"Specter is not likely to run for re-election, so he has less reason to pander to the lliberals. He is free to show his loyalty and dance with the ones that brung him."
I've read much and considered everything mentioned in these "Dump Sphincter" or "Keep Specter" postings over the past few days. I find your line of reasoning, and Hewitt's, such as "I understand the distrust of Specter, but..." and your posting above to be indicative of the key reason for allowing Specter to assume the Chairmanship. To me, arguments such as yours are unadulterated bulls**t. I maintain that ANY rationale for rewarding a two-faced traitorous coward like Specter are completely bogus, even dangerous. Anyone who advocates cutting a deal with an idiot like Specter is truly blind. Have you forgotten the Lott-Jeffords fiasco? Lott cut Jeffords nothing but slack and gave him everything under the sun trying to keep that SOB in the Republican ranks. In the end, Jeffords kicked Lott in the ass and became a turncoat anyway. Lott himself looked like a stupid fool. Next, consider the many concessions that Bush has made to Democrats, like his NCLB initiative, particularly for Kennedy. What did that vile POS do to return Bush's favor? We all know the answer to that one.
I believe that Bush's mandate requires that Bush keep the faith with those who have made his success possible. Turncoats and RINOS, like Specter, do not deserve special consideration or accommodation. Bush needs to pursue his own agenda without compromise. Any person that jeopardizes that success must be removed and replaced at this juncture, regardless of outdated practice or procedure. Specter can find some other function to perform. And, by the way, if the guy had any brains or good judgment, he never would have jeopardized his position by flying off the handle the way he did. He has made himself immediately suspect and must be disqualified as the Committee Chair.
Indeed. With Specter we have a history of putting self above honor, power above principle...Specter was instrumental in making a mockery of the House Managers during impeachment. He treated his "oath of impartial justice" like a cheap whore. This transgression against the Republican party, but most importantly the Constitution, vindicated a sitting President who was unequivocally guilty as charged.
Have we not learned to disarm Brutus before the cry, "et tu Brutea."
I respect your point of view, but I also know politics as it is played in that town. This will just give the RATS the excuse they need to put up a wall of obstruction for the next two years -- not that they need much excuse, of course, but it can't hurt for the Republicans to extend an olive branch. Specter is sounding so chastened -- I was misunderstood, I have voted for all of the president's nominees -- he wouldn't dare go against the White House on anything. But I understand those who feel differently, and there is no need to use uncivil language or for us to start tearing into each other. We won, remember. Let the rats each other alive.