The recent Town Hall confrontations featuring Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania are being described in the media as a turning point for Specter's efforts to be accepted as a Democrat. According to these reports, the suspicions of Pennsylvania Democrats that arose from Specter's opportunistic change from the GOP to the Democrats are being erased as loyal Democrats see specter defend the Obama health program in the face of hostile crowds. To those who view these recent interactions by Specter as good for his political future, I have to ask, "What planet are you from?"
The segment most ofter played in the last week is of Specter being berated by an elderly man who is being ejected from the Town Hall by Specter's security force. The man says that he was lied to by Specter's office. he claims that he called Specter's office and was promised that he could speak at the town hall to ask his questions but that he was now being told he could not speak. He tells Specter that this results since he is not a lobbyist and cannot stuff cash into Specter's pocket. He concludes by telling Specter that some day Specter will stand before God and be judged for what he has done.
This segment does not help Specter win the next election in my opinion. Lying to the elderly does not help win votes in Pennsylvania which has one of the oldest populations in the USA. Being accused of only listening to lobbyists (with no defense presented) leaves an impression of Specter as a hack only interested in his own reelection. Indeed, if anything, this tape reinforces the complaint that Specter is an opportunist looking for money from the special interests not serving the needs of his constituents.
My guess is that Arlen is toast. He may not know it yet, but he is surely toast. to me, the only question is whether or not Specter can win the primary on the back of his new friends who control the Philadelphia machine. I do not think so.
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