When Simpson was questioning Anthony Kennedy, he mentioned that it was terrible that Bork was rejected, but that he would have been confirmed if he had shown an ounce of compassion. Bork comes across as cold and humorless -- he was even that way on Hannity's show, when Sean kidded him about not listening to his show. So I don't hold Specter completely responsible for Bork's defeat -- but he definitely ended whatever chance he had of confirmation.
Specter did at least support Thomas and trash Anita Hill. Had he attacked Thomas, that nomination would have been lost.
I'm not happy that Specter will sit in the Chairman's seat, but it's probably unavoidable. I don't think he will use his power as chairman to block votes on nominees. He's voted to support the President and end filibusters. Also, he will strongly influence other Senators on judicial confirmation votes, and I'd rather have him in the tent p*ss*ng out than on the outside p*ss*ng in. If he does block votes, then we'll need to change his name to Senator Sphincter.
Don't come around here with FACTS now. :-)
For whatever else Arlen Specter has done, he deserves defeat, but I think he did us all a favor in defeating the Bork nomination:
Has anyone here read the numerous editorials authored by Bork over the last few years?
His opinions are more than just a little scary.
Thank you for your reply. (It's good, though I don't think it will fit in my tagline.) As chair of the Judiciary Committee, Specter could turn out to be a gun owner's nightmare as well.