Obama on Specter: He Was Great as a Republican – Going to Be Even Better as a Democrat
EmailABC News' Yunji de Nies and Sunlen Miller report:
President Barack Obama hit the campaign trail for one of the newest members of his party today, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter. The 79-year old senator switched parties last April, after 44 years in office as a Republican. His new affiliation may have won him the favor of the president, but it’s also set him up for a very tough re-election battle in Pennsylvania.
In twin events in Philadelphia this afternoon, the president helped Specter get “within striking distance” of his $2.5 million fundraising goal, according to the senator’s press secretary Kate Kelly.
Obama had already delivered two speeches by the time he reached Philadelphia – the first to autoworkers at the Lordstown General Motors Plant focusing on the economy, the second pushing health care reform at the AFL-CIO convention in Pittsburgh.
Specter’s first fundraising event was a rally, where tickets sold for between $1000 and $4,800.
In a large ballroom, Mr. Obama reiterated much of what he said earlier about health care reform, with nods to the Senator peppered in. The President hailed Sen. Specter as a politician who followed his convictions over political expediency
“Arlen is not someone who came to Washington to fight for a particular ideology. He came to fight for the working men and women of Pennsylvania. And he has a long and successful record of doing just that,” the president said.
He praised Specter for casting the deciding vote in favor of the Recovery Act.
“At the time, this was not an easy vote for Arlen to take. You can imagine the pressure he was under from the other side. But Arlen knew that it was more important to answer to the people who sent him to Washington than to the party he belonged to. That's why you should send him back to Washington for six more years — because you know he's going to fight for you regardless of what the politics are,” the president said.
The president ended the rally saying that Specter was “a great senator when he was a Republican; he's going to be a even better senator now that he's a Democrat.”
The next event was more exclusive. Donors dined on shrimp and were able to have their photograph taken with the President, before he delivered a much shorter, similar speech to a room of 13 tables, with just ten seats each.
“Because Arlen, we were able to get the recovery package passed. Because the recovery package passed, this economy has been able to pull itself from the brink," he said, “We are not out of the woods, but we have pulled back from the abyss."
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Next he’d better hop on a plane to Nevada, where Harry Reid is going to be severely punished.
The first Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of the 2010 race shows Sue Lowden beating Reid by 10 percentage points, 50% to 40%. Lowden is chairwoman of the Nevada Republican Party and the preferred candidate of the Republican party establishment.
GOP hopeful Danny Tarkanian beats Reid by seven points, 50% to 43%. Tarkanian is a former basketball player for the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and the son of a legendary college basketball coach.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | September 15, 2009, 6:44 pm 6:44 pm
How can you support a communist president and look in the mirror?
Posted by: myra williams | September 15, 2009, 7:06 pm 7:06 pm
“The first Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of the 2010 race shows Sue Lowden beating Reid by 10 percentage points, 50% to 40%. Lowden is chairwoman of the Nevada Republican Party and the preferred candidate of the Republican party establishment.
GOP hopeful Danny Tarkanian beats Reid by seven points, 50% to 43%. Tarkanian is a former basketball player for the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and the son of a legendary college basketball coach.”
Weird, the Mason Dixon poll has it in reverse with Tarkanian with a larger lead (13) and Lowden by about 5.
Neither poll is good for Reid but I’ll stick with Mason Dixon instead of a polling firms that couches its results for a FoxNews audience.
Posted by: Ryan C | September 15, 2009, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
Good as GOP, Better as Dem, the Greatest as Retired.
Goodbye Arlen, Goodbye Harry, Goodbye Charlie Rangel, Goodbye Johnnie Murtha,
The corruption of Rangel, Murtha, and Acorn will doom the Dems control even without the Obamacare debacle and 10% unemployment.
Posted by: robertb | September 15, 2009, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
The only person Arlen represents is himself, his own ego and political image in the media.
Posted by: Aaron | September 15, 2009, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
I noticed the other PA Senator was one of only 7 Senators to vote against the Johanns amendment blocking funds from ACORN. Specter voted for. Guess whih one is running for election. Obama will be linked to ACORN in PA and Specter vote will not be enough. Specter will be defeated. We in PA will not forget Casey’s vote.
Posted by: pauldia | September 15, 2009, 7:39 pm 7:39 pm
Arlen Specter, what a pathetic old man…
enough said…..
Posted by: TD | September 15, 2009, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
In addition, Obama’s Justice Department is silent on ACORN, they’d rather investigate CIA.Ditto the MSM. (ABC you should be embarrassed by Charlie Gibson s Alzheimer answer on ACORN.)Specter will be tied to Obama, the MSM, and Moveon, & ACORN. The more Obama campaigns in the Western and Central part of PA the larger the loss for Specter.
Posted by: pauldia | September 15, 2009, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
A Fordham University professor rated the national pollsters on their record in Election n 2008, Obama won 53%-46% and our final poll showed Obama winning 52% to 46%. While we were pleased with the final result, Rasmussen A Fordham University professor rated the national pollsters on their record in Election 2008. In 2008, Obama won 53%-46% and our final poll showed Obama winning 52% to 46%. While we were pleased with the final result, Rasmussen Reports was especially pleased that our data was the least volatile of all the tracking polls. Our daily tracking showed Obama with a stable and solid lead with more than 50% of the vote every single day for the last six weeks of the campaign.Reports was especially pleased that our data was the least volatile of all the tracking polls. Our daily tracking showed Obama with a stable and solid lead with more than 50% of the vote every single day for the last six weeks of the campaign.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | September 15, 2009, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
“A Fordham University professor rated the national pollsters on their record in Election n 2008, Obama won 53%-46% and our final poll showed Obama winning 52% to 46%.”
Is Rasmussen really still citing that Fordham paper?
I thought he pulled it from his website when someone informed him of the paper rounding up McCain’s number from 45.6 to 46% and Obama’s number down from 52.9 to 52% in order to cast Rasmussen as the most accurate pollster.
I guess Rasmussen is quite comfortable with something cooking the numbers provided they project the correct image.
Anyone else not surprised?
Posted by: Ryan C | September 15, 2009, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
“Reports was especially pleased that our data was the least volatile of all the tracking poll”
Ok so Rasmussen cites a Fordham paper that cooks the numbers to tout his own results.
But then he is also proud of his daily tracking poll having the least volatility over the last 6 weeks of an election during which we had 3 debates and a major economic meltdown?
Seriously, has he lost it?
Posted by: Ryan C | September 15, 2009, 8:21 pm 8:21 pm
Jake, where is your investigative journalism when it comes to ACORN. There is talk that ACORN was eligible to receive billions of US tax payer money out of the stimulus money! What’s going on with journalism these days. Charlie didn’t even know anything about it! Are you kidding me! Please start reporting on this story so that I don’t lose total faith in ABC to report fair and balanced..
Posted by: Paula | September 15, 2009, 8:58 pm 8:58 pm
One more thing- ACORN staff is talking about human trafficking of young girls for sex and the House is worried about “rebuking” Rep. Wilson! Where’s our country’s leaderships sense of moral responsibility! They can’t “rebuke” ACORN!
Posted by: Paula | September 15, 2009, 9:03 pm 9:03 pm
“Charlie didn’t even know anything about it! Are you kidding me!”
I heard interview – Tough call – Not sure if he truly did not know or was carrying water for Barry (I think latter, he wasn’t very curious).
“Please start reporting on this story so that I don’t lose total faith in ABC to report fair and balanced..”
Jake Tapper (now that Stossel has gone to Fox) is the only journalist at ABC with any credibility.
Posted by: tjp612 | September 15, 2009, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
Ryan (ctrl) C -
“I guess Rasmussen is quite comfortable with something cooking the numbers provided they project the correct image.”
Why are you so obsessed with Rasmussen? Does it really matter? Regardless of what you think, his polls are at a minimum directionally accurate – I don’t think you can dispute that. His polling does not change the fact that (a.) Obama’s policies have grown unpopular, (b.) The Boy King’s job approval has dropped significantly since his coronation, (c.) Support for Dems has faded since Nov. 2008.
We could point out the bias inherent in most WaPo/ABC polls (in favor of Dems), but what’s the point? I realize you are desperate to find something good for Libs these days, but move on.
Posted by: tjp612 | September 15, 2009, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
When are you going to start Investigate ACORN ??? Or does this news channel have no morals and is going to just disregard.
Posted by: JohnIndy15 | September 15, 2009, 9:54 pm 9:54 pm
when the head of abc nightly news doesn’t seem to know much
Posted by: g | September 15, 2009, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
Acorn should not receive any more government funding. They should be formally investigated and prosecuted. Why isn’t the “mainstream” media covering this Acorn story? It’s shocking.
I find it difficult to believe that ABC’s Charlie Gibson is unaware of the Acorn stories. Really unbelievable. He should resign sooner if he can’t keep up with current news stories.
I hope Joe Sestak kicks Specter’s arse in the Penn primary. It’s digusting to see the Democratic party and Obama raising money for the old turncoat Specter. Joe Sestak deserves the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
The Democratic party needs new leadership. Obama, Reid, Pelosi and the invisible DNC Chair Kaine all must go.
Hillary 2012.
Posted by: K | September 15, 2009, 10:29 pm 10:29 pm
Boring….
give me the Acorn stuff!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lame news in action | September 15, 2009, 10:37 pm 10:37 pm
“They can’t “rebuke” ACORN!”
Paula | Sep 15, 2009 9:03:25 PM
If copies of the uncut tapes were released, we might be able to get those thugs behind bars.
Posted by: jhw539 | September 15, 2009, 10:41 pm 10:41 pm
“Jake, where is your investigative journalism when it comes to ACORN. There is talk that ACORN was eligible to receive billions of US tax payer money out of the stimulus money!”
Paula | Sep 15, 2009 8:58:46 PM
Yeah, and technically you are eligible for every one of those same dollars too. And I’m eligible to win a Nobel prize and become president in 2012. ACORN is NOT getting billions of tax payer dollars.
Posted by: jhw539 | September 15, 2009, 10:43 pm 10:43 pm
“Why isn’t the “mainstream” media covering this Acorn story? It’s shocking.”
All of them have. But until prosecutors can get their hands on copies of the full uncut tapes, the ACORN thugs are likely to become just a footnote. The tape owners appear to be shielding ACORN by only releasing enough snippets of the video to make money, but not enough to put those criminals behind bars where they belong.
Posted by: jhw539 | September 15, 2009, 10:46 pm 10:46 pm
Jake you could be the best if you left that loosey network and went to work for a good one like Fox.Get with it Jake!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jetman | September 15, 2009, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
Spector is a BETRAYER ONLY. GOOD BYE SPECTOR IN 2010.
Posted by: Jamie-NY | September 15, 2009, 10:54 pm 10:54 pm
Specter has had two brains surgeries, allegedly without any permanent damage, but it was after the second brain surgery that Specter became a Democrat.
Democrats plan brain surgery on all Americans. Do enough damage and everyone becomes a Dem.
Posted by: drjohn | September 15, 2009, 11:16 pm 11:16 pm
Tapper…when are you going to report on ACORN and on the other corruption?
The corruption in ABC that won’t let you report what you want, but only report what the executives supporting Obama want?
What about “Jackass” comments by the President!
Where is that report?
Pathetic!
Posted by: TruthinAmerica | September 15, 2009, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
“Tapper…when are you going to report on ACORN and on the other corruption?”
TruthinAmerica | Sep 15, 2009 11:58:37 PM
Uh, he’s already done at least two columns on it since last week, and I might have missed more.
And until the filmmakers quit shielding ACORN by only releasing enough clips from the tapes to get paid, rather than copies of the WHOLE tapes (which would destroy ACORN’s last flimsy excuses), no one can report the news we really want to hear – ACORN thugs being arrested and put on trial. RELEASE THE FULL TAPES AND PUT ACORN BEHIND BARS ALREADY.
Posted by: jhw539 | September 16, 2009, 12:09 am 12:09 am
jhw539
I agree ACORN is the Obama administration as the Project for a New American Century was for W
Posted by: jg | September 16, 2009, 12:36 am 12:36 am
yea ACORN!! ACORN!! GETS INVESTIGATED WHEN THEY LOCK UP THOSE WAR CRIMINALS FOR TORTURE,BUSH CHENNEY,RUMMY RICE.
Posted by: ALFO | September 16, 2009, 12:39 am 12:39 am
Guess Obama’s adoration for Specter is bigger news than ACORN and what is going on there.
We are sure becoming a disgusting society, I guess this is the change we really needed when some seems to throw principles out the window, just to remain in the good graces of Obamacare.
Posted by: SJ | September 16, 2009, 12:41 am 12:41 am
ALFO
Obama being elected was the price for not doing just that….it has always been said that the Repubs stole one in 2000 and so the pendulum had to swing back the other way so now history is even
Posted by: jg | September 16, 2009, 12:46 am 12:46 am
I’M DISAPPOINTED THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA WOULD SUPPORTTHAT SNAKE SPECTER OVER A REAL DEMOCRAT
Posted by: ALFO | September 16, 2009, 1:16 am 1:16 am
Posted by: jhw539 | Sep 16, 2009 12:09:02 AM
Ridiculous. As usual. Blame Fox for ACORN’s actions. Great.
Posted by: tjp612 | September 16, 2009, 8:37 am 8:37 am
Hey Charlie wake up!! Oh you were awake sorry…
BTW Specter does not have the proverbial snowball in hell come election day. He is so gone and good riddance to him. I would love to see all the sitting politicians both Republicans and Democrats both lose their elections. That would be a big win for the people…
Posted by: Wayne | September 16, 2009, 11:53 am 11:53 am
Sure, until a MoveOn bank-rolled Joe Sestak CRUSHES the fake Democrat Specter in next year’s primary.
Just paint a target on him.
Posted by: Pete PUMA | September 16, 2009, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
Obama betrays his “outsider” image by backing Aging Arlen, the turncoat politician, who helped put Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court and who has voted mostly with the GOP for his Senate career. Go Joe ! in the primary and then in the general election.
Posted by: sophillyfatz | September 16, 2009, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
At the time, this was not an easy vote for Arlen to take. You can imagine the pressure he was under from the other side,” Obama said. “But Arlen knew that it was more important to answer to the people who sent him to Washington than to the party he belonged to. That’s why you should send him back to Washington for six more years — because you know he’s going to fight for you regardless of what the politics are.
Posted by: movie showtimes | November 25, 2009, 9:30 am 9:30 am