Sestak's path

Posted: Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:12 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Democrats, 2010

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Don't miss that in the Franklin and Marshall poll out today on the Pennsylvania Senate race that Arlen Specter's approval rating is just 23%.

It was just six months ago that Specter jumped ship and joined the Democrats because he saw the writing on the primary wall. It made him the automatic statewide favorite.

Specter still leads former admiral and congressman Joe Sestak in a Democratic primary, 30%-18% (with more than 47% undecided). But that's closer than in August when Specter led Sestak, 37%-11%.

Specter beats Toomey in a general election matchup, but by just two points, 33%-31%. Toomey leads Sestak 28%-20%, but with so few committed in that hypothetical matchup, that is likely a product of Sestak's lack of name ID.

Specter didn't receive rave reviews for his handling of a healthcare town hall that made its way around the cable channels, and Sestak has half a year to improve on getting better known, which gives Sestak a forseeable avenue to actually win.

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Comments

All of them are not gods; they are dogs and reason for term limits. The spectacle of Specter is a picture that should be permanently retired. He is only looking out for himself as he has for several decades.

Hit the road, Specter (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:26 PM)

Joe Sestak will win in the primaries and in the general. If Specter were to win, he would give a new definition to the word Maverick. Likewise the good people of PA will vote for a Democrat who will not change parties. With regard to the general election, Toomey is too conservative and will lose.

Joe Sestak will be the next senator for PA.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:31 PM)

Before the Rethugs get here with their premature claims of sure victory in 2010 - although how any party with a net approval rating of -46 can be optomistic is a mystery to me - let's just remember that Ned Lamont was in a similar position against Lieberman this far out in 2006. The key difference between the two races being that Pennslyvania doesn't allow people who lose one primary to form a one man political party and enter the GE as a indie.

Specter jumped ship only because he knew that the wingnuts wouldn't pick him over Toomey. He stated that openly at the time. He really should have considered whether or not Democrats would vote for a Republican in a Democratic primary. This one should be alot of fun to watch.

Link to supporting evidence of GOP at -46 net approval: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/10/28/2110654.aspx

Jason. Reality (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:33 PM)

This is Sestak's to win. He's got the profile and credentials in the right climate. I'm going to send him a check today.

Kevin, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:33 PM)

The big problem that Arlen Specter has is that the Republicans want him to loose at the same time the average Democrat doesn't care.

In fact many Democrats hope that Arlen will be defeated in the primary.

Dennis, Columbus, Ohio (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:35 PM)

Like the Fall Out Boy song says, "He's going Down Down! LOL

He's a perfect Obama guy though with his split personality indecisive mentality. Too funny.

Carson Karasella, VA (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:36 PM)

I hope that both Specter and Joe Lieberman get as much as they deserve ... and that's NOT much.

But then again, that would require that democrat voters stop shooting themselves in the foot, and as to that, history is not on our side.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

By the way, whatever happened to the Great Pumpkin from that earlier thread? He must have run away. Too bad because I assume he was a republican, and I was hoping to use my sharp wit to carve little bits and make a delicious pie.

Witty Woman (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:39 PM)

I gave up on Specter years ago; every time I thought he would do the right thing under the Imperial BushCo Presidency, he failed me!! He gave speeches thrashing what BushCo was doing, then voted with him time and time again!!

I have no faith in this man; he deserted his Party because he knew he would lose; personally, I could care less about anything Arlen Specter has to say, or do!!

He cosigned all of Bush's BS; he gave it to Gonzo then let him off the hook; he gave it to Cheney then backed down; this man is never "with us" - he's with HIMSELF!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:40 PM)

Career politicians are the source of the problems in this country.

Presidents, they come and go and take the blame as the in it for lifers flounder around skating by the scrutiny that the finger of fate should be pointing at.

As long as we keep electing the lifers, Repubs and Dems alike, we're going to be soaked and ticked off, but we can't make the change can we. Everywhere else in life we do, but the $$$$$$ makes people vote to keep them in, slaves as such.

Don't forget, the Whitehouse and millions of Americans will be tuned in to Fox at 5 PM today as Glenn Beck reveals his board of deception showing the connection of all the lies we are being told. If the Whitehouse is watching, maybe you should too.

Don't be scared...........

Watch N See, MI (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:43 PM)

Steven Randolph, Tampa, FL (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:35 PM)

I'll pass; I don't watch mentally ill people make dangerous statements on TV!! I suggest Beck get the help he has long needed; he never did get the help he needed after his drug-induced suicide attempt!!

He's never recovered and has only focused his hate elsewhere; he truly hates himself!! He needs help!!

But you go watch now!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:49 PM)

Double Turncoat Arlen has come to the end of his fooling of the people of Pennsylvania. How this walking piece of trash looks himself in the mirror in the morning is a mystery. In about a year, maybe less if he's thrown out during the primary, Arlen can belong to any political party he wants, because it will no longer matter with him sitting in his rocking chair on his porch with nothing else to do then watch the sunset.

Leslie Staarks, PA (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:49 PM)

By the way, whatever happened to the Great Pumpkin from that earlier thread? He must have run away. Too bad because I assume he was a republican, and I was hoping to use my sharp wit to carve little bits and make a delicious pie.

Witty Woman

Oh, the Great Pumpkin is Obama's head. Great idea on the tasty pie! Probably be like his personality though, a reverse sour patch kid, starts out sweet but then turns sours!

OMG, you're killing me! Ho Ho Ho

Charlie Brown, IL (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:51 PM)

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:54 PM)

I'll pass; I don't watch mentally ill people make dangerous statements on TV!! I suggest Beck get the help he has long needed; he never did get the help he needed after his drug-induced suicide attempt!!

He's never recovered and has only focused his hate elsewhere; he truly hates himself!! He needs help!!

But you go watch now!!

Pam, San Pedro, California

What Would Obama Do? Scary, why he's concerned and has his people watching isn't it. He'll get it on the DVR for later on I'm sure.

Some make the same comments about Barney F. but I bet you've taken in a few of his rants haven't you???
Twisted minds connect. Maybe you should step from behind the fear and face it. You believed ACORN right? I bet you watch Michael Vick and rally behind Bill Clinton or listen to Chris Brown or Brintney?

Watch N See, MI (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:07 PM)

Your thoughtful "Confession" was beautiful but you don't live by it. Hypocrite.

Cisco (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:10 PM)

Don't forget, the Whitehouse and millions of Americans will be tuned in to Fox at 5 PM today as Glenn Beck reveals his board of deception showing the connection of all the lies we are being told. If the Whitehouse is watching, maybe you should too.

Don't be scared........... Watch N See, MI (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:43 PM)

~~~

it has been clinically proven that watching beck kills brain cells and makes you a drooling idiot.

they call it "Springer" syndrome.
People actually keep more brain cells huffing paint.

I'll pass thank you.

Karma is going to bite you (Alter Ego #1) (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:11 PM)

Full Moon: I don't respond to half-bright comments. You, Rush and Glen are too full of hate to be reasoned with. In the next election your vote may cancel my vote, but my comments will sway thousands more than your rants and hatred.
Ron Indiana

You're overselling yourself. Haven't seen too many great words of wisdom coming out of your keyboard.

Don, Indiana (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:15 PM)

Ron

You just responded to me when you said you wouldn't.
What's up with that?

The hate comes from the libs on this blog and they know who they are. The Palin jokes, etc.

Putting me in with Rush and Glenn is a compliment.

Maybe some day you'll find your true self.
I'm well aware of who I am and what I stand for ... and it isn't the tearing down of America, both financially and verbally, by some rube named Obama.

Much luck.

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:17 PM)

Although my vote doesn't count, I am impressed listening to Sestak's views, his military knowledge and think he has an excellent chance. I will say that I always liked Specter because he generally voted his heart and head, not his party's wishes but his switching parties because he couldn't win against the republican makes me question loyalty especially knowing he originally was a democrat and became a republican for the same reason. Obama didn't have name recognition either but he went from town to town in Iowa and won--fired up, ready to go. I also appreciate Sestak's comments that he understands President Obama's current position in supporting Specter. If truth were told, the WH and democratic party leadership probably would prefer a genuine democrat like Sestak.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:18 PM)

The spectre of Spector will haunt the Capitol for many years. (I couldn't resist during Halloween time).

If Sestak is unknown isn't it time he started introducing himself to the good people of Pennsylvania? Just hang out in bars, go to a Phillies game or be seen tailgating at a Steelers game. Go to college campuses and to malls and talk to young people there. Knock on doors and visit town hall meetings. Too much reliance on media to campaign for them may not be a wise thing to do.

eagle1776 (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:22 PM)

5 PM is approaching, have you turned you Fox News Channel on yet. Beck will be on in a few minutes, for those tired of the liberal lies, wreckless spending and soon to be coming taxation.

Only the brainwashed are afraid to see oppossing views for fear they may be enlightened. How can you fear what you haven't observed for yourself.

Go ahead, don't be scared of the truth. 5 PM coming fast. Be there!

Watch N See, MI (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:32 PM)

Watch N See, MI (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:07 PM)

With the exception of former President Bill Clinton, you're dead wrong!! Bill Clinton was one of our country's greatest presidents; Barney Frank has guts; he stood up to a protester holding a sign of Obama as Hitler!! Good for him!! The hate-filled protests deserved a reply; Frank had the guts to state what many should have stated over and over and from the get go!! The rest you mentioned, no thanks!!

Pam, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:32 PM)

First let me say this - a Democrat will win the senate seat in MY state of Pennsylvania - we are not gonna let some crazy fool of a right wing lunatic like Toomey win.

That being said, nobody around here is just going to lay down and vote for Spector because he is A. and incumbant or B. he is endorsed by anybody (even a President I admire and respect).

Joe Sestak has some good ideas, a solid personal history of service to the country that the right can't attack (he was an admiral afterall) and is true to his just left of center views - he isn't some crazy progressive - but he isn't some Johnny come lately I'll vote with the Dem's when I need to get re-elected guy like Spector is.

Austin, Boyertown PA (Sent Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:55 PM)

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