President Obama and Harry Reid on Specter's move

[cal04]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/28/AR2009042801523.html?hpid=topnews
Penn. Sen. Arlen Specter to Switch to Democratic Party

(snip)
Obama was informed of the decision at 10:30 a.m. today during his daily economic briefing. Minutes later he spoke to Specter by phone, and Specter said he received the president's full blessing to run in the Democratic primary largely uncontested next April. "He said he would support me, come to Pennsylvania to campaign for me," Specter said.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Specter told him last night that he was likely to make the shift, then called the Democratic leader this morning to confirm that his decision was final. Reid credited Vice President Biden for playing an important behind-the-scenes role in softening Specter's resistance. Biden and Specter are old friends and Senate colleagues, and Biden successfully courted Specter over a period of weeks to support the stimulus bill.

Reid also said he and Specter "have had a long dialogue about his place in an evolving Republican Party" and praised his willingness to "work in a bipartisan manner, put people over party, and do what is right for Pennsylvanians and all Americans."

[spanone]

1. thanks Joe!

[Botany]

2. An Obama super majority

:rofl:

God it must suck to be a right winger right now.

[LynneSin]

3. You know if Republicans are to learn bipartisanship - they need to start internally.

This is the same thing that happened with Jim Jeffords. Jeffords dared to think outside of his own party and it got to the point that Jeffords was bypassed on his own committee he chaired. Jeffords had no choice but to leave.

Republicans scream about Obama not showing bipartianship but they won't even do it within their own group. As much as we bitch about those senate democrats that dare vote against party line, I would rather have it that way then "My way or the highway" mentality of the republican party. Probably why we ahve 60 senators and they only have 40.

[AnthemRoad]

4. Technically...

Dems have 59, the Franken-Coleman is still up in the air since the latter is taking it the SCOMinn. At least, that's my understanding.

[LynneSin]

6. Well really technically we only have 57

Sanders and Lieberman aren't democrats

[AnthemRoad]

8. ...

Alright, you got me on that one. However, to go even more technical...n'ah just kidding.

Sanders, Liberman and Specter aside...it's going to be an interesting time. You can't deny that.

[LynneSin]

9. Amen and oh - welcome to DU

:hi:

Ironically I joined DU right when Jeffords defected some 8 years ago. I'm an old fart for DU standards.

[AnthemRoad]

10. Mhmm

I distantly, vaguely remember that whole deal. *shakes head* It gave me a headache if I remember correctly.

As for you, I think I remember you back then. I've been off and on here at DU since a bit after Bush's election so I can't say for sure, but you're certainly perking the old (ok, not really) waste bucket mind, heh. I'm trying to remember what username I was under back then, as I've had to re-register a few times since then.

Anyways, thanks for the welcome and all - they never hurt.

[monmouth]

5. Biden could convince me to do most anything too. I'm just sayin'....n/t

[DonCoquixote]

7. OK...it's official

All those people (myself included) who thought Obama made a mistake when he chose Biden for VP owe an apology. Allow me to be the first, Sorry Obama.