Looking pale and speaking softly, but showing a spirit and enthusiasm that is undaunted by the reoccurrence of his Hodgkins Disease, Senator Arlen Specter, today, held a "roundtable" discussion at the City View Diner in Whitehall.It wasn't a fundraiser; none of the big money folks were there. It was instead a chance for the Senator to hear what the troops in the trenches are thinking.
After a few opening remarks, Specter polled each person by name, asking what was most important to them in this election: Who did they think would be McCain's best pick for VP? What issues are resonating with the average voter? What strategies are needed to win this Presidential Election? What kind of help could they use in their grassroots efforts?
Few of the answers were surprising: Romney was top choice for VP. The possibility that the next President will most likely select several Supreme Court Justices was a top issue. The best strategy is for McCain to continue to demonstrate his foreign policy bona fides by getting out in front of the issues, as he has with the Russian invasion of Georgia. Grassroots organizing and voter registration efforts are going well, but as always, could use more funding.
Most of the people sitting around the table expressed conservative views, an interesting contrast to the often "moderate" voting record of the Senator. But today was not about the usual "RINO" name calling; today was about making the troops feel important and having their views heard.
Newly converted Republican Tony Phillips came in for special attention. There was no mention of his possible run for Allentown Mayor, but there were plenty of congratulations offered for the recent positive posts by super-blogger Bernie O'Hare on "Lehigh Valley Ramblings".
A few "off the record" stories about Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to motivate the troops and the meeting was over in an hour...
A personal observation: What I found fascinating was how seldom Barack Obama was mentioned. The discussion never focused on beating Obama, it focused on how John McCain can win. Overall, that is a very good strategy.
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8 comments:
When Pat Toomey ran against Arlen Specter, I was persuaded by Charlie Roberts to change registration and vote for Arlen. Not only did I change, but I persuaded about twenty fellow Dems to join me. I think Arlen just squeaked by. I've always admired Snarlin' Arlen. To me, he's been the real Maverick in Congress.
Bernie,
There are many, myself included who admire Sen. Specter for his independence and his courage in the face of his disease.
Although I admit, it took years after the Clarence Thomas hearings for me to be willing to vote for him again after his treatment of Anita Hill.
My guess is that he's going to have another Primary challenge in 2010, not to mention the possibility of a high-profile opponent in Chris Matthews.
So you got persuaded by Charlie Roberts, did you? Charlie's very good at that.
I think the Anita Hill questioning was Specter's only shining moment.
Anon 10:03,
Yes, a lot of men feel that way.
Pam:
I still believe that Charlie Dent should run for United States Senate in 2010. He is enough of a moderate, (as much as my fellow Dems hate to admit it) to win the seat against anyone other than Ed Rendell, were he to run. Charlie Dent would carry the "T" by enough of a margin to win the State over Chris Matthews, who is just another media blowhard, imho.
I think Charlie Dent would be more effective in the Senate than in the House. While the Lehigh Valley Demographic might be leaning against him, the State Demographic overall is in his favor.
My wife like you, and many women, will not forgive Arlen for the Clarence Thomas Hearings.
I admire the guys fire and fight, but it is time to step aside. We need the next generation to step up and take charge.
I know Mr. Dent's energy policy and votes anger some, but I read his public mailing, and despite my disapproval of the delivery method, it was quite informative, and I agree with much of it. I'll be writing about that on my own blog on a Sunday night in the future. Thanks for letting me weave on your thread!
Chris,
You're really thinking ahead...
I'll be happy to see Charlie skate through this election before he starts planning the next one.
You may want to give more thought as to whether Arlen should retire: That's a lot of seniority for PA to lose.
Glad to hear you read the energy mailer. Charlie is much brighter than most people know, which is a fact that will likely be reinforced if Bernie can ever get his software working and actually print the Dent interview.
You are welcome to weave threads on this blog, anytime.
what about specter retiring and paving the way for chris matthews?
Anon 2:42
So far, it doesn't appear that Sen. Specter is the least bit inclined toward retirement. I can't imagine he would do so to pave the way for a Democrat.
It will be interesting to see if Matthews actually gets in. He seems like a bit of a prima donna; he's in for a rude awakening out on the trail.
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