Kerry Statement on Arlen Specter

[ProSense]

04/28/2009

Kerry Statement on Arlen Specter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) made the following statement today on Senator Arlen Specter:

“This is a big moment. When Jim Jeffords left the Republican Party, he was the canary in the coal mine warning of Bush era ideological excess, and Senator Specter’s decision eight years later signals its tipping point. This is now officially a Republican Party where moderates need not apply, and a Democratic Party under President Obama that welcomes all perspectives and is determined to find consensus to move America forward.

“Arlen Specter is guts and grit personified, and he remains as independent as ever. He’s always been a thoughtful voice on everything from science and research to twenty first century infrastructure, and I look forward to working with him in our Caucus.”

[Cha]

1. Rec'd~ Excellent response from Senator Kerry~

I love that "Canary in a coalmine" reference..so true.

[Bluerthanblue]

31. I agree!

:hi:

[lsewpershad]

71. Respect Kerry

But I hope this guy does not kick us in the gut when we need him the most. Still don't trust him.

[endarkenment]

2. I'd vote for Kerry again. nt.

[Enthusiast]

17. Me too. nt

[Bluerthanblue]

32. me 3. n/t

[d_b]

44. me 4.

[karynnj]

33. It is still my favorite vote ever - and my first was for McGovern, last for Obama

[Enthusiast]

49. We share a voting history, Karynnj.

My first vote in a presidential race was McGovern, my last for Obama. Still love McGovern.

[polmaven]

66. I do ...

every 6 years....and proudly.

(I know you meant for president, but that isn't going to happen, so....)

[ObamaKerryDem]

74. Me too. In a heartbeat!

The man is a true class act. Proudly K&R! :)

[Politicub]

3. Excellent statement - Kerry is such a wonderful statesman n/t

[OKNancy]

4. Teresa Heinz Kerry, I just heard on Hardball

supported Specter in his past races ( before she married John)

[PBS Poll-435]

5. H. John Heinz III, was a Senator from PA

And her husband at the time.

[ronnykmarshall]

6. I think she did after she married John.

Mama T didn't become a Democrat until John ran for President.

[polichick]

7. I was thrilled when Jeffords switched - nice statement by Kerry.

[rhett o rick]

8. Of course the DLC loves him. Bad day for progressives. nm

[emulatorloo]

9. Here's a good thread to read

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5555269

"Folks, if you really want to be the majority party, you have to accept

people from all over the political spectrum.

If you want an ideological pure party, just watch what the republicans are going through."

[rhett o rick]

19. What good does it do to have the majority if the party doesn't support your ideals.

The Democratic Party appears to me to be under the control of the same corporate influences that ruined our lives for the last eight years. Having some one on MY side that supported bush almost 100% is chilling. He supported the war, the Patriot Act, the MCA, etc.

[ProSense]

22. What good is having more Republicans?

Seriously, this is about now: One less Senator in the Republican minority.

[rhett o rick]

24. But if he continues to vote like a republiCon, what does having a D behind his name

do us? And why did the Party machine say they would assure him that he wouldn't be challenged in the coming primary? Something smells bad in Denmark.

[ProSense]

25. You are speculating

He has voted with Dems in the past, and he has obviously moved away from the GOP on certain issues. Introspection can do a lot to bring people around.

[rhett o rick]

29. Yes he has occasionally voted with the Democrats in the past but I can't see him

changing his ways at this time in his life. I hope I am wrong. We certainly don't need another DINO.

[damonm]

26. So, you would rather...

have a pro-life, anti-stem cell, anti-healthcare RW zealot like Toomey in the Senate? Trust me, you are NOT going to get a true progressive from PA in the Senate ANY time soon. Having Specter switch is the best of worlds for us - PA goes blue on the BIG issues, AND we get to rub RW noses in it. They LOST PA; we didn't win it.

[rhett o rick]

28. LOL, Of course not. But it may be easier for a true Democrat to defeat Toomey than

the incumbent. Personally, if he would have stayed a republiCon, I do not believe Toomey could have defeated him, a sitting incumbent Senator. It doesn't happen very often.

[karynnj]

48. He was 20 points behind a man he narrowly defeated last time

and part of the reason was NOT that people had changed their minds, but that many moderate Republicans or Independents shifted to Democrats to vote for Obama or Clinton in that hotly contested primary. I don't know the PA rules for changing parties, but at minimum it puts up an additional obstacle for him to get their votes - if they are allowed to switch back that quickly.

The other fact is that any mainstream Democrat, including Specter now, will beat Toomey.

[rhett o rick]

61. Yes this is exactly my point. If he hadn't switched there is a good chance that a "mainstream

Democrat" would be the next Senator. Now it will likely be a DINO.

[kenfrequed]

63. Not really...

The fact of the matter is that Spector was going to face an unwinnable primary battle in his former party. So what happens then? He splits and runs as an independent grabbing a few republican votes while the dems do 'the great blue wave' pt 3 and run someone that actually has some local progressive credentials in that state.

As long as the Dem walked out of the state convention with fairly strong support then it is their race to lose and the only way you lose in that race is by failing to distinguish yourself from the republican war/economic train of t(error).

Honestly Spector did himself a great favor by running this way. The only reason he stayed in office is because he was an exceptionally liberal republican on certain social issues and could occasionally be pushed left on union and eduction.

[ginnyinWI]

62. as a repub he might have voted with them just to keep the peace.

I can't help but think that as a Dem he'll be free of that and his liberal side will become stronger. Everyone wants to fit in!

[rhett o rick]

64. I would rather have a moderate Democrat than him. He just made that a whole lot harder to do. nm

[alwysdrunk]

51. Thank you.

This needs to be stickied and copy pasted everywhere.

I'm starting to realize that purists are as much and enemy of a political party as the opposite party is. An enemy from within though.

[JDPriestly]

76. I'm not that worried about ideological purity, but give me a break.

In announcing his change to the Democratic Party, Specter lamented the fact that the Republicans had left so many judicial nominations for Obama to decide. That's not how a Democrat thinks, much less talks. A real Democrat -- not necessarily one that agrees with me on everything -- would not be ruing the fact that Obama has more judicial appointments. I question how sincere Specter is in his break with the Republican Party. Kind of hard to make that break after so many years on their side of the Senate.

[ProSense]

12. DLC? Yeah, because it would be a better day for progressives if he

had stayed a Republican.

Ludicrous.

[rhett o rick]

14. He is still a republiCon. Now he will be harder to unseat. He supported bush

on almost everything. He isn't going to vote different just because he changed parties. He will strengthen the corporate strangle hold on the Democratic Party. He is another Lieberman.

[rhett o rick]

15. I will tip my hat to him for his vote to kill the filibuster of Kathleen Sebelius' nomination. nm

[endarkenment]

18. That's the point.

The Stupid Party's strategy of Obstruct and Attack is now in shambles.

[rhett o rick]

21. It's a little early to call the game. I certainly hope you are right. nm

[druidity33]

47. Dawn Johnsen is more important.

She's up for the head of the OLC. Specter has already said he opposes her... no matter the Party affiliation he has.

Nobody wants her to have the keys to the Castle... b/c she'd kick ass and take names.

:shrug:

[PBS Poll-435]

20. The man is not going to live forever

Lymphoma. Treated in 05 and again in 08.

Not to mention that he just turned 79.

[Cha]

23. "dlc"? Kerry?

Do you just throw out name calling hoping something sticks? You need to be held accountable for your posts.

[rhett o rick]

27. If you don't believe Sen Kerry is a member of the DLC, just come out and say so.

I believe he is. There used to be a list on the DLC webpage but it no longer exists. Apparently now it is a secret society. I believe John Kerry's name was on that list. Do you have access to the list or other knowledge that would indicate that Sen Kerry isn't a member of the DLC? If I am wrong, I truly apologize.

I also believe that the DLC runs the Democratic Party. They love Lieberman and I assume they will welcome Sen Specter with open arms. IMHO the DLC does not represent the middle class but does represent the same corporate interests that run the republiCon party.

[ProSense]

30. He's on the so-called list is a tired, stale argument that means nothing

Dorgan was on the list:




Kerry is far from DLC as anyone can get.

[rhett o rick]

39. I concede. It was not my intent to disparage Sen Kerry but to explain that I am not pleased

to get another Democrat that votes with the republiCons. Actually I am jealous because one of my Sen is Cantwell. I would gladly trade her for Sen Kerry any day.

On edit. Apparently I made up the word "impune". I have a habit of making up words. thanks for the correction.

[fujiyama]

45. Keep in mind the PR effect

just KILLS republicans. As another moderate flees the republican party, it reinforces the view that they are an intolerant and nasty extremist party that tolerates no dissent...

[alwysdrunk]

56. Everyone just overlooks this like it's nothing

It's the most important thing to come from this IMO. It won't be forgotten when this news gets old either. Every time a "future of the GOP" discussion starts up, Specters defection will be brought up. You couldn't buy this type of political gift.

[rhett o rick]

58. Yes, I think this is the most important aspect of the switch-over. Very hard for the

corp-media to ignore.

[karynnj]

34. He has not attended a DLC event since 2004 when he was invited as the nominee

to speak. In 2006, when it appeared Kerry would run again, Al From of the DLC listed the DLC candidates as Hillary Clinton, Bayh, Mark Warner, and Vilsack. Kerry was polling higher than any of these people other than Hillary, but was not named.

From what people wrote in the past, Kerry, long ago, was a member - but so were people like Gary Hart, who was one of the people started it. His voting record was never in line with theirs being substantially to the left - unlike Edwards, who you supported, who voted mostly straight down the DLC line. Since 2004, he has definitely been part of what some called the Kerry/Kennedy wing of the party. Even when they had the list up, apparently they never took elected officials off.

PS Lamont said that NO Democratic politician did more to help him then Kerry did. So, if the litmus test is "loving" Lieberman, Kerry is not one of them. As to corporate interests that charge didn't fly when a Trippi influenced Dean made it in February 2004 when his campaign was sinking fast. Google BCCI.

[rhett o rick]

40. As I mentioned above, I concede and thanks for the information. I was clearly speaking from and

uninformed position. But again my point wasn't to disparage Sen Kerry but to show concern that Sen Specter will be himself a DLC member or at least vote like one.

[alwysdrunk]

55. http://www.dlc.org/

It exists.

[rhett o rick]

60. Yes I am well aware. However, I can't find the current membership list. nm

[Mass]

35. So I guess Boxer is DLC too as she also welcomes Specter?

http://boxer.senate.gov/news/releases/record.cfm?id=312124

[rhett o rick]

38. Strange logic. I imagine all Democratic Senators will welcome Sen Specter.

My point is that Sen Specter will fit in nicely with the DLC members (whom ever they are). That doesn't make me feel comfortable.

[beachmom]

10. Nice statement. Thanks for posting, Prosense. nt

[genna]

11. Broad party, more arguing

I welcome that opportunity.

"This is now officially a Republican Party where moderates need not apply, and a Democratic Party under President Obama that welcomes all perspectives and is determined to find consensus to move America forward."


Moderate Republicans are welcome. I don't want to shut them up any more than I want pro life Democrats to sit in the corner and not make an appearance.

Maybe we can argue about the merits of these policy choices instead of the out and out name calling. I will continue to use the label ConservaDem because I think it is relevant and descriptive.

Maybe Democrats will be known for better organization now that Obama has hit us with community organizing.

[AtomicKitten]

13. Very gracious statement, Senator Kerry.

:thumbsup:

[AspenRose]

16. Kerry = class

:thumbsup:

[northofdenali]

36. As always

Senator Kerry shows his class. He is one of the world's most gracious men.

[wisteria]

37. Good words from Senator Kerry and a good move on Senator Specter's part.

Senator Kerry always seems to know exactly what to say and hit the right notes.

[RandomKoolzip]

41. Sorry, John, but Arlen "Single Bullet" Specter is just sooo not "guts and grit" personified.

[ProSense]

42. What Specter did today was

kick sand in the face of the bullies

Whatever characterization gets that message across to the stuck on stupid Party of No is fine by me.

Kerry's statement has the perfect pitch.

[Cha]

70. "Skid Marks"!

Spector made history! Thanks Pro~

[Leo The Cleo]

43. I think my man got it right

Kerry is on the money. You know, a few years ago it was okay to consort with republicans from time to time. Now, these folks have changed. On the local level there used to be peace and harmony, now there is just bashing coming from the right. It's crazy. Here in NY, they can't get over the fact that they are no longer the majority party in the state. They hate the fact that good laws can gets passed.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

46. Mixed feelings

Yes, it's a blow to the short attention span Limbaugh/Hannity/Beck crowd, and they'll throw Arlen under the bus as a reflexive, defensive gesture. But he won't vote as he should by any stretch - I'm kinda surprised he isn't considering retiring. He hasn't looked too well in ages.

[ohtransplant]

50. I'd also vote for Senator Kerry again.

I can't help thinking how different things would be now...

And yes, he is an excellent statesman - and it's known around the world.

"idealogical excess" - bullseye!

[alwysdrunk]

52. One of the best things to come from the Spector thing: statements like this

The PR alone from this extremely valuable. I'm very surprised at the reaction from the left. This only helps Dems in a significant way.

[ecstatic]

53. Look, most of us won't be sold on the "Specter as Dem" thing, but

I really appreciate what he did.

[bdamomma]

59. and giving his middle finger salute to the repigs.

I am still very cautious about this switching thing.

[Pacifist Patriot]

54. LOL! That is a brilliant and diplomatic response.

Arlen Specter is guts and grit personified, and he remains as independent as ever

I cannot believe that is anything except a dignified man diplomatically acknowledging Specter's motivations always being Specter himself.

What a fantastic way to frame it so as to shatter Reagan's "big tent."

[beachmom]

75. You're right -- that is definitely diplomatic language.

[olegramps]

57. What will be the reaction of the Republicans?

I think that this could be the significant aspect of this latest defection. Will the Republicans reassess their extreme right wing stance or will it only harden them further as it has in the recent past? People such as Lincoln Chaffee believe that it could be the death knell of the Republican Party. It is becoming increasingly evident that they are increasingly being regarded as little more than obstructionists. Their party slogan is No!

[Kajsa]

65. Kerry nailed it here,

"This is now officially a Republican Party where moderates need not apply, "

Isn't that the truth?

Thank you, Senator Kerry.

[defendandprotect]

67. If Arlen Specter is a "moderate," then Liebermann is a liberal . . .

[onehandle]

68. Jeffords, the Hero.

I'll never forget his brave action.

[hangman86]

69. Congress should pass legislation renaming the Republican party to the Extreme Right Wingers

Seriously. They give us this shit about calling the Democrats, Socialists when in fact, they're the ones who are getting more radical everyday. If we were Socialists we not only would protest Specter's switch but we'd kick out about 15 other senators as well. They keep bitching about the lack of bipartisanship in Congress and Obama's extremism when in reality they're not even willing to work with their own moderates. That doesn't make any sense! :mad: :grr: :banghead:

[Zambero]

72. How about the "Republicanista Party" ?

.

[mvd]

73. "guts and grit personified"?

I wouldn't go that far, but it's a nice, welcoming statement. Specter will certainly feel like he's more appreciated in our party.