Arlen Specter is a Pussy.

[AbsintheClock]

First lemme fill you in. Arlen Specter is a senator from Pennsylvania who for many years has been a republican. Recently he has switched over to the democratic party. He did this so that he wouldn't lose the republican primary against Pat Toomey because he voted yes for the bailout.

It's so much more simple than the media makes it out to be. Folks have been taking about his opinion "maturing" and "becoming more liberal." If you look at his voting record he's moved even further into a strong right wing authoritarian stance. I don't think his opinion has matured at all because he doesn't really have one.

He gets attention by having a few liberal principles while being having a reputation as being a hard ass. In other words  The real truth of it is when it comes to details his opinions are whatever his aides tell him. He's waffled on everything from opinions on wiretapping to health care depending on what the current opinions of Pennsylvania voters is. He is the arch typical image of what it means to be completely useless in the senate. This is often known as "bipartisan outreach."

In other words he's a political coward of the worst kind. That's not any new news though. What surprises me is that democrats welcome him into the party so openly. It kind of illuminates the fact that in the end it's all the same bullshit. It's not about what's going on, it's about who's team you're playing for.

If the democratic voters are smarter than the people they've voted for they'll 86 his ass in the caucus.

[Marlin Clock]

This is bad. I'm really afraid of a filibuster-proof senate.

[RomanClock]

Yea, politicians are being more blatant with their lack of values all the time. And you can hardly say there is a republican party anyway, we basically have a one party system, and the news continues to be infatuated with Obama.

[BinaryClock]

I consider myself to be pretty left-wing and I also consider the prospect of a filibuster proof senate somewhat worrying, but I doubt there will be radical sweeping changes knowing that their filibuster proof majority can be easily taken away. However, isn't changing stance based on the opinion of those who elected sort of the whole point of having a representative? Anyway, yeah he's sleazy and I haven't a clue why he's been a senator for so long, but I don't live in Pennsylvania so...

Yea, politicians are being more blatant with their lack of values all the time. And you can hardly say there is a republican party anyway, we basically have a one party system, and the news continues to be infatuated with Obama.

Heh, complaining about the media. I remember when we did that. And, uh, you have to be voted in... and we have another election in a year...

[Heliopios]

I fail to understand how you can switch parties when your alignment is somewhere around



It's kind of like suddenly becoming a satanist because a family of satanists have moved into the neighborhood. And you're a pastor.

[AnkhClock]

This is bad. I'm really afraid of a filibuster-proof senate.

It's unlikely that there's going to be any radical change, as Spector will remain conservative in any case.

Anyway, it's a bit too simplistic to dismiss him as a "pussy." True, he basically admitted in his press conference that his move was the direct result of polling showing him losing his seat if he continued with the Republican party, which I think is kinda lame. However, it is important to understand what this says about the Republican party. Spector is considered a moderate conservative (even if that's only the public opinion) and yet he can't even get re-elected in his own party because the Republicans has shifted farther and farther to the right. The Republicans are in danger of becoming (or have already become) a fringe party.

Also when I first heard about this I cracked up laughing. Don't even know why.

[The Spoiler]

Can you tell me more about Specter's history? Since I live in Pennsylvania and don't know much about him, it would be appreciated. And on the subject of him switching parties to get elected, I think his own words are pretty convincing.

To eliminate any doubt, I am a Republican, and I am running for reelection in 2010 as a Republican on the Republican ticket.

As the Republican Party has moved farther and farther to the right, I have found myself increasingly at odds with the Republican philosophy and more in line with the philosophy of the Democratic Party,"

Also btw it's spelled "Specter", not "Spector".

[RomanClock]

Heh, complaining about the media. I remember when we did that. And, uh, you have to be voted in... and we have another election in a year...

I'm not sure what you are inferring here. Its pretty easily discernible by any sane person that the media is obsessed with Obama.

[BinaryClock]

I'm not sure what you are inferring here. Its pretty easily discernible by any sane person that the media is obsessed with Obama.

The media is always obsessed with the president. It just depends on how much material he is willing to give them, and when he doesn't, they make up inane shit to talk about. It's not that surprising.

The media just seems like a silly thing to complain about out of all the things that actually matter.

[RomanClock]

The media is always obsessed with the president. It just depends on how much material he is willing to give them, and when he doesn't, they make up inane shit to talk about. It's not that surprising.

The media just seems like a silly thing to complain about out of all the things that actually matter.

Except there is a difference between negative news and positive news. I have yet to see a widely spread condemning story about Obama. I thought the media was supposed to get all up in politicians grills.

[Slurpee]

Except there is a difference between negative news and positive news. I have yet to see a widely spread condemning story about Obama. I thought the media was supposed to get all up in politicians grills.

There's been plenty of negative news. It's just that instead of meaningful criticism, they're jimmying up meaningless rubbish.

OBAMOMBA TOUCHED THE QUEEN!? Aslo, him bowing to the saudi sultan(IS BOBABA USING CODE TO SAY WEW'RE INFERIOR TO ARABS??? WTF.), and then he had a handshake with chavez! but never mind that what of THE TELEPROMPTERRRRRR??? and he will be teabagged by more americans than anything ever?. HE bought a dog and flew his airplane over new york and something about a swingset for his daughters- BAD PRESIDENT????? MORE AFTER THIS OCTOMOM.

your shit is weak, news people.

[Topcatyo]

Can't forget OBAMOFAOBA MADE A JOKE ABOUT THE SPESHAL OLYMPICS

[RomanClock]

your shit is weak, news people.

Myea, but that's more like tabloid stuff. Though I would say that bowing to the prince is kind of a new low for a president since hes the first president EVER to bow to a royal, along with the fact America was founded on that everyone is equal, a king is ideally just another citizen of the country.

[AnkhClock]

But Obama's a secret Muslim, so it's different!

[Topcatyo]

The news has been plenty critical of Obama (except for the obvious ones that are in love with him).
FOX news is by far the worst
[u2]35eRxxZ-Ar0[/u2]
but then again, FOX News has no credibility.  I've seen news reports and various people who still criticize Obama.

Back on topic, I've seen news pieces on both sides of the fence about Arlen Specter.  I refuse to make judgment since this is politics we're talking about and you can't really predict anything having to do with it other than "We get fucked over".

[AbsintheClock]

I would also like to add on top of things that have nothing to do with the topic.



It's an oldie but a goodie!

[RomanClock]

See that. What you just said? That's how FOX is allowed to get away with being tabloid fodder for the masses.

Yea, I'm going to call your bluff. Plenty of Presidents have paid respects (curtsy's, bows, and kisses) to Monarchs and Prime Ministers.

Secondly, what Prince?

President Bush notably bowed to the Queen of England on her visit to Washington. He also kissed the Saudi Kings on the cheek before walking hand in hand with him for the rest of the day.

Obama was also shaking his hand while in the process of the bow. This could be seen as a double courtesy and protocol. I mean -- Obama's the enemy -- he cannot be trusted, Muslim Gods, etc.

I have seen many negative criticisms towards Obama. More than positive. Although, I admit, I do not watch such news programs that often.

To be honest, what you just complained about; Obama bowing, that was in the news. So was the criticism of the bail out (Socialism/Communism) and many negative critiques of his speech.

No, I would nor will I defend FOX nor CNN but I have seen much condemnation of Obama. By every single American on this board and in the media.

Why is everything about FOX? I don't even watch news shows in general, I just flip around the internet. And fascinating how every picture is of Bush, hmmm...
Also, a head nod is more representative of an equal relationship, a bow at the waist represents a profound gratitude/respect.
I would have liked something with less cometary, but its a pretty clear difference between a head nod and a bow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gJtIss7xso
The difference is easily discernible.

[RomanClock]

I like how you don't address the main focus of my post illustrating the clear difference between head nods and a bow.
But like you said that's not the topic this thread was made for, although I think most people agree that Specter is a horrible politician.

[SilverCherryClock]

Roman have you ever heard the term Realpolitik? Do you think maybe there are more important considerations when you bow to a king on a diplomatic mission than the fact that it makes you look "unpatriotic"?

[Topcatyo]

There's a difference between this

and this.

Oh fuck, man, I can't tell who's subservient to who in that picture!