Sen. Arlen Specter Switches to the Democratic Party

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Who was that crazy dem. that spoke back at the rep. convention in the 2004 election that said something like "What do they want us to do shoot spit balls at them" talking about the dems. and funding for the war. That speach he made was a classic.

Zel Miller. He wrote an excellent book also.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Zel Miller. He wrote an excellent book also.

I loved Zell Miller. Men like him are what we need more of...guys who do not have an allegiance to a political party, yet rather to their nation.

[dmek25]

are we seriously getting on the democratic politicians for lack of speaking skills, when the biggest non- orator the republicans could ever find just gave us a life time worth of ammo?

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by dmek25

are we seriously getting on the democratic politicians for lack of speaking skills, when the biggest non- orator the republicans could ever find just gave us a life time worth of ammo?

The Right is beyond scarred at this point and whenever they turn they see constant mocking of their party. The Republicans are at an all time low in terms of credibility, respect, support, etc. It must be depressing as hell to be a hardcore supporter.

There is no need to even talk about gaffs when look at the last 8 years. I think it will be very hard for any politician, or even an entire party, to top that.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by dmek25

are we seriously getting on the democratic politicians for lack of speaking skills, when the biggest non- orator the republicans could ever find just gave us a life time worth of ammo?

It's called grasping at straws.

[saden1]

Got to love Zell "I'll Cut You" Miller!

[4mrusmc]

Hooray!!!!!! Vote democrat.......................................... ...........................................
It's easier than working.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by 4mrusmc

Hooray!!!!!! Vote democrat.......................................... ...........................................
It's easier than working.

You know it! Shaking down suspecting conservatives is where the money is at. I feel like a pimp wrapped with a mobster.

[The Goat]

...btw did anybody watch Will Ferrell's "You're welcome America" special? Wasn't as funny as I expected but the first time he refers to the "Tiger Woods guy" I busted a gut!

[dmek25]

the real thing was a better comedy

[12thMan]

Well Specter did start out as Dem, but in 1965 to run for district attorney -- a non-political office-- in Philly. Fact is, he's the very first Republican Senator to switch directly to the Democrat party. Ever. So there is some precedence here.

But aside from whatever political motivations Specter had for swtiching camps, the bigger story here is that if further cements the perception in the minds of most American people that the Republican party has become much more conservative than the rest of the country. Not that being conservative or conservatism is bad because it's not, but the Republican party has to shake this image of being too rigid on a host of issues that matter to folks accross the political spectrum.

[70Chip]

If 40% of the American people hold certain views, shouldn't they have a political party that stands up for those views in a democracy? Granted, they will lose most national elections, but I don't hold with the notion that Conservatives are now required to abandon their beliefs.

The Democrats were out of sync with the American people for the last 30 years, but I don't recall many suggestions that they should change. They kept on fighting for what they believed in which is exactly what Republicans should do.

[saden1]

30 years? Really? Because I could have sworn Bill Clinton was a democrat. You can fight for your beliefs but when all do is preach to a choir of white conservatives voters with the same message you did the last 30 years you are doomed in the long run. If you're not getting some sun you're not getting enough vitamin D. Open the window now and then and let the sunshine in.

[70Chip]

Originally Posted by saden1

30 years? Really? Because I could have sworn Bill Clinton was a democrat. You can fight for your beliefs but when all do is preach to a choir of white conservatives voters with the same message you did the last 30 years you are doomed in the long run. If you're not getting some sun you're not getting enough vitamin D. Open the window now and then and let the sunshine in.

Bill Clinton got 43% of the vote. The same percentage as Dukakis, Mondale, and Jimmy Carter in 1980. We may be doomed in the long run, but I think that all this focus on Republicans, who are no longer in charge is a way to avoid taking responsibility. The focus should be on Pelosi and Reid who hold the levers of power now. It's almost as if the congressional Dems don't exist at all. Besides, I would think that you would be thrilled by the demise of the GOP. Why should it bother you if they are reduced to the status of regional, white man's party?

[saden1]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

Bill Clinton got 43% of the vote. The same percentage as Dukakis, Mondale, and Jimmy Carter in 1980. We may be doomed in the long run, but I think that all this focus on Republicans, who are no longer in charge is a way to avoid taking responsibility. The focus should be on Pelosi and Reid who hold the levers of power now. It's almost as if the congressional Dems don't exist at all. Besides, I would think that you would be thrilled by the demise of the GOP. Why should it bother you if they are reduced to the status of regional, white man's party?

I loath what the GOP has become, the Mark Sanford and Jeff Sessions, the Boners and Cantors. These clowns aren't your father's party. When we lived in VA my father use to vote for Tom Davis and John Warner. For my senior government class I actually volunteered for Tom Davis' campaign. They were reasonable men. People you could respect even though you disagreed with some of their positions. This is no longer the case with the current crop of GOPers and that's the problem. I really don't care what these guys do...I wouldn't provide assistance if they were choking but I hope someday more reasonable officials come along and replace these ass clowns.

No one is paying attention to the congressional Dems because the figure head of the party is Obama. Everyone knows they do what he wants. This has always been the case irespective of the party.

Clinton won and that's what matters. BTW Clinton won his second term 49.2% to 40.7%.