I'm a Liberal, but I also recognize that Conservatives are Americans too. Re: Specter.

[phleshdef]

The thing about the Democratic party is that its the party that produces the most diverse marketplace of ideas, whereas the Republican party has more and more been the party of lockstep right wing ideology, regardless of reason.

We definately have Democratic senators who are more Conservative than Arlen Specter. We also have senators more left than President Barack Obama.

The major difference here is the Democratic party is truly the party of the bigger tent. America itself is a really big tent. Thats the idea. We are a melting pot of people and of ideas. And thats why I find this party to be more representative of American ideals.

In the end of course, we need to pursue the most progressive solutions, the solutions that most effectively get us from A to B and then onto C and hopefully Z. But we do that by casting aside concern for "ism"s and embrace solutions that offer the best outcome in regard to true American values.

I don't see how it hurts to accept defecting moderate Republicans (and based on what they stand for these days, Specter is unquestionably moderate) into this big tent. I am a liberal but I don't expect the party I support to only cater to me.

Our party needs to continue to be the party that represents the diverse ideological landscape that is America.

[emulatorloo]

1. Specter isn't an ideologue or "purist" - that's why the Republicans hate him EOM

[msongs]

2. OUR party needs to elect REAL democrats, not take retread republican opportunists nt

[AtomicKitten]

3. As long as we acknowledge his opportunism and not confuse it with core integrity. n/t

[damonm]

4. Kick, and proud to be the 1st Rec!

For something that needed to be said - LOUDLY!