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So any Republican leaving the party for the Dems is Benedict Arnold? Something tells me that if a Democrat left for the Republicans you'd be welcoming them with open arms.

The arrogance of the Rublican Party, and particulrly through their newly elected leader, Mr. Steele, continues to amuse me beyond words! One would think that after a mass of congressional losses, as well as the White House,etc, that they may want to do some self-examination and reassessment of their decades old rhetoric! But NO! Not only do they blatantly refuse to accept any responsibility for their own failures, but they now are setting out to try to discredit and dishonor a very honest and noble statesman, Sen Specter. That is horrific conduct and deportment. They have apparently decided to take the "low road" and continue to use "fear based" hate and rhetoric to try to bring down everyone to their level. Well, the American voters have continued to show them at the polls what they think of their behavior!! SO yoiu guys just keep it up, and we shall continue to show you at the polls what we think of you and your party.

I am a Pennsylvania Democrat. I have always considered Arlan Spector to be a man with huge integrity who actually demonstrates what a politician and legislator should be. I am so proud to be able to vote for him now. We got rid of Rick Santorum; we will do all we can to help Spector.

Too bad about the little-known Democrat who was going to run against Spector–time for him to gracefully bow out and campaign for Spector.

I was shocked when I read that the RNC was fielding Toomey in the PA Republican primary–how stupid was that??!! Arlen is a power-player, a senior member of the upper body and not someone to be trifled with.

It's refreshing to see an ethical man use power wisely and well. I can only imagine that Spector sees Obama as a breath of fresh air. It's too bad that Spector couldn't be in the Cabinet.

I think he left because of the very bad leadership the GOP has. This guy Steele is so far out of touch..... Are you kidding me or what?

I love Obama, but I'll follow the GOP tomorrow if they came with a better leader than Obama. A leader that is inclusive to all of the people, like Obama is showing himself to be. We are all American's right.!

Comparing this guy to B. Arnold is a bit of an overkill.

The GOP played the Palin card too soon. They should have waited to bring her out now. The GOP needs to switch it up at the top. They need a new smart woman, perhaps McCain's daughter, in a few years might be a fresh step.

This is the best Chairman Steele can do? True leadership would be to make some dignified statement and move on. Instead his remarks stir the mud and only reinforce how knee-jerk reactive today's GOP is and their inability to recognize their internal weaknesses.

Do you hear that sound, GOP? It's the rest of the world laughing at you.

The Republican just keep digging a deeper hole with their petty and insulting remarks. Steele should think twice before he makes his next, hopefully not so stupid and counter-productive remarks.

I am somewhat impressed that the rotting corpse that is the GOP still has a voice ... albeit it's the same old tired voice of hatred and blame.

The Dems. can have Benedict Arlen. He has never done anything for the state of PA anyway. I hope Rendell runs away with the seat.

Well the day has come that the repub,s has bit the dust thanks g.w @ d.c man i love this place!!!

Wow. Steele's words are just pitiful. Anyone who responds to this fundraising e-mail with a contribution deserves to lose their money. The GOP has become the party of losers - and sore losers, at that. Whine on, Michael, whine on!

Michael, the good Senator told you to go jump in the river, so why are you still standing on shore barking. Go jump into the river and while you're there, wash your mouth too, because its full of foul speech. Or better yet, just let the GOP drown in that river of self-righteousness and bigotry.

Benedict Arnold is the GOP. They destroyed this country's economy, treasury, trust, and troops.

Mike, did you cc that comment to Rush? I’m just trying to help a brother out.

I will assure America that Michael Steele wii force all of Black Americas to the Democratic Party. Michael Steele was brought in To have an impact on Black America but instead he's doing the opposite. This shows that the Republicans are out of ideas and plans. All the Republicans are good for now is to cry foul and the Party is now known as the "Party of NO".

I'm wondering just how many new Republicans Mr. Steele has added to their ranks since taking the reins of the RNC. My guess is that what ever the huge number is ... it has a negative sign (-) proceding it.

typical repugnant reptile talk=========trash

Can anybody rember when Ben Nighthorse-Campbell swtiched to the Republican party? Not a single Republican screamed then AND Ben got re-elected. Now would be the time for him to make the switch knowing that voters will forgive him and relect him.

The aliens said "take me to your leader" then cracked up laughing.

This guy must be trying to win over the freinds of his brother-in-law,Mike Tyson !

Crawal back under a rock Micheal.

You'll find all your friends there!

Benedict Arnold? That's reaching a bit far isn't it? Benedict Arnold sold out to the British and almost lost us the freedom we have now.

THE RNC IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY .

The meaning of surrender is joining the winning side !

Obstructionism and denial is the continuance of a past failed RNC policy.

Mr. Steel , Mr. Limbaugh and Mr. Gingridge , the meaning of insanity , making the same failed arguments , over and over. There need to be right prevents any open-minded move toward progress .

Hey Steeley.... what happens if I switch parties and register as a Democrat for next election. Hades been registered a Republican for 30+ years so that should be worth a bad name or two....

LOL, only registered a (R) because of the stupid closed promaries in PA. My area is so top heavy in GOP that hardly any one is on the primary ballot unless they are cross filing Republicans.

PS – Lot of those registered Reps voted for Arlen and Obama.....

When ever a person can only offer adjectives during a time of crisis; it's because they have no plan to solve the crisis. And the validity of their adjectives to attack people for searching out these solutions only confirms they caused the crisis to begin with.

When ever a person can only offer adjectives during a time of crisis; it's because they have no plan to solve the crisis. And the validity of their adjectives to attack people for searching out these solutions onlt confirms they caused the crisis to begin with.

Mr. Steele's comments regarding Sen. Specter is typical of the republican party....it's either all in or all out. that's the attitude that got them remove from the house majority and the presidency. The republicans are in big trouble if this attitude is kept up. This is what they get for selling their soul to the intolerent religious right.

“…He told us all to go jump in the lake today…”

Uh, Michael, I HATE to be the bearer of bad news, but the reason you need to jump into the lake is because THE SHIP IS ON FIRE!!!

Another brick from the wall, as it tumbles down. The Republican party has become a small pile of rubbish, with rats grubbing around in the remains...... biting and fighting each other and anything else that gets close enough

Steele sound bitter, hateful, full of old ideas and quite spiteful. Oh wait, I forgot–he's Rush Limpaugh's new mouthpiece. And the comments yesterday about "taking him down" were just unbelievable. This story would only be complete if somehow we can tie the Palin Family Drama into the mix!!! Keep it up, guys, and show us just how out of touch/bitter/hateful/fear-baiting the Republican Party has become. Jerry Ford would be ashamed.

These guys insist on tone deafness! Okay, someday the pendulum will swing back to the right. 1994 was not THAT long ago. Still, this hardboiled stuff, while it may consolidate the base, that base is nowhere near influential enough to put forth any agenda. These guys keep pulling away from the center, in a rather unflattering way. Not the way to appeal to the center, fighting for a job, a reconstituted 401(k), struggling to pay off a mortgage, etc. It's very strange.....

@ Melissa, who said "The GOP just keep sticking their feet in their mouths. "

I dunno...I'd agree, but I would have thought that maneuver would be impossible seeing as how their heads are firmly planted in their backsides.

Did Mr. Steele get permission to speak in public from Rush Limbaugh?

@dominican mama 4 Obama April 29th, 2009 11:51 am ET

Good God woman, take your medication.

God I love that picture of Steele. The expression on his face is exactly what I'd imagine it would be if someone tapped him on the shoulder and whispered in his ear "the world is round."

Mr. Steele, How dare you invoke George Washington in your hate mongering. Washington fought on to ensure the success of the birth of a free nation. A nation, which the GOP seems to have forgotten, that is founded specifically on the idea of FREE CHOICE. Even if Specter made this move for his own purposes, that was his choice as an American citizen. He has no one to answer to but himself and the American people he represents. Please focus on leading your party. It need LOTS of help.

immature and unprofessional. keep it up.

Benedict Arnold was a good soldier

Who got fed up with the lousy Generals above him

He fought hard for this country, until they turned their back on him

Ring any bells boys

Now grow up or go home

Michael Steele is the biggest joke...He's such a wannabe

A recalcitrant, impetuous, immature child is running the RNC. Mr. Steele could have been gracious about Specter's defection, keeping the door open and looking more statesmanlike. Instead, he chose to lay down on the floor and throw a fit. Where are the grown-ups in the Republican Party?

What a bunch of nuts (GOP). If a Democrat Senator had turned Republican ...... the GOP would hail that person as a 'hero' ........ someone who had 'seen the light' ..........

Chairman Steele, using your own words....that was not a very "off da' hook" thing to say.

Wow, look at all the racist hate.

Steele embarrasses me, and I'm not even a Republican. This guy is an amateur- and not even a good amateur.

Why in the world did the Republicans choose him to "lead" their party, besides the fact that he is black?

ANGIE IN PA April 29th, 2009 10:19 am ET

Hey Republicans

ARENT YOU EMBARESSED TO HAVE A MAN LIKE STEELE IN YOUR PARTY? I would be Ashamed to call myself a republican right now no wonder the Moderates are Dropping the Party like Hot Potatoes wHAT A jOKE!
_________________________________________________________
Let me answer that question for you...................NO I AM NOT!

Steele has shown a complete lack of leadership so far. Rather than focus on improving the deteriorating status of the Republican party in American politics, all he's doing is continuing with the same old partisan attacks that have led to the party's downfall. American's elected democrats because they are sick of the direction the country was headed. Only when this truly starts to sink in in the minds of Republican leaders will the party improve its' chances of surviving. Specter's decision simply reflects the fundamental problems and realities facing us. Name calling only makes you appear to be a weak leader.

So true that the RNC 'thought' we voted for President Obama because he was a black man. How ill-advised of them to think that placing Steele in the forefront would attract a new vote. This was just as idiotic as McCain using Palin to attract the 'V' vote. This angers me because there are a lot of reasonable and qualified candidates that could have helped in changing the direction of their party. They 'thought' we needed a change in color and not policy. I guess they also 'thought' is was a simple fart, but look how wrong they were.

THE PARTY IS BETTER .................. WITHOUT HIM!

And as a black man in a prejudice political party that opposes anything minority.... I think he's talking about himself as Benedict Arnold perhaps even Uncle Tom. What an idiot!

Odd, I usually compare republicans to Benedict Arnold. The whole group of them are nothing more then domestic terrorists, protecting 5% (the rich and racist) of america while torturing the other 95%.

They fail to win wars, they dodge the draft (your vp), they kill our soldiers and they let our buildings get attacked.

Yea, Steele, go ahead with your delusions, but you really are NUT CASE..................... and a terrorist.

If Steele was his own man, this might bite a little.

But ever since his apology to Limbaugh, we know he is just a piece of wood sitting on that fat mans lap.

Entertaining to see the republicans not just throw 20 years of service under the bus, but shoot it there with a cannon. No class, no reaching out, no appreciation, just one shrill rhetorical fireball after another condemning a man who gave them four terms of fair and balanced service.

No hint of introspection that, hey, maybe this is a chance to evaluate why he left? None. Just more screaming monkey vituperation, the hallmark fo the Limbaugh right.

Now they say he was just a pain in the patoot? Well, that's what happens when you allow your party to become bound by extremist ideological incompetence – your best and brightest become troublemakers. Not too much of a leap for an increasingly populist party that celebrates "Joe-the-plumber" Palin-style anti-intellectualism.

Democrats in Pennsylvania will assure a win for Senator Specter.

I can not wait until 2010 to help Specter out like I did for President Obama. Specter running in 2010 is like Christmas all over again.

Because the party that wants the President to fail has no tolerance for any kind of treason....

Maybe if the RNC had some leadership other than the clown on the radio things could get better for them. but until they decide to get a leader who could stand up to the clowns on tv and the radio, they're going to be collapsing on theirselves.

"Before Benedict Arnold turned traitor, he was a great American. Arlen Specter never was. Arlen Specter cares only about Arlen Specter."

Engaging in a little revisionist history, aren't we? Arnold was a mediocre officer who was always more interested in self advancement than any idealogical committment to the ideals of a new country. In the end he betrayed his new country (and undoubtedly aided in the death of many patriots) because his pride was wounded when he was not promoted to general fast enough for his liking. Benedict Arnold was always in it for Benedict Arnold.

Whether Arlen Specter is in it for Arlen Specter is something to be decided on a personal level. But please, apply the same standard to both situations.

The party is self destructing.

Ok and we compare you to bozo the clown. Idiot!

Mike!! Hey Mike!!!: SHUT THE HELL UP!!The more you say, the more ridiculous you sound. You are being used Mike.Your party is using you like an old dishrag. Can't you see that Mike? Guess not, living in the dark makes you blind after a while.

The republican party needs a new chairman who is wise enough to unite not divide (even further).

Heyba manba, Arln is a benabadict arbold

Get a life, Steele. No comparison or do you not actually know who and what Benedict Arnold was? My great, great, ...... grandfather knew very well what a horrible man Arnold was. Switching political parties isn't even close. Learn some history and shut your mouth you cliched POS.

What did this clown (along with Toomey) think was going to happen? Instead of focusing on gaining seats in 2010, they made one of their own veterans their number one target! It was a stupid strategy and it completely backfired. Steele should resign.

A young black man overcomes all obstacles and elevates himself to a high position and you call him President Obama.

Another young black man overcomes all obstacles and elevates himself to a high position and you call him Uncle Tom.

Just because you disagree with his political beliefs???

Sorry... that to me is simply appalling.

Steele ought to understand the differnece between betraying your country and leaving a political party. But the GOP seems to get that reversed with some frequency. I and Specter joined the party when Republicans like Hugh Scott, Ed Brooke, Mark Hatfield and Chuck Percy were in the Senate. Any of those gentleman makes Specter look like a conservative. Its not Arlen and I who have been told in no uncertain terms that we are no longer welcome. So keep up the rhetoric fool. We do need a second party, but it has to an organization that understands and responds to the current century.

Calling Specter a traitor like Benedict Arnold shows why the GOP has lost touch with middle class Americans. The vast majority of Americans want Washington to work together to solve the problems facing all of us. United we are an amazing country and together we can overcome anything but divided we will fail. It's time for the GOP to stop name calling and saying NO to everything and actually decided they want America to be strong again.

It doesn't take long for the Republican slime and smear machine to turn its guns on anybody, does it?

To all lefties: How is Joe Leiberman doing today? Specter has joined the you can have an opinion as long as it is mine party.

Thanks for the comic relief Mr Steele........you're always worth a chuckle to me when I read what outlandish things you come up with. You're as good as Michele Bachman from my state for chuckles.

The "Man of Steele" continues to reveal that he is anything but.

Much as I disagree with Arlen (a LOT)....

Have to laugh at the over reaction by the GOP on this. Arlen knows he's a tought spot to get the GOP primary win so he switches..... Nothing more than a move to get the primary win in PA.

PA doesn't have open primaries so party switching is done a LOT in the primaries. Just not usually at this high level.

...again, that number to call is: 1800-waaaaah!

The party of NO is really the party of hate, divisivness, anger, lies and arrogance. It's one thing to be upset about a defection, but to vilify the person and call him Benedict Arnold...excuse me? The kicker is Rush hoping McCain would join him. So you have the extreme right hating everything to the left of their extremism....it doesn't matter now if you're a moderate or centrist Republican. You're either hard core right wing or you're a Democrat now.

21% may become 12% fairly soon.

Mr. Steele, every time you open your mouth you spew such hateful words, and I agree today's talking point is leftist. I'm sure glad you got your memo or you wouldn't know what to say. Is Rove still sending the memo out to all you gop?
gop party of no.
gop party of torture.
Carol Oh.

If Specter is Benedict Arnold you MR STEELE are Uncle Tom.........I can not belive this mans use of words "Flippin the Bird" and making stupid threats, this man sounds more like a gang member from the getto than a man that is suppose to be educated.........is this the best you Republicans could come up with? God I feel sorry for you republicans that you can't get anyone to represent your party any better than STEELE, LIMBAUGH, COLTER, HANNITY, PALIN.......with this man's use of words and Palins use of her words they would sure make a pair for 2012..........

the leftist agenda vs. the neocon right agenda. the party of inclusion's agenda vs. the party of exclusion's agenda. the right for a woman to choose vs. a law that prohibits same. a party that is supports the rights of the LBGT community vs. a party that finds it okay to discriminate against a certain group. the party that raises taxes on the wealthy vs. the party that ignores the middle. the party that has an idea vs. the party that doesn't. There's a reason why the Republican party is shrinking. I wonder why Steele and the rest of the far right don't get it.

Steele needs to just shut up and take notes from Obama on how to be a leader. This is why people in your party don't think you're a good leader and people like Rush tell you what to think.

Not one republican is looking deep inside to see what they are actually doing to their own party. Just enjoying watching the crash.

Sheesh! You would think that Dems and Reps are ENEMIES. Or at least competing sororities...

You stay classy Michael Steele! Ha Ha. The pot calling the kettle what?
Grow a pair Michael, you are a pawn in the GOP; the moment the black President is gone so are you.

Take your little token self and act like an adult. Your party abandoned a 30 year sitting republican Senator because he voted for the stimulus bill, (one vote) and then tried to push a religious right wing nutjob on the state in the name of Toomey, because of this vote. Specter was doing his job as he felt would be in the best interest of his state. If the republican party doesn't like that fact that one of their Senators is acting like he has character by voting his concious, then we are glad to have him in our party. Democrats in Pennsylvania will assure a win for Senator Specter.

Where did this clown come from? Did the RNC think that any brotha would do? Our people are as diverse as any other race of people and it is insulting to think that they may have thought Michael Steele was a President Obama equivalent. What a joke. He's lack of professionalism and intellect makes the two of them polar opposites.

He is a disgrace.

I think the time is now ripe for the Obama administration to ask itself a new question. With the political positions of the Republican party members constantly and reliably being those of mere opposition and nothing positive to contribute, is bipartisanship really a laudable goal that should be vocalized and pursued, or does it only represent a ball-and-chain that saps productivity, and a distraction from the important issues at hand? Meeting the Republicans halfway would only water down every bill and slow every process.

Now that Specter provides the Democrats the chance to have a filibuster-proof majority, maybe bipartisanship should be tossed out the window until Republicans are willing to concede that there are issues that are bigger than their ambitions to regain power. If the Republicans don't want to be involved in producing legislation that improves the lives of all Americans, but instead want to keep fighting just to fight, and clinging to old ideas that are no longer relevant, who needs them?

Is this guy serious? Arlen Specter is a traitor? Give me a break. Republicans have to quit treating non-republicans as the enemy. When they get that through their thick heads then they will start making progress towards regaining the political influence they so readily squandered.

Karma isn't too cool is it GOP. When Lieberman sided you with you on most issues and turned his back on the Democrats he was a hero and you all thought that was wonderful. (of course not wonderful enough for him to be your selection for VP). Now that Specter is doing the exact same thing with a twist you are up in arms like 5th grade bullies.
Specter was correct in saying you have gone too far right. McCain and Palin were a disgrace with all their hate speech and divisive rallies during the campaign and you all loved it. I can tell that for sure the American people did not like it all. You are almost finished as a major player now but the final blow will come in the 2010 election. Roughly 20% of the population agree with you direction and that will not get you elected as dog catcher.
I will miss having a viable two party government but the GOP rhetoric is old and out dated. The GOP has nothing relevant to add.

Keep talking Mr. Steele, I don't think Sen. Arlen Specter will be the last one to jump ship.
Keep talking, you are doing a wonderful job showing your true color..

COMMUNSIM IS THE WAY OF THE FUTURE BABY! One party, one idea, one man OBAMA. Oh and by the way, The one idea he has.....
TAX THE MIDDLE CLASS!!!! Who do you think is gonna pay for this massive spending plan? The rich uh uh. They will leave this country leaving the middle class to pay for it all. Then where will you people be right back where you started asking the REBUPLICANS for help. And you know what, i hope they say TOO BAD, you asked fot it now you deal with it

Steele and the RNC has zero tolerance for centrism. That would be zero tolerance for individuals who dare to see and understand two sides of an issue. I believe in conservatism and liberalism to a degree. But I'm extreme about neither. Why? Because, just as Senator Spector, I understand that too much of either would be disastrously close-minded; evidence of the Repub fiasco at this time, might I add. Spector is not siding with Democrats, he's simply siding with centrist views, which are not tolerated in the Republican party. Oh, and by the way, Obama is more centrist, not a socialist as the Repubs proclaim in order to inculcate fear in Americans. And like I projected in June 2008, the Republican party is on a swift downward spiral and will not be back in full force until 2020. Only then will they have finally had their 'aha' moment.

Specter the traitor? The Republicans had targeted him for a primary defeat. The GOP has become the exclusive party of the extreme right.

Watch your back Olympia...you're next.

What a bunch of crap comparing ANY senator who switches parties (which includes once Democrat now Republican Richard Shelby of Alabama) to Benedict Arnold. What a moron this Steele is. He's, and it's hard to admit, even stupider than Rush Dumbaugh.

It's interesting that Mr. Steele, Rush, and the rest of the Republican leadership are branding Arlen Specter a traitor. I don't recall such righteous indigation when party switching worked in their favor after the Republicans took control of Congress in 1994. Doesn't that make them a bunch of hypocrits?

Great Moments in Stupid GOP Thinking:

We didn't expect as specific potential pandemic, so we stripped out pandemic preparedness funding.

We didn't think we'd have looters in Baghdad, so we didn't send enough forces to keep the peace anywhere in Iraq.

We didn't believe we'd have long term problems in Iraq, so we didn't finish the job in Afghanistan.

We didn't think Wall Street was so greedy they'd ignore any potential future disasters, so we eliminated all sorts of pesky regulations.

We didn't believe Kerry when he said there'd be a new generation of wounded vets, so we didn't fund the VA and pushed to minimize care for PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

We didn't expect it would lead to an epidemic of homelessness, so we gutted basic mental healthcare.

We didn't think we'd ever need their help, so we insulted all of our traditional allies in Europe, destroyed decades of work on China and Russia and treated everyone else like dirt.

So speaks General Steele.

Mr. Steele,
You are no George Washington

Michael Steele...you need to keep crackin wise on Arlen Specter's mama....

I see why Limbaugh Likes Steele. I remember in the late 80's on the Limbaugh talk shows [after he left pro football ] he always bragged about being around the locker room and shower with all these big black athletes[ form your own conclusion]. Now he has his own big black buddy to share with the GOP'ERs. Republican chair Steele. Limbaugh doesn't like Obama [Maybe he is to skinny] ps Steele will be gone in three months, as the GOP will eat another of their own.

Since losing the Maryland senatorial election two years ago, Steele has morphed into just another Republican right wing idealogue. Instead of trying to help the GOP address its problems and regain some credibility, he resorts to name calling and the slash and burn tactics of Delay, Limbaugh, Coulter, Ingraham and other fanatics. It's sad - the GOP is self destructing and they don't even realize it. A fitting end for the party that brought us bankruptcy, unemployment, an unnecessary war with hundreds of thousands dead, etc. etc. If they had any sense they'd send Steele packing and replace him with Meghan McCain.

You can call him whatever you want but unless you ask yourselves what is it about my that drove this intelligent man away, (Hint it starts with an "R" and rhymes with "Flush") you will stay out of power. Which when I hear your spokes people is exactly where you belong.

Steele's message clearly illustrates WHY the Republican party is shrinking into oblivion.They are full of negativity and anger. How about a "good luck to you?" How about looking within at WHY fewer and fewer people are in their party. They refuse to do this and more and more people will keep leaving. All that will be left are people like Rush, Hannity, Beck, Palin, Perry, Sanford, Jindal. Just look at that list and what do you think? White, narrow minded, uninformed and overly ambitious.

Just an angry bunch of Republican rejects unable to face reality. Americans no longer buy their failed policies and tired rhetoric. The party of Limbaugh, Cheney, and Rove is dying. As for Steele, he doesn't understand that he is the token black man in a party of tired old white men.

LOL Repubs days are numbered and I love it...keep it up and destroy yourselves...Obama should have no problem winning in 2012 and I hope you retards never hold office again...out of touch and out of luck...

What a miserable sore looser is Michael Steele. I am sure your Mama told you not to Whine, be a man accept your mistake. Your party does not accept nor respect anyone that can think for themselves.

All the Brain washing rhetoric is finally out in the open.

As long as that Baboon dope head Rush L. keeps talking for the Republican Party, the more the other party is getting bigger.

Republicans are such a huge minority I don't know why they are getting so much airtime.

Thank you Republicans for appointing RNC Michael Steele, he's the gift that keeps on giving to the Democrat party. Steele has failed you terribly and because of that he will never be able to deliver the gift of minority support and also bring Repugs back to the party. A chairman of a party should never reduce himself and his party to name calling, that's what should be left to the lower ranks of the party which they do quite well.

i don't think it helps the R party to be so negative. If somone makes a decision in a free Democracy they are entitled to that choice without polaring name calling. Steele needs to chill out or he becomes part of the extreme right being the voice of the party. As a former Republican that voted for Obama, I am OK with Spector and would vote for him whatever his party affilitaion. It is not healthy for the Repubs to go against him as their primary candidate just because he did not always vote with the Republicans. After so many decades of service and two bouts of winnning over cancer he does not deserve this treatment. He should be honored for having the stamina not to fold up and retire early if he still has so much to offer in terms of his maturity and experience. He is very hawkish, that won't change. He acts more like an Independent, always has and always will. Its too bad there is no longer room for moderates in the R party. I hope this changes.

Steele is an undercover operative planted there by Cheney, Bush, Rumsfeld, Limbaugh, Newt, Mitt, all of course will deny any hand in this covert operation to rid the GOP of "undesirables" and will not invite the likes of former GOPers to any Tea Partys! So there.

The GOP is the party of "Slum Dogs" but not the millionaire part, nor the part from India!

They are simply the party of the nasty, ignorant and selfish people. They were after Specter and wanted him out; yet, they are crying a river because he left on his our accord.

Steele, I have news for you; very soon you will be dead meat in your own party...very soon they are going to eat you too.

Steele is such a joke at this point, I can't thank the Republicans enough for making him their chair.

Marginalized – Regional Party of right wingnut kooks is all the Republicans are any longer and they did it to themselves.

Benedict Arnold? Seriously? I thought Benedict Arnold was an American rebel who switched his allegiance from the Revolutionaries back to the British crown... essentially endorsing an outside sovereign power willing to kill American Colonists in their homeland, thousands of miles away from London.

As far as I understand our country today, while we have 2 different majority political parties in the US, they are both part of the SAME governmental system, each using it to their advantage. Nobody kills the other side (yet), and we're all ultimately "on the same side". Any politician who does not believe in preserving the Union should not be in our government.

Specter didn't defect, he stayed true to the ideals he brought with him when he entered the Republican party in the 1970's. If anything, the RNC has become more extreme, leaving little room for a common sense moderate like Specter. In fact, I remember when Republicans like Specter were the norm rather than the exception.

As a Philadelphian, I have voted consistently for Arlen Specter since the 1980's, he's one of the few people in the senate who can work both sides of the aisle without being blinded by dogma.

Statements like Mr. Steele's are emotional, illogical and inflammatory rhetoric that serve to preserve (and widen) the gap between the perceived "us & them".

Michael Steele proves that the Republican Party is truly inclusive–it accepts wingnuts regardless of race, creed, gender, etc.

And it just shows how PARTISAN the REPUBS are... so they can quit moaning about bipartisanship.

I compare Michael Steele and the GOP to the Edsel.

More destructive rhetoric.
"Feeding on your own" isn't the answer. Recognizing that you are completely out of touch with the majority in this Nation.....is.

Keep bringing down your own party GOP!!

One can see the Republican party is learning nothing from Sen. Specter's defection. Too bad they also don't realize that having Michael Steele calling him a Benedict Arnold is making them look even sillier. Why Michael Steele was ever elected as the RNC chairperson is a mystery to me. He is not professional and the street talk crap he spouts is a big turnoff.

I wish the govt would cut all this crap and get to work. It gets old listening to this crap day after day, and guess what nothing is getting done.

I am not in Sen Specter's state. If I were, he would have lost my vote. He only seems to care about keeping his seat and his power. This is just another example of why there should be term limits. It seems that in many cases, it becomes a career and not about the people anymore.

You leftys on this blog are a bunch of jack.a.s.s.e.s. just like your donkey logo.

Mr. Steele you are just a cry baby. Beside you were only chose to be head of GOP becuase of the color of your skin which is sad. You should respect a person's decision beside Rush the real of the GOP wats him to leave anyway. Maybe you should f had a talk with Spector ad the other GOP politician whi feel let out becuase of their moderate view. Just because someone switches from the GOP to Dem does not make you a traitor. Why is the GOP the biggest babies when someoe changes side or does not support their agenda. I remember after the Dems lost control ot the Cogress in "94" ad a buch jumped to the GOP and never heard this much crying from the head of the DNC..

Is it just me, or does that just seem totally childish.

Specter made a choice. Is it that surprising that a man made a self-serving decision? If you are judging him for that, then you must be the most perfect human being in existence.

Who knew that congress was about teams and loyalties, instead of political ideals.

It's okay Steele, just don't invite him to your birthday party.

Such a beautiful sound, the death knell of the Republican party!

I guess Steele's role mode is Limbaugh and he is starting to sound more like him every day. Soon he will call President Obama the N word so that he will fit in. Instead of sounding regretful that Sen. Specter defected and saying that they do want this to be a precedent for unsatisfied Republicans he is calling Sen. Specter names. What an unprofessional attitude. I can believe Steele is an attorney because of his moronic comments. This is something the classless Limbaugh would say.

Michael – scared of Rush, Sean, Ann and likes of them. He has to make noise. I say apologize to the world if helps the country by reducing the animocity. But never to your fellow country man for a disagreement. On the top of it, Rush seemed to enjoyed moments when RNC chair was rushing to him asking for forgivness. It was too satisfying to his ego. Is there a place for a decent moderate in the republican party?

Another note, stop implying that liberals are not Hard Workign American. Most innovators, educators are liberals and progressives. It simply makes more sense to an analytical mind. You will never undestand. You are blinded by religion, guns.

What is the world coming to? Arlen Specter is now a Democrat? Wow. Even the rats are jumping the Republican ship. I have to agree with Mike Steele's interpretation... The Republicans should all go jump in a lake today!

This GOP comedy show is the best ever. i hope it stays on for a long time. And where has Sarah Palin been over the last many days? I'm suffering from withdrawal without her daily dumb. Thank you Michelle Bachman for filling in. And now some urban-suburban hip-hop for the loyal listeners from Michael Steele [crowd cheering].

This is absolutely predictable. These guys "fight for their principles" ... all the way to irrelevence!

Arlen Specter rightly changed parties. Admittedly, he did this in part because he could see the writing on the wall. But he also notes the republican party has become more exclusive and extreme in their politics – hardly a stance that will ensure its sustainability! But then again nobody has ever accused a republican of using their brains too much. Specter has voted more and more with the democrats. So, I guess he's not really like a republican who will vote with their party no matter how off base they may be. Bottom line, he's a principled thinker, and obviously as such, doesn't belong in the republican party.

Advice to the republican party: Aim high!

Then I would say, based on his ineptitude, that Steele is McClelland.

Hey Steele, I hear the GOP in Alaska is seeking a "leader" – how about applying and go away! Sen. Specter works for people like myself – not the GOP and /or Flush Limpbaugh!

Sniffit: I must say I find you your lack of basic knowledge borderline offensive.

"the world don't move to the beat of just one drum" is from the DIFFERENT STROKES theme song.

benedict arnold? haha what a putz you are steele

Steele is comparing Specter changing parties to Arnold Benedict's defection to the British? As in British ruled by a monarchy? Is he trying to equate Democrats to a monarchy? O.O

Oh, another Kettle-Pot situartioni see...Look who’s calling who black You sir are worst than Benedict, you are an Unckle Tom!

@some guy 09:45
Note to republicans: "Leftist" is this week's buzz word. "Elitist" was last week. "Socialist" is so last month.

Man – Did you hit the nail on the head!!!

Please send this memo on to all commentators and bloggers at
Faux Noise

Steele, your days are numbered. The Repugs always eat their young.

The Republican party don't take losing very well don't they. Well I think they'd better get use to it, because based on their actions of late it's not gonna get any better...

Mr. Steele,

Ever heard of the words "Uncle Tom"?

Mr Steele, Benedict Arnold sold out his country men and endangered the lives of the men in his command. Are you really suggesting that Sen. Specter decision to leave the Republican Party and join the Democratic Party is at that same level?

Your rhetoric implies that you believe that the only Americans are Republicans and that anyone who believes differently are the enemy; un-American. Mr. Steele, I take great offense. I served my country. My father served in Korea, my Grandfather was decorated for his contributions in the Battle of the Bulge and I have several other relatives who served honorably in Viatnam, the Civil War and WWI. I earn a living, am raising a family, pay my taxes, go to church, love my country and vehemently disagree with the Republican Party’s dogma. How dare you insinuate that because I don’t adhere to your ideas, that I’m not an American.

How typically anti-intellectual, fear-mongering, and childlike of the GOP. Benedict Arnold was not only a traitor, he was also a great and valuable General. He became a traitor because he was repeatedly stabbed in the back by the people he served, and, eventually, disgusted, he switched sides. The GOP, instead of learning a valuable lesson that you should protect your most valuable assets, continued to malign Spector until he left, knowing full well that it could be the final nail in the GOPs coffin. Now, not content to shrug off his departure, Rush Butterball and his ilk are daring Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins, and John McCain to leave the party as well. They remind me of screaming babies on airplanes. Irrelevant, loud, annoying, and just ubiquitous enough to ruin everything.

"Benedict Arnold"? "Left-wing voting record"?

Bwa-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Good grief, is Steele getting his talking points from the ghost of a penny-dreadful author? What sort of bleary red sun illuminates his planet?

I shouldn't laugh - this country needs two strong parties, dedicated to preserving the welfare of the nation, pursuing their differing philosophies but willing to compromise for the greater good - but the GOP as currently constituted is more of a cult than a political party. I fear it will take a generational shift, a dying off of the dinosaurs in charge, before the Republicans can reform into relevance.

Steele, Maybe the GOP should come up with some plans for governing that are realistic and acceptable by the real population instead of a handful of old white rich men. Maybe you could start to recover from the disenchantment with your party. I know it's asking a lot, but try to think this one through before more members defect.

Not to worry. I suspect Mr Steele is a sleeper, out to destroy the Republican Party, because just about no-one, including Republicans with some notable exceptions, could really be as stupid as this man appears.

"Steele is a liability to the GOP."
_____

The GOP is a liability to the GOP

The real Benedict Arnold is the Republican Party. It seems determined to make the party tent smaller and smaller. Out of all the Republicans in Congress, only three were willing to do more than say "no" to President Obama. I congratulate Senator Specter for standing by his principles, and I sincerely hope that the Republican tent continues its shrinking.

Steele obviously does not get how ridiculous he looks doing these stand up performances.

Mr. Steele - the public is laughing at you, not with you. There is a big difference.

What is wrong with Steele? His speech and rhetoric comes across as if there is a literal war between the Republican party and the Democratic party. Is that what the Rush Limbaughs of this country want? Although, let's face it, Steele doens't really have much of a voice of his own, and when he does speak for himself he is chastized by the 'Rushians' until he apologizes and admits he was wrong.

As far as Spector goes, from what I understand he spoke for himself and was chastized by the Rushians as well – except he didn't cave in. He stood his ground. I don't know if Spector's defection will be a good or bad thing for the Democrats or the country, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Cry more, Repubs....cry more.

Mr Steele, you should steer clear of the name calling. Senator Specter is a rational, smart and pragmatic representative of the people. The ship, called the GOP,is sinking and even the "rats" know that it is only a matter of time.

Loyalty is a two-way street. Pat Toomey is the Benedict Arnold for running against Spector. Doesn't Steele understand that the GOP needs to be an inclusive big-tent party in order to grow, instead of having the constant in-fighting that Steel seems to foment. Now Spector will not be punished by his party for his centrist, independent philosophy.

When you start to eat your own, don't be surprised when they leave the table.

Ohh yeah, slow down tough guy, now you're comparing him to Benedict Arnold?? Weren't the same party saying the same thing about you early on?? Hmm, maybe I'm wrong...and by the way, you wasted all that money in New York, what numbers are you looking at?? You have nothing, my boy can compete with your fundraising machine with the RNC, he is more popular than you guys...combined, and quite sadly, your boy Specter did you bogus, he gave you a wake up call, you gotta take that seriously my friend and trust us, it ain't no joke where your party is headed...

When the GOP is finally relegated to the South (and Utah), we can begin the process of re-igniting the Civil War.

This is what the GOP wants.

Treason, indeed.

Before Steele was publicly spanked by Rush Limbaugh he may have taken this news as an opportunity to argue that the GOP needs to change from it's far right leaning ways and move towards the center again, but he has already been broken by the hate mongers and bigots that control it.

Michael Steele, no one is listening to you or any republican at this point. The Dems know Arlen Spector mainly left because of his political career, however, if we scracth his back he also scratches our, we need his vote to get health care and climate change initiatives through. It is a win win situation for the Dems!

Mr. Steele is in traditional GOP "tough guy" speak. He sounds like Tony Soprano and the Republicans sound like they follow Mafia tenets in their operations.

Yesterday Steele said that Specter "flipped" ... the term Organized Crime uses when someone agrees to co-operate with the federal government.

Yesterday Steele said that the GOP would be gunning for Specter .... that they would get him in the election. Again mirroring the intimidation approach of the punks in organized crime.

Then to top it all off .... hey Arlen ... he was talkin' 'bout your momma, man! Honestly GOP ( Steele, Limbaugh, Gingrich, Palin, Barbour, Jindal, Coultier, Ingram ... etc.) give it a rest.

Seriously? GROW UP.

The Republican Party is falling apart at the seams.

Arlen Specter, put his Country above his party when he voted for the Stimulus Bill.

While the Grand Old Obstructionists (GOPers) voted FOR their party and ideology, and AGAINST their Country!

America is watching, and paying close attention. Seems that the GOP's agenda is to rant, criticize, complain, demean..... and as Limbaugh said "hope that Obama fails".

America WILL remember in the 2010 elections WHO supported our Nation during a time of crisis ....... and who did not!

In the immortal words of the Facts of Life theme song "the world don't move to the beat of just one drum" haha...of course, the GOP is banging those tribal drums calling all their neaderthal minions back to the caves...they've rejected their own christ figure's "big tent" steps towards societal evolution.

Wait a minute! Wasn't Spector elected to serve the people of Pennsylvania? and not be a flacky for the Republican party? His loyalty should be to the people who elected him, and not to an outdated, bigoted, and right wing party.

The Republicans are way off-base on Spector's switch to the Democratic Party. The more they protest and name-call, the more people will realize their days are numbered.

As opposed to what exactly? Steele kissing Rush's butt?

The GOP just keep sticking their feet in their mouths. They need to shut up. They're digging themselves deeper and deeper. Makes me want to smack them upside the head.

Changing political parties is the equivalent of a general defecting in time of war, and threatening the outcome of a major battle, if not the entire war?

Uh huh. Sure. OK. No hyperbole there, baby, right?

Mr. Steele – if you're so offended by Specters "left-wing voting record", then why does it shock you that he realized he is more in line with the democrats? THis bogus outrage is petty and stupid and makes you look foolish, sir.

It's really a shame that mr. steele chose to respond with juvenile vitriol.

Boy, keep this up, and the rnc will be able to hold their convention in a Denny's.

I would hope that they stop blaming spector and place the blame where it truly belongs – I'd start with Karl Rove and his scorched earth attempt at creating a permanent majority. Polarizing politics did more damage to the gop than arlen spector ever did.

When Georgia got it's first Repub Gov, thru a dirty, lying campaign, Democrats from all over the state jumped ship. No Repubs complained then.

Well the last Republican in the party please turn out the lights?

Purity is not a virtue when it comes to political parties, the result will be the demise of the GOP.

LOL this is rich. Are they aware of all the things they say and do. Are they aware of the video footage we all have of them bashing and betraying Alren before he flipped the the bird? HIPPOCRATES! The gop should really hire a note taker so they do not look this idiotic in the future.

Publicans, my advice is to read the tea leaves you recently dumped into our streams and rivers. You might want to do that right away.

Steele reminds me of Rush Windbag.

Steele got me thinking.....He also got Olympia Snowe thinking. Maybe, just maybe, she too might want to follow Specter's example. Keep talking, Mr. Steele, but keep losing all the same. With someone like you running the GOP, 2012 is a safe bet for Obama. You can bark all you want, but Specter is gone, gone, gone.

He sounds like Rush!!!

Rush Limbaugh and Now Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele are WHINING like there no tomorrow. If anything the Republican Party is like Sir Benedict Arnold

The word 'liberal' has lost its punch and now is a positive. The word 'socialist' didn't stick. 'Fascist' was even more laughable.

So now the RNC is trying 'leftist'.

Yawn.

It's their image that's the problem, but they're still refusing to address their rightful unpopularity.

I grew up in a family of moderate New England Republicans – in Massachusetts!!!!. The Republican party today bears little resemblance to that party which was conservative, with a social conscience. Its leaders were intelligent, tolerant, and motivated by the common good of all people. Not surprisingly none of my generation are Republicans and our deceased family members are rolling in their graves.

Michael Steele seems to be determined to destroy the Republican Party – America needs two healthy parties. It will take years for the Party to recover from their current policies as they dig themselves further into a hole. Olympia Snow has it right in today's NY Times editorial. Every Republican and Democrat should read her editorial.

from Michael Steele, the ethically challenged candidate who had homeless black males from Philadelphia's shelters imported into Maryland, paid them to be "Ehrlich Steele Democrats" and hand out flyers as a "voters guide"–with pictures of local Democratic candidates who are African-americans, along with pics of Bobby "the Haircut" Ehrlich and himself during the 2006 Maryland Governor's election, to obscure their Republican party identification–in some ruse intended to fool African-american voters–as well as the same type of practice during his unsuccessful 2004 Senatorial campaign ("Steele Democrat").
This kind of despicable nonsense is the reason why Repubs are losing elections–and should continue to do so until they "change" with the American public.

this is the typical Republican MO – and the reason they're turning so many people off. Instead of examining WHY Specter left, they're blasting him – the way they do anyone who "dares" to disagree with them.

Hopefully the outcome of all this will be the demise of the republican party.

Are you going to start crying over that milk you spilled too, Mr. Steele??

Get over it already.

I see his lips moving but all I hear is Lamebrain's voice. Not complaining, just gives the other 80% of the voting populace a better chance of hanging another whoopin' on the Republicans next time.

Comments like this are going to bring Snow over too.

Thanks Steele!! You have been a gift from God for Democrats.

The RNC is a bunch of Haters.

For me I compare the RNC and the Republican party to the Roman King Nero. The saying goes.....

Nero fiddled while Roman burned.

That is exactly what the republican party did the last 8 years. Congratulation!!!!!!!!

if the GOP just had to have an African -American lead their party (even though he's not the REAL boss..we all know who is) they coud have done a far better job than picking Mike Steele who rates right down there with Alan Keyes as a reject misfit. JC Watts or even Lynn Swan would have been better than this Obama want to be. It just makes the party look even worse than they are and unless this guy is often mis quoted he says some of the DUMBEST things I've ever heard.

Mr. Steele's comments are precisely and unquestionably the very reason the GOP the party of the past. His arrogance and tiresome rhetoric prove that the party's leadership is synonmous with sophistry.

Memo to Mr. Steele: Go away.

Has it was reported, Specter was a Democrat and switched over to becoming a Republican when the Civil Rights Bill was signed in the sixties. What do that tell you?

Michael Steele is a pathetic excuse for a man. I hope the GOP vanished completely. They are a horrid bunch of cretins, from top to bottom.

Republicans calling people names. That is such a change of pace for them. I don't understand why they keep losing races.

The Republican party will never gain ground again until they stop resorting to personal attacks every time someone either does something they don't agree with or says something they don't like. Having figureheads with fowl mouths out telling one lie after another (such as Michael Steele, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, and Ann Coulter, etc.) is turning people off in a major way, as well. In addition, if their only hope for potential presidential candidates in 2012 are people such as Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindal, they better go back to the starting gate quickly.

There is a critical difference between Benedict Arnold's defection and Arlen Specter's. Benedict Arnold chose the losing side.

I suppose all of this political blustering is to be expected, but what happened to Steele's promise of making the Republican party more inclusive? Steele is well aware that his party is rapidly becoming a regional polical faction with a narrow mindset...he has stated as much. He certainly risks more defections with this sort of rhetoric, because it is obvious that the Republican party is not interested in having independent-minded moderates in its ranks. During the election campaign, McCain was branded a maverick, which supposedly was a good thing...now Spector, who has always been a maverick, is baranded a traitor (and was before he ever left the party), even though he certainly has not made the kind of statements that Lieberman did when he jumped.

Apparently, "all-inclusive" to Steele means you are welcome in the party as long as you don't differ in opinion with it. This is always what happens when any political philosophy is hijacked by extremists.

Michael Steel is just as comical as his "twin brother" Boss Limbaugh. They are looking for ideological "uniformity and purity" within their party... so was Hitler... now you know why the last republican jewish senator just left the republican party.

Good analogy. Specter is a traitor and only for political gain.

Michael Steele is from Maryland. I wish he'd stop acting like he's from Never-Never Land. This is getting more than embarassing!

Steele is doing a STELLAR job leading the Republican Party. If this " Clensing and purification" continues, he, Rush, Newt, Cheney, Rummy, Karl, Paul Wolfwitz, Murdock and a few others that manage to fly under the radar will be the only survivors. --- Then they can retreat to their " compound" in the remote backwoods of Montana to plan their overthrow of the US. - I JUST LOVE IT --

21 PERCENT AND DROPPING keep it up Gop Keep it up!

WAAAAAAAAAA – whiners.
It would seem to me that if Repubs considered Spector to be nothing but a RINO, there would be dancing in streets after reading this news of his political defection. This is a LOT of condemning over someone that the party didn't want to keep to begin with.
I firmly believe that Spector IS looking out for #1. But why all of the complaining, conservatives?? Always thought you wanted your ranks to be theologically pure and politically motivated? He is only doing what he was groomed to do (be a politician), now it may just be at your expense.
ROFL

Bendict Arnold?

Wow..Steele is an embarrassment to all Americans.

What a tool.

Steele is a joke...an attempt by billionaire Neo-Cons to 1. make the common-man perceive that they equal to them and 2. to attract minorities.

Why does this man use colloquial terms or slang when he speaks? “We coming for you and going to take it to the mat baby!" REALLY??! "We coming for you..."

Its one thing to be a common person its another to be an educated, well paid person, REGARDLESS OF RACE, and not speak eloquently or correctly...its insulting and ignorant.

Way to go, Steele. That's some quiet dignity and grace you've got there. Goes to show how the Republicans are the party of grownups.

Go tell your Mommy that mean ol' Arlen doesn't want to play with you anymore.

Hey Republicans

ARENT YOU EMBARESSED TO HAVE A MAN LIKE STEELE IN YOUR PARTY? I would be Ashamed to call myself a republican right now no wonder the Moderates are Dropping the Party like Hot Potatoes wHAT A jOKE!

This will continue to occur until the GOP realizes it needs to at least listen to the moderate voices in the party. They can not continue to pander to Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, O'Reilly, Beck and Gingrich and survive.

Better to be a Benedict Arnold than to be a Nazi Republican.
Welcome to the Democratic Party, Mr. Spectre....we welcome you with open arms.

Benedict Arnold, nothing like a dramatic overstatement from a so called leader of a major party. Ben nailed it. We're slowly shuffling towards the day when the right will just call everyone a traitor.

i like how republicans talk about wanted to be bi-partisan one moment, and then compare democrats to the pre-revolutionary british the next.

Wow. The GOP has made themselves into a bad cartoon. This gets more ridiculous every time one of their 'leaders' opens his mouth!

Hey, GOP, when you subtract, you get LESS. You need to add to get MORE. For example, ADD people to your party, not DRIVE THEM AWAY.

I can't believe anyone can even take these guys seriously – this is a joke!

Does Michael Steele realize that the 2 greatest heroes of the modern Republican party, Goldwater and Reagan, believed it was a State's Right of deny African-Americans the right to vote, to segregate the races, and put interracial couples in prison????? Does he admire Goldwater and Reagan? Does he admire George W.H. Bush, who ran for the U.S. senate seat in Texas in 1964 and denounced the efforts of LBJ to end racial injustice in America? Does Steele realize where he would be today if his Republican Heroes had prevailed and preserved segregation? I know that there were Democrats who fought for segeregation , but they are not heroes to the modern Democratic Party, and many of those racist Democrats, like Strom Thurmond, became Republicans.

I can't applaud Arlen, if he'd done it during the Bush administration, I would've applauded him. Regardless, the O'Reilly/Limbaugh types have worked very hard to drive out everyone that isn't an extremist Christianofascist, and apparently it's working...

Steele just can't figure out how to do anything right. He really is pathetic in his ham-fisted attempt to figure out how to do Rush Limbog's bidding.

When Steele called Spector a RINO and complained about his "left-wing voting record" he made Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) feel downright unwelcome in the Republican Party. Then when Steele figured that out he comes up with the Benedict Arnold stuff to make them feel guilty about leaving. Time for moderates to stop putting up with this kind of Jr. High name-calling bunk and switch to independent or Democrat.

Hehehehehe!!!! Republicans feel it is their way or no way... If a democrat would consider going republican, I truly believe our party would wish him well, and let him know he can always return.. Hey, it happened: Remember Liberman..

I think it's a fair trade. You got Zell Miller!

"Leftist plan"? Harsh words there. Also Mr. Steele, the Democrats are not at war with Republicans. There is no battle here. One more reason why you and your party are becoming irrelevant every day. Grit your teeth all you want, your time is up. Reform your party or go home. That simple.

This always the case: the party out of power is always in disaray. Now it's the GOP and in eight years it could well be the Democrats.

They can then all stand around the tombstone of Teddy Kennedy and hoist a few and remember the good old days of 2009.

A true man of Steel.

(No) Truth, (No) justice and the GOP way!

Steele is calling somebody else a Benedict Arnold??? The one black guy in the Republican Party is calling someone else a turncoat!!?? Please pass the cookies!!

Yay for Steele! He's finally found something he can sink his "feigned outrage" teeth into! Typical...Repubs can't play unless a Democrat send them a volley.

Michael, Are you still around? I thought the loss in NY was your end.

Mr Steele. Do you plan on going "ghetto" on Arlen? That'd be a sight to see. As for your threats, you and the rest of the jack-booted thugs in the GOP can do all you want to oust free-thinkers (Snowe/Collins) in an effort to "purify" the party but that reminds of a time back in the 1930's in a country in Europe that didn't want to purify a party, but a country. No free thought, no discussion, no dissension. Our way or out. Think about it before you and the rest of your party disintegrate into obscurity

Left wing voting record???

Your right wing of your party Mr. Steele is Benedict Arnolds. You have done all in your feeble power to make America sink. Well we voters decided to swim not sink. Keep crying the blues and hating America, but be sure to draw your unemployment checks from we working people that believe in America. Your people in Washington are levislative reliefers. Sucking tax payer money and doing ZERO!!!!

The republican set of values has been one of lies and deceit. They eat anyone who questions their motives or actions.

Extremism is alive and well within the republican party.

They are a disgrace!

Mr. Steele has been blind to all of the corruption going on around him. he was elected as a token figurehead and now must realize that he is being "used". Shame on you Mr. Steele!

Looks as if Rush Lumbug and "shooter Cheney" will be the voice of the new republican party. This is a great day for America has the republican party destroys itself.

You gotta love it!

Yep – anyone that does NOT tow the line with these Republicans is a Benedict Arnold. Why don't you Repubs just label him a "Judas", or a "Pontius Pliate" as well, that way you can keep mixing your religion into your politics.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Dont you think Rush Limbaugh should be called Benedict Arnold, for wanting our POTUS to fail? Thats more like treason than what Specter did.

The GOP leadership can't contain the defections, they provide no leadership and look out for their own personal gain Anyone remember "Tom Delay aka THE HAMMER, he was out for self political gain,

Poor Mr Steele and he still has not figured out why the republican party elected him how pathetic. Just like a lot of people can't figure out why John Mccain picked Sarah Palin. People wake up!!!

@ Anonymous, who wrote:

"Make no mistake about this move, it is a watershed event that will lead to the end the GOP."
_________________________

You must be kidding. Arlen Specter going to the dems is a "watershed event"? Oh, please.

If the dems put any credibility in this man, they're more stupid than I thought.

I wonder what Steele would have to say about Zell Miller?

And the Muppet Show that is the GOP continues unabated...

Let me get this straight Mr. Steele. Senator Specter voted in the manner he felt was best for the people he represents in PA. and the Republican Party told him he was gonna be out of office in the next election because he voted for what he thought was best for his people and state and you feel he should have voted the way the party wanted him to do. Well Mr. Steele, I hope more politicians will consider voting for what they think is best for the people they represent. You see, that is why we elected them.

You Mr. Steele need to get your head out of the sand and get the sand out of your head. There is no reason for a member of a party to remain with or loyal to that party after he has been told that the party is going to get rid of him in the next election.

Steele – Your use of the vernacular is ridiculous to say the least.
You are truly an embarrassment to the Republican Party. Awkward, not only for your misuse of the English language, but for the views you can't seem to articulate properly.

This stupid Steele would say anything and kiss anybody's ass just to keep his position.Fact is that his ship is sinking and having
leaders like this moron Cheney and druggie Rush doesnt help.
They all should be ignored.

@ phoenix86, who said "Not Benedict Arnold, more like Madoff."

How telling. People donated to the CANDIDATE'S election fund, not the PARTY'S. Your comment highlights the GOP's core belief that this is tribal warfare and that the masses should be manipulated to behave as though it is such, rather than people voting based on their conscience.

Micheal Steele is such a COWARD. He talks like a typical "bully" on the playground when he claimed "we coming for you and going to take it to the mat baby!" Are you kidding me? Steele also went TOO far by bringing up Spector's deceased mother!! That was inexcusable coming from Michael Steele. It proves this RNC Chairman is nothing but a right wing bully!!

Please SHUT UP Michael Steele. The GOP is at 21% and falling, NO ONE cares about the RNC or the GOP, you guys are self-destructing and sinking faster than the Titanic!!!

It's amazing that despite low poll ratings you FAIL to realize that the problem is WITHIN the RNC and GOP Leadership. Your leadership SUCKS TO HIGH HEAVEN.... and under the leadership of Eric Cantor, John Boehner, Lindsey Graham, etc. it's NO WONDER why the GOP is the party of NO, NO, NO. Maybe when the GOP poll falls to 10% you knuckleheads will FINALLY get a clue YOUR PARTY SUCKS!!!

I just love listening to Steele. The more he talks, the further his party sinks.

As far as betrayal goes, it was the GOP that was betraying Specter by sending a more "conservative" candidate to unseat him. Did they just expect him to sit and take it??? They are unbelievable.

When are all these so-called, intelligent politicians going to get it? Right now, with the state of the country and the world in economic turmoil, it isn't about republicans or democrats. It's obvious the defection of Senator Specter was political, but I also believe it was ideologically motivated also. He along with millions of other republicans are fed up with their party playing politics, 24/7, instead of thinking of the welfare of the nation first. Although I don't totally agree with every decision the Obama administration has made thus far, I support their efforts 100%. It's obvious to people of intelligence, that the President and his people are concentrating on stopping the downward direction this nation has taken, and the republican lawmakers should be concentrating on this also, instead of playing hardline politics at every turn.

Steele keep running you mouth and more Republicans will start to leave and more people will vote Democrat.

As a moderate myself, there have been many items that I have disagreed with Senator Specter, but I could not agree more with the recent move he has made having lost his confidence in the leadership and direction of the GOP. How dare the RNC Chairman make such comments, particularly from an individual who has no control over the hoards of right wing zealots who have destroyed the credibility of the GOP. The RNC Chairman thinking he can actually deal with these zealots brings memories of Neville Chamberlin thinking he could deal with the Nazis!

Make no mistake about this move, it is a watershed event that will lead to the end the GOP.

A true journalist would now post a simple analysis of whether Specter's voting record was truly "leftist" or whether this is merely rhetorical blather from a GOPer who is following the GOP playbook's No. 1 rule: "say anything."

You are the ultimate example of a sore loser, and even less of an example of leadership, he is gone, now move forward....

Republicans have marginalized any voices in their party besides the extreme right. Arlen Specter is a true moderate, yet Steele calls refers to his "left wing voting record." Hilarious.

Michael Steele you are a joke. You still don't realize why you were chosen to lead the RNC. They don't care about you, your heritage or your ideas. They are making a mockery out of you Michael Steele. And your stupid enough to fall for it. Well I was wrong to think that house negro's did not exist anymore.

Note: Churchill got up and walked across the aisle and sat back down in the British Parliament and was considered a hero for it.

And I agree with SM in Michigan...Steele forgot to mention that us "leftists" eat babies and want to replace the human race with robots.

A smack talking RNC chairman, yeah, that's going to help them. Keep talking Steele, you and Limbaugh will shrink your party into oblivion where it belongs.

oh, please the GOP is just going to fade away. Get over it. No loss,

Haha. I was waiting for this. These guys are so predictable... We know now they had rather vague idea about original Boston tea party... now they just confirmed that they are also not very familiar with the Benedict Arnold story. Oh, well, I don't think we can expect better from a party of religious fundamentalists.

This is all Moderate Republicans need to justify their switch to the Democratic Party....Steele calls Specter's voting record "Left Wing"...that shows how far to the right the Republicans have proudly marched.

Moderate Republicans need to ask themselves...do I really want to fall in line behind Steele, Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter and O'Reilly? Are they really your vision of America? If not...come on over and join the sane ones....you'll be welcomed!

It's going to be very fun to see how virulent all the GOPers in the commentary sections attack Specter for his "traitorous betrayal" after having to listen to their sanctimonious drivel about what a true patriot Lieberman is when Dems were angry at him for going INdependent, supporting McCain and, worst of all, supporting Bush's war mongering.

Just goes to show how completely insane the GOP has become. There is no room in that party for free thought or discussion.

Steele needs to stop whining. Although the RNC was on the ropes when he got there, it has gotten worse. If he was doing half as good a job as the President the RNC would have improved and they wouldn't have lost Specter. The RNC has just made Olympia Snow the most important Republican senator because she too is a moderate who was chasitzed for supporting the President's stimulus plan. Any time the RNC hassles Snow or any other moderate they can feign the big one like Red Foxx in the old sitcom and yell "I'm coming to join you [i.e. Specter]."

Specter's decision was obviously motivated by the fact that he'd probably lose the next election as a Republican. However, I can't help but agree that the Republican's have gone soo far right and have become soo outrageously pompas and righteous that they are turning average Americans against them. Without change, the Republican party will find themselves extinct...I say "Don't let the doors hit you in the rear on the way out..." Good Riddence

Wow, what fickle friends, huh? The main Republican message is, "We love you until you disagree with us." The only surprise in all of this is that more Republicans aren't fleeing from this dying party. Don't the Republicans understand that the U.S. has matured over the past 8 years and most people don't subscribe to the hate-infused rhetoric of ultra-conservative mentality? I can't understand why anyone would want to be associated with a party that only embraces bloated, rich, white men who only care about money.

Could this jerk be any more dramatic? How can this person be so outraged over a change in political affiliation after the last 8 years of outright lies and corruption by GOP Bush/Cheney?

GET SOME PERSPECTIVE, JERK

These guys are beyond belief!! When will they get it that they are out of step and out of touch with with America's new direction?

Nevermind. Specter will be out of the senate next year.

Really?
At least Benedict Arnold didn't endorse or defend the torture of other human beings at the hands of the US Government and in our names!

Hmm, I think we've been hoping you and Rush and Hannity and the totally misguided Glenn Beck would ALL go jump in a lake and cool off. Thank you, Senator Specter, for getting the message across that the Republican anti-American and anti-anything Obama says talk is not resonating with the average thinking person. If this wakes you all up, it will be a great accomplishment. My guess is, it will just give rise to more hate speech, which worked so well for Palin and McCain last fall, huh?

wow.................mr. steele...how many people do you and those that think like you intend on driveing away from "your" party?

How many more can you loose?

How many more do you want gone?

Is the party that is left.....are they going to move to Tx?

I hear this area does not want to be in the US.

so, ......does this mean that TX does not need much needed help during this swine flu issue? That would be federal $.

Do you need to check with rush?

What a mess your party is in.

Not Benedict Arnold, more like Madoff.

Some day Michael, when you are old and your great grand children are on your knee.... you will be able to look back at your 'grab your ankles' political career and grimace. I'm just surprised they haven't asked you to dance yet....like what they made Collin Powell do...that stupid over the top tap dance routine right before he quit.....you talk about traitor.....but you know he wouldnt have made this decision if the Republican party was in order. They are sinking and he is smart. you...are a puppet

You, Mr. Steele, are an embaressment to this country. If you weren't so bad, I'd be cheering for you to continue, as it is clear you are only helping the Republicans further marginalize themselves and ultimately fail. However, as an American, I found it truly despicable that you are leading what is supposed to be a major "national" party. Please, go away. And when you do speak, please use proper English – you sound like a fool.

Specter made a choice to become a Democrat. That's what makes the United States of America the best country in the world - you are allowed to make choices - whether it's good or bad.

To compare Specter to Benedict Arnold - I think Steele has brought his own party to a new low - I've been reading his attacks and I can easily compare him to a 6th grade school bully.

The most storied betrayal in American history is the Bush administration's attack on the constitution with wire taps, the interrogation techniques banned in Geneva convention, the invasion of a country that had nothing to do with 9-11. That does not even include his fiscal irresponsibility.

Specter's party switch is insignificant by comparison.

IS he trying to be funny? Wow, so now a voting record that is only mostly in line with Republicans is a "left-wing" voting record? It's like the republicans are just giving up. My prediction is that Specter wins the Dem primary with no real opposition and that he wins the general election with 60% of the vote over Twomey, or whatever his name is.

Republicans: You lost, badly, now deal with it.

The Republicans were singing a different tune in 1995 when Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell defected from the Democrats to the Republicans. And really, comparing Specter to Benedict Arnold? Contrary to what Mr. Steele would like everyone to believe, not being a Republican does not make you un-American, nor a traitor to America. This reminds me of a certain "Real America" comment by one former Vice Presidential Candidate.

not one minute for soul searching, new ideas, or common civility – just blatant alianating attacks

keep up the good work for the democrats, moderates, and independents Stelle

I think the GOP needs a new front man. Benedict Arnold was convicted of treason. Of course, in the distorted GOP worldview, they probably view Sen. Specter's action as treasoness. This is laughable.

I suppose a comparison to a traitor is fair but not quite the same. Arnold went against his own country.

Speaking of Traitors, Steele seems at odds with his own race. I don't get ANY minority being in the GOP. The GOP has never been behind the advancement of anyone other than whites, wealthy and conservative christians. Oh yeah, and people with guns.

Go look up the word KARMA or put in layman's terms 'what goes around, comes around'. You repubs just don't get it. America rejected your hate, lies and negativity and yet you still press on with it. You are the godless party.

I wonder if the Dems in PA will be smart enough to understand that this clown only cares about himself. Career politician. Will he represent your values or HIS? Vote him out for anyone else.

The language used by Steele about this matter is why the Repub self identify at only 21% and going lower. Obviously the Repubs have not learned the lessons of the 2008 election.

Fear and trying to divide no longer works except to the fsr right wing of the Repub party.

It appears to me that Steele wants it both ways. HE first told Specter to jump in a lake after the stimulus vote and now Steele is angry because as he sees it Specter told the entire GOP to jump in a lake. This is exactly why the GOP is totally irrelevant and America's permanent minority party. They never practice what they preach. One screwed up party if you ask me. Poor Mike Steele and Newt Gingrich . . . it's their party and they'll cry if they want to!

Steele has shown himself to be completely terrified of the far-right lunatic fringe. So, yeah, let's only let Limbaugh clones in the GOP. No one seems to care that all that will result in is less and less power for what's left of the once great GOP.

Steele and the rest of the "outraged" republicans just don't seem to get it. Heaven forbid they look within their party or at theirselves to try to understand why their respect and popularity are decreasing daily.
Have never in my life seen such irresponsible actions from a political party elected to represent us and our country. Yet, they continue on
as they have with no indication of changing, putting party over our survival.

Funny that he would equate Spector with a traitor because that's exact;ly how I felt about the GOP during the Bush years!!!

GOP rallying cry, " Torture is good, moderates are bad."

Steele had better be worried about the efforts to take financial power away from him by his real conservative colleagues in the RNC.

i have no respect for the republican party an even less for steele. this is just the beginning of defection an soon all that will be left are the bible thumbers, racist old white men an voodo loons like palin an jendal. maybe then hannity,coulter,rush an FOX news will be non-existant and the world will be a better place.

A moderate leaves your party, and you say good riddance.

Which, ironically enough, justifies his reason for leaving – no room for moderates. Limbaugh's brand of GOP effectively makes the tent smaller - and the party's chances of winning a November.

Specter changed parties and now he's Benedict Arnold? What does that make party-jumper Norm Coleman? At least the GOP is referring to a character that they can relate to, since they're the one's who truly betrayed America.

Its comical how predictable these republicans are - as soon as they look weak they immediately lash out in attack mode.

the GOP reminds me of a cornered dog right now, what a sorry sight.

Give it up Steele. Specter's right. He voted his conscience on the stimulus bill, and basically you told him the party was dumping him. So he was being kicked to the curb, and still you expected loyalty? You're sharp as a marble.

Facing the prospect of a primary loss because of "his left-wing voting record," said Steele, Specter had "peddled his services–and his vote–to the leftist Obama Democrats who aim to remake America with their leftist plan."

Note to republicans: "Leftist" is this week's buzz word. "Elitist" was last week. "Socialist" is so last month. Have a nice day!

sticks and stones . . . .
there must be a lot of would-be Benedict Arnold's out there, Steele.
You and many of your conservative members might want to rethink some of your own values and beliefs. Change can be a good thing.

Methinks he probably learned about Benedict Arnold from a coloring book...

Steele is a liability to the GOP.

He told us all to go jump in the lake today," AND SPECTER WAS RIGHT PLEASE REPUBICANS GO JUMP IN THE LAKE RIGHT NOW!

All these rep. should take this guy out behind the woodshed and beat his a**. The people who voted for him should do the same, boy have they been betrayed.

What an insult to Benedict Arnold!

Michael Steele, you are being too kind to Arlen Specter.

Before Benedict Arnold turned traitor, he was a great American. Arlen Specter never was. Arlen Specter cares only about Arlen Specter.

Wasn't Michael supposed to go away if they lost the NY 20 race? Did they not lose? Why isn't he packing up his office?

The Republican Party is the party of no, no movement, no innovation, no new ideas, no help, no empathy, no freedom, no to education, no to health care, no to 21st century energy

Wait, I thought we "liberals" had a Socialist, fascist, communist plan to destroy America? Now, it's just a "leftist plan?" I don't think that will generate the fear you wanted it to, Mr. Steele. In fact, you sound like a spoiled kid who just lost his best friend to the football team or something.
I suggest that you stop talking to reporters and come up with a plan to save your party.