you lost someone you TRUSTED that is the hardest loss of all! There are not many here who have EVER LIKED Specter but I appreciate you coming on over to give us your thoughts and really to show us what we already knew that Arlen Specter is an opprotunist! He has no PRINCIPALS!! He is a FAILURE as a human being!

I think you are a good person to be able to praise and point out to others the good qualities in your friend despite your disappointment in his recent actions. Not too many people are like that, he is lucky to have you as a friend. Maybe he will be insprired by you to do the right thing.

I would call his the “coward’s way out,” rather than merely “easy,” but I don’t extend him the loyalty you do. Thanks for your contirubtion and let’s get Toomey into the Senate.

Arlen Specter is a friend of yours. I’m quite sure that the Democratic Leadership, in the persons of Governor Rendell and Chief of Staff Emanuel, made the Senator an offer he couldn’t refuse.

That said, you need to help Pat Toomey run as a voice for balance and representation to keep these Democrats in check. I know the senior Senator from Pennsylvania is your friend, but there is no way he will be a voice for fiscal restraint and action on entitlement reform.

For all his faults, as a Republican, Arlen Specter could have been that man, but he was afraid to lose a battle over principle. Now, it’s time for Pennsylvania Republicans to move on. That needs to be our theme from here on out.

Though I can’t speak as regards his personal qualities, or lack thereof, it is clear that Senator Specter doesn’t have, and has never had, a “record of courage and principle”. If there’s one issue in the Republican platform which he has voted consistently in favor of, I have yet to see it. I wish I could say that it’s your friendship with Arlen which has blinded your better judgement, but given your posting history, you’ve, quite frankly, been delusional from the start regarding virtually every issue that you post on.

I am thankful for your support of Toomey. I just wish that it wasn’t so lukewarm, and, with all due respect, that your embarrassing defense of Specter had been better thought-out.

Fred, if Specter is your “friend” you need lessons in choosing friends. Specter has never been a moderate republican, he’s been a shadow democrat for years. His entire tenure as top R on the judiciary is shameful. He worked to keep Bush’s qualified nominees away from Senate floor votes.

Arlen Specter is an unmitigated, shameful piece of human garbage. I’m glad I don’t have to see an “R” behind his name anymore. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

And I sincerely hope Pat Toomey cleans his worthless, shameless clock.

Oh and Fred, if you see Arlen again, tell him the Beckers in Arizona said he wouldn’t be missed and that he’ll fit right in with the criminal class like Murtha.

Is losing people like Specter. Not saying that’s good or bad; just a fact of life. I wouldn’t be surprised if this puts more pressure on Snowe and Collins, and not in a good way. I don’t know if they’ll go the way of Specter – I suspect they won’t – but anything can happen.

But at this point it seems he’s shown what he’s really all about. Loyalty? No. Power?
Yes. At ALL costs.

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Alren has always been about himself. Has he ever taken a stand on principle? Did he stand on principle when he voted for the porkulus bill? Did it take courage to stab Republicans in the back at every crucial turn?

I take it that you wouldn’t be writing this column today had Specter not turned his back on all the Republicans in PA who donated to him and supported him over the years (in spite of the many betrayals of his party and those who elected him), so excuse me if I doubt your true intentions here. Your defense of Specter is laughable in consideration of his record…and he has no integrity or honor, by the way. He has also never been a moderate either.

Also, I’m surprised that it took this ultimate act of cowardice from your “friend” of 36 years to bring you to the conclusion that Toomey is the better choice after all. I guess I should congratulate you on your newfound wisdom, but I sense that you’ll just be back in the liberal camp again once word gets out in the DC cocktail crowd that you posted this.

I don’t look at this as a loss for the GOP…quite the contrary. Now we have on public display for all to see what we all knew about Specter for many years…and what you should have also known all along.

Emotions are running high today, and amidst the anger and feeling of betrayal, it can be hard to remember (especially at a computer keyboard) that there are flesh and blood people involved. And so, on the person-to-person level, I sympathize with your disappointment and loss.

Also, I think you’re starting to see that, when you get past the day-to-day events and look at the larger picture and the longer-term trendline, and the rhetoric, that the Obama administration – with the active aid of Congressional Democrats and the abject abdication by the press of their watchdog role – is taking our country in a very radical direction towards massive expansion of government power and involvement in our lives and economy along with a very dangerous tilt in foreign policy that in specifics and in totality is far more leftist than what Obama campaigned on.

Now many here at RedState recognized this likelihood given Obama’s past record and personal history, and although we may have come across as alarmist or shrill, the hyperpartisan behavior and extreme policyactions and laws to date, and the choice of cabinet and other administrators that Obama is selecting are confirming our judgment.

The current adminstration clearly seems set upon revolutionary change, viewing the Republican party as the nation’s greatest enemy and having no interest in dialog, bipartisanship (unless you define it as “my way or the highway”), or negotiation.

In any case, I trust that many voters in this country will start having their eyes opened as to what they have brought about by their votes, though the timing of their awakening will vary (and others may never awaken). I am glad that you recognize that the Democratic leadership are “people who have a fundamentally different vision for America, and one that I profoundly disagree with”.

I welcome your support and hope that the differences can be ironed out in time – even if the outcome is respectful disagreement – but that in the interim we can work together to reverse the grave danger that our nation faces, because unless we continue to be a free republic that recognizes who are our friends and who are our enemies in the world and maintains the strength and deterrance to keep ourselves a sovereign nation, the rest doesn’t matter.

Let’s all try to keep perspective in the turbulent times that lie ahead.

I’ll second what civil_truth says. Today is not a day in which “moderate” is a friendly term, and I think it was only on his best days that Specter even rated moderate.

I have friends also whose political persuasions are contemptible, so I know what it takes for you to throw your support to Toomey today. But I’m glad you did.

turned me off Spector a long time ago.

Ivan Einhorn…….

I am glad you are supporting Toomey, but you were blinded by your friendship.

In no way was Specter for limited government (porkulus,etc.). Moderate is a adjective not a noun. The party is big enough for moderate republicans, but a moderate means nothing by itself. Specter was never a moderate republican, he is downright liberal and the only principle he believes in is himself.

hey, better late than never realizing Specter is a self interested opportunistic leach of taxpayers.

It doesn’t feel good getting betrayed by friends. Been there, done that, got the Tshirt.

Re: Mr Malek, who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!

I will point out a few from your post

record of courage and principle
When have we seen him do this?

limited government and strong national defense
He was the “critical” vote on Massive expansion of government.

Arlen has never stepped down from a fight, but he did this time
In my view this was probably his last election attempt. He could have stayed in and fought for his views and philosophy. Fight and Lose is acceptable but run away from a Fight is cowardly.

In leaving the Republican Party, Arlen has abandoned people who have been his allies for another team
No Sir. He was explicitly insulting…. I should say abusive… “It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable. On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my twenty-nine year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I”. How can you dismiss the people who have supported you for decades?

“GOP as a Big Tent Party” has been a misused term. If I could change it I would rather say “GOP as a Principled Party”. We have people who have done nothing principled leave alone conservative…… And that’s what their record says…

I respect your view. But I would advise you to give yourself some time to relax and think again in a few weeks.

And yes I welcome your support for Pat Toomey.

Not a political party traitor but an American Traitor as he has formally joined those who seek to destroy this Nation. I hope he rots in Hell.

As an elder statesman, he should leave with dignity. I believe he has had some recent treatment for cancer and looks like he should leave the political stage. There is no honor in what he is doing and he is listening to the wrong people.

Mr. Malek, you’ve been around a long time. Our country is on the verge of collapse if not already there. This situation has trashed lifelong effort and sacrifice by many Americans and could have been prevented by just a few people with influence. Like yourself. An article by Scott Rasmussen on 4/27 describes how this happened. Inside the Beltway people are the problem. Now, to change the subject. I understand you like baseball. I’m a Yankee fan and feel we need a new owner. Could you possibly persuade the Yankees to sell you the team? If not, could you please buy a stake in the YES Network which needs a complete housecleaning in my opinion? Thanks.

Respectfully, I suppose one could write off some of the commentary as retching from the years of sickness that has infected the GOP. Perhaps a reaction to the immoderate and unprincipled tendencies of the few who have helped destroyed our party? But alas, it appears to me the “healers” are in need of some melioration themselves.

Mr. Specter most recently deserves our scorn because he made a calculated, selfish political move to stay in the Senate. Facing almost certain defeat against Mr. Toomey in the primary, Specter threw principle to the wind (certainly a modus operandi he has employed sometimes in the past) and honored himself above the voters of Pennsylvania. He is now lauded amongst the thieves in our government who have ensured future generations will never see the type of prosperity we experienced by saddling us with $9 trillion dollars in debt. Those laying palms and olive branches at Mr. Specter’s feet are also the same representatives who are dismantling our nations security, cutting the military budget, forcing nationalized healthcare, historically increasing the size of government, promoting unfair immigration policies and drastically altering the diverse social fabric of our country- all mostly in the dead of night and unmitigated by the checks and balances of our Republic. As Lincoln said, “What kills a skunk is the publicity is gives itself”. Is this what our nations wants, such abhorrent behavior? Hardly, but the real issue is; what is our vision and how does it differ from such actions?

Mr. Malek came here to give a sincere recitation of his perspective and reason for abandonment. Certainly all are welcome to their opinion- I need not even articulate that point. Nonetheless, he was invited here and even though you may disagree- is this the way one treats a guest to their home or engages in meaningful debate? If so, we have met the enemy and it is us. Oh yes, and get familiar with living in the wilderness.

This party rose to prominence because it existed on a core set of values which reflected our society. We lost our appeal by abandoning those principles, mutating into issue specific groups of acolytes which fed on each other like cannibals, employing electoral strategies aimed at demographics instead of shared values and generally losing our poise as evidenced by this thread. We can continue this tact, and in my opinion, lose, or we can forcefully rearticulate who we are, not what we are against.

Given the Pennsylvania electorate, Mr. Toomey now faces an uphill battle and almost certain defeat should our current ambiguity continue. You choice; we can continue life in the wasteland and devour our neighbors flesh or use this as an opportunity to turn the page.

Although speaking more about slavery to Congress in 1862, Lincoln also said the following which I believe provides and abject lesson;
“The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country”

Respectfully, I suppose one could write off some of the commentary as retching from the years of sickness that has infected the GOP. Perhaps a reaction to the immoderate and unprincipled tendencies of the few who have helped destroyed our party? But alas, it appears to me the “healers” are in need of some melioration themselves.

Mr. Specter most recently deserves our scorn because he made a calculated, selfish political move to stay in the Senate. Facing almost certain defeat against Mr. Toomey in the primary, Specter threw principle to the wind (certainly a modus operandi he has employed sometimes in the past) and honored himself above the voters of Pennsylvania. He is now lauded amongst the thieves in our government who have ensured future generations will never see the type of prosperity we experienced by saddling us with $9 trillion dollars in debt. Those laying palms and olive branches at Mr. Specter’s feet are also the same representatives who are dismantling our nations security, cutting the military budget, forcing nationalized healthcare, historically increasing the size of government, promoting unfair immigration policies and drastically altering the diverse social fabric of our country- all mostly in the dead of night and unmitigated by the checks and balances of our Republic. As Lincoln said, “What kills a skunk is the publicity is gives itself”. Is this what our nations wants, such abhorrent behavior? Hardly, but the real issue is; what is our vision and how does it differ from such actions?

Mr. Malek came here to give a sincere recitation of his perspective and reason for abandonment. Certainly all are welcome to their opinion- I need not even articulate that point. Nonetheless, he was invited here and even though you may disagree- is this the way one treats a guest to their home or engages in meaningful debate? If so, we have met the enemy and it is us. Oh yes, and get familiar with living in the wilderness.

This party rose to prominence because it existed on a core set of values which reflected our society. We lost our appeal by abandoning those principles, mutating into issue specific groups of acolytes which fed on each other like cannibals, employing electoral strategies aimed at demographics instead of shared values and generally losing our poise as evidenced by this thread. We can continue this tact, and in my opinion, lose, or we can forcefully rearticulate who we are, not what we are against.

Given the Pennsylvania electorate, Mr. Toomey now faces an uphill battle and almost certain defeat should our current ambiguity continue. You choice; we can continue life in the wasteland and devour our neighbors flesh or use this as an opportunity to turn the page.

Although speaking more about slavery to Congress in 1862, Lincoln also said the following which I believe provides and abject lesson;
“The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country”

You are correct that the scorn heaped upon Mr. Malek for counting Senator Specter as a friend is impolite and unhelpful. I do understand on a certain level, however, the lashing out by people who feel betrayed at Mr. Malek, whom they feel is basically serving as a voluntary emissary for Senator Specter. They feel Mr. Malek is here saying that Senator Specter is a good guy who simply disagrees. We have not been blinded to the truth, however, that Specter is a shameless, self-serving opportunist who does not now, nor ever did care about those core principles you mentioned as much as he cares about his own political fortunes. While I agree that a need to be a little more civil exists, trying to play nice with people like Specter is what sent the Republican party into a tailspin in the first place. A (much more polite) chiding is definitely in order for Mr. Malek. He does indeed, as one poster said, need to choose his friends more carefully.

about Specter and I agree with you wholeheartedly that we do need to have a more civil discourse. However, you made another point in your post about our party rising to prominence by adhering to a limited but solid set of core principles and then falling because we abandoned those core principles. I hate to go all Bill Clinton on you, but that depends on what the definition of “we” is. “We” the politicians may have very well abandoned those principles, but “we” the angry mob out here have not. We have worked hard, paid our taxes, been good citizens, and voted for the most conservative candidate in every race every time. All we have gotten for this is massive federal deficits and loss of power for our party. All I was trying to say in my reply to your original post was that I understand the frustration and anger that the base of the party feels because “we” have been sold out by people like Specter. “We” have done what we KNOW is the right thing every time. People who try to suck up to folks like Specter are a large part of what caused the GOP’s demise, and forgive me if I think it is healthy in the long run to POLITELY remind them of the dangers of consorting with such donkeys in elephants’ clothing.
Lastly, you are 100% correct that it is counter-intuitive that continuous caustic attacks will draw people into our party. However, it certainly seems to have worked for the opposition, does it not? Has George Bush not been blamed for everything from the housing crisis to jock itch? Are not charlatans like Reid, Gore, Dean, Pelosi not constantly publicly using the same tactics?
Look, you and I are on the same team. But “we” have been playing nicey-nice all along, and look what it has wrought. I am a whole lot less optimistic than you are that doing so now will yield different results.

the fact of my support was a consequence of our shared political values of limited government and strong national defense.

The “Big Tent” analogy isn’t the correct one…the correct one is a MAGNET…we need to be a MAGNET that draws these independents in who are sick and tired of what’s going on in Washington—Fred Thompson