First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Ron Indiana — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:19:47 GMT

I don’t belong to an organized political party…I’m a Democrat.
Mark Twain

Yesterday there were celebrations and rejoicing on FR when it was announced that Arlen Specter switched parties. Indeed, the implications are HUGE. However, I’m a bit slow to count 59 or 60 votes because there are so many questions that need to be explored:

1) With the gag rule on filibusters almost lifted, can party whips keep their troops in line? Maybe…Maybe not. Will anyone else break ranks? RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) What will Senators Collins and Snowe do? Remain Independent Republicans?
2) Democrats are more disorganized and do not march in step as do the Republicans. Will Blue Dog Democrats break ranks and vote with conservatives? Evan Bayh and the senator from Nebraska might. If Blue Dogs gain a voice they will likely weaken President Obama’s policies. There is precedent here: The Dixiecrats (Conservative Democrats from the South) were able to reshape bills in the 60’s during the LBJ administration.
3) What will the Republicans do with this shift? Never underestimate a foe when it is about to face extinction. That being said, McConnell stated that Specter’s switch was a PA issue, not a national GOP issue. Well, he is still in a state of denial. With no leadership and no new ideas, the GOP tent keeps getting smaller.
4) Will the new mantra be, “If you want a voice, say something besides “NO”. Will it become clearer that if you want to be included at the bill signing ceremony, help solve the problem and vote for the bill?

In short, it is too early to celebrate. The events are unfolding like watching a movie and we really don’t know how the story will end. For the next two years Senator Specter will likely vote with the Democrats on a more regular basis to show the people of Pennsylvania that he can act like a Democrat, but I’m not sure that after Franken is sworn-in, the Democrats will have their needed 60 votes. Keep an eye on those Blue Dogs.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Pat, Boston, MA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:20:33 GMT

This Could Be The Start Of A Beautiful Friendship –

Nothing pleases me more than to see we the people taking back our country. Nothing. The right wing has Fox Propaganda, they have Rush Limbaugh and AM talk radio, they have the evangelicals. And they still lost. Because it is the people – democrats AND republicans – who have said no, their message is not what our country should be about.

Hopefully we will now see politics being played in DC the way it should be. Without the fringe elements of the GOP. People now see them for what they truly are – hypocritical, dangerous and self-centered. Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, Michelle Bachman, Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Ann Coulter, Michael Savage, Bill Kristol, Michelle Bachman – stuff it.

Barack Obama is just what we wanted, but more importantly – he’s what we, both democrats and republicans, needed. It’s been a crazy 15 years. Crazy. And it all started with Newt Gingrich, the biggest hypocrite of them all.

The party of No is a goner.

So here’s looking at the American people at the grassroots level. All your hard work has paid off, with a special shout out to Howard Dean. And of course to Keith Olbermann, for his tenacity night after night after night, inviting on his program the best of the best guests anywhere. They do what journalists are supposed to do – make us think.
____________________

100 days already huh? Well, then here’s looking @ President Barack Hussein Obama. We are fortunate. Very fortunate.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Fesity Redhead Roselle, IL — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:21:48 GMT

Now is the time for all good men (and women) to…contact your republican senator.

I watch the GOP’ers avoid, duck, skirt-around answering questions regarding torture. Here are 4 questions Americans can answer with a simple “yes” or “no”.

1) Do you oppose torture? Yes No

2) Is water boarding torture? Yes No

3) Is torture a breech of national and international law? Yes No

4) Do you believe those who approve of torture should be prosecuted? Yes No

BTW, I am curious if our republican friends to post on FR would like to answer the above 4 questions.
Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:16 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Great thoughts Ron… however it’s my observation that none of the mental midgets (aka right wing whack jobs) that hang around here daily took the opportunity to take you up on your offer yesterday…

Their great at spewing Lord Limpballs squawking points daily – but GOD forbid they have to form a train of thought or opinion on their own…

***shakes head***

What a shame they can’t even answer a simple yes or no question – multiple choice must really screw with their heads!!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Andy Wright, MD — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:22:09 GMT

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

no joe, no bo, nj — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:24:15 GMT

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Nashville_fan — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:25:11 GMT

I think that Senator Specter switching parties is also a realization of the fact that most Americans now are more interested in SOLUTIONS than inconsequential TALKING POINTS.

Another HUGE change that is often overlooked is that President Obama esentially ran as a third party candidate within the Democratic Party - changing BOTH political parties forever.

Great time to be an American . . . just glad I'm alive to witness the realization of all this hard fought CHANGE . . . guess YES WE CAN was more than a slogan after all, eh?

Looking forward to many more "100 days" to come . . .

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Jody Harris, Highland Park, PA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:26:39 GMT

As a Pennsylvanian, at first I was angry at Specter. After letting it sink in, I now just pity the man. What a pathetic shadow of man Specter has become. The world has passed him by, and now he needs to resort to stunts like he did yesterday to get some kind of attention from anyone he can. The Democrats, Obama and Biden especially, have taken advantage of a sick old man that doesn't appear to have all his mental facilities remaining. And it was done all in the quest for power. Real pathetic.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Rock, Janesville,Wisconsin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:29:37 GMT

Senator Specter did the only rational thing possible. Just say. "No!" To the party of no new ideas, no new philosophies, no new agenda, and no sense of loyalty to our nation. He was tired of the goose stepping, wearing brown shirts, and listening to their leader "Lunatic Limbaugh." Senator Specter quickly came to the awful conclusion that the "Gross Odd People" (GOP) are clinically insane, and mentally ill. He no longer wanted to be part of the GOP/RNC village full of "idiotic" individuals. Maybe he was tired of listening to the rantings of Insane McCain, and rest of Cantor's Crazy Cronies. He is obviously saying to himself. Hey! Hey! Ho! Ho! The party of no has got to go!! Time to keep moving forward America!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

God Help US - Obama Won't! — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:30:17 GMT

I don't care who Obama pegs as the scapegoat, no one is going to convince me that Obama didn't know about the fly-by photo op. Only when things didn't go well he claims to be "incensed." Well, I'm incensed at the stupidity and waste of money!!!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Solutions - None Seen — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:30:42 GMT

I think that Senator Specter switching parties is also a realization of the fact that most Americans now are more interested in SOLUTIONS than inconsequential TALKING POINTS.

Please explain the solution to the unemployment explosion the country is currently having.

Please explain the solution on how the war on terrorists is going to be won.

Please explain the solution to why all our major industries are shutting down.

Please explain the solution to the tax burden Obama and the Democrats are saddling the country with is going to be paid?

Where are these solutions you speak of?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:31:00 GMT

Only in texas would the Voting Rights Act be challenged by a bunch of crybaby tyrants. This is why so many feel that texas is about as worthless as a state can get. The jerks who want to get rid of the pre-clearance portiuon of the Act whine that now that a black man is president the Voting Rights Act isn't needed anymore. As long as there are bigots there will always be a need to keep the Voting Rights Act intact and fully supported by the federal government.

With Specter leaving the evil elephant party I started to realize how similar the republicans are to the taliban. Both are fringe groups of religious extremists who cling to their guns and religion and would try to force their tyrannic religious laws upon everyone. Both groups hate gays and secular democracy.

Ergo Republican = Taliban!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

gepa — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:31:49 GMT

Specter only does what benefits himself. I don't think he can be trusted.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

BJ, CA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:31:56 GMT

Happy Birthday Barrack...Keep up the path and faith...please continue to send those wrong doers to where they belong..
As America's top cop, chief financial dude and protecter of the nation...don't forget to give the kids and wife the best too..
May the next 1000 days be as better if not greater...

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:32:20 GMT

Specter will be known as one of the biggest turncoats in American history. The Democrats can have him. He's just what the Democrats need, another lying, self absorbed opportunist who somehow thinks he is more important then the country. The Democratic party is full of people like Specter.
Andy Wright, MD (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:22 AM)

---------------------------------------------

At some point maybe you should ask yourself...

Did the Arlen Specter turn on the GOP or did the GOP turn on him?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

HT Wellsburg, NC — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:34:11 GMT

The REALLY telling number in this poll is 81-51. As in, when the question is posed regarding how people feel about Obama PERSONALLY, 81% like him. Then, when asked how people feel about his POLICIES, only a bare majority, 51%, approve of them.

Since this was a poll of adults, rather than registered voters, or the more telling Likely voters, those numbers might give the administration pause.

Or not. I don't think Obama's ego allows for any negative data.
no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:24 AM)

The polls, just like Obama, are phony. It's the last remnants of the Old Media having their final shot at some kind of glory before they go away forever. Obama is still stuck on stupid, thinking that he can run up a huge debt on the country, and not have anyone pay for it. That dog won't hunt, and the bill will come due soon enough. Then we'll see hat kind of poll numbers Mr. Obama will recieve.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Pennsylvanian — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:36:13 GMT

I don't understand why Dems are excited about Specter becoming one of them. It would be one thing if it were based on principle. But we all know that if he didn't have a challenger in the GOP primary, there's no way he'd make this switch. So to Arlen Specter, the only thing that appears to matter is the political survival of Arlen Specter.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Obama is a Putz — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:36:18 GMT

$383,000 - that's what it cost us, the American taxpayers, to scare the living daylights out of the people in NYC by buzzing that city with Air Force One. Money well spent, right Obama?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Buzz — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:37:56 GMT

"... He's just what the Democrats need, another lying, self absorbed opportunist who somehow thinks he is more important then the country.........."
Andy Wright, MD (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:22 AM)

Andy- considering the last 8 years, are you SURE you want to go there?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Eric, Salinas, CA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:39:14 GMT

That is so funny and truly just that the bushwhacker's poll numbers have gone down 5 points in the past 100 days. He's getting hammered by his own crowd for wrecking their pitiful party of torturing lawbreakers. No surprise that Tricky Dick 2 has lower poll numbers considering he's been in the media spewing his filthy lies. Poetic Justice is Sweet!

Old Arlen may not get to be as independent as he thinks he's going to be. Here's a little fact he'd better cling to, he now has to energize a new base of PA voters to give him money and vote for him. He now has to convince the same crowd who has been voting against him the past 30 years so he'd better show some love to the hot button issues us Liberals like if he expects Liberals to come to his rescue next year. He is the one who now has something to prove and the only way he'll woo the Demcoratic Party of PA is to vote for bills to show his support of Obama. If he doesn't support Obama he'll find himself getting crushed in a Democratic Primary as Shestak will challenge him if he's lacking in True Blue Spirit.

Let's see what accomplishments have the evil elephant party made in the past 100 days? Nope can't think of a thing!

In Obama We Trust!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

no joe, no bo, nj — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:39:15 GMT

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Paul Franz, NJ — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:39:17 GMT

Rock Janesville Wisconsin - Senator Specter did the only rational thing possible. Just say. "No!" To the party of no new ideas, no new philosophies, no new agenda . . .

What are Specters ideas, his philosophies, his agenda. Be real, Specter made the move because he knew he wouldn't even make it out of the primary as a Republician in nexts years election. He switched to save his job. He cares more about himself then the country or any ideas, philosophies, or agenda that he he might have.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh PA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:39:19 GMT

In the short amount of time it took the Republicans to come up with the spin that Specter's move was "local Pennsylvania politics" we knew that they weren't going to use this as an opportunity to re-evaluate their party & where it is going. Why did they think that 200,000 of us left last year and didn't come back? The fact that no one ever contacted me to ask me told me that they didn't care while I was welcomed into the Democratic party.
Isn't one definition of insanity repeating the same behavior and expecting a different outcome?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:39:54 GMT

Could this be a sign that the Repuke party has gone so far right that long time members are fed up with it along with putting party first country second?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

cindy, las vegas, nv — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:41:36 GMT

Well said Pat - as usual. It is a great time to be an american Nashville fan.
Do you really believe Jody Obama and Biden took advantage of a sick old man? Let me guess, you can't understand why nobody likes Darth Cheney. Bush 43 was the best Pres ever! Here, let me throw you a life jacket, your gonna need it on your sinking ship.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Tim, NY — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:41:43 GMT

Good Riddance! It's dog track time for Arlen.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Claire — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:42:06 GMT

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

God Help US - Obama Won't! — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:43:25 GMT

$383,000 - that's what it cost us, the American taxpayers, to scare the living daylights out of the people in NYC by buzzing that city with Air Force One. Money well spent, right Obama?
Obama is a Putz (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:36 AM)

============================================
Not only that, it TERRORIZED and TORTURED many people!! Are they going to try Obama for torture???

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Brian, Girard, OH — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:43:41 GMT

Spector said flat out...the GOP is moving too far to the right. He made a choice and he's gotta stick with it. The GOP will probably counter with something shallow or superficial, but then, that's what we've come to expect. Maybe Spector just saw the eventuallity of a failed GOP. Lets see what happens.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Papa Boulder — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:43:47 GMT

Ron in Indiana,

It wasn't Mark Twain who said the quote, "I don’t belong to an organized political party…I’m a Democrat." It was Will Rogers who said that.

Mark Twain was actually a Republican.

Papa Boulder

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Q. Factor — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:44:23 GMT

At some point maybe you should ask yourself...

Did the Arlen Specter turn on the GOP or did the GOP turn on him?
Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:32 AM)

The Republican party used to be much more conservative years ago. It's moved quite a bit to the center in the last 10 years. How else do you explain McCain as the parties nominee for President? Specter remained a Republican when the party was very conservative, but jumped ship when the party moved to the middle? Doubtful. He jumped ship because he knew he had no chance against his Republican opponent in the primaries next year. Pretty self serving move on Specters part.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

BL, Cincinnati. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:45:10 GMT

Mitchell Feldman, The Republican party isn't doomed. Everything is cyclical. Anyone with half a brain and an understanding of history knows this. There were many that claimed the Democrat party was doomed when the Replublicans controlled everything. The more power the Democrats get; the sooner a Replublican revolution occurs. Remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely. We've seen this time and time again in our nation.
DG, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, April 28, 2009 4:45 PM)

Well if you look at history you'll see that the current "cycle" is Republicans controlled it for 14 years (1919 to 1933) then destroyed our economy with policies that moved all the wealth to the upper 1% by massive tax cuts on the rich. Then Democrats took over and controlled Congress for 60 years, memories became blurry and the Republicans got control back for 12 years before yet again causing a massive economic failure with their tax cuts for the rich (Reagan/Bush combined cut the upper tax rate by 50%). Thus people put the Democratic Party back in charge.

So we'll worry about you guys in 2076 according to your "cyclical" history theory.

;)

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:45:24 GMT

>>> Yet perhaps the most revealing number of the president’s first 100 days comes via our brand-new NBC/WSJ poll: A whopping 81% say they personally like Obama, including 30% who disagree with his policies. That kind of number not only seems to give him extra political capital, it also forces our pollsters to compare him to another political figure who was well-liked, even by those who didn’t always agree with him -- Ronald Reagan. We’ll say it again: Obama’s parallels so far with Reagan are uncanny. The country likes him (61% approve of his job, 64% view him favorably); the nation feels better despite the uncertain times we’re living in (the right track number in our poll is up 31 points since October); and the political opposition is being reduced to a regional party (just like the Phil Gramms left the Dems in the 1980s, the Arlen Specters are leaving the GOP).
==========
(Sorry for multiple postings, but had to get this in)

NBC, WSJ (Owned by Rupert Murdoch), CNN, CBS, ABC, Washington Post, New York Times, AP, GFK, Gallop.
<Begin snarky sarcasm>
THESE POLLS CAN'T BE RIGHT! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE THAT THESE POLLS ARE RIGHT! THEY'RE ALL LIBERAL, ALL OF THEM! ULTRA-LEFT WING LIBERAL SOCIALIST RAGS! WHERE ARE THE POLLS THAT TELL US HOW MUCH WE HATE OBAMA! HELP US FOX NEWS! HELP US RASMUSSEN!
<End snarky sarcasm>

Seriously. It's pretty telling when every poll has him at a 55% approval or better (Rasmussen - 56%, FOX - 62% for those of you who are interested). Face it, righties. Obama's popular. We like him. We have faith in him. And we believe in him. Most importantly, he believes in this country. He gives it to us straight without the "talk down to the peons" attitude we got from the last president. Hate on him if you want, its your right. But you have to acknowledge that you're in a shrinking minority here. Let me quote some advice from Bill Maher.

>>>Look, I understand what you "real Americans" are going through. After eight years of controlling everything, this latest election and Obama's popularity have you feeling a little like a rejected husband. You're the bitter divorced guy who comes home one day, and all your things are out on the front lawn. Or at least more things than you usually keep out on the front lawn.

But, you're not ready to let go. Despite the fact that the country you love has left you and is moving on. Which makes you want to call it a "whore" and key its car. You can't articulate your feelings. One minute you're blubbering about how much you love it, and the next, you're vowing that if you can't have it, nobody will.

But, it's been almost 100 days, and your country is not coming back to you. She's found somebody new. And, I hate to tell you, it's a black guy. <<<

http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Jimmy T, NH — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:45:42 GMT

Good Riddance! It's dog track time for Arlen.
Tim, NY (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:41 AM)

The Republicans needed a good enema. And after which, look what fell out, a Specter.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:47:16 GMT

>>>Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:19 AM)

==========
Good post, and totally on point.

http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

matt — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:47:27 GMT

Specter's switch is the ultimate signal that Obama's agenda has become mainstream and the GOP has overreached in their constant lurches to the right.

But the pressure is now squarely on Congressional Dems. Reid and Pelosi can no longer blame "obstructionist" Republicans for their failures.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:47:39 GMT

Forget the moderate-far right false dichotomy most media types are pushing.

The Republican Party is basically three camps. Not in order of size or prominence, those three are:

Defense hawks/law and order advocates.

Moral majority wingnuts.

Fiscal conservatives/small gov't advocates (basically what's called the libertarian wing of the party).

There is some overlap between these camps, though if you really pressed some Republicans for thoughtful answers, you'd probably find the least amount of overlap between the moral crusaders and the fiscal conservatives (who see morality as fine, so long as its a personal choice and doesn't cost anything).

The hawks are pretty much done for a while because of the Iraq debacle. This camp includes McCain and Specter. If you think about it, other than defense what deep conviction does either have to be a Republican?

This sets up a battle between moral crusaders and fiscal conservatives for control of the party. The moral crusaders are bigger, but the fiscal conservatives are more energized after all that teabagging stuff. The fiscal conservatives are also going to find themselves weighed down instead of reinforced with the nuttier tendencies of the true libertarians among them - the Ron Paul folks.

So my money is on the moral crusaders. And I suspect a bunch of fiscal conservatives are going to be very disappointed when they again realize the small government talk is just lip-service by the party leaders. The Republicans may be ripe for a schism.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Wes Shields, Kansas City — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:49:10 GMT

The economy shrunk by over six per cent in the first quarter. Obama is currently planning on a government/union takeover of GM and Chrysler, (those two entities will own all the stock). Unemployment and new claims for unemployment are skyrocketing.

Why don't you poll people on those questions? Is it that you won't like the answers?
no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:39 AM)

No, no, no!! We needs polls on what Obama IS, not what he DOES. Wouldn't fit the template to point out that Obama's attempted bailout of all our domestic car makers failed and now they are going out of business with hundreds of thousands becoming unemployed. That's what's called "Bad News", and that is not allowed in Obama-Land

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:49:17 GMT

The move By Specter is just the beginning of the end of the republican party.The house of right-wing Neo-cons is crumbling right before our eyes.Who would have thought that a radio jock,with issues with drugs, would be the leader of the Republican's,or that so many would believe any of what they say.The GOP has shrunken to regional southern states,run by All white Governors,who have done everything to suppress the Vote of the Black folks that live in there states.There is a question as to if the GOP will learn something from this Specter shift,he!! no they won't learn,they where out in force calling him every name in the book,Swine Flew,lefty, and all the rest of the Hate party spew.They continue to follow the Rove Hate book thinking some how it still works.And the voters get hours of it everyday from the Rushster,Hannity,Cantor,Bohner,and see thru there lies,there so out to lunch and losing ground, they may never see the WH again.They don't want anyone in there party who dose not believe everything they tell them to believe,thinking for ones self is forbidden.And now that the truth about the GOP being the party who except torture as a means on treating prisoners,changing the treaty's we have agreed to follow like yesterdays trash.The country has finely seen the true GOP party.And at 21%, all thats left of there party, it would seem like they would wake from there Van winkle,instead they keep right on snoring away.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

MSierra, SF — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:51:21 GMT

'...now is not the time to dismantle the most important civil-rights law in U.S. history. They say many areas of the South are still trying to pull the old tricks to suppress the minority vote...'

In 2000, Florida was kicking ex-felons off the voting rolls. This was done clearly to reduce black voting.

In Ohio, in 2004, it was minority (i.e. Black) precincts that didn't have enough voting machines and resultant lines waiting to vote

In the 2006 Tennessee Senate race, Republican Corker used explicit racial messages in an ad showing a white woman asking Harold Ford to 'call me'

We're NOT over race in America

Witness the guy in Pittsburgh who killed 4 police
Apparently he was a 'White Supremacist' OBSESSED with having a Black President

Keep Voting Rights !!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

no joe, no bo, nj — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:51:39 GMT

Thank you, Claire, for your response to Ron. By the way, Ron, your 'little pink cloud' view of interrogations is not shared by the majority of your fellow citizesns-see the same polls you cite which 'prove' that Obama is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

I'm wondering if the million plus newly unemployed are happy with the 'change' they got. I think not-I think that they were actually hoping for improvement. Ah, well, it all comes down to what the meaning of 'is' is.

Here's a thought-rather than that ivory tower idiot Larry Summers, why doesn't Obama get Bill Clinton to to his chief economic advisor? That would be achange that might do some good.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Chris - IL — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:52:30 GMT

It is amazing to me that at the 100 day mark, after constant assaults from the far right that have tried to paint President Obama as evil, as incredibly liberal, as polarizing, and as someone that has screwed up everything, he is still liked by 81% of the population and 51% approve of his policies.

Clearly the majority of Americans are not believing the fear mongering tactics of the GOP and fox news.

I certainly have not agreed with everything he has done, but I think he is on the right track and has accomplished more in his first 100 days than any modern President other than FDR. While I find the increasing deficit troubling, I firmly believe that big spending was the only way to stimulate the economy and it appears the free fall is starting to slow. And I think that as the economy improves, President Obama will act to cut spending and turn the deficit in the other direction.

My greatest fear about the apparent demise of the republican party is that without strong competition, I worry the Democratic party will begin to lower its bar. We had a little episode in Illinois where a certain Democratic Governor was elected amid huge scandal with the republican Governor. And the replacement turned out to be almost as bad as the man he replaced (so far at least, it doesn't appear that his corruption cost lives as Ryan's did).

All-in-all, I think it has been a great first 100 days. President Obama has shown a tremendous ability to multitask and to handle multiple crisis issues. I think the rest of his first term will be equally successful.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:52:38 GMT

Ron, I'll answer your questions. No, no, undecided, and no. Before you accuse me of being heartless, I believe no reasonable person can be 'for' torture. But torture to me is getting your fingernails ripped off or getting your arms strung up in ropes over your head all night (a la John McCain). I don't think sleep deprivation, waterboarding (ask any Navy pilot), or exposure to insects is torture. And as the mother of four, if I faced a scenario where the only obstacle to my kids' safety was waterboarding someone, I wouldn't have a problem with it. It's just not that black and white a subject. Of course most are opposed to it---but if torture were to prevent another 9/11, why wouldn't we all support it?
Claire (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:42 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Claire, Although I absolutley disagree with your position on torture - I do THANK you for at least answering and being able to articulate your beliefs.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Juan,FT lauderdale,FT — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:53:35 GMT

No Dr. Wright its the lying right wing nut jobs of your party that lied, manipulated, violated laws, placed wedge issues amongst us, turned a surplus into billion dollar deficits and furthermore it looks like your tax cuts that you and others that make 6 figures is over. You sound very bitter/angry well too bad get used to it. That's why about only 21% of the population call themselves. Status Quo is no longer an option and THAT'S WHY OBAMA WON!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

newdayDawning — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:53:35 GMT

The Republican Party was hijacked by the likes of Falwell, Robertson and Schafly and has been dying since that happened. I used to be a Republican when it was the party of ideas, fiscal restraint and live and let live about people's private lives. I didn't leave the party, it left me. Given the current leadership of the Republicans, they will continue to choke it until it dies. Your only answer to the nation's problems cannot be to cut taxes. No thoughtful person takes that seriously anymore. Claire, I am also a mom of four, and there is NEVER a reason to torture or waterboard. The facts do not support that you get the information that you desire, and we are supposed to be a nation of laws. That Bush and Cheney have broken any international standard of decency makes our troops more at risk, not less. If we don't follow the law, why should anyone else?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:54:10 GMT

>>>I don't think sleep deprivation, waterboarding (ask any Navy pilot), or exposure to insects is torture.
Claire (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:42 AM)
==========
Ok. So when/if Sean Hannity keeps his promise to be waterboarded for charity, you can join him. And if you think I'm heartless for saying this, them maybe you should rethink your position.

http://jawillie.blog.com

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Ron Indiana — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:57:43 GMT

Claire: While we can respectfully disagree, I appreciate you courage to express your beliefs.

Papa Boulder: You are right, it was Will Rogers. I guess I had a senior moment.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Still Waiting For My Check Barack — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:58:03 GMT

100 days and still waiting for my check!!!!

Barack, where is my energy rebate check?

I thought Bush and Cheney were in the pocket of Big Oil and screwing everyone. Remember your phony campaign promise where you were going to put a windfall profit tax on Big Oil and give every American an energy rebate. I guess after you bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, he took you behind closed doors and explained to you who really runs the United States of America!

I expect oil prices to come down now that Barack is cool with Chavez, who controls the state run PDVSA (Venezuela is an OPEC member) and Baracks deep waist bow to the King of Saudi Arabia, who controls the state owned Saudi Aramco, the worlds largest oil company (NOT ExxonMobil).

When are you going to spread that wealth around Barack? I see you and Michelle had over $2.5M in reported income last year. Still up for soaking the rich with higher taxes?

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Independent Voter Waitin' on 2012.....Betcha' He's a ONE TERMER — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:58:09 GMT

Obama has done nothing but talk. That's a fact!
There is no change in the economy, people are still losing their jobs, government is spending too much money bailing out large companies who in turn are using it for executive "perks."
There's no change in the war in Iraq, no change in Afgahnistan, and the terror alert level nationwide is still yellow.
So we must ask ourselves why does Obama "compare" so favorably with Ronald Reagan.
The answer is simple. The public percieves Reagan's as the prototypical "successful-Presidency."
Even though Reagan's time in office produced a number of negative things. Such as; record high unemployement, more American hostages held offshore than at any other time in our history INCLUDING the Iranian crisis in 79-80, the firing of the air traffic controllers and the abolishment of their union, the highest income-tax increase in US history (up to THAT point in time) in 1983, sloppiness within federal agencies like NASA which caused the deaths of 7 astronauts in flight, and also within our intelligence agencies which were infiltrated by foreign spies.
Reagan's staffers were so incompetant, that when he was shot and incapacitated in 1981, his nuclear weapons release code-cards were held by the FBI and they REFUSED to turn them back over to White House officials while he was in the hospital
If we had been attacked during that period of time by the Soviets, we wouldn't have been able to defend ourselves.
So you see.....the most incompetant Presidents are the ones who are PERCEIVED as being the most efficient.
The media "propped" Reagan up back then, just as they are propping-up Obama now.
Let's see where we are in April of 2012. Let's see if our military is home, let's see if the economy is fixed, and let's see if any Americans get attacked at home or abroad.
There IS one thing that both Reagan and Obama have in common, and that is the absolute failed-Presidencies of their predecessors.
THAT may account for the popularity ratings of both men, much more so than anything that either man did, could-do or would-do as Chief executive.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Juan,FT lauderdale, Fl — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:59:33 GMT

Obama is a Putz < $383,000 tax paying money wasted....> How about the millions wasted on non existing WMD THAT YOUR PUTZ/SHURB OF A PRESIDENT LAUGHED AS HE PRETENTED TO FIND UNDER FUNITURE. REAL FUNNY!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Cub Reporter, Portland, Maine — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:59:45 GMT

A City Desk Editor's Nightmare: double quotation marks inside double quotation marks! Within the section "A consequential presidency", the second "consequential" should read 'consequential'. A trained newspaper reporter would never make that mistake.

And with respect to the wording "criminal investigation" of torture, why did you use such wording? I think the numbers of people in favor of an investigation of our whole intelligence-gathering, detention and interrogation methods would be significantly higher had the wording been different. After all, we still don't know many, and maybe not even most, of the details surrounding the torture of persons held by the U.S. Take another bite of the polling apple, Chuck.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Ed, San Antonio — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:59:54 GMT

"registration, turnout, election of candidates, membership in Congress) that blacks have made huge gains at the polls, and the southern states have made enormous strides in eliminating the practices that for so long suppressed the black vote."

This is too scarry, as the Texas Repukes try to institute a new version of the "Poll Tax". The old "Some of my friends are Black" line!

RepubliKLANS!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

pat huntington ny — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:07 GMT

Specter will be known as one of the biggest turncoats in American history. The Democrats can have him. He's just what the Democrats need, another lying, self absorbed opportunist who somehow thinks he is more important then the country. The Democratic party is full of people like Specter.
Andy Wright, MD (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:22 AM)

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Did you say the same thing, or believe the same thing, about the Democratic Senators who left that party to become Republicans? Considering that out of the 13 or so Senator party switches, all but one [Spector] were dems becoming repubs, it seems that your party has the problem with being full of turncoats and traitors.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Nashville_fan — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:01:03 GMT

Please explain the solution to the unemployment explosion the country is currently having.

Please explain the solution on how the war on terrorists is going to be won.

Please explain the solution to why all our major industries are shutting down.

Please explain the solution to the tax burden Obama and the Democrats are saddling the country with is going to be paid?

Where are these solutions you speak of?

Solutions- None Seen

==============================================

Dear Solutions- None Seen,

It is too early to see the solutions, but laying a foundation of integrity, good will, and investments in AMERICAN MANUFACTURING instead of just shipping everything overseas to save a buck is a start.

TALKING with those we disagree with internationally and DOMESTICALLY is a start.

Being HONEST with the Amerian people about the hurdles we face is a start.

Being FOCUSED on our COMMON GOOD instead of DEMONIZING one another is a start.

You reap what you sow . . . now is a time of tilling and planting . . . the harvest is still to come.

(Although I think the isolation of extremists of all types in this country from the mainstream is definitely one of the things President Obama's campaign has reaped already - he proved that you could be elected President without resorting to below the belt smears and lies.)

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:01:41 GMT

1) Do you oppose torture? Yes No

2) Is water boarding torture? Yes No

3) Is torture a breech of national and international law? Yes No

4) Do you believe those who approve of torture should be prosecuted? Yes No

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Ron, I'll answer your questions. No, no, undecided, and no. Before you accuse me of being heartless, I believe no reasonable person can be 'for' torture. But torture to me is getting your fingernails ripped off or getting your arms strung up in ropes over your head all night (a la John McCain). I don't think sleep deprivation, waterboarding (ask any Navy pilot), or exposure to insects is torture. And as the mother of four, if I faced a scenario where the only obstacle to my kids' safety was waterboarding someone, I wouldn't have a problem with it. It's just not that black and white a subject. Of course most are opposed to it---but if torture were to prevent another 9/11, why wouldn't we all support it?
Claire (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:42 AM)

Claire, I think you may have watched tooo many movies! Torture is torture no matter what the method and NO it can not be justified!

The answer to all of Ron's excellent questions are a resounding YES. That is what defending the Constitution means regardless of what the other side does, we can NOT allow ourselves to degrade to their level. If we do allow that to happen, then we have ceased to be the nation we are!!!!!

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

Chris - IL — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:03:07 GMT

Of course most are opposed to it---but if torture were to prevent another 9/11, why wouldn't we all support it?

Claire (Sent Wednesday, April 29, 2009 9:42 AM)
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Interesting point. What you appear to be saying is that the ends justify the means. So we don't we just start shooting anyone that is even suspected of being a terrorist - after we torture them and get "valuable" information from them.

Or, perhaps, if we are going to take that approach, we should just nuke the entire Middle East and Africa, That would rid the world of terrorist strongholds and eliminate the possibility of another 9/11.

The ends do NOT just the means. We are a country of laws and "harsh interrogation" techniques are not justified in any case. Interesting that you mention John McCain. I seem to remember him saying what we were doing was wrong.

First thoughts: Specter's shocker

eagle1776 — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:04:58 GMT

I just read an article about the resergence of white supremacy groups. The voting rights act needs to stand and even be strengthened if necessary as those groups become more of a threat to this melting pot we call America. We are a diverse society, like it or not, and some will need to be forced to recognize that. With all the gains made in the 1960s one would think that by now we wouldn't have to worry about this sort of thing but obviously we still do.

On the 100 days, the media is going to make more of this than anyone else. And, there are comparisons between Reagan and Obama. Both charismatic, both for change, both constantly in the news, both with staunch followers and both in power at a time when the opposition party is at a very low point.