Specter makes his final betrayal official; Update: Obama coos over Specter, Big Labor

By Michelle Malkin  •  September 15, 2009 01:17 PM

I laid out Arlen Specter’s coming betrayal on card-check in May.

Today, Benedict Arlen just made it official:

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter took another step in his political transformation on Tuesday, telling hundreds of labor activists that he will support legislation that would make it easier to form unions.

In a speech at the AFL-CIO convention, Specter also boldly predicted a compromise version of the bill would be passed in Congress this year.

“We have pounded out an employees’ choice bill which will meet labor’s objectives,” Specter told cheering union delegates.

Specter’s assurance was a reversal from his stance earlier this year, when he declared on the Senate floor that he could not vote for the Employee Free Choice Act.

Since then, Specter switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party, giving Democrats a 60-vote majority in the Senate.

Facing a strong primary challenge from Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak, Specter is counting on union support to help him hold onto his seat. Sestak is not speaking at the convention.

Specter spoke just hours before President Barack Obama was set to address the delegates. Later Tuesday, Obama was to attend a fundraiser for Specter in Philadelphia, where he was expected to tell donors how crucial Specter is for pushing through the White House agenda.

Card check = massively boosting union rolls = massively boosting Democrat voter rolls = permanent GOP minority.

You’re a real patriot, Sen. Specter.

***

Update: President Obama is speaking at the AFL-CIO. According to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Salena Zito, Obama singled out Specter for praise and cooed: “The White House is pretty nice, but there’s nothing like being back in the House of Labor.” (It’s a duplex.) He then claimed that when organized labor succeeds, America succeeds.

Tell that to the Boeing workers who just decertified their union.

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Posted in: Arlen Specter,Unions

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Comments


  1. #1
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:26 pm, letget said:

    I guess specter needs all the money the unions will give him to get elected. Please, people who live where this slug slime is from, VOTE him out!!!
    L

  2. #2
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:27 pm, d1carter said:

    BO just recognized Arlen at the big AFL-CIO love fest. There was hardly any applause. No one likes Arlen and his retirement is very near.
    BTW, BO likes being back in the “home” of labor.

  3. #3
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:27 pm, RogersUmp said:

    Dirty, rotten scoundrel!

  4. #4
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    Facing a strong primary challenge from Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak, Specter is counting on union support to help him hold onto his seat.

    He obviously doesn’t think much Obama’s admonition last Saturday to Dems who only care about getting re-elected rather than having the courage to do what’s right.

  5. #5
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:31 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    Defectors do their thing for a number of reasons, but they are never trusted. The group they left considers them pariahs; the group they run to will never trust them completely.

    Benedict Arnold found this out. The English never trusted him.

    The democrats will put someone up against Specter in the primary because they don’t trust him. Specter is stupid enough to think changing parties will be his security blanket.

    “Thanks for your help. Just remember, we’re not laughing at you, we’re laughing with you!”

  6. #6
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:33 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    I’m just waiting for the spelling change on his name – Spector.

  7. #7
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:38 pm, Salt said:

    He’s just getting warmed up to having a (D) after his name.

  8. #8
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:39 pm, Thomas said:

    permanent GOP minority.

    Not going to happen.

  9. #9
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:41 pm, Flyoverman said:

    permanent GOP minority.

    Not on my watch.

  10. #10
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:46 pm, prendad said:

    “We have pounded out an employees’ choice bill which will meet labor’s objectives,” Specter told cheering union delegates.

    TRANSLATION: “Let me assure everyone that I will do ANYTHING, REPEAT ANYTHING (just test me) to hold onto my cushy congressional freeloading job. . .thank you”.

  11. #11
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:46 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    I do believe that S.P.E.C.T.R.E. was the nemisis of James Bond. They were always out to rule the world.

    SPecical Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion.

    Hmmmm.

  12. #12
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:46 pm, b-cat said:

    Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter took another step in his political transformation on Tuesday, telling hundreds of labor activists that he will support legislation that would make it easier to form unions.

    That’s not new; the only thing new about Spector is he’s not a RINO anymore.

    President Obama is speaking at the AFL-CIO. According to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Salena Zito, Obama singled out Specter for praise and cooed: “The White House is pretty nice, but there’s nothing like being back in the House of Labor.”

    How the heck would he know. He’s never done a day’s labor in his life.

  13. #13
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:47 pm, flmom said:

    I’d love to see the donation list for Specter’s campaign.

  14. #14
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:48 pm, Rob said:

    Specter is what is wrong with politics. He is only interested in himself and power, and he will do and say whatever it takes to keep both. I sure hope they vote his sorry, saggy butt out!

  15. #15
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:48 pm, Rob said:

    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:33 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    I’m just waiting for the spelling change on his name – Spector.

    LOL!

  16. #16
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:50 pm, stillontheroad said:

    Lèchement d’Obama/Spector — anything to stroke egos –

  17. #17
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:52 pm, Lindsay said:

    Spector is a sphincter.

  18. #18
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:56 pm, Hangfire said:

    Arlen Speculum is lower than whale crap.

  19. #19
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:57 pm, battleaxe said:

    When labor succeeds, car companies require bailouts.

  20. #20
    On September 15th, 2009 at 1:59 pm, stillontheroad said:

    When Unions succeed — the project cost goes up 150% and takes months instaed of days.

  21. #21
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:05 pm, vinny said:

    Another slave of the Obama administration. What’s next for Specter, visits to North Korea to present Kim Il Jong some champion of children’s rights award?

  22. #22
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:08 pm, Red State Skeptic said:

    Oh that Specter, betraying Republicans who don’t even live in his state to appease his constituents.

  23. #23
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:13 pm, stillontheroad said:

    Red State Skeptic said:
    His vote is not only for his constituents – his vote as well as all others affect all of us, period!

  24. #24
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:14 pm, California Red said:

    This really is the battle for the future of our country. The Unions have amassed so much organizational, political, and economic power that their interests are prevailing over the good of the country. They are king of the hill right now and I don’t think they will give up ground easily.

  25. #25
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:21 pm, Jet Jaguar said:

    Yet another reason to repeal the 17th Amendment. Power to the States!!!

  26. #26
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:21 pm, Salt said:

    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:08 pm, Red State Skeptic said:

    Oh that Specter, betraying Republicans who don’t even live in his state to appease his constituents.

    I wasn’t aware that his constituency consisted only of labor activists.

    Specter’s assurance was a reversal from his stance earlier this year, when he declared on the Senate floor that he could not vote for the Employee Free Choice Act.

    So, was he betraying his constituents when he made this declaration, or now?

  27. #27
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:25 pm, Truesoldier said:

    “We have pounded out an employees’ choice bill which will meet labor’s objectives,” Specter told cheering union delegates.

    That is a very contradictory statement.

  28. #28
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm, rambler said:

    Specter will suck up to any group in order to keep his beloved senate seat.

  29. #29
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:31 pm, Darwin Akbar said:

    With the passing of Sen. Kennedy, it has become really difficult to determine which Washington Demoncrat is the most despicable. One day, Spector takes over from Rangle, whereas only the day before, Reid beats out Barney Frank, leaving Pelosi and Chris Dodd in the lurch…(no, not John Kerry…it’s a figure of speech)…. the day before it’s Roland “You Didn’t Give Me Time to Answer those Questions Truthfully!” Burris…

    They say we get the leadership we deserve…but is this God’s way of punishing us, Job-like? I don’t know how much more of this I can take.

  30. #30
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm, happyscrapper said:

    Sphincter is on his way out. Everyone knows it. He is done. So he should enjoy while he can. I can’t wait to see all the crapweasals voted out next year. It will be a mammouth change…the kind that will save our Republic!

  31. #31
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:39 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Be nice to Specter. He’s probably an insomniac right now.

    In his political heart he knows he just jumped ship to the other side to avoid defeat not realizing that after this summer, one year from now you would rather be the illegitimate socially diseased off spring of the town hooker than a Democrat politician.

    People have called him a Benedict Arnold. Whether true or not, Specter just picked the wrong horse to be on in the horse race. Sucks to be him.

  32. #32
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:40 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    permanent GOP minority.

    Last days of the GOP. They have already merged with the Dems.

    Third second party baby!

  33. #33
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:43 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    The only thing this administration care about is POWER. Power and control for generations to come. Don’t let them do it. RECYCLE CONGRESS 2010.

  34. #34
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:44 pm, Red State Skeptic said:

    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:13 pm, stillontheroad said:

    His vote is not only for his constituents – his vote as well as all others affect all of us, period!

    He represents a big time union state, and he will vote accordingly. Get over it.

  35. #35
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:48 pm, Mister P said:

    How about a bill to form an Anti-Union? It gets certified as a union, makes no agreements and prevents any other union from coming in.

  36. #36
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:50 pm, stillontheroad said:

    Red State Skeptic said:
    He will vote which ever way the wind blows to keep his seat – end of story.

  37. #37
    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:58 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Sounds like the cooing lovebirds Obama and Specter are joined in a union of the pelvic area. Where’s West Nile virus when you need it?

  38. #38
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:01 pm, tre said:

    Specter: noun. Definition: Evil Spirit.

  39. #39
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:02 pm, rightwingrocker said:

    Someone ought to remind Mr. Specter that Boeing has plants in PA.

    He would be wise to heed the warnings inherent in the actions of Boeing employees.

    RWR
    http://www.rightwingrocker.com

  40. #40
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:07 pm, Salt said:

    On September 15th, 2009 at 2:50 pm, stillontheroad said:

    Red State Skeptic said:
    He will vote which ever way the wind blows to keep his seat – end of story.

    This is just as much about securing DNC funding for his senate race.

    I doubt the Democrat leadership trusts Specter all that much. He’s lost his value as a RINO that thinks like they do. Now that he’s got the (D), he’s got to show that he won’t switch back and that he’s just as valuable to them as any other liberal with which they might replace him.

    I expect we’ll see him campaigning further and further to the left as time goes on, if only to appease a Democrat party that has no reason to trust someone that can change his allegiance just to keep his senate seat.

  41. #41
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:15 pm, rightwingrocker said:

    He represents a big time union state, and he will vote accordingly. Get over it.

    We’ll get over it when the unions represent the Founders’ intent.

    You get over it.

    RWR
    http://www.rightwingrocker.com

  42. #42
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:16 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    He represents a big time union state, and he will vote accordingly. Get over it.

    No he doesn’t. He is one of two representatives-at-large for Philadelphia, thanks to the 17th amendment.

    The only way U.S. senators can truely represent the entire state, would be to elect them by county. Each county gets one vote. Win the popular vote in that county, you get the vote of that county. Win more counties than your opponent, you win the election.

    THAT would be true state representation, because each county would have a say. Currently, only the largest metropolitan area in the state really decides who wins the U.S. senate seats.

  43. #43
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:23 pm, dan708 said:

    You’re a real patriot, Sen. Specter.

    Yeah well, it’s hard for a skunk to change his stripes 8-)

  44. #44
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:29 pm, vatodio said:

    Arlen is like a Tail of a Toad.

    It keeps flailing for a few seconds even after it is cut off. Then it rests in peace forever. And Toad goes on to become full grown frog.

  45. #45
    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:47 pm, pressto said:

    So just when is someone in the media going to report about President Obama spending his whole time since taking office just flying around the country on the campaign trail to promote is agenda?

    Heck the media bashed the last President big time and kept a running total on his days he was away from DC and I bet the current President has doubled that.

  46. #46
    On September 15th, 2009 at 4:36 pm, GladzKravtz said:

    If this goes through, even the office of the president will serve the Unions eventually.
    No more democrats/libs/progressives or republicans/conservatives.
    Elections will be between the Green Labor Party and the Right to have Guns Labor Party. Pick a boss.

  47. #47
    On September 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm, cheapseat said:

    you really expected specter to do anything except protect his a$$. the dems should really look at what this sleaze is, because they are going to be counting on this chump to carry the torch for them also. the only party he won’t betray is the specter party. if the unions go out and work for this guy, more power to them, because then they won’t be looking for a new candidate who is actually a democrat.

  48. #48
    On September 15th, 2009 at 5:52 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    They say we get the leadership we deserve…but is this God’s way of punishing us, Job-like?

    Not to get OT by discussing theology, but God wasn’t punishing Job. He was allowing Job to be tested – you could say that Satan double-dared Him to remove His protection from Job.

    So maybe your analogy is a fair one, only for a different reason.

    Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
    2 Chronicles 7:14 (New Living Translation)

  49. #49
    On September 15th, 2009 at 6:00 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    On September 15th, 2009 at 3:47 pm, pressto said:

    So just when is someone in the media going to report…

    Others have already said something along the lines of what I’m saying now, that the media, as we’ve been accustomed to identifying them, are no longer the conduits of news that they, by their very being, are supposed to be. That applies to print media as well as the electronic media.

    There are many voices, via blogs (like our illustrious hostess’s), radio, and cable TV who are – no, who have been and continue reporting on I Won/Obama’s apparently non-stop campaigning.

    And they are being heard.

  50. #50
    On September 15th, 2009 at 6:21 pm, sbw999 said:

    Proof that politicians at their core care about one thing: keeping their own sorry asses in power.

  51. #51
    On September 15th, 2009 at 7:01 pm, Valiant said:

    Douchenozzle.

  52. #52
    On September 15th, 2009 at 7:11 pm, Madam President said:

    Wow, what a piece of $#1t!

  53. #53
    On September 15th, 2009 at 7:44 pm, torabora said:

    If BarriO can take away the right to a secret vote in unions, then he can do the same to general elections. After that only people who vote correctly can get government jobs and the end of history is here.

    Obamanation

  54. #54
    On September 15th, 2009 at 7:50 pm, madshark said:

    From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

    Main Entry: ex·pec·to·rate
    Pronunciation: \-tə-ˌrāt\
    Function: verb
    Inflected Form(s): ex·pec·to·rat·ed; ex·pec·to·rat·ing
    Etymology: Latin expectoratus, past participle of expectorare to banish from the mind (taken to mean literally “to expel from the chest”), from ex- + pector-, pectus breast, soul — more at pectoral
    Date: 1601
    transitive verb
    1 : to eject from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting
    2 : spit

    Senator Ex”specter”ate

  55. #55
    On September 15th, 2009 at 8:03 pm, Wayfaring Stranger said:

    On September 15th, 2009 at 7:50 pm, madshark said:

    madshark, kudos on an impressive bit or word-geekery. :-D

  56. #56
    On September 15th, 2009 at 8:34 pm, sparky1962 said:

    That’s why I am a UNION ELECTRICIAN who has been out of work for 10 months. And in the past 4 years I have worked a total of 1-1/2 years. Lets make more people UNION so I can be out of work even longer.

  57. #57
    On September 15th, 2009 at 9:01 pm, NJ-Aviator said:

    Arlen Sphincter.

    That’s pretty much states the obvious.

  58. #58
    On September 15th, 2009 at 9:14 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    Darling Sphincter cannot betray us. He has to be an American before he can betray us.

  59. #59
    On September 16th, 2009 at 9:27 am, dan708 said:

    What I want to know is, what did Obama promise to do for Specter’s constituents? Obama is a Chicago pol and Specter is from Philly, birds of the same dirty feather. Another Philly pol, state Sen. Vince Fumo was just imprisoned. That’s all you need to know.

  60. #60
    On September 16th, 2009 at 11:03 am, misterbee241 said:

    I dont know how a rat like Specter looks himself in the mirror or even sleeps at night.

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