This dubious award is usually given for flip-flopping on an issue, but Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has flip-flopped his party. His decision to abandon the Republicans in favor of the Democrats seems clearly calculated to avoid a widely-expected primary defeat next year. Specter,79, was first elected to the Senate in 1980 after flip-flopping to the GOP in 1966 during the Vietnam War. Specter remains hawkish on wars.
So in a way, he and his well-worn flip-flops are returning home but the opportunistic switch, which will not give the Democrats an automatic fillibuster-proof 60th vote, seems breathtaking even for a professional pol.
The group hug photo op at the White House is scheduled for this morning.
