TPMDC
Specter: Republicans Plotted Early To Stop Bipartisanship, Beat Obama In 2012
Share
Send to a friend!
During his appearance yesterday on Fox News Sunday, Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) appeared to give out some inside dirt from his days as a Republican -- alleging that the GOP plotted early to stop any bipartisan cooperation with President Obama, and to instead look towards the 2012 election.
"I'd like to pick up on what Sen. DeMint says about the process. I think the process was very bad. But the process was really caused, in large measure, by the refusal of the Republicans to deal in any way," said Specter.
"Sen. DeMint is the author of the famous statement that this is going to be President Obama's 'Waterloo,' that this ought to be used to break the president," said Specter, referring to the political battle over health care. "So that before the ink was dry on the oath of office -- and I know this, because I was in the caucus -- the Republicans were already plotting ways to beat President Obama in 2012."
It's not often that a Senator will divulge private conversations from within the party caucuses. In Specter's case, he appears to be dishing out information from his former party caucus, declaring that they decided early on to focus on opposing Obama politically, and they now complain about a lack of bipartisanship that they themselves caused.
Specter's office has not yet responded to our inquiries for further comment, nor has the office of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
However. Sen. Jim DeMint's (R-SC) spokesman Wesley Denton gave us this comment, declaring Specter has no credibility after having switched parties and changed his political positions:
"No one better represents what's wrong with Washington than Senator Specter who proved this year he has no principle but political self-interest. He's flip-flopped on issue after issue and has lost all credibility with voters. The fact is that Republicans put many serious health reforms on the table like ending state insurance monopolies, tort reform, and fair tax treatment for folks who don't get insurance at work. But Democrats were never serious about listening to any idea that didn't include a government takeover of health care, which they knew Republicans would never agree to. Specter and Democrats don't want bipartisanship, they want political cover for their wildly unpopular health care bill that raises taxes and premiums without even covering the uninsured."
Comments (85) | Join the Conversation!
Leave a comment
Follow us!
Most Popular
TPM Stories Now Surging on Digg.com
TPM Top News
© 2010 TPM Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Dorn76
December 28, 2009 12:28 PM
Shocking.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cwnidog
December 28, 2009 4:21 PM in reply to Dorn76
Your winnings, sir.
OK, it's not a direct quote, but close enough. It captured the sentiment.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Overreach THIS!
December 29, 2009 2:18 AM in reply to Dorn76
I feel bad for you, realizing that you have suffered this shock! Poor chap!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
December 28, 2009 12:50 PM
Hard not to notice DeMint's rather conspicuous failure to deny Specter's charge. Unless you're a clueless Cable Asshat, that is.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Dorn76
December 28, 2009 12:56 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
So the GOP says Arlen has no credibility because he switched parties?...But they just love that Alabama Congressman who switched over, he's the best.
Up is down, got it.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
thecrow
December 28, 2009 1:13 PM
"Plotting", Senator?
Sounds like a conspiracy theory to me.
http://michaelfury.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/he-who-controls-the-past/
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Maritza
December 28, 2009 1:34 PM
Of course Arlen is speaking the TRUTH.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Walter Mitty
December 28, 2009 1:52 PM
I wonder if he has sat down with Obama and Rahm and let them in on the GOP plotting, because Obama doesn't seem to act like like he knows what's going on.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Cool Blue Reason
December 28, 2009 2:19 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
It is not as if Specter is offering up some shocking new insight here. Do you honestly believe "Obama and Rahm" are so politically naive as to not understand the GOP's intentions? That assumption strains credulity.
It is far more likely that they are, as you say, doing their best to "not seem to act like they know what is going on." That is the logical course of action to take, when you know what is going on, and when you want to engage in trench warfare without looking like an instigator.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Andreams
December 28, 2009 9:05 PM in reply to Cool Blue Reason
I'm ready for dems to participate in trench warfare and tell the world, often and loudly, that it's impossible to work with people who won't work with you. Rethugs think bi-partisanship means they have the ideas and dems agree with them. I sure don't see anything else. Why in the world aren't dems stressing how hard they try to work with them and how regretful they are that the rethugs won't? I'm tired of rethugs always framing things and dems just sort of ignoring it. Calling them the party of "no" isn't strong enough.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
December 28, 2009 3:14 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
Anyone who believes Obama doesn't know what's going on or as some others have hinted that Rahm Emanuel is runing the White House, is a plain and simple stupid. Obama knows what's going on and if anyone thinks he'd turn his presidency over to anyone let alone Emanuel is equally stupid.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
farnsworth
December 28, 2009 4:16 PM in reply to lousgirl84
He knows what is going on, he just isn't letting that knowledge guide him towards good decisions.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Wallace Bob
December 28, 2009 4:29 PM in reply to farnsworth
When you say "... he just isn't letting that knowledge guide him towards good decisions.
By "good decisions" I take it you mean the decisions that you would have made were you in his position.
Now, I ask myself, whose "good decisions" am I more comfortable with, the guy whose decisions got him to the White House, or some internet commenter?
Hummmmmm......
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
December 28, 2009 5:06 PM in reply to Wallace Bob
Exactly!!! All these armchair quarterbacks who think they know so much really make me laugh
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cawleybo
December 29, 2009 7:11 AM in reply to lousgirl84
... because Obama is perfect!
And I am the Queen of mindless personality worship and vapid comments.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 10:49 AM in reply to cawleybo
Obama doesn't have to be perfect to be correct.
Once again, defending Obama draws accusation of bot-ism as if someone was just waiting for the opportunity.
This is a great example of how quickly the TPM troll team turns basic discussion into some sort of extremism.
I wonder, do they communicate among themselves off-site?
We aren't arguing extremes like perfection. Methinks they doest protest too much, and it is getting a bit transparent.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cawleybo
December 29, 2009 7:08 AM in reply to Wallace Bob
So, the standard of good decisions is whether you get to the White House. Once you get there, you are guarnateed to make good decisions.
So, I take it you agreed with all of George Bush's decisons while he was in the White House, right?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Rick
December 28, 2009 10:02 PM in reply to farnsworth
Well, Obama is playing the fair dealer and is portraying the Republicans as obstructionists. Based on the polls, I would say he's winning the PR fight. What, exactly, should he be doing differently? Every Republican is going to vote against any initiative that he proposes. He knows that. But by making the public effort to engage the Republicans, he makes it clear that they are the ones not interested in anything other than partisanship.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
mophan
December 30, 2009 2:19 AM in reply to Rick
The game plan has been laid by Obama and the Rethugs have fallen for the trap. It is an ingenious strategy IF, and I say IF, it has been their game plan all along. The Obama machine needs to passionately emphasize this argument from here til Nov. 2010.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
spamonwry
December 28, 2009 4:36 PM in reply to lousgirl84
Well, OF COURSE the Repugs think that. They're speaking from experience with W! Shrub turned over everything to Dirty Dicky, the shadow president, who Ruled (not governed) from an undisclosed location. W had, and has, the attention span of a gnat, & couldn't be bothered with the daily routine. Cheeney was ALWAYS the last person to talk to W, so shrub just approved everything. All except the pardon of Scooter Libby - & cheney is still furious about that....
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Silence
December 28, 2009 8:09 PM in reply to lousgirl84
Rahm is keeping Obama on the golf course for a reason.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 10:51 AM in reply to Silence
No, Obama is keeping Rahm on the job for a reason.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 11:07 AM in reply to JEP07
...while he plays golf.
So, who's the boss?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
cawleybo
December 29, 2009 7:05 AM in reply to lousgirl84
Because Obama is the smartest human being ever to populate the face of the earth. And I know this because ... I just do.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 10:59 AM in reply to cawleybo
...you said it, we didn't...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
FDRdog
December 28, 2009 4:37 PM in reply to Walter Mitty
He knows what's going on and he used it to get what he wanted for health "care" reform.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Marinus van der Lubbe
December 28, 2009 2:00 PM
De-Minted is just as we would say in the Navy, a 'fuckstick.' Pure and simple. Specter is an opportunistic disease as well, and is feathering his bed for the base in the upcoming '10 primaries. Where De-Minted is just a crass and stupid snake-oil salesman or a low budget Lonesome Rhodes, Specter is the ultimate political creature who unlike that buffoon in Alabama, knew when to shed his party's skin and grow some other flesh. I wish to hell I still lived in PA so I could cast a vote for Sestak. Go Navy!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tiowally
December 28, 2009 2:28 PM in reply to Marinus van der Lubbe
How could you be so cynical about Arlen? He's a noted physicist/ballistics expert.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Marinus van der Lubbe
December 28, 2009 6:56 PM in reply to tiowally
Now, that made me laugh. Did you catch him as a trial attorney in Philadelphia?
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tiowally
December 28, 2009 9:48 PM in reply to tiowally
No. But I caught his brilliant appearance on the Warren Commission.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jeffgee
December 28, 2009 2:00 PM
"No one better represents what's wrong with Washington than Senator Specter who proved this year he has no principle but political self-interest."
The GOP in a nut(job)shell
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Scarce
December 28, 2009 2:20 PM
I'm only surprised no Democratic Senators have yet chimed in to criticize Specter for interfering with Senate comity and speaking out of turn....
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Ickyma
December 28, 2009 2:22 PM
Communication requires at least 2 party's speaking with one another. It requires both party's to act in good faith in order for it to succeed. If one party is "not listening" to the other party in good faith, then it's as if the speaking party is speaking only to itself... and this accomplishes NOTHING.
Bi-Partisan Politics requires 2 party's... You know the rest.
It's OBVIOUS the Republican party is NOT acting in good faith. It's clear that they will NOT cooperate in any bipartisan manner. It's their M.O.
Take from that what you will.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Overreach THIS!
December 29, 2009 2:21 AM in reply to Ickyma
Well, it is entirely obvious, yes.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Bloggin
December 28, 2009 2:28 PM
Senator Specter is only speaking the truth that the remaining few GOP followers do not want to hear. However many of them will continue to ignore the truth, because their 'problem' with the President Obama was never about public policy in the first place.
As of 2010, the Obama Administration should give up the pointless concept of 'bipartisan' politics with the GOP and just focus on being bipartisan with Independents. The GOP is a lost cause.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
draftedin68
December 28, 2009 3:06 PM in reply to Bloggin
"problem" indeed!
I would much rather hear the bigots just come out and say: "Damn! There's a NI66ER in the White House! Damn!"
All their rubber chicken dancing and phony postering on "policy" just makes them even more digustingly clownish.
I'm not a big fan of Specter, but I'm glad he verified what everyone's known, whether they've had the balls to say it or not.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Overreach THIS!
December 29, 2009 2:29 AM in reply to draftedin68
Yes he did, and you put your finger on the "problem."
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
jsdc007
December 28, 2009 2:44 PM
Shocking - DeMint, McConnell and McCain being deciding not to be bipartisan? I bet Snowe and Collins are now going to run around like headless chickens trying to minimize any political damage done to them with this disclosure.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Rich in NJ
December 28, 2009 2:44 PM
Arlen has come to Jesus (figuratively, anyway ;)), which is all that is necessary.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Clavis
December 28, 2009 3:13 PM
Republicans are assholes. It can't be said often enough.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
lousgirl84
December 28, 2009 3:56 PM in reply to Clavis
Repubicans are assholes. Republicans are assholes. Rebulicans are assholes!! I agree, you can't say it enough
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
tiowally
December 28, 2009 5:00 PM in reply to lousgirl84
Saying Republicans are assholes is an insult to assholes. Assholes actually have a function, an important function: The ongoing manufacture of Republican likenesses.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JohnMcCSF
December 28, 2009 3:15 PM
Exactly what they did with Clinton except they weren't bashful about admitting it
I will never forget Bob Dole's network interviews on election night 1992 - hell he practically announced his candidacy
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
December 28, 2009 3:25 PM in reply to JohnMcCSF
Like DeMint. Mark my words, he's running. Dude thinks it is his destiny to save America from the radical majority.
On the other hand, the notion that Sarah Palin is actually going to voluntarily expose herself to the scrutiny of a presidential campaign is laughable.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
agio
December 28, 2009 3:59 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Please, never use "Sarah Palin" and "expose herself" in the same sentence again.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
December 28, 2009 4:28 PM in reply to agio
What, you think she wouldn't do it if the money was right? Why, millions of angry old Republican white guys would buy that issue and use one of the ten Viagra their insurance pays for for the occaision.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
agio
December 28, 2009 4:46 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Yes, and yes.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 10:57 AM in reply to agio
We need a TPM relief fund, lets do like they did in "Major League" and sell a big blow-up poster of Palin, with a sticky-backed wardrobe that can be disrobed one strategic "area" at a time as Palin's shameless publicity stunts are cycled over and over between now and election time.
For every event like her recent, exclusive (literally) "Going Rogue" party, one article of clothing is removed...
Better dress her in lots of layers, or she'll be bare-naked long before the election rolls around, if the past is any indicator.
All proceeds from Palin poster-doll sales would go to TPM's starving intern program.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Darrius
December 28, 2009 4:38 PM in reply to agio
Why Not? Sarah Palin is hot. She lacks the mental skill to be President and I would never vote her. Still, a woman who looks like that, especially after having 5 children, is definitely hot.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 11:04 AM in reply to Darrius
at least 98.6!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Msinformed
December 28, 2009 5:02 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Let Creme DeMint run! A Republican primary debate with him and Sarah Palin will make Huckabee sound like an Einstein! I calling "bag-o-hammers".
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 11:05 AM in reply to Msinformed
Palin/Demint 2012?
Sounds too much like an exotic latte...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Overreach THIS!
December 29, 2009 2:27 AM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Palin stands to win critical primaries of Iowa and South Carolina right out the box, states having Rep. primary electorates packed with Talibangelical, education-hating bumpkins.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 11:17 AM in reply to Overreach THIS!
I think you are right about SC, but IA has a strong moderate Republican influence, Grassley is it's national face, and while they tend to be party loyalists, they are not fond of the fundamentalists who drown them out at their contentious party meetings.
But you may be right, Palin could take Iowa in the caucus, although I would guess those moderate Republicans may even pose former Governor Branstadt as a favorite-son Republican, especially if he gets into the Governor's race to try to unseat Culver.
Branstadt's from that centrist Republican mold.
Before they put Palin on that pedestal, they may gather enough moderate support to propel a Republican favorite son into a potential national role. I'd bet Branstadt would relish the promotion.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 11:25 AM in reply to JEP07
PS Be careful referencing Iowa's education system, Iowa perennially has the highest literacy rate in the nation.
It is an unfortunate fact that most of Iowa's wingnut bumpkins CAN read, which make it all the more confusing.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Overreach THIS!
December 30, 2009 1:11 PM in reply to JEP07
Well I may have Overreached, but we'll have to see what the genuine wingnut bumpkins do in the event. About education, I am referring to people who loathe our *more* educated, which people are much of Palin's base. Not saying they can't read. But if you know more about Iowa's Republican caucus electorate than me, then you do and I respect that. I rechecked and the Iowa caucus is closed, so there won't be much influence by "independents."
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Overreach THIS!
December 30, 2009 1:02 PM in reply to JEP07
Well, we'll see, won't we? Losing Iowa would be a blow to Palin. Grassley recommened Glen Beck's book at a tea party hate meeting, so I don't know where that leads, but the Republicans can hope you're right. (Nominating Palin would be suicidal.)
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
slb
December 28, 2009 3:36 PM
Arlen Specter is not telling anyone anything that has not been abundantly obvious since January 20th.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Pop Zeus
December 28, 2009 3:47 PM
Haha. I love how DeMint can't actually rebut Specter on the substance of his claim. Instead, he has to change the subject or make stuff up. As in, sorry Repubs, but you can't make the "government takeover of health care" argument anymore since everything that could theoretically lead to that scenario was removed from the Senate bill. Won't stop them from beating a dead horse...
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
georgecs
December 28, 2009 3:54 PM
Is anyone really supposed to be surprised by this so-called "revelation"?
Finding 217 different ways to stall, obstruct, say "no" and otherwise throw sand in the gears of government is not exactly a strategy for getting anything done.
The sad thing is, 25% of the people are all for it, 25% threw up their hands years ago, 25% wouldn't understand if you drew them a picture, leaving 25% who are just engaged enough to be outvoted again and again and again.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
agio
December 28, 2009 4:01 PM
"the GOP plotted early to stop any bipartisan cooperation with President Obama, and to instead look towards the 2012 election."
He also revealed that water is wet.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Weeferdog
December 28, 2009 4:05 PM
The classic thing is that Obama will crush whatever goober the GOP dredges up in 2012.
Weeferdog
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
farnsworth
December 28, 2009 4:20 PM in reply to Weeferdog
If Democrats do the necessary work.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Pop Zeus
December 28, 2009 4:07 PM
No its not surprising, just like when there's cat pee on your bed you know who did it. Sometimes, though, it feels good to rub it in their faces.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Mr.E.
December 28, 2009 4:16 PM
* * * NEWSFLASH * * *
THIS JUST IN . . .
If you take a thin sharp object and slide it back and forth over a baked wheat product . . . YOU GET SLICED BREAD!
So Specter is "disclosing" that the Rs actually planned on doing what they have been doing and saying publicly for the past year? Really?! You think?! Maybe the record number of filibusters, unanimous "No" votes and breathless attacks over Obama telling kids to study and pay attention in school, telling parents to take responsibility for their children, and criticism over a new law that prevents contractors from prohibiting victims of rape from going to court might have given us a clue without Specter's "inside knowledge?"
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Darrius
December 28, 2009 4:42 PM in reply to Mr.E.
Remember that he was talking on Fox News. The people who watch that probably didn't know that the Republicans are obstructing legislation for the sole purpose of running against Obama. After all, Fox viewers are the targets of Republican manipulation.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Buckeye Terrorist Fist Jab Nation
December 28, 2009 4:24 PM
The one good thing is it causes some of the idiots in the media to cover it when most of the time they pretend that this isn't happening.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Bloggin
December 28, 2009 5:06 PM
Just think about it. The only constant negative noise we have impacting our country, comes from the GOP and their followers. And the major conflict they have with 'America', is when our government works 'for' the people....ALL the people.
And it's the elected Republicans that are responsible for all the hate and divisiveness.
So common sense tells us that if we remove Republicans from elected office, we remove the constant' negative' noise that works 'against' America.
With Independents, Liberal/Moderate/Conservative Democrats actually being able to work together for the common good of the American people, Republicans no longer have a 'constructive' purpose or value.
This may be why their only focus is doing 'harm' to themselves, and to our country.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Lucieann
December 28, 2009 5:41 PM
DeMint has no credibility whatsoever! The Repubs may have put amendments that were accepted into the health legislation, but they all voted against their own amendments, so what Sen. Specter divulged here has a ring of truth to it!!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Goshen
December 28, 2009 6:18 PM in reply to Lucieann
Just for emphasis: More than just a ring, I'd say.
Specter's comments merely restates the obvious, with an insider's extra insight. We needn't doubt it in the slightest.
The really weird part of this kabuki dance the GOP has been doing is why so much of the media and public isn't doubled over in laughter at how silly they sound and look. I really don't get that.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
chard
December 28, 2009 8:30 PM
My "duh!" file just keeps expanding.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
njlib
December 28, 2009 8:53 PM
i think other gop'ers asked arlen to vote for the stimulus because i believe half or more of them wanted it but wanted to play politics. when Toomey decided to scozzafozza him, b4 that term existed,they ran. you might recall some did defend him until the loudmouths started drowning them out.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
njlib
December 28, 2009 9:05 PM in reply to njlib
anyway if TPM gets to ask a question, thats where i'd go. expose which reps wnted the stim but wanted to play politics
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
life_4_rent
December 28, 2009 10:51 PM
Why? I have no freaking idea why they bite the hand that feeds them. Honestly, when was the last time the Republicans turned their back on their base? Look who their party darling is -- the Alaskan Ice Witch.
http://www.topnflnews.com/
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
acf_ma
December 28, 2009 11:55 PM
Of course the GOP is doing everything it can to regain power and defeat Barack Obama in 2012. When you're in power you work to stay in, and when you're out, you do what it takes to gain power. My complaint with this GOP, is the fact that this is all they are about. Nowhere is there any sign that they have positive plans to improve our lot, or address the many problems of the country, beyond tired repetition of what they've done over the past decade to put us in this position. One of the first rules of problem solving is "When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging". Another is doing over and over the same thing that failed is stupid.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
hologram5
December 29, 2009 9:53 AM
This, what's left of the GOP is nothing short of treasonous DOGS that should be put on a leash somewhere. They need to be brought up on charges. They are toolsheds that do NOT have our best interests at heart. All they care about is their wallets. We need to hit them where it hurts the most, sieze their assets, bank accounts and the likes.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
JEP07
December 29, 2009 10:44 AM
Our entire nation and it's governing process is being held hostage by the former satus quo, desperate to return to power.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ohyeathatsright
December 29, 2009 1:41 PM
"The fact is that Republicans put many serious health reforms on the table like ending state insurance monopolies, tort reform, and fair tax treatment for folks who don't get insurance at work."
Those sound great, put those in the bill too! Bipartisan!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
afisher
December 29, 2009 3:36 PM in reply to ohyeathatsright
Slight correction, DEMS wanted to end the Insurance Monopolies by changing the anti-trust agreement, tort reform - tried in 40 states with no lowering of healthcare premium costs ( in other words, the docs kept the money - opps!) and fair tax???? Oh yes, we mustn't forget how the GOP plan to pay for their HCR - repeal TARP and use those funds! Also of course interstate sharing of healthcare plans without interstate commerce regulations, like credit card companies settling in states without regulation on interest rates, resulting in selling bad policies for high fees. Now that will be a real benefit to the consumer.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
ohyeathatsright
December 30, 2009 2:32 PM in reply to afisher
My comment was meant to underscore the fact that they don't want any of those things in reality.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Solomon Drek
December 29, 2009 10:50 PM
""No one better represents what's wrong with Washington than Senator Specter who proved this year he has no principle but political self-interest."
Here we go again. The madam of a brothel calling her competitor a whore.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
patopgun
January 3, 2010 5:32 PM
I have been corresponding with Specter and Casey since march 09. They both care about one thing and one thing only...their political butts. They could care less about what the majority of folks in Pennsylvania or this country think is best. They, along with their social justice leader have an agenda and nothing else matters to them.
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Tomin MA
March 23, 2010 3:32 PM in reply to patopgun
I BET than if the people of PA knew what was REALLY in the bill and did NOT believe the GOP LIES about it, there would be SOLID support for it. I know that when I started reading from multiple sources, I was AMAZED at how much Republicans were lying about what was in it!!
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Tosh
January 30, 2010 1:09 PM
yea i agree they try and stay clear away from anything of this matter http://www.m65jacket.com
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?
Tosh
June 5, 2010 8:52 PM
"problem" indeed!
I would much rather hear the bigots just come out and say: "Damn! There's a NI66ER in the White House! Damn!"
All their rubber chicken dancing and phony postering on "policy" just makes them even more digustingly clownish.
I'm not a big fan of Specter, but I'm glad he verified what everyone's known, whether they've had the balls to say it or not.
m65 kamagra
Reply | Flag Abuse
Are you sure this comment violates TPM's Terms of Service?