like that candidate or not. No, its not tradition that the POTUS stay out of primaries. NO, its not against DNC policies. Specter switched and was working with the white house. While i personally prefer sestak over a turncoat republican, The white house obviously felt they where obligated to through some staffers at specter.

Rham doesn't "prevent" primaries. If your bitching about MI and FL again, then your just full of shit. If it where my decision, i wouldn't have seated ANY of their delegates. They got what they deserved for trying to bully their way into the front spot.

[zipplewrath]

18. I'm afraid it is

Rahm, as the head of DCCC was active in trying to prevent primaries for democrats, mostly by influencing major funding sources. He freely admitted it by the by. So, yes he did "prevent" primaries. I'm sorry the facts don't go your way, but that doesn't change them.

It is traditional for POTUS and VP to stay out of primaries "publicly" althought privately they do ALOT of work.

The White House didn't feel "obligated" to Specter, other than through personal friendship, and a general favorable impression of his voting record over the years.

It escapes me why is supporters are afraid to admit reality here. He STRONGLY backed Specter, in a race he would have been better served staying out of all together. They finally figured that out in the last week.

The revisionism around here is amazing.

[mkultra]

23. again, i think those of us who support Obama

just dont care. I know that's how i feel. We find your outrage pretty ridiculous. He endorsed Specter and now he will endorse sestak. That seems completely fine to me.

[zipplewrath]

29. Counter productive

It seems counter productive to me.

But my "outrage" is over his supporters tendency to try to ignore, or flat out rewrite, the current history in order to avoid the sad reality that Obama actually wanted Specter.

Its significance is in that it is as yet another indication of how right of center the president is choosing to be.

[mkultra]

34. whats counter productive is your divisive rhetoric

While you are participating in and promoting internal dissent, i am working externally to support the president, calling my congressman and doing whatever is asked.

Discussion of that sharpness makes sense during primaries, but not while we have control. He is only as powerful as we make him through support. Dissent DOES NOT give him power to move left.

I generally think of democrats as more intelligent than republicans. This is why we appreciate nuance and diversity. I think you asked earlier why it was that the republicans are controlled by their base and the democrats by their moderates. The answer is dissent. While we bicker amongst ourselves over petty differences, the republicans stand together and sort out differences in primaries. They kept their mouth shut in the second term of Jr. and then ripped a hole in their incumbent base. They know its what works and that's all they know.

I think if you find yourself arguing with Obama supporters here, while you may perceive the disagreement as a difference of opinion, they are really just arguing against your pettiness.

[zipplewrath]

36. Actually, it's about framing the debate.

There is an active, if albeit unconscious effort, to never let Obama be critized. He must be always right. Furthermore, one cannot point out that he tends to want to govern as a centrist.

So we re-write history, and rationalize the actions we don't like.

"He was forced to support Specter" is the current version.

"We" don't have control. "We" are not monolythic. "We" have disagreements. That's what I like about democrats vs. republicans. There is a struggle within the party to push it left or right. Many of the Sestak threads were of the same nature. "Will the president understand his mistake". He backed the loser, does he understand why? It is important.

There are something like 5 kinds of leadership (I forget them all) but one of the kinds is where you figure out where your people want to go, and lead them there. In politics, that's pretty much how the game is played. You try to get your leaders to figure out where you want to go and allow them to lead you there. He's been trying to lead many of us to places we don't want to go. We were hoping this election might give him some direction. People arguing that he wasn't really trying to lead us elsewhere doesn't help.

He liked Specter, he likes the conservadems, he likes the whole DLC bunch. We're trying to explain to him that's not where we want to go. People making excuses that it wasn't the direction in which he was trying to lead aren't helping.

[mkultra]

39. blah blah blah

[zipplewrath]

41. Wow, what in interesting comment

Surprising, in a discussion forum.

[freddie mertz]

49. Yes it is truly amazing.

People can convince themselves of anything.

Rahm made his reputation by hand-picking conservative Dem candidates and preventing or undermining primary races.

Ed Rendell did the same thing to get Casey elected.

This is all public record and is well known.

It is also profoundly anti-democratic.

Sestak's win represents a significant win over these sorts of strong-arm tactics.

And I have never, ever, in 40 years of active political life, seen ANYTHING like the recent, public intervention of the president and other national leaders in primaries.

First case I really recall was Obama and other senators' campaigning for Stinky Joe in Ct. against Ned Lamont.

Which did not turn out so well either, did it?

[zipplewrath]

51. I don't understand it

Explain, justify, sympathize, support, defend, whatever. But to deny is to abandon reason.

[freddie mertz]

53. And deny self-evident facts.

I followed your links, even quoted one at the bottom of the thread.

FACT: Obama campaigned and, through OFA, organized and promoted a GOTV effort for Arlen Specter.

CONCLUSION: Arlen was his preferred candidate!

Why do I think this?

BECAUSE THE PRESIDENT FRAKKING SAID SO!

[zipplewrath]

54. And you know what the respose often was?

"he didn't really mean it"

or "He had to say that"

or, "that's just politics".


Now, when he says he's gonna close gitmo, or repeal DADT, well, THAT'S Gospel.

[freddie mertz]

55. Until he doesn't do it, that is. THEN it was the plan all along.

"Chess", I think they call it.

[zipplewrath]

56. 3D Chess

And he's four moves ahead of everyone.

[WI_DEM]

7. my predictions

will they hold fund raiser for Sestak? yes
will they show up in PA? Yes
Will they make commercials for Sestak? did he for Specter?
Will they make robo calls? Yes
Will they get the DSCC to back him? Yes

In fact, I'll bet the DSCC is backing him now--this is a competitive race and one dems need to win and Obama, Biden and the DSCC want the Dems to have a majority in the Senate in the next session so they can get the committee heads and agenda they want. These are big boys not babies who will take their marbles and run home. Yes, Obama and Biden may have personally known and liked Arlen and were appreciative that he gave them the 60th vote--but now it's time to get on with it and they will.

[zipplewrath]

10. Is there a way to mark threads for the future?

I noticed you didn't include (nor count) the OFA "commercial" in your predictions.

I'd really like to mark this thread for November so I can return to it.

[mkultra]

13. How about we place a bet on it

That should help you remember. Send me an message and ill keep. Simple fact is the WH is fighting tooth and nail for every seat.

[zipplewrath]

20. Who'll keep score?

I've booked marked the thread. I'm adding OFA messages to the list.

[mkultra]

21. name your terms

[zipplewrath]

32. You'll have to acknowledge

Once a month, until Nov. of 2012 that Obama is choosing to govern from right of center.

[mkultra]

35. no dude, what are your measurement terms?

[zipplewrath]

37. Oh, sorry

OFA emails
Robo calls
DSCC money
Personal visits in October for both VP and Obama.
Fund raising.
TV spot (radio too, but that's probably a given in todays world)
I'd say Rendell support, but I don't even know that'd be help.
(And I'd better not hear any crap outta Rahm about how Sestak doesn't have a chance or some such thang, but neither of us know how to quantify that one).

[mkultra]

40. DSCC money?

For my limited knowledge, the support given was OFA staffers, emails, and personal visits. Are you adding to the kitty?

[zipplewrath]

42. It was my understanding that the DSCC was behind Specter

That's not particularly surprising, it's basically an "incumbent" slush fund. But now I presume they want to maintain a democrat in the seat.

THAT'S the one you're concerned about?

[mkultra]

43. actually, Im not directly aware of any material support

that Obama provided to specter. I know that he "endorsed" him from the news but the only other thing i have heard was what sounded like wild assertion here. I heard here that he sent 20 staffers, and that he appeared. Im not saying he didn't provide that support, im saying that on top of not caring, i also don't know.

on edit: I did some research and what facts seem to show is that he and biden showed up at a rally for specter 8 months ago and refused invitations to show up at the late rallies. That video of obama at that rally was in specters tv spot. Obama taped a radio ad and robo call.

Nothing about money or staffers.

[zipplewrath]

44. Did you not receive the OFA email

He sent it out in the last month or so. Kinda strange, they blasted it out to the world so people well outside of PA got it. Also strange because by that time, it was already apparent that many of the people receiving it wouldn't agree with it. But the wording, none the less, was that classic tone they always use that presumes right up front that you already agree with them. They NEVER try to explain, or make thier case. Just distributing the recipe for Kool aid.

[mkultra]

45. Well, i get the Mitch Stewart emails

And i didn't get any in support of specter. I know that OFA did a GOTV call campaign in PA that specifically DID NOT include mention of specter. Since we are looking at this closely now, feel free to post the email.

The general impression that i got of the Obama support was that he supported Specter early and backed away when Sestak looked viable. Like i said though, i don't live in PA and i apparently don't have all the "facts" that you do.

[zipplewrath]

48. Have you signed up at OFA?

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/05/plouffe-sends-email-for-specter.php#more

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gp84hh

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/may18thforspecter?state=PA

So I might have to add 20 staffers in October to the list as well.

[mkultra]

57. Never saw those.

I feel confident that Obama will back sestak in the same fashion. You did notice the line that indicated that they weren't mentioned specters name right. IM not sure what was going on there but maybe Sestak started to look viable at that point.


So, a rally, a radio ad, an email, a robo call, and OFA volunteers. Anything else?

[zipplewrath]

58. Only in the phone calls

The email clearly stated support for Specter, as did the campaign appearances, and the call for volunteers.

[mkultra]

59. thats not support though

Be specific in your terms. If the callers dont support specter, then its just GOTV.

[zipplewrath]

60. I'm confused

There was alot of overt support. From the emails to the public appearances. The Robo calls were designed to support Specter, they just avoided actually using his name. OFA still openly supported Specter, and canvassed their volunteers to work for him.

I've been far more informative than your posts which suggested most of this didn't even go on.

[mkultra]

61. no problem then

So, a rally, a radio ad, an email, a robo call, and OFA volunteers making calls to support sestak and organizing events to support him. Anything else?

[zipplewrath]

63. Both of them

OFA emails
Robo calls
DSCC money
Personal visits in October for both VP and Obama.
Fund raising.
TV spot (radio too, but that's probably a given in todays world)
I'd say Rendell support, but I don't even know that'd be help.
(And I'd better not hear any crap outta Rahm about how Sestak doesn't have a chance or some such thang, but neither of us know how to quantify that one).

[mkultra]

66. now your getting sloppy again

Show me evidence of DSCC money and ill include it. Obama didn't do a TV spot for specter, video of the rally appeared in the tv spot. And i cant accept Biden because he showed up to support specter because they are personal friends. I concede that he may or may not come, but Obama will.

You cant say Rendell because hes the fucking gov of PA, not an Obama employee. We are talking about support Obama gave, not some imaginary bullshit.

As for the Rham thing, the WH walked away from specter in the end. The October thing is out. Its your attempt to corner the bet on a time frame. If you count rallies a year ago then anytime between now and the election is game. Lets be real.

So
OFA emails
A robo call
A visit from Obama
Fun raising
Radio ad.

These are the things Obama did to support specter(aside from the biden visit which i couldn't care less about)

My terms are the you must mention once a month that you have Hated Obama from the very beginning. Send me a personal message when you accept.

[zipplewrath]

67. I'll give ya Rendell

I even was vague on that one. I'm not sure it will really help.
I'll give you rallies since.....August?
Obama and Biden both have to show up (don't worry, Biden is probably the easy one).
Rahm has to keep his mouth shut (I probably wouldn't worry about that one either, after the retard thing I think he's learned)

I'll state that Obama is governing left of center, once a month until Nov 2012.

(For the record, I didn't and don't "hate" Obama. I'm massively disappointed, more so than Clinton, cause I saw it coming with slick willy.)

[mkultra]

70. sorry man,

you don't get to dictate what i win. Ill hold my nose and say what you think so you must capitulate.

Rallies until the election(otherwise known as support) and i can give or take Rahm. After all, he recruited Sestak into politics to begin with.


If my phrase is to unfair, then you can say "I never liked Obama and never will"

[zipplewrath]

86. It's all unfair

I was fairly favorable towards Obama, and prefered him over Hillary. He just wasn't my first choice. I was one of the folks trying to explain that they better be prepared not to get EVERYTHING they wanted after he was elected.

Just never expected him to turn on his supporters so quickly or so thoroughly.

[mkultra]

88. i think you are trying to muddle the bet down.

send me a message and we will work it out.

[WI_DEM]

26. go ahead and mark it--I'll stand by it

Obama already was on the phone with Sestak this morning pledging his support. Your asking about an Obama for America commercial? and if he doesn't do that and does all the other things that will not be enough for you will it? You are unreal.

[zipplewrath]

31. Parity

I'm suggesting parity, especially since he helped put Sestak in a hole to start.

I realize you probably don't want to hold the president to any standard, but prefer to establish them AFTER he acts.

*(By the by, anyone know how long bookmarks last?)

[Arkana]

25. "These are big boys not babies who will take their marbles and run home."

I'm getting the sense that because the majority of the angrypantses here would do this themselves, they think that Obama and the White House will do it too.

[WI_DEM]

27. Of course.

[John1956PA]

3. No. President Obama had to go through the motions of supporting the incumbent.

However, I think that the White House is just as happy that Specter is gone. Being from PA and having seen the television ads, my opinion is that the 80-year-old Specter did not have a chance. The years have taken their toll on him, and he came across as a somewhat doddering - even in his own ads.

[dmallind]

4. I doubt they care as long as they keep the seat

and Sestak is more likely to do that.

Campaigning for sitting offioicals in contested primaries is the norm and is not an indication of any thing at all. The White House does not do public actions to unsettle elected members of its own party, and nor should it.

But despite all the angst I doubt voting records will be far different. It's not like they nominated a Marxist.

[WI_DEM]

8. +1

exactly they want to keep PA to keep the Senate. They will go all out to win it.

[freddie mertz]

5. They should be. Their candidate was rejected by the voters.

Despite the 24/7 "I love Arlen Specter" ads.

Despite the Rendell-produced "voter's guides" that didn't even LIST Sestak.

Their goonish, thuggish effort to force Specter down our throats not only failed--it backfired.

Chalk up one for the people (and of course, the "retards").

[DrToast]

11. WTF? Why do you equate Obama wanting Sepcter to win with Obama not supporting Sestak now?

You think Obama is going to back Toomey?

[Bumblebee]

14. No. The polls have been clear as to who is a better shot in the general election.

I am sure they felt obliged, et al but secretly were probably hoping for Sestak's win. they are realists and pragmatists, and they want to win in November.

[phleshdef]

15. President's tend to back the party candidate that currently holds the office.

And if that person doesn't win, they will back the person that did. Overly emotional people want to turn it into an overly emotional issue and thats really not the way it is.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

16. No the WH had already written off Specter

They did not campaign for him in the last hours, they knew he was going to lose.

[zipplewrath]

19. So they were upset a week ago?

I'm just saying. You dodged the question.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

24. I didnt dodge the question, the question isnt important

The WH will support whomever the nominee is, I really dont think it matters to them in the long run. They got what they wanted from Specter that is all that counts to them.

[zipplewrath]

30. No

They cared whether Specter won.

I find it hillarious, and very telling that this bothers his most ardent supporters so that they spend the effort to try to deny it, or otherwise explain why he was forced to support Specter.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

47. Are you saying that I am an Obama supporter or a Specter supporter?

I am confused, if you think I am a Obama fan who defends everything he does. You must not have read my post on here concerning Obama.

[zipplewrath]

50. Well actually, no

I was speaking far more generally than that, and trying to explain MY posts.

[lamp_shade]

17. Not at all.

[impik]

22. Of course not. They knew it's going to happen

Specter is not a Democrat. He switched parties and gave us some good votes, but he had no chance running as a Dem. Beside, at his age, it's time to go home.

[eleny]

28. Wanting Specter to win doesn't mean they won't support Sestak now

Sestak is a Dem they need to keep that seat the Senate. If for no other reason they will support him because they need him and his votes. Now more than even before because they'll probably lose some seats.

[polichick]

33. I imagine they're a little nervous about voters paying so little attention to...

...establishment endorsements and Dems wanting the party to be more progressive - but they're not freaking out.

[Hippo_Tron]

38. I think the Vice President is probably upset for his friend

And I think they're pissed that the news cycle will be about Specter rather than the PA-12th (which is the real story). But by next week I don't think they will care. Sestak is probably the better man to keep the Senate seat at this point and with Bulmenthal's shenanigans in Connecticut, it looks like we're going to need him.

[bvar22]

46. Upset?...Embarrassed is what the White House is feeling.

Less than 2 weeks ago, I saw Obama on TV, arm around Specter, professing his "LOVE" for him...everything but kissing him.

Then, when the polls turned a few days ago, the White House ran like a scalded cat.
If the White House is NOT feeling "embarrassed", they SHOULD:

1)Campaigning for a Republican.

2)Running when the polls turned.

"I did not campaign on a Public Option."

"Arlen WHO?"


"If we don't fight hard enough for the things we stand for,
at some point we have to recognize that we don't really stand for them."
--- Paul Wellstone

[Cha]

62. No, the White House is not embarrassed at all.

They're loving this.


“Pennsylvania voters had a choice between Congressman Joe Sestak and Senator Arlen Specter. Congressman Sestak and Senator Specter both campaigned tirelessly across the Keystone State in support of President Obama’s efforts to help middle-class Americans. I congratulate them both on a hard-fought campaign. This race came down to the wire, but ultimately Democratic voters in Pennsylvania have decided that Congressman Sestak is the best man to fight for them in Washington.

“As the highest-ranking former military officer ever elected to Congress, Joe Sestak has served our country with honor. In the Senate, as he has done in the House of Representatives, Joe Sestak will stand up for the needs of Pennsylvania workers and families.

“Come November, the choice for Pennsylvanians could not be clearer: Congressman Sestak, who has fought for middle-class Americans; or ultra-conservative Republican Pat Toomey, a former Wall Street derivatives trader who would represent instead the powerful special interests funding his campaign and who during his brief tenure in Congress had a right wing voting record that would make Rick Santorum look like a moderate. While Joe Sestak has been working with President Obama to turn Pennsylvania and our country around, Pat Toomey would have sacrificed that progress to the politics of obstruction practiced by Washington Republicans by opposing the Recovery Act, Health Reform, Student Loan Reform and Wall Street Reform.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Senator Specter for his decades of service to the people of Pennsylvania and the nation and for his work this past year with President Obama and Senate Democrats to put America on the road to recovery. Senator Specter has had a distinguished career and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the months ahead as we continue to move our country forward.”

http://www.democrats.org/a/2010/05/dnc_chairman_ti_57.php


"(CNN) – Rep. Joe Sestak said that President Obama called to congratulate him Tuesday night following his victory over Sen. Arlen Specter, the Republican-turned-Democrat who was backed by the president in this primary.

Obama "couldn't have been nicer," Sestak said in an interview Wednesday on CNN's American Morning.

Sestak also said that president told him, "I'm there for you and I look forward to working with you and getting you in the United States Senate."

When Specter switched political parties last year, Obama and Vice President Biden publicly pledged their support for him in the primary. While the president appeared in radio and television ads for the veteran senator, Obama did not appear on the campaign trail with Specter in the closing days of race."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4388385

[bvar22]

68. Yeah...shure...Umhum...

The White House LOVES backing loser Republicans, and then running and hiding when the polls change.
Great for the image.
LOL.
:hi:

[Cha]

69. I don't expect some people to get it. President Obama and VP Biden

absolutely love this.

"Look Forward To Campaigning For Sestak
Biden: I Look Forward To Campaigning For Sestak"

Nick Broten

Vice President Joe Biden released the following statement today on last night's Democratic primary in Pennsylvania:

Arlen Specter is one of my closest friends. He has served Pennsylvania with determination, wisdom, and skill for many years. I was proud to play a role in his return to the Democratic Party; his votes to pass the Recovery Act and health insurance reform were courageous and critical to our success. I look forward to working with him during the rest of this year, and remaining in close contact with him after his term in Washington is finished.

I spoke to Joe Sestak last night and congratulated him on his impressive victory. He will make a great candidate in the fall, and a wonderful United States Senator. I look forward to campaigning for him in Pennsylvania and celebrating his victory in November."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x305664

And, we will win bc they are all winners..not some grudge holders who whine..they're about the future not the past.

[bvar22]

73. More 10th dimensional chess?

Obama and Biden go out and campaign for the people they DON'T want to win....
Got it.
:rofl:

[Cha]

77. Right over their heads..

Whoosh!

"Sestak Wins. So Does Obama"

By Hendrik Hertzberg:


"Referring to the two big upsets of the night—the victories of Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania and Rand “Namesake of Ayn, Son of Ron” Paul in Kentucky—Jeff Zeleny and Carl Hulse write in today’s Times:

The results were sobering for both parties, amounting to a rejection of candidates selected and backed by leaders in Washington who found themselves out of step with their electorates.

That may be true in Kentucky, where McConnell learned that no amount of subservience to Tea Party/Fox News/talk-radio nihilism can ever be enough, but I don’t see how it applies to Pennsylvania.

Arlen Specter was not “selected by leaders in Washington.” He selected himself. As one of the last of the moderate Republicans, he was headed for defeat in his own party’s primary. He thought (no doubt correctly) that his chances for survival would be better in the other party, so he switched. The White House promised him support because his vote was an absolute sine qua non for overcoming Republican filibusters, most crucially filibusters against the health-care bill, on which the fate of Obama’s Presidency and the Democratic Congress rested. If this was a “backroom deal,” it was one that the White House and the “Democratic establishment” would have been criminally irresponsible not to cut.

With health care safely passed, however, the interests of the White House and the national Democratic Party are better served by Sestak’s winning the primary. Sestak is an actual Democrat, not a Democrat of opportunity. As such he will be a far more reliable and sincere supporter of the President and the President’s policies than Specter would have been if, at eighty years of age, the cranky ex-Republican had been vouchsafed a sixth (and last) six-year term. Moreover, Sestak is more likely to beat the Republican nominee, the fanatical anti-tax ideologue Pat Toomey. If Sestak wins in November, he'll probably be a senator for a long time. Given actuarial realities, a reëlected Specter might have ended up having to be replaced by a gubernatorial appointee, and there is no guarantee that Pennsylvania’s next governor will be a Democrat.

So I don’t see how this is some sort of defeat for the White House or miscalculation on their part. It looks more like a series of rather brilliant chess moves.

Of course, this doesn’t prove that the Democratic voters of Pennsylvania took all this into account and consciously made a rational, strategically thought-out choice. But there’s a better case for that interpretation than for the notion that Sestak’s victory was nothing but a populist spasm—a rejection of “Washington,” even a rebuke to President Obama."


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x305558
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/hendrikhertzberg/2010/05/sestak-specter-obama.html#ixzz0oPcuwJFG

[Moochy]

90. I love you therefore I am happy when you lose.

Whew what a relief that politician I LOVE has lost his race!

Du puts the sync in syncophantic apologia! I know where to get sync'd up with this news cycle's officious official line

[freddie mertz]

52. HERE is Obama's website on why you MUST help GOTV for Arlen!

Vote On May 18th for Arlen Specter
Re-electing Senator Specter is going to take the same effort I needed from you two years ago -- reaching out to friends and neighbors, knocking doors, making phone calls.
- President Barack Obama

Senator Specter has been a strong ally to President Obama on the issues that matter most to Pennsylvania families and small businesses. He cast a deciding vote in favor of the Recovery Act that brought our economy back from the brink of a second Great Depression and created more than 120,000 jobs in Pennsylvania in just the first three months of this year. He fought hard for health insurance reform, and because of that victory 1.3 million uninsured Pennsylvanians will now have access to affordable care -- including more than 140,000 with pre-existing conditions. And he's been a champion of Wall Street reform and combating climate change, two crucial parts of President Obama's agenda that won't happen without Senator Specter's support.

Senator Specter has stood with the President on issue after issue--so it's time to stand with him on Election Day.

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http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/may18thforspecter?state=PA

Seems like he was whipping up support and GOTV right up to the end...

Do facts matter?

[fujiyama]

64. It's slightly embarrassing

but then again, the administration didn't go out of its way to campaign for Specter in the closing days. Some speculate a rally in Philly may have helped Specter.

All that matters is that the next senator from PA has a (D) and supports the president's agenda. It looks like Sestak will do that just fine. Everything in politics is temporary and Specter served his purpose when he voted for the stimulus package and health care. As long as he continues to vote with the Dems for the rest of his term, there should be no problems.

The administration now needs Sestak, because it's crucial seat. And Toomey is a fucking lunatic.

[jenmito]

65. The WH supports every incumbent. And Specter was VERY useful as the 60th Dem. But now that

Sestak is the Dem. nominee, of course they'll support him. Who said they wouldn't?

[depakid]

71. They even support those who repeatedly vote against them!

:rofl:

Wonder if they'll keep campaigning for Blanche Lincoln now that the writing's on the wall?

[jenmito]

72. That's right-the reason we're in the majority is because we're a "big tent" which has

conservadems in conservative states. Would you rather we be like the teabaggers and have a vocal minority?

[depakid]

74. Nope- that's the reason Dems were vanquished into the minority for 12 long years

and why rather than having relegated Republicans to the fringe for a generation, the Dems have been staring down prospects of losing their majority to the most pathetic bunch that ever "graced" the American political stage.

[jenmito]

75. Nope-we wouldn't be in the majority now if we only ran liberals in even the red states.

If you want to be a purist minority party, that makes one of us.

[depakid]

78. Bingo, bango wrongo

According to the credible data, progressive policies are popular in red states- which was the basis of the 50 state strategy (and one reason why Blanche Lincoln's going down).

It's also why the Dems won seats in 1998 (defying the historical trend) -and in 2006, while LOSING in other years (sometimes badly) when they were perceived (and rightly so) of standing for nothing.

A party that's perceived as being complicit, weak, and standing for nothing will be beaten by a party that looks like it actually does stand up and fight- even if people don't agree with them on most of the issues.

[jenmito]

82. The Dems. in this congress have accomplished more than most past modern

congresses, whether you want to admit it or not.

[depakid]

85. Depends on what one would look at as "modern" -or post modern

Me, I like to look for policies that actually solve problems.

Which as we've seen and the evidence shows- progressive policies do.

[Radical Activist]

76. Not in the least.

This will help Obama pass his agenda through the Senate, which has been the biggest obstacle since taking office.

[NYC_SKP]

79. No. I think this business is a whole bunch of nonsense fabricated, mostly, by MSM.

Early on, Obama supported the incumbent, quite naturally.

Closer to the election, and as Sestak seemed to be gaining ground, Obama and Biden kept some distance.

Wise choice, not unnatural.

They aren't upset that Specter lost, IMHO.

And they wouldn't have been devastated if Specter had one, either.

:patriot:

[freddie mertz]

87. In the last days, OFA and the president organized a GOTV effort through e-mail...

And their websites.

Not a full pull-out, just a face-saving decision not to make a personal appearance.

[calico1]

80. No, they are probably relieved. n/t

[AtomicKitten]

81. Not since polling shows Sestak running better against Toomey. nt

[Moochy]

83. Mmm pretzels are twisty

like the logic in the OP.

[SalviaBlue]

84. NO

[ProgressOnTheMove]

89. They'll support Sestak they just felt they owed Specter after voting for the stimulus.