The Ransom of Red Chief Arlen Specter

http://finkelblog.com/index.php/2009/04/05/did-obama-put-song-of-kim-jong-il-on-queens-ipod/ ^ | Mark Finkelstein

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Remember O. Henry’s tale, The Ransom Of Red Chief? A couple of con men kidnap a rich banker’s son. The boy turns out to be a hellion who makes the kidnappers’ lives a living hell. By the end of the story, rather than paying a ransom, the boy’s father demands money to take the rascal back. So beleagured are the kidnappers that they pay up.

The O. Henry tale comes to mind in observing the way that Republican turncoat Arlen Specter is making his new-found Dem colleagues miserable. As recounted on this evening’s Hardball, in the course of just a few days, Specter:

View video here.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Arlen is Dems’ misery now ping to Today show list.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Apologies: the link to the original FinkelBlog item is wrong. Here is the correct one:

http://finkelblog.com/index.php/2009/05/06/the-ransom-of-red-chief-arlen-specter/

[Kartographer]

Doesn’t the rule we all learned as children apply here:”Jacks, jacks no trade backs!”

[Da Coyote]

“...As recounted on this evening’s Hardball...”

Wow! You doubled Matthew’s viewing audience by watching the loon-O-supporter.

For shame.

[DoughtyOne]

Does everyone understand how effectively Arlen Specter neutered himself for us?

Last week he was one of the biggest thorns in our side, forever contributing comments that made black and white issues gray. And then...

1. He changed to the Democrat Party
a. Cannot speak on issues as a Republican any longer
b. Has lost his Senate Committee Seniority
c. Has become little more than a freshman Senator, with no clout

Folks, can we please start taking things away from McCain, Snowe, Graham, and others, so they can pull the same masterful trick? Please!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

“You doubled Matthew’s viewing audience by watching the loon-O-supporter. For shame.”

I watch so that others don’t have to.

[kalee]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9FZeNOouMM

You had your way, now you must pay...
I’m glad that you’re sorry now.

[Nuc1]

I watch so that others don’t have to.

A noble sacrifice.

[x]

Remember O. Henry’s tale, The Ransom Of Red Chief? A couple of con men kidnap a rich banker’s son. The boy turns out to be a hellion who makes the kidnappers’ lives a living hell. By the end of the story, rather than paying a ransom, the boy’s father demands money to take the rascal back. So beleagured are the kidnappers that they pay up.

Funny story. O. Henry was very big on the ironic twist ending.

[bcsco]

I’m guessing there are many Republicans out there who wouldn’t want Arlen back at any price. Even so, if you were going to establish a reverse ranson, what would it be?

A joint Senate and House unanimous vote commending the Bush Administration for keeping America safe these past 8 years, including a provision that an independent council be created to investigate Nancy Pelosi for supporting obvious torture techniques.

[Radio Free American?]

He thinks it wouldn't be fair to loose his seniority. He lost more then seniority, he lost any respect he might have had with the voters when he decided to be a turncoat!

No blaze of glory for him....more like shot down in flames.

[handy old one]

All DEMS to resign office to never run for political office again. Leave the country so we don't have to listen to their BlaBlaBlaBla!! Then we will take him back and use him for explosive attach for live bombing in foreign country's.

[dools007]

I read earlier today or yesterday that Specter still enjoys the support of his PA district’s voters. Can anyone verify that?

On the face of it the dems have neutered Specter. But I never trust a thing they say or what I see them doing publicly.

Seems strange that Reid would be so harsh on the man as he at least gave the dems a couple days of good headlines. But then, tyrants like Reid will never trust a turncoat—let along respect one.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

“I read earlier today or yesterday that Specter still enjoys the support of his PA district’s voters. Can anyone verify that?”

Matthews showed a poll indicating Specter’s lead over Pat Toomey is down to 49-40.

[Political Junkie Too]

I read earlier today or yesterday that Specter still enjoys the support of his PA district’s voters.

He has no district. He's senator for the whole state.

-PJ

[scrabblehack]

Possibly what is meant is his home CD? I’m not sure which one that would be... 1st, 3rd, 13th?

[scrabblehack]

The only way I could see the Dems paying any kind of a ransom would be to avoid a Lieberman scenario.

(Specter loses primary but runs as 3rd party in the general).

[Political Junkie Too]

I'm not sure what he considers his home address in Pennsylvania. His website says he has offices in these cities: Lehigh Valley, Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre.

-PJ

[Cicero]

I don’t think Reid COULD give Arlen full seniority.

What’s he going to do, kick a bunch of senior Democrat senators off of their committee assignments so he can put Arlen in their places?

It’s a choice between offending Arlen or offending maybe half a dozen or more senior Democrats.

And nobody likes a traitor.