The Biggest Loser

There is no doubt in my mind that the biggest loser of 2009 is the senior senator from Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter. This knucklehead, if you do not remember, switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party soon after the election of BO and the overwhelming victory of the dems against the GOP in the 2008 elections. His conversion gave the dems a filibuster proof majority in the senate. I am sure he thought he was switching to the party that would be in the majority for a long time. But no matter how you look at it and from any perspective the results of this decision have had exactly the opposite effects that were intended.

From a personal point of view, Specter’s switch to the dems will certainly cause the end of his senatorial career. The dems have quickly fallen out of favor as they pursue the Pelosi/Reid far left agenda. The approval rating of the congress is very low and in many congressional races entrenched democrats look to be facing fierce competition from the GOP. Specter thought he would more likely get another senatorial term as a democrat. Although Specter would have had a hard time getting re-elected as republican, his chances of re-election as a democrat in the current political environment is almost zero.

From the point of view of the democratic party, Specter’s handing them a filibuster proof 60th vote was certainly viewed as a victory and a ticket to pursue their agenda without opposition. In actuality, all it gave the dems was the chance to show how incompetent and out of touch they are with the folks. They completely overplayed their hand and ultimately were not able to pass any significant legislation even with this supermajority (except very unpopular, pork laden, deficit exploding and ineffective spending). Without having the GOP as a foil, they exposed their true agenda and demonstrated their true intentions (big nanny government and redistribution of wealth). What was thought to be a conquest (60 votes) for the dems is turning out to be a disaster.

From the GOP point of view, Specter’s defection, completely took them away from the negotiating table. By losing the ability to filibuster they were deemed irrelevant in forming policy and this was seen as a severe blow to the party. What turned out though is that by not having any role in policy formation in actuality worked in their favor. Yes, it allowed the dems to expose themselves as described above. But more so, I think if Specter stayed a republican and they had 41 votes the dems would have had an easier time getting through their agenda. They would have Specter the republican going along with their agenda giving them cover. Additionally, if they were blocked by a filibuster they could blame the GOP for any failure keeping public opinion in their favor. Ultimately, they could not blame the GOP for their failures with a resulting loss of public opinion for the dems and gains for the GOP.

Specter violated the age old doctrine of buy low and sell high. He bought stock in the Democratic Party at its high and has seen his investment plummet. He must be regretting that decision, terribly. What he thought would be beneficial to him and the dems effectively became a detriment and a boon to the GOP. I wonder whether he is pondering if it is too late for him to switch back. I don’t suppose the GOP will welcome him with open arms.