Senator Spector Switches Parties

[Andy A]

I think this shows pretty effectively why we need more than 2 parties and why term limits are a good idea.

Amen to this! Some are so hung up on party affilations and what they consider party actions they cannot see the forest for looking at the trees. A third party is badly needed as well as term limits.

 

[rheffron]

The Pendulum swings. Our Political history shows that this always happens when things get out of whack.

 

[scooterbug44]

Amen to this! Some are so hung up on party affilations and what they consider party actions they cannot see the forest for looking at the trees. A third party is badly needed as well as term limits.

This is also why I find the Republican and Democrat "loyalty oaths" so distasteful. The fact that choosing the best person for the job comes second to party affiliation makes me want to puke.

 

[hnooe]

Now, there is nothing stopping the Obama Train.

Let's see how it turns out.

Check back here in two years.

Now, if the Dems could just get Scalia and Thomas out of there sometime in the next 8 years--things will really start progress on the social side of things, like finally making a woman's right to an abortion "settled" law, and giving gays the right to legally marry in the U.S..

 

[6thGen]

Now, if the Dems could just get Scalia and Thomas out of there sometime in the next 8 years--things will really start progress on the social side of things, like finally making a woman's right to an abortion "settled" law, and giving gays the right to legally marry in the U.S..

Obama's actions are eerily similar to some of FDR's disastrous assaults on wealth and reason, so it would follow that he'd try to pack the Court as well. He'd have to stack on Stevens and Ginsburg before he could get Scalia, and he'd have to stack on Kennedy Breyer now, and Souter in a year. He'd have 10 years before he could touch Thomas. That's the one thing conservatives have going for us, 3 of the solid 4 are 60 or under and the backlash should put us back in the driver's seat if we can keep this to one term, which is looking likely. I think Obama gets two in Ginsburg and Stevens, maybe 3 if Souter follows through and retires to NH. I'd imagine he tries to replace them with each of said justices current top clerks.

 

[futurebeachbum]

I think its great that he's leaving the Republicans. They've clearly lost touch with their values and beliefs in the past 21 years.

OTOH, its a damn shame he had to join the Democrats. They care even less about the future (or the past) of this nation that the Republicans and that's saying a lot.

It would be really nice if he could have switched to a party that believed in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and in particular, the 10th Amendment. But, of course, neither party does.

 

[Lynnie]

I agree that it's a political/career move on his part, which is most likely disheartening to those who genuinely believe in him and voted for him.

I am a proponent for term limits as well as a 3rd Party. Why didn't Spector go Independent? Because he won't be elected!

A filibuster proof administration! I don't believe in that for either party. I hold stong to my faith in our Constitution and that we the People will balance this out. It will serve Spector right if he is not re-elected as a Dem, Rep or Ind!

 

[Yzarctoo]

Those folks back home that elected him...aren't happy with him for voting for the stimulus package...he couldn't win another term if he he ran as a Republican...almost lost last time...so he switched... thinking he might have a better chance with Dems....he also got promised some big chairman jobs as a New Democrat. He is desperate to stay in Washington....it is not a political decision...its a plain old selfish reason. This is just another reason that there should be limits on terms served in Washington...just like they do the President....

 

[Lynnie]

Those folks back home that elected him...aren't happy with him for voting for the stimulus package...he couldn't win another term if he he ran as a Republican...almost lost last time...so he switched... thinking he might have a better chance with Dems....he also got promised some big chairman jobs as a New Democrat. He is desperate to stay in Washington....it is not a political decision...its a plain old selfish reason. This is just another reason that there should be limits on terms served in Washington...just like they do the President....

You're right - I watched him and the thought that entered my head is that he is a professional politician. It almost feels like a move of desperation, what else will he do? The Dems might be proud right now, but they to consider the fallout, too. Bless his heart! Thank God we have term limits on the President!!

 

[Here4Good]

Obama's actions are eerily similar to some of FDR's disastrous assaults on wealth and reason, so it would follow that he'd try to pack the Court as well. He'd have to stack on Stevens and Ginsburg before he could get Scalia, and he'd have to stack on Kennedy Breyer now, and Souter in a year. He'd have 10 years before he could touch Thomas. That's the one thing conservatives have going for us, 3 of the solid 4 are 60 or under and the backlash should put us back in the driver's seat if we can keep this to one term, which is looking likely. I think Obama gets two in Ginsburg and Stevens, maybe 3 if Souter follows through and retires to NH. I'd imagine he tries to replace them with each of said justices current top clerks.

Go back and re-read your history on FDR's "court-packing". Unless Obama tries to expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court by 50%, there is no similarity. FDR was able to appoint 8 justices only because he was president for 12 years.

And, FDR's attempt at court packing failed, Congress stopped it.