CNN

Guess Steele is continuing to show the class that is running people away from the GOP in droves.

"If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele.

As usual, no chance of them taking the high road or indulging in any self-examination.

Bless you Sen. Specter for turning away from the party of "no". As in no class.

Steele, I haven't flipped a bird in a long time. Here's one for you.

Steele sounds like such an idiot. The way he expresses himself is so unprofessional and unbecoming. I don't know who he thinks he's appealing to.

Very classy with the "finger" Mr. Steele. As RNC head, do you teach classes in bridge-burning, too??

Obviously, the GOP chose Steele as their leader because of his professionalism. Keep things above board and on a business-like level.

You know, they have now discovered that the cure for the swine flu is to hug a senator or representative

The Republicans are done. They just cannot stop excluding people from their ranks.

Hey Michael Steele the Republican pup tent wont hold you sine it only has room for Rush and Dick Cheney. Look for the Republican tent to be the source of the next swine epidemic. Oh yeah Mr porch Steele here is a finger for you too..

I think it was very rude of the Republican party to trash our Constitution during the past eight years and to get rid of those
"quaint" Geneva convention rules. Republicans either need to start admitting to their evil deeds or get out of the party.

How can guys like Michael Steele sleep at night ? There's no reconciliation possible, because the national GOP refuses to consider the differences Specter has with the party. This "get with the program" crap doesn't fly either. Specter has a duty to his consituents, not to some political party that is twisted by special interests and the religious right.

Any of you who don't question who it is you're voting for, because you're a straight-line Republican or Democrat should be ashamed.

Specter is a coward. He knew he was going to lose the Republican nomination in the next primary so, rather than fight it out he has chosen to switch parties. He's a gutless coward. He'll fit right in with the democrat party.

should we really have a member of the Maryland State Republican Legislature providing news content for CNN?

REPUBLICAN PARTY WILL ALWAYS BE THE PARTY OF RIGHT WING EXTRIMIST

Wise up Steele, 70% of the country is "flipping the bird" to this "right wing Rushlican party!' It is out of the main stream, clueless, idealess, regional and fast becoming irrelevant.
You had better start listening to Meagan McCain and Schmidt rather than Bohener, Cronyn, Newt, Palin, Hannity, Beck the clown and Rush. This country is saying NO to your continuous "no's."

Is Steele possibly as dumb as he sounds every time he opens his mouth? It is difficult to imagine that he is THAT dumb, but I guess it is possible. As a Dem, all I can say is, KEEP MICHAEL STEELE AS GOP CHAIRMAN. Please! What a joke he is. Thank you Maryland for keeping this fool out of the Senate.

C.N.N could please have the decency to explain why you are not posting my opinions!

Steele invoking Specter's mother was classless. Clearly we can't expect the kind of sober and more thoughtful assessment from Steele that we saw from the likes of Snowe, Collins, McCain, and Graham – all Republicans. Steele's message: It's not the GOP's fault for failing to take care of one of its own; it's all about Specter.

Having reread Spectors March 17th interview with the Hill on the subject, I would say that Arlen is a lying flip-flopper and should fit in just fine with the George Soros controlled Obama administration and the weirdos like Bobby Rush, Joe Biden, Jesse Jackson Jr. and that horrible cast of lying, cheating scum.

Specter the Traitor. This is a dog that was never going to hunt anyway, it's better he's ran to the other side. The party accepting leftovers! Get it?

Sen. Specter finally got his senses back. Mr. Steele would switch parties if he knew he had a job waiting for him.

hey about 70% of American's are flipping the bird at the GOP.... do you think they will get it anytime soon???

Who ever would have thought that the republican party would be defeated from the implosion from within? There is something to that Karma thing after all.

To Mr. Steele:
Wah.

This is like a little 2 yr old sucking his thumb. Spector's poll numbers were in the toilet and basically he thought by switching sides, he might get Democrats to vote for him. He is such a joke. Now the Republicans don't like him and the Democrats don't trust him. I mean, who's to say if he doesn't like something the Dems say, that he just won't switch sides again.

The RNC had no intention of "standing behind" Spector beyond token support with Toomey, the head of the "club for growth" running against him. As for Steele saying "we're coming after you", he forgot to add "just like in NY-20.

Remember how the DEMS castrated Joe when he switched? Let's start a grassroots effort to have all Republican PA votes switch to the DEMS and vote Benedict Spector out in the 2010 primary!

Thanks, Senator Spector, for leaving the party of losers.

Steele you uncle tom foot shuffling nut, we dont care how you feel, the GOP isn't God its just a political party, Specter is a grown man who can choose what he wants. Stop the hate on Specter.

Once again CNN chooses to step on my freedom of speech because I choose to express my opinion in a way that directly or indirectly exposes their sensitive far right wing conservative nerve and their need to maintain the same greedy mindset of the last 8 years. Get a clue or go the route of your party,a.k.a. the party of cowards......soon to be extinct

WOW...This Steele guy sounds like a BABY! Someone needs a nap.

Hey Michael, how does it feel to be on the receiving end of the 'bird'?
Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rice, Rumsfield and the rest of that gang of criminals from 2000 thru 2008 flipped the bird at the rest of the nation all that time and you didn't seem to care then.

Steele has a big mouth and blow a lot of hot air. One day he will find out that he is just the GOP house boy who nobody in their right mind will follow. He is no Obama!!! Just a want-a-be.

May I remind you Mr. Steele that YOU said the seat in New York was within your target area. You said the GOP would win the NY election and that it will count as a vote against the President and DNC.

You lost, even as you spent millions on that election. Thanks for sending money to NY; you bet a few people was employed by your funds.

This is a wake up call for you and the GOP; Americans are tired of your "NO at all cost" and the arrogance of the GOP.

You and your party will enjoy being in the wilderness for several decades. Have fun while you are there and no need to send a post card.

The American people gave the GOP the Bird two elections in a row.

Come on Steele lets see if you can beat Specter!!

Specter knows that the GOP would cut him down in a heart beat. That is why he probably does not feel any obligation to the GOP.

LOL, LOL, LOL.
The cookie crumbles

You know what job you get when you CAN'T get elected? Party Committee Chairman.

Michael Steele is a bonehead and a blowhard that is not well liked by either Democrats or Republicans.

Sen. Specter switching parties after 4 decades? What took you so long...and who's next?

Steele's comments finally align the Chairman solidly with the GOP: morally and intellectually bankrupt.

Welcome home Arlen!!!!!!!!! Unlike the conservatives we welcome people of all view points to our caucus!

I'll bet every time Michael Steele opens his mouth, his fellow Republicans cringe. His speaking reflects zero class, and I'll bet his mama didn't raise him that way either!

"We're coming after you," huh? Isn't that what Steele said about Rep. Murphy (D) ... just before Murphy won the NY-20 election?

If they stood behind him so ardently, then why were they funneling so much money to Pat Toomey during the primary in an attempt to unseat Spector from within? All of their associated PACs labeled him a Republican in name only and launched a national campaign to affect our regional election. They only accepted him in default after their guy lost in the primary.

I am glad that Specter is gone. There are going to be a lot of true conservatives that will donate pleny of money to oust this former republican(By name only of course). He was going to be the number 1 target by the GOP whether he stayed a republican or democrat.

specter is fullfilling his spot as one of the anti-christs demoncrates

Michael Steele is talking tough to try to get back the manhood that Limbaugh stole from him...

Okay Steele leave his Mama out of it. Lord knows we are wondering what your Mama has to say about you being the token negro of the Republican party . Now take that bird and fry it !!!!!!

Michael Steele is laughable. When all else fails, blame the trial lawyers. Worked for Bush.

Mr. Steele,
My mother always told me that when you point your finger there are three others pointing back at you. You and your collogues need to face the fact that you have allowed your party to be co-opted by the far-right.
As a matter of fact, it reminds me of how our party was back during the Regan years. We were co-opted by our far-left and all our leaders did was blame Regan. His popularity grew. Democratic voters began voting Republican in droves. We kept calling Regan names and loosing ground left and right until Clinton came along and moved the party to the center. If you don't seize control of the bully pulpit you are going to be chairman of party than controls a zealous twenty percent.
That’s not enough to win the White House or control Congress. Even as a Democrat I don't believe that is good for our country. We need give and take, two sides, and push back to make our nation work
.

Classy guy that Mr. Steele is.

After listening to Michael Steele, does anyone wonder why Specter left these hateful fools?

I often wonder if Steele realizes just how silly he is. Does he really think that all his bluster and fuming really covers up the fact the he is the ineffective "leader" of a defunct political party?

You still don't get it do you Mr. Steele? He didn't leave because of fear of losing. He left because anything with more than one head is a monster. That accurately describes the GOP at the moment. You need to step down so we can get someone with some common sense.

Change is happening. This is reality slapping the Republican party in the face and saying, "Wake up! Listen to the world! Listen to the American people!"

The Republican party has to wake up and face reality...instead of being mired down and being held hostage by anti-Obama hatespeech and fear-mongering.

This has to happen if the Republicans expect to win back some of the power they lost in 2006 and 2008. I see desperation afoot leading up to the 2010 election and it won't be nice.

Can you blame him?? You bunch of misinformation spreading, fear mongering, Ultra Religious bunch of liars and fraudsters.

That's some big talking from Steele... now excuse me while I laugh hysterically.

This is why we love Michael Steele. He has the spine to tell it like it is.

GOP = WWE? Are they going to start having the GOP caucuses in the Octagon?

The GOP surrounds Lieberman (Dem/Indp) during the 2008 election like he is the second coming, but trashes a man that has helped them for decades recognizing the divide in their own party?

I also thought Steele was just a little more educated and articulate. He has become the pit-bull of the party, unfortunately, that does not include fights against Rush. What, Suge Knight wasn't available?

Steele, you go ahead and use up all of your personal credibility just like Palin for the 'Party', just don't be surprised when you become the headline because you spoke against the uber-godlike-addict Rush.

By the way, don't republicans understand the reason Rush does not run for office is that he does not care about America's future enough to stop getting rich off of YOU!

ooooh. more tough talk from the empty suit. how did 'his mama' raise Mr. Steele, I wonder. hmmmm.

"If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele.

Nice WWF mentality – wow! Why doesn't the GOP take a good look within – the moderates have the right idea. Even McCain's daughter is running the media around changing the GOP. It's can't just be about the good ol' boys anymore if you expect to run the country made up of NOT just good ol' boys.

Go fix yourselves!

And I'm flipping the Republican party the bird right now.

the WORLD is flipping the bird to the GOP. get a clue!

what is Steele talking about . there is no leadership of the GOP–they are going off the deep end. They represent nobody , but a small group of narrow minded, bigoted people that still think this is 1950

Switched parties to avoid a loss in the Republican primary.........VERY COWARDLY!

So Specter "flipped the bird" at John Cornyn, huh? I've been doing that for years...

Michael I'm sorry to tell you this but the GOP is history. They lost their core values and even forgot why they were known as Republicans. A republican was a party that supported the laws of the US Constitution and this nation as a Republic. But under their leadership along with the democrats we have lost our great Republic and became some sort of democracy/socialist nation.

Does Steele think he's on an episode of Starsky and Hutch? I find his attempts at "street lingo" to be hugely insulting and moronic.

Why does Steele insist on talking like Mr. T?

With friends like John Cornyn, Senator Specter needs NO enemies. As for Michael Steele the faux Republican National Chair, he must not have been paying a bit of attention to the course of the Republican Party in just the past 8 years, let alone the past 20 years. This is a true "realignment phase" and let there be no doubt that unless you are a far right , ultra conservative person there simply is no room in the Republican Party for you. Senator Snowe is correct to call Senator Specter's move devastating. It simply shines a bigger light on the lack of inclusion in the Republican Party nationally and if you're anywhere in the center you are OUT!

I believe Specter has the right to choose any political party he wants to belong to, if any, as do all Americans.

Rediculous.

Lets just say he flew out of the cooco's nest GoP'er at their finest! Losers, Liars, Party of No use, only to the ignorant and Rich holy than thou sayers.

I think 69% of AMericans have "flipped the bird" to the GOP because you all SUCK!!!!!!!

OBAMA 08 & 12

Is Steele capable of communicating as an adult? And why is he bringing Specter's mother into this? Crude.

Is this guy serious. He brought up a senator's (dead) mother.

He sounds like a professional wrestling promoter. A black Vince McMan.

Michael Steele sounds more and more ignorant every time he opens his mouth. What's worse is that the more he and other Republicans call for Spector's head, the more attention they bring to the already public perception that they don't like or respect views different from their own. NOOOOOO!! Now they have to bring in the drama. How dare Alen Spector disagree with our extreme right-wing views! Who the heck does he think he is thinking for himself? Being all mavericky!

Wow, Steele certainly sounds like a fascist...not sure if he's overdoing it to make up for being scolded about his abortion comments or what...but man, talk about being divisive. "Be Loyal or you will pay dearly"...isn't this America?

Steeles words carry about the same weight as Bush and Cheney, which isn't much. Repubs are dust in the wind but fail to realize it.

I am certain that Steele is a complete idiot.

Don't act like this comes as a surprise. You've been allowing Toomey to challenge a sitting GOP senator. You've been complicit with all the RINO-bashing and Limbaugh nonsense since you became our "leader." And Specter is the one flipping a bird?

Now, you've got what you wanted: a chance to face off a conservative Republican against a (former) moderate ex-Republican, but for the Senate seat, not the GOP nomination. What are you afraid of?

"Get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out"? Hey Mike, this is not a wrestling match, this is our lives and representing the american people. I think his mama did a good job!

What a reference to come out of the mouth of the head of a national political party! How unbelievably crude! Steele is the one whose mamma surely didn't raise him this way. I, and others who support the Democratic party's efforts to turn around America, are enjoying every minute of this. I'm embarassed for decent members of the GOP; their party is a lst cause. Let's follow Arlen Specter's example and move on with rebuilding this country.

Get over it Steele, et al. The GOP leadership has gone way too far over the line and have become nothing more than closed-minded bullies who put themselves and their views as a top priority over the needs of the country.

'...coming after you and taking you out"

Really???

Really...

Sounds like a 12 year old bully on the playground.

No wonder the GOP is falling apart.

The GOP needs to get rid of Steele before they lose the 125 Republicans they have left.

Join the crowd, there's a lot of people flipping the 'bird' at the Republican Party, which is largely irrelevant today. Congrats Phil!

The republican party has no one to blame but themselves. The GOP is hanging on to the far right philosophy with evangelical christian extremism defining their position. Closed government, religious fanaticism (anti abortion, anti stem cell R&D), and strong arm tactics that wreaks with self-righteous arrogance, this is the GOP theme, and its vision of America. The GOP sounds more like Iranian politics with everyday that passes.

What a ridiculous, ignorant commentary by Steele...

If Mr Steele lives to be 100, he'll be lucky to have the class & dignity of Mr Specter. And, I don't believe Mr Steele will ever be close to the American that Mr Specter is on a daily basis. It's says something about the man that Mr Steele has to resort to name calling and threats.

Good. Finally. The republicans and media are treating Obama like some kind of political baby with cascades of condescending remarks to the effect of his not having enough experience. Maybe they and the media will learn their lesson as people ABANDON the party and it's inherent stupidity. Republicans have been mucking up the country year after year. It's about time they felt the same pain they are inflicting upon everyone other than themselves.

Yes he did "flip the bird" to you Mr. Steele. And all you other right wing obstructionists and I for one wish more Repugs had the gonads to do the same. See, this is what happens when religion, sexual orientation and inclusion become the framework of a political party. So, now what? Looks like it is going to be a long, long, long time before the GOP gets its spot on the shining hill again....kudos and kisses to Mr. Specter for doing the right thing.

What kind of language is Mr. Steele using. "get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out". This exactly the point made by Sen. Snowe who does not like the exclusionary stances the Republican party utilizes. Why would anyone want to be part of party that has a frat like mentality. This man, Mr. Steele, needs to learn how to speak like a professional worthy of his position. The Republican party is almost dead in this country. I suspect there will be a 3 party system in the future (the Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats).

I think Steele better rethink how he's approaching Specter's decision. The kind of hard language Steele's using is what's turning American's off to the GOP.

This typical attitude of the current Republican leadership is exactly why their numbers are dwindling. If anyone has any doubts about where this party is headed under this leadership they need only re-read the comments in this article. They have lately been referred to as "The Party of No." That label should also include "The Party of Revenge" if you don't fall into lockstep with the more radical side of their party.
They have become mean, vengeful idealogues that have nothing left but their own toxic saliva in which to wallow.

"I'm sure his mama didn't raise him this way," Steele added.
_____________

So weird the leader of the RNC is. Whatever happened to his idea of bringing "hip hop" to the Republican Party? Is he coming out with a new single soon? Call it: "Missing My Baby Specter"

Steele.....wake the hell up and stop living this illusion you and the other Rushpublics have been living.....your party is dying....the writing is on the wall, stop self-postering and try to come up with an intelligent strategy to save yourself....you are all not complete idiots....we need a viable 2nd party....if you have all retreated to your far-right corners and have given up the fight for the AMERICAN PEOPLE then say so and stop with the big bully stupid speeches and being super-negative about Pres. Obama and his plans to try to positivley turn around the economy- the domestic and foreign policies which your party all but eradicate!! HE WHO KNOWS, BUT KNOWS NOT HE KNOWS, HE IS ASLEEP....WAKE UP!

Does this guy realize how much of a fool he sounds like? What about the GOP flipping the bird at the American people?

". . . We're coming after you and taking you out" Are you kidding me, Mr. Steele? And you call yourself the leader of a party. Pathetic arrogant and way, way out of line. YAY for you, Repubs! And by the way, why does it matter how a person's mama raised him or her? It seems that no matter how someone was raised, the Repubs will attack and throw you overboard if you don't agree with everything they say, and condemn those who go against the almighty power of Rush and Steele. Goog Lord, I need to shower after reading this venom from Steele.

Mr. Steele just shows how politicians only care about their party, not the people that they represent. It is like watching school-yard bullying when you hear Mr. Steele say "get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out."
What a pathetic person Mr. Steele is.

He certainly doesn't hold back on that colorful language, does he?

Good riddens!

Michael Steele is a cartoon character. Not even Republicans take anything he says seriously.

Senator Spector is within his rights to switch parties but he owed it to the Republican voters who elected him to his current office not to have made the change until after he was no longer in office. I am a Democrate but I also believe in doing what is fair.

He is only doing his job.
Which is to represent the people who sent him there.
And maybe Mr Steele has caught on yet, but those people have been flipping the republican party the bird for a while now.

threats? anger? the far right has hijacked the Republican Party and is trying to scare it's membership into towing the line...no wonder more and more of the American public sees you clowns as irrelevent.

Wow, chill out! How about a little emotional control! Oh, I forgot. That's not a trait Republicans admire.

I think it is the GOP that flips the bird at moderates in the party.

Blah-Blah-Blah-BlahBlah-Blah-Blah-BlahBlah-Blah-Blah-BlahBlah-Blah-Blah-Blah

It just never changes over at the GOP. Launching the "off the hook" campaign? This was the nail in the coffin. Steele is just as big a bigot as the rest of these windbags.

"Flip the Bird"

"I'm sure his mama didn't raise him this way," Steele added

I can't wait to hear Rush tomorrow!!!! hahahaha.

Really Steele? Did you stand up for him when he voted for Obama's budget? Didn't think so...hypocrite!

I wonder what the chances are of Steele switching his stupid mouth off. It seems everything he says just makes whatever he is trying to fix worse.

The fact is the GOP has been effectively reduce to a primarily southern white, out of touch, fringe party. Talk of secession and the like only prove how really deep the ditch Rush, Rove and the rest have dug is.

I am happy Arlen Specter, who is by all accounts a fine gentleman, has decided to turn away from the right wing GOP fascists. It is the right and honorable thing to do.

LOL! I love Steele. The guy is a riot to listen to. GOP, please keep this guy as your leader.

And I don't think that Specter flipped the GOP the bird (even though he as every right to), I think the GOP flipped Specter and any other moderate Republican the bird for having the audacity to form their own opinions. Can't have that, now can we...

If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele.

Sorry Mr. Steele we in Pennsylvania loved Specter even when he was a Republicans and we really love him now. So there is no Repubican that will bet Specter in 20120. Sen. Specter is a very smart man and he know what he is doing so Steele shut up.

Steele sounds like a raging lunatic! Its about the ppl not the party …

Steele is truly one tacky indiviual. Heis quotes and sound bites make my skin crawl. He is a terrible representation of the Republican Party!

I hope the Republicans can get back to doing business that I can support.

The GOP currently has no leadership, so it would be really hard for Spector to flip the bird at something non-existant.

Spector, guts. Stelle, idiot.

I am from Texas believe me Cornyn deserved the bird! He was doing nothing but luring Specter in so, during the primaries you repubs could club Specter and get Tumi in altho, he would have lost in the general.

Besides, Chairman Steele I saw this interview and your panties were in a knot.

You wanted an "off the hook" approach to rebuilding the party, Senator Specter has shown you the way, not that you will believe any of the reasons given in Specter's prepared statement.

Senator Specter "flipped the bird" at the Republicans?!? How 'bout the Republican Party flipped the bird at Senator Specter and continues to "flip off" the American people! Whether Democrat or Republican, we need more legislators like Senator Specter who vote their thinking conscience rather than their political affiliation.

Michael Steele is precisely why I am no longer a republican. What's with all the threats? Can you please act educated? What a right wing nut job.. this is the future of the GOP? Please? To the moderate republicans.. wake up, please .

Like this is surprise?

Please, he has been a Demoncrat in thought all along. Now he has come out of the closet.

"...we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele. Typical Republican way of dealing with things–blunt force and no finesse. Hopefully the voters will 'take out' all the Republicans, and they'll be extinct as a party. Not soon enough after how they trashed the US during W's eight years!

Michael Steele: Did Rush Limbaugh tell you how to respond to Specter's switch?

And after this speech Steel is still surprised why moderate republicans are running from his party...How clueless one can be? Apparently very clueless

I flip a bird to the GOP everyday.

Michael Steele sounds more like a dejected coach who just lost the big game than the head of the Republican National Committee. I sure wouldn't want him running my party.

The question is really this: How bad has the Good Old Party become that someone left it after serving on it for 30 years?

It must be pretty bad.

Steele- stop your childish whining, man up & start being realistic!

The GOP needs to stop pointing fingers at others when they have more fingers pointing back at themselves. They're their own worst enemy.

"...we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele. Typical Republican way of dealing with things. Soon, hopefully, the voters will 'take out' all the Republicans, and they'll be extinct as a party. Not soon enough after how they trashed the US during W's eight years!

I am glad to see that in dire political times, Chairman Steele rises to the occasion, with a remarkable amount of immaturity that would astound even the most hardened or political cynics.

My word, who picked Steele to lead the RNC. This guy has zero political ability.

Michael Steele's "trash talk" is really unattractive.

Steele = Mush Mouth! I now get it

Good going Arlen!!!! Hopefully more Republicans with a lick of sense will do the same. Good riddence to the so-called 'GOP' They got no one to blame but themselves.

Here is a perfect example of what a large portion of the country has done..migrate to the left. Michael Steele sounds almost childish in his comments and hostile as well. Ironically, this is what the country dislikes about the Republicans at this point.

Screw up, pass blame, leak secrets, leave somebody else holding the bag and still sit on a high horse. How long could this really last?

I wouldnt be surprised if we see some more defections.

This is beautiful...keep opening your mouth Mr Steele. Every time he does it benefits the Democratic Party. Good "choice" of leadership GOP.

After reading the comments from Michael Steele, is there any reason to wonder why he changed parties. Spector was on their hit list. He was one of the last elected moderate Republicans in the Senate. Notice their are no liberal Republicans. On the Democratic side, there are liberal, moderate and conservative members. The Democrats are truly the big tent party. There is no room for liberal or moderate voices in the Republican party.

Good for Specter. Even he can see the GOP is dysfunctional. Look at some of the comments Steelem ade about him. Steele is pathetic.

The republicans have been flipping the bird to the American people for long enough.

Wow it's like Steele is taking it personal that others are making choices for themselves. SO let's get this right, if you leave the Reps. you are on a hit list and they want your soul. Not "Well he didn't see eye to eye with the party and in the comming election the people will show who that want to rep them."

Wow Reps are mean

This is a guy who's biggest cause celeb was trying to get a Congressional investigation of whether the Patriots spied on the Eagles and caused the Eagles to lose the super Bowl. A total waste.

Good for you Specter!

Wow! I'm really starting to like Michael Steele. He's got some fire in his belly after all!!

Just what I would expect from GOP leaders. Classy!

Steele is going about this the wrong way. Droves of Republicans have left the party due to it's far-right positions and quite frankly, they do not address the important issues at hand (focusing on gay marriage, and other issues that have zero impact on the lives of the average american).

Either they step into the 21st century or their influence will contine to dwindle as a younger generation takes over.

Again, look how out of touch the GOP is. Specter will be re-elected in PA, because we have no room for fear and people like Michael Steele. Some insight for the GOP, start acting with some compassion, you may wake to a better world.

Oh Michael Steele, perhaps he just couldn't stand being called "baby" one more time.

This comment is from the same idiot who said when Spectre voted for the Stimulus Bill that the RNC would probably not back him with money for relection.

You "dissed" him first Steele so why should he give you any respect.

What is up with this idiot Steele and his "black man-hood" talk to try and make himself look tough?!!

Steele...please shut the hell up and go away!!!!

Good, I would have flipped the bird at GOP too! Steele needs to resign as RNC.

Can this guy stop pandering and speak like the educated black man that he is...ok, baby? Yo' mama must have taught you better, Steele.

Good! He should have flipped it with BOTH HANDS. One "bird" is not enough for the GOP!

The whole planet is giving the bird to the GOP.

Ha Ha......... Hey Steele so did the rest of the country..

Senator Arlen Specter is right.

Deserting the burning GOP house.

I truly believe that more senators and congressmen and congresswomen will Senator Arlen Specter...

If you are a sitting senator or congressman you are
there as a result of a free election. If you ran as a dem.
or a rep.,then you should maintain that political status
until the next election. You are there to represent your
constits philosophies, not your own.
If you have a change of heart after your term is over,
then change parties at that time. But you don't run out
on the people who voted you into office.

If Cornyn went out on a limb for him then he must have wanted something in return....I was about time someone had the guts to "flip the bird" at Cornyn.

Good for Specter! As far as know, by the way, Specter's mama raised him to be a Democrat. Too bad she can not see him now.

And did Steele's mama raised him to use this rude language ? He seems to believe it makes him more appealing to the "common people".

Steele really needs to change his oratorical style. That "flava" just ain't cutting it. Many, myself included, find it downright annoying and juvenile.

I read with total, absolute and utter disgust the comments of Michael Steele, RNC Chairman! ‘"If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele.’ What kind of gutter talk is this to come from a man who supposedly leads the Republican party? To threaten this man with such disgraceful and repugnantly public remarks is beyond characterization! What has the Republican party done to itself in putting this man at the helm? Has the party become suicidal, besides all the other adjectives and analyses in the media?? And who is he and what is he to comment about Mr. Specter’s Mother and insult that woman who gave this great Nation a true American... "I'm sure his mama didn't raise him this way," Steele added.

And to characterize Mr. Specters decision in such a crude way by referrring to it as “flip(pin) the bird” is at best the crudest, basest of gutter talk. Such talk does not lift the Republican party or its adherents in any way? It makes all of them look like street people. Who is and what is Michael Steele, and how does he think such crude, bawdy and misplaced language can in any way improve the image of the Republican party ?

Steeley said " it was "not only disrespectful, but downright rude" of Specter to make this decision after the national party made it clear it would stand behind him in a contentious primary fight." Obviously Steeley missed the point. Its got to do with the republican party's Nazi policies and not the next election. And what the heck is a black man doing as the Republican National Committee Chairman. I guess the members who voted didn't see the movie Putney Swope.

Really? Are ya really gonna villanize one of your very own for the last 40+ years?!?!?! Way to go GOP. hahahahahahahahaha

"I'm sure his mama didn't raise him this way," Steele added...

What? A person makes a decision and a supposedly professional makes this comment? There are no morals in the supposed moral Republican party...another personal attack and not focused on the issues...

...such as the republicans nominating only extremley conservative religious based courts, nominating only extremely conservative judges to the supreme court, stem cell research, and on top of that saying that they are the fiscal responsible party...look at the last eight years and the republicans not including the cost of the wars in the budget...putting the cost outside of the budget as a side item of the budget and misrepresenting the actual budget deficits over the last eight years...

The Republican's caused this mess and now it is time for them to be marginalized...and thank God it is happening...

So the parties traded Dumpy Joe Lieberman and Arlen Specter. I think the Dems got the better end of this deal. Sure, Dumpy Joe is registered as an Independent, but it's hard not to find him sitting on some Rep's lap and looking awfully content. Maybe instead of threatening the man, Steele should consider the reasons why a 40 plus year Rep would say that his line of thinking is more in line with the Dems. Maybe this is purely political opportunism, but it could also represent a bigger issue with the GOP. I don't think it is healthy for the US to only have a two viable party political system. It is potentially fatal to have a single party system and that's how it appears we are headed. Hopefully the Reps will get this figured out and keep at least a healthy debate cooking on Capitol Hill.

Specter is doing the right decision. Steele is not taking anybody out !!!

Don't you remember, Mr. Steele? The Republican Party flipped the bird at Senator Specter. Don't throw excrement at the fan and act astonished when you're covered in it!

When Steele made reference Senator Spector's mother over his decision, he went over the line in political criticism. Just like the republicans.

Do you blame him for 'flipping the bird' at the Republican Party ? I have lost all faith in the Republican Party and so has Senator Arlen Spector. There will be more. Maybe, Megan McCain was right and I am 62. Maybe the dead wood or total embarrassment of the following Republicans (i.e., Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, Rush and Ann Coulter, etc) should.., "just go away" and leave us alone to rebuilt the Republican Party.., because you sure didn't. Maybe, we should look at the future of the Republican Party and 'not' look back or backwards. Mike in Montana

"I'm sure his mama didn't raise him that way". Is this man serious? What as an adult speaks this way. Glad he's a Republican and not a Democrat.

Doesn't Steele realize the American people have been "flipping the bird at the republican party for months??

Michael Steele is just another reason why the Republican Party is going down the tubes and fast. This man that they elected to head their party is a joke. The RNC elected him to this position trying to make him look like "their OBAMA". OMG no way. He is neither intelligent, articulate. Not fit to shine our President's shoes!

I bet Senator Spector is shaking in his boots thinking that Steele is going to come after him with "everything they have". Which as we all know isn't much.

The GOP allowed the right wing conservatives to hijack the party. They don't always share the same ideas. My father would not recognize the Republican party now. Arlen Specter has always tried to represent the voters of his state. Obviously the GOP wants people that put party first.

I can understand why the GOP would be surprised by the move. But, it doesn't look like they are getting the point--the PA GOP, Steele, etc...are crying "sour grapes" ("he'll lose in the primary, anyway" or "this is how he repays us"). Guys, it's about bringing IN new people, not cursing them out of the party......Someone just needs to slap them in the face and tell them to snap out of it. Come back to reality.....

When you hang a sword over every Republican moderate's head, then the best idea is to step out from under the sword.

I wouldn't so much call this a "flip the bird" as "survival of the fittest".

Speaking of survival of the fittest, Mr. Steele, how did NY-20 work out for you?

And therin lies the problem with Michael Steele running the Republican party. It's like letting the village idiot handle all of the money.

This guy is really the had of the GOP?
Hilarious!

Mr. Steele..."flipped the bird"? Tell me...is this how YOUR MAMMA taught YOU how to behave? Another fine representation of the Republican party.

America flipped the bird on the GOP. Keep up the good work Mr. Steele. You and Rush are my heros.

Ha Ha! Ha-Hah Ha!! Ha hah-ha Ha!!!

Michael Steele is the Captain of the HMS Titanic.

Michael Steele,

Whatever happened to the party of Lincoln? You better pay attention to the polls. The latest had only 21% calling themselves Republicans.

The choice is simple. Americans prefer Obama to the likes of you.

Senator Specter should be commended for taking a courageous stand. The Republican Party is riddled with anger and fear with little else to offer. The Democratic Party, while not perfect, does represent the mainstream of American goals.

"If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele."

Oh, yeah? Bring it, Steele!

Arlen,

Welcome! Please let us know where to send the money.

We'll "give the bird" to the GOP together.

David S.

Good Grief Steele, quit being such a crybaby... Remember the old saying "alls fair in love and politics". WELL we Democrats just love having Senator Specter in our politics. Welcome to him. He will find himself at home with us.

Senator Snowe, Please come along and join us too. You would be as welcome as honey and butter on a hot biscuit...

It is not only disrespectful but down right rude for Steele to say Sepcter's "Mama did not raise him this way." One might say, quite rightly and with a better chance of being accurate, that Steele's Mama did not raise him to speak for the corporate greed that is Dick Cheney, the intellectual mediocrity that is Bush and the rest of the GOP senators (except Specter then) and the white suprematist that is Rush Limnball.

You can talk to talk Steele but when it come to walking you can handle the true buddy.Keep on dreaming and the democrats will keep in marching toward your gate soon and take you out instead of some senators from your party.This is our time this is our moment as said by the president during the election.

Thank God Obama is in charge these days the world is safer and free from parasites like you Steele.

The GOP is slowly but surely shrinking into a party of old southern religious conservatives

Shut it Steele! You're just bitter because he woke up to the needs of America.

I don't care if you're democrat or republican Mr. Specter, I'm just glad you're seeing reason and leaving the right-wing nuts behind!

So instead of the GOP saying to themselves, "You know what, we need to take a long hard look at what we stand for and decide what direction to take the party", they are sticking with their smear campaign tactics. "If you're not with us you're against us". What kind of mentality is that? If they are all one voice, one thought, one idea and everyone of the party MUST be inline, how the f- is that diffferent from a Communist regime? I understand that the party will obviously have an ideology. But to not let anyone stray from the line without risking Rush Limbaugh's rath and all lose of campaign funds, they might as well change their name to the Fascist party.

you republicans are so hateful it's no wonder they call you re"thug"licans nowadays, nothing but a bunch of thugs. Wish him well and move on, be the bigger person, steele and Limbaugh and his rethugs are pathetic and I'm sure they as well as psycho Hannity and fox news will have a field day with this one, and it will only go to show how low and pathetic they are.

Steele guy is a GOP chairman? What is this baby business...why not start calling people dude...he is a disgrace to all politicians...

Flipped a bird?!

He feels different now. Tell me that people don't change ideologies all the time or with the time.

People are dynamic. It is more scary that some of these people NEVER change.

"get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out"
They'll waste all their resources on this one man when they really need to be saving the whole darn ship!
hahahahahahaaa
It's perfect. Gotta love it!

When did Michael Steele start talking like a professional wrestler?

Stop whining Steele. Senator Specter is just joining the rest of us who have been flipping the bird to you and your party for years now. Spector is an American hero because he has now made it possible for the Democrats to have a 60 seat majority in the Senate once we get Senator Al Franken seated. Go choke on it if you don't like it.

Someone sounds angry.
If tune into Faux News, you will hear only more of the same.
Not a mention of how the GOP has been wearing Speater down over the years (more in recent times than ever.)
Ok, here is what the GOP does, and does well:
If you are in lock step with the hard right ideologies, you are just one of the good ol boys, and can do no wrong.
BUT...If you stick your neck out for anybody who may not fit into that tight little box, well... then the GOP will scourge you into oblivion, and seek to assasinate you politically.
This is not the way America works folks.
This is why the GOP is going down in flames.
When your hard core base run out anyone who isnt like them, you see your numbers dwindling. Until the party you once stood for is nothing more than an irrelevant minority.
Welcome to present day america GOP.

A Congressman's FIRST priority is to get re-elected. Period.

He stated 6 months ago that he was NOT leaving the party. He was a republican and checks and balances were crucial...

That was before the recent polling shows him down by 20 pts in a primary.

At least people like Libermann have the decency to run as an independent.

Nice attack, by the way, Mr. Steele. Bring his 'mama' into it. What was up with yours?

No democrat should vote for this man. He only switched parties for his own benefit. What a greedy pig of a man. He does it right before the primaries? Give me a break. He's been preaching Republican policies for 40 years? He has no idea how to be a democrat and implement democratic policies.

"If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out."

This just underscores Sen. Specter's reason for leaving the party

That's ok...the GOP has been flipping America "the bird" for over 3 decades now.

This is proof that Specter was going to lose the PA primary anyway....so he cut himself a deal.

rant, rave, rant, rave, rant, rave, blah blah blah, example of the republican party platform, bs, bs, bs

Specter has been someone I have long admired. I almost think he would be better still in the GOP trying to keep it out of the divisive, cold-hearted and backward-looking abyss it has sunk into (remember Jacob Javits? Nelson Rockefeller? Lincoln Chafee? Even Everett Dirksen...? Principled but objective people even demos could support ). I hope he will be a thorn in the side of demos as he was Republicans however, I do not like some of the things I am hearing out of Reid and Pelosi lately...

Now, that's the leadership I'm looking for in my party!! Go GOP clean house because I"m with you all the way.

~David~

Maybe the Republicans would not be losing voters and senators if they considered the flaws in their ideology instead of attacking people who disagree with them. Maybe mindless anger is easier for them.

I have never been more proud as a Pennsylvanian and as a Democrat, and an avid supporter and voter for Senator Specter. The Democrats in the state of Pennsylvania have elected Senator Specter for all the terms that he has served, and we will gladly re-elect Senator Specter over any divisive, religious right wing extremist which is just what Toomey is. Congratulations Senator Specter. Democrats in Pennsylvania rejoice at the news of your enlightenment.

Welcome aboard Senator Spector! As a democrat, I have always respected you for not voting the party line but voting your concience. Spector is correct on stating that the Republican party has gone extreme right.

This is the equivilant of Teddy Kennedy going Republican!!

Michael Steele is giving the usual Republican propaganda from the party of sore losers.

THIS IS HUGE!

THANK YOU ARLEN SPECTOR FOR BEING BRAVE ENOUGH TO STEP UP AND SPEAK THE TRUTH. MORE PEOPLE SHOULD BE AS HONEST AS YOU.

What in the world? Why does Steele have to bring Specter's "mama" into this? I have truly had enough of this Steele guy. It seems like he is parroting an image of black culture he must have gotten from tv shows and movies!! His "hip" slang is for the birds!!

As a Pennsylvanain who knows a little about Spector, I can tell you this is not about democrat or republican its about getting re elected under any circumstances which makes him a very greedy politician.
His popularity has faded in Pennsylvania and he never would have been re elected to yet another term in the senate.
This is the reason we need term limits because its no longer about representing the people its become all about money and power, these people will do anything to get elected. He has sold his soul. Soon we will find out what the payment was.

Steele's comments and comparisons are so low (no) class. Where's your professionalism, dude?

Did John Cornyn promise to put Patrick Toomey back in the box? I doubt it.

Sen. Specter's own party was mounting what looked to be a devastating primary challenge that would result in Patrick Toomey being the unelectable GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate.

The Republican party has also completely lost whatever mind they collectively had and have decided complete non-cooperation, complete partisanship, and total obstructionism is the strategy to meet the future with.

Their numbers go down with each passing day. Sen. Specter might not have been able to regain his seat with the Republican brand weighted around his neck–even if he survived the primary challenge.

Given his overall popularity with the increasingly liberal Pennsylvania voters and the growing GOP pathology what choice did he have? Other than retirement?

Way to go, Sen. Specter. You are one of about five GOP members of the Senate that I have some respect for. I have none for my Senators here in Texas.

I would say it will probably take 10 more GOP senators to switch parties before the GOP understand that their uncompromising partisan position might not be the right strategy.

wow, what words from steele. if this doesn't sink his leadership post (flipped the bird? your mama didn't raise you this way?) then the GOP is more doomed by itself than anything spector raised.

Maybe if the republican leadership and others in the party had not criticized him for voting for the stimulus he may have not been so quick to switch.

If those not in the highest power base are not kissed up and do as told the underlings will suffer the consequences.

The repubican party is going to have a tough time staying a viable party if they do not change and become part of the solution instead the problem.

Oh Steele ... what a loser. I am from your home state and we know just how truly incompetent you really are. Righteous indignation from a guy who has not actually won a public office from the top of the ticket. If you run a right-wing nut in Pennsylvania you will lose. Until the Republicans come to grips with that reality the Senate will become even more veto proof.

Hes Not the Only One Flipping the Bird to the GOP About 70 Percent of The People are too ha hahah

If you cant beat them ......join them...!!!!!!

All modern day Republicans are children

Rush Limbaugh doesnt even want to mention that specter left lol It feels like christmas i love it
Welcome to our big tent now Arlen.
NEO-CONS HERE ENDED THE LESSON

Just as Miss California had a right to express her views without retaliation, Senator Spector has a right to change parites, without threats and retaliation. I'm a Democrat who respects Senator Spector because as head of the Judiciary Committee, he always tried to be fair and objective and not partisan. He said the "party left him". He did not leave the party.

Welcome to Senator Spector

A Democrat
Los Angeles, CA

Good for him and there will be many that follow

Better ask the Pennsylvania people about that, Steele.

RIP GOP

Welcome, Sen. Specter! I hope more like-minded Republicans will see that the GOP has become the party of marginalized theocratic extremists and join the large tent of people who want to solve Americas problems are return her to her rightful place as a symbol of freedom that the world can respect, admire and aspire to emulate.

"We're taking you out"???? That ranks right up there with "Dead or Alive" and "Mission Accomplished"....the GOP just does not get it....

Very mature Mr. Steele.....glad someone as thoughtful as you is in charge of the GOP.

Steele is from the George W. Bush School of Public Relations: Putting mouth in gear before engaging brain. No wonder Specter is changing parties; he's mortified to be associated with those who've taken control of the GOP.

This is called a matter of choice...I have followed Sen Specter for many years and he did not make this decision lightly. There are times I wish there was one party; it may end the time and money spent on foolish acts. The constituents put these people in office to make decisions beneficial on a local, state and national level; not to see who can "squawk" the loudest.

The republicans have become so radical and unwilling to deal with issues without the religious right . The vocal few are controlling what used to be real Conservatives Rather that righteous nut jobs.

Senator Specter, CONGRATULATIONS! Steele, who cares what he says or thinks. Senator Specter is indeed very principled, he put the citizens he represents ahead of party. He will also be re-elected in 2010 as a Democrat. A man of honor.

He is such a political opportunist. he is not a democrat, more a demagogue. I hope a real democrat runs against him.

No loss to the GOP...he's well left of center. I'm sure a pro-murder, Roe v. Wade SCOTUS judge will get his vote...if there's one needed before next year.

THis may cause Cheney's heart pacer to explode...We can always pray good things will happen.

An I bet Rush Limpballs blood pressure is 200 / 100 today.

Steele-get a real job. Perhaps one where you can tote that "hip" vocabulary in a more realistic way.

You cant blame him for not wanting to be with the Teabaggers.

Welcome Sir!

That's great! Specter has always come off as a levelheaded senator, who has no trouble in stating his opinion to his own party. I'm sure he see's the writing on the wall for the GOP, which is no direction at all.

Hats off to you Specter!

I think Mr. Steele needs to grow up and realize that Democrats and Republicans are not sports teams but schools of thought and ideology. If Sen. Specter felt this change personally necessary, he needed to switch parties. No more sour grapes Mr. Steele and try to act like a mature adult who cares about the country as a whole and not just your "team".

Steele has got a bad mouth.

Sen. Spector went were his heart and mind were at. He has been a moderate Republican for years and in PA he has been popular in both Dem and Repub circles. This is nothing more than a blip in PA as we know he still represents our interests!

And...excuse me, but this is about representation in PA, right? This shouldn't be about the Repub Party, right? They really need to get over themselves. This is precisely the reason he defected. They are so busy trying to "get" the Democrats that they have forgotten to look out for the best interests of thier consituents!

The GOP and Steele made it clear that they had it out for any Repubs that supported the President. That is no secret. This is their own fault and I can't muster up any sympathy for them.

Thank you, Sen Spector for doing the right thing!

Republicans: party of ideas? They talk a whole lotta mess about Obama and the Dems, but I haven't seen one of these people come up with anything to further this country recently.

Whine all you want, but you haven't done anything, and you know it. Before you talk the talk, walk the walk... losers.

Of course. The GOP behave like a bunch of children. Its not like its a surprise.

So once again someone does something the GOP leadership doesn't like and what's the result? Name calling, insults, hateful rhetoric and disgust. Is there anything besides tea bag parties that the GOP likes anymore? The party of NO is being replaced by the 'Mean Old Man' party.

Mr. Steele's comments illustrate the problem with the republican party and old school politics. He expects Specter to pay off his favors instead of follow what he believes. This honestly made me laugh. I think those comments simply proved to Senator Specter that he made the right decision

Michael who? Send the real leadership, Limbaugh, Coulter and Rove, to make the GOP's case.

Mr Steel and the Republican party are still clueless about what is going on. I belonged to the Republican party for 34 years, but I am switching to independent, because of there holier than thou attitude towards everything.

Sometimes you really really have to scratch and search for an intelligent non-extremist Republican but one just showed that he is a man that will not buy the right-wing nonsense and will not march in a goose-step to the GOP NO agenda.

Way to go Arlen and welcome on board. ...

sour grapes for a losing party

What is with the juvenile "tough talk" by Michael Steele? Who are these people in our government? This type of childish response and trash talk has no place here. He needs to grow up. I am appalled.

Sen. Specter has finally gotten wise to the folly of the Republican party. Kudos to Sen. Specter and I'm certain that he will retain his senate seat in Pennsylvania.

The Republican Party has gone way too far to the right and no longer represents the values of hte American people.

That is a dying breed. They have no ideas and they seem to only want to cause confusion in America. I think the GOP party and their constituents hate America.

Hmm...Class act that Steele.

Steele, Palin, Limbaugh, Hannity, Rove, Cheney, and Joe the Plumber

WHAT A PARTY!!!!!!!

Hey Mr. Steele – does this tell you how "oput of touch" your party is when one of your former staunch allies decides to cross over to the other side? I still hear a lot of sour grapes and bitterness coming from your party, not alternative ideas. When your party has a few ideas, air them so the American people can hear them. Enough with the vitrol already!

Michael Steele was steppin' and messin' around talkin' bout 'Any Republican that voted for the stimulus we will get them and do everything to make sure they don't get re-elected in 2010.'

Michael Steele pushed Senator Specter's hand.

WELCOME SENATOR SPECTER!!!!!

From a Pennsylvania Independent

I seriously can't stand Steele.

Steele sounds very bitter and mean spirit in his statement.

I 'd leave your party too , if all you guys do is incite treason ,I really thinK that the republican party is total out of touch with mainstream society ,and they will continue to lose people if they don't learned how to come up with viable solutions other that hurting the small American , tax cuts,tax cuts and more tax cuts ,tha't is their party mantra , help the wealthy and big corporations and let's not worry about the smaller Amercain and the infrastructure of this country , that's the republican theme , and geuss what we as Americans see that doesn't work in a global society,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The more I hear this man talk, the less I like him. As far as I am concerned, he is in the same category as Sarah Palin and the rest of the republican party circus

Mr. Steele: America has flipped the GOP the bird, after the GOP flipped the bird at America and the Constitution for 8 long years.

Arlen Specter – A profile in courage (not).

I don't recall the GOP speaking in terms of loyalty when Senators Campbell and Shelby exited the Democratic Party. Get over it.

Yes-Yes-Yes!! I was one of those Pens. Republicans that switched over to Dems. Welcome home Spector! The right wing has hijacked the Republican party ( a once very respected party). It is now run by loonies like Rush and Steele. The right wing republican party is shriveling.

Sen. Steele, if you had even an iota of what the rest of this country has "flipped" at the GOP, I think you'd rephrase your statement.

Steele, didn't you get the memo? hehehe

I guess the American people flipped the bird at the Republican Party in the last two elections then, Mr. Steele.

Gotta love that Michael Steele continues to remind people he is a moron. "His mama didn't raise him that way"?

I wonder if Steele had any issues with what Lieberman did.

I don't think the "flipping the bird" comment is very professional for Michael Steele to be saying; what a leader huh? And the threats alone is mind-botteling. Where is the maturity with this Steele individual? Take him out? Are you serious? Did he really say that?That attitude alone is good reason to leave the republican party; no respect!

Good luck to Senator Spector, I think he made the right decision. The republican party is mentally losing it.

My Gosh Steele you sound so much like an angry black monster. You need to wake up and realise that your days are numbered. Go Obama all the way

Caribbean

LMAO....This dude is intense, ha ha ha ha.....

Steele – Do yourself and the rest of us a favor and exercise your right to remain silent, plead the 5th, whatever it takes. But the more you speak, the deeper you dig yourself and the Republican party into a hole.

Welcome home Senator Spector... Senator Collins and Senator Snow are next.

Message to Senator Steele:

Big winds, even one like you, are usually caused by hot air. You sir, are a windbag.

Steele's done a bang-up job as RNC Chairman, huh? Way to go Bushies! All you touched turned to crud!

After the way he was treated by fellow Republican senators, he should have used both hands and feet to flip 'birds' to them

Whatever happened to our elected officials actually doing their job of representing THEIR constituants rather than posturing for national publicity?

Hmm, wonder why he did not discuss this with GOP leadership. Maybe, because they have been gunning for him since he voted for the stimulus package. Gop party is eating it's own young. I don't blame Specter one bit!

For Michael Steele to make comments about Sen. Specter and how his mother raised him is the hight of disrespect. And they still wonder why the man left their party.

Steele is clueless he is one of the reasons the GOP is failing.....The GOP shot the bird at Senator Specter because of his independence...I think it was a very good move on his behalf, he will win PA, they are very open minded people....

Great! You are a good man. You made a great decision. Good for our country!

It is much better Mr Steele. Dead-Wood," you can do without. It only causes Fungus­ in your Party.

Steele you better realize it that the republican party is done for, as long as they keep going against every thing that the president is doing and the candiates you are throwing out for the General election and listening to Rush, Ingram and coulter telling you what to do. You will not get a republican into the white house for twenty or more years.

Spoken like a true Republican. Ignorant but eloquent.

he only switched cause he new he would lose in the 2010 primary,
not because he wanted to be a Democratic, what a loser

Oh, this is getting good! Stay tuned for more fun with the Party of No. Wow, Steele has a pulse........or, it may not actually be his own words since he must first get permission from Rush on what to say to the public.

Steele is an idiot. All of the Republicans are only interested in gaining seats. They care absolutely nothing about helping our country recover from the devastating economy. Specter is absolutely correct in switching parties. He cares about what happens to the citizens in his state! Welcome to the Democratic Party Senator Specter!

Steele needs to keep his mouth shut, his party abandoned Specter and treated him like garbage. Specter is a man who is loyal to his country not to his party which is the way things should be.

If the Republican party entertains any scenario where they will once again become relevant in the national conversation, they first need to get rid of Mr. Steele. He is devisive, delusional and does not reflect the ideals of many Republican moderates who are searching for a new voice and are tired of following the old, tired, sanctimonious, bigoted foolishness of Gingrich, Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, Coulter, Beck, etc. Sen. Specter did what he needed to do and he should be applauded!

Let's summarize how "inclusive' the republican party is, and let's take a look at how they get stuff done in their OWN party, with out Democrats to MESS them up, here's the short summary of how well the republicans operate, even with in their OWN party:

Saying he is "deeply disappointed" in Specter, Gleason made a point of stressing that "the Republican Party has room for conservatives and moderates because we are the party of ideas."
------------------------
"For me personally and then for the party, its devastating," Snowe said of Specter's move. "I've always been concerned about the Republican party nationally, about their exclusionary policies towards moderate Republicans. That's not a secretly held view on my part."
------------------------
"If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele.

Nuff said!

I wouldn't consdier having Cornyn on my side an asset. What benefit is that? Sen Specter sees that the GOP Party can't support him – just maybe the GOP should look at why almost 80% of the country doesn't align with them either. It's pretty simple match, Mr Steele.

Steele is such a poser. Spin this any way you like – the GOP is hemorrhaging support in a big way.

"If Sen. Specter survives in the fall — get ready to go to the mat, baby, because we're coming after you and taking you out," added Steele.

Nice to see that the NRC Chair is acting like an adult about the situation.

Sen. Specter said changed parties because the party left him not the other way around.

Maybe Chairman Steele and the Repulican leadership should take this as a sign that their party is becoming increasingly marginalized and look for ways to reverse that trend. Instead with comments like these it looks like they are determined to dig their heels in and keep falling further and further to the right.

The Republican party is in its death throes and about as relevant as the Whig party these days.

Specter saw the writing on the wall. He would have changed to the Communist party if it would have gotten him re-elected. Let's get Franken in there so the Dems have their filibuster proof majority. Then, when the economy is still in the toilet next November, let's see how the libs try to blame Bush for the debacle we'll find ourselves in that they, and only they, will be the cause of.

Steele is simply ghetto. He has no professionalism whatsoever and is an embarrassment to all people of color.

I am a republican but Steele SHUTUP...you are only making stupid liberals vote...think about it dude...this is the only way liberals win elections...they get stupid people fired up over something and all issues go out of the door so these dumb citizens will vote democrat based on some hate towards a republican because he went to colleg and got a job (I know its terrible to go to college and get a job and try and be successful...thats just not American anymore).

Steele is a real class act.....NOT!

Michael Sleete's comments about Spector are typical of the rwpublican party and their image of intolerance for anyone who disagrees with their narrow minded thinking. They are completely out of touch with the American people. Mr. Steele should be ashamed of his comments but unfortunately, he isn't.

He was going to loose his reelection for sure as a republican. Now, he has a chance of getting reelected, but it's still doubtful. People are growing very weary of Obamas spending and controling.

The republicans are fast becoming a party of southern rednecks....

Steele couldn't even engineer a victory in NY's most conservative district when their own candidate was up 21 points.
He is a joke and a bitter whiner.

Welcome Arlen!

"I'm sure his mama didn't raise him this way"
"Flipped the bird"

This is the head of the RNC speaking about a man who is in his sixties. This is the reason why the Republicans are in a tailspin. The people who represent them in at the highest levels are idiots.

People like Steele in the GOP is exactly the reason the Senator left!

Keep talking, Steele. You're giving comedian's worldwide awesome material!!

Steele is the one who needs to wake up and grow up.

Hey, Michael Steele –

How many fingers am I holding up????

No different than what Steele and the rest of the extremists do to the Democratic party every day....there's a reason for the labels "conservative" and "liberal"....look those words up in the dictionary and then decide which you would rather be.....stuck in a rut or moving foward

lol... as the whole country has done to the GOP..

PS.. Steele, "we're coming after you?"..."taking you out?"
You have confirmed everything I thought about the Republican party. A bunch of hateful power hungry crybabies.

Come on Steele, any Democrat could take you out... even the women.

Spector to those who voted for him for 30 years: Drop Dead.

Dude, you've been politically doomed since you voted for the Porkulus bill.

Senator Steele, you're a perfect example of why people can't stand Republicans anymore.

I'd be willing to give Steele a $1 if he will use it to buy just a teeny bit of class!

I have flipped them the bird for the past 10 years! This is not nothing new. Steele on the other hand should sit down with his mother and learn manners and take a few more lesson on public speaking on the national stage.

He will apologize tomorrow!

Yea, that's what Steele said about the NY 20! He has a big mouth, but is totally impotent.

The party is over for you GOP. You think your obstruction of progress and your teabagging is winning any new voters?

One by one, people have had it with the GOP and the destruction they have wrought. The last 8 years with Cheney and Bush at the helm proved that.

And it is only going to get worse for the GOP going forward.

Sorry Mr. Steele, but a drowning man will always grab for a life ring instead of an anvil...