May 21, 2009
Posted: May 21st, 2009 10:17 PM ET

From
Joe Biden wrote a campaign e-mail urging his supporters to stand behind Republican-turned-Democrat Sen. Arlen Specter.
Joe Biden wrote a campaign e-mail urging his supporters to stand behind Republican-turned-Democrat Sen. Arlen Specter.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Sen. Arlen Specter continues to feel the love from the White House, with Vice President Joe Biden penning a campaign e-mail Thursday for the Republican-turned-Democrat.

"Over the years, we've certainly had our disagreements," Biden writes in the note that was sent to 500,000 Pennsylvanians on the Democratic National Committee/Organizing for America e-mail list. "During that time, however, Arlen has been my friend, my confidant, and my partner in enacting many pieces of significant legislation."

The e-mail includes hyperlinks that direct people to a page dedicated to Specter on the DNC Web site.

President Obama and national Democrats pledged to support Specter in his 2010 re-election run after he switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat last month. For now, Specter does not have a primary opponent, but Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak has not ruled out a bid for the party's Senate nomination.

The Specter Web site is the only candidate presence on the DNC Web site, a spokesman told CNN.

"It provides a place for folks who want to learn more about Senator Specter's record of integrity and service, and when they visit we are sure they will see why the President and Vice President see Senator Specter as a key ally in helping to advance an agenda for change on major issues including reforming America's health care system," DNC spokesman Hari Sevugan told CNN.

Another one of the three bullet points highlighted by the DNC is "Judiciary Confirmations: Senator Specter has played an important role in nine different Supreme Court nominations since 1981."

What the DNC doesn't mention is that Specter voted for Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to join the U.S. Supreme Court, and for then-Justice William Rehnquist to be chief justice. None of the men were exactly Democrats' most beloved justices on the Court.

Full text of Biden's e-mail after the jump

Three weeks ago, my friend Senator Arlen Specter added one more feat to his long and impressive career - he became a Democrat.

Over the years, we've certainly had our disagreements. During that time, however, Arlen has been my friend, my confidant, and my partner in enacting many pieces of significant legislation.

Learn more about Senator Specter's long record of achievement.

http://democrats.org/specter

For more than 25 years, we've ridden the train together back to Wilmington and Philadelphia. We've had some great debates and discussions on the train - and gotten to know each other so well - that it gives me great pleasure to be able to work even more closely with Arlen now.

His independence, integrity, and piercing intellect will continue to be a tremendous asset to the people of Pennsylvania, and now, to the Democratic caucus in the Senate.

I know that he'll keep up his great work on issues ranging from cancer research funding to global warming, deficit control to immigration reform - and in our coming debate to reform America's health care system.

Thousands of you have already written messages of support, welcoming Arlen to the party, and he was tremendously pleased to receive them.

I know that once you come to know him like I do, you'll be just as happy as I am to have him.

Find out more about Senator Specter's career of service for the people of Pennsylvania:

http://democrats.org/specter

Thanks,

Vice President Joe Biden

Filed under: Arlen Specter • Extra • Joe Biden


skyhawkdriver   May 22nd, 2009 10:00 am ET

What earth shattering news..one political hack supporting another..I hope someone proof read good old joes email before he sent it..I have to give joe credit though for not making a speech..proof positive that go CAN write an email and not get his foot stuck in his mouth

chesternative97   May 22nd, 2009 2:00 am ET

Convict Chris Coleman Chat at cccc.forumotion.net this is a free speech zone. it is a forum dedicated the events surrounding the Coleman family massacre.

Christian   May 22nd, 2009 1:42 am ET

If I got a letter in the mail from this clown, I'd be sure to do the exact opposite. Just his smile alone gives me the willies.

Marcia   May 22nd, 2009 1:23 am ET

I hope and pray Spector does not win in PA. I live in PA and we do not need a man that changes parties as the wind blowes. First he was a democarte as we had a democrate president. then he was a republican as we had a republican president. now we have a democarte president so he is a democarte. When is he going to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Andrew   May 22nd, 2009 1:05 am ET

I still can't believe it. Every time I see Biden say or do anything he seems like an absolute moron. It amazes me critics went after Palin for her "you betcha" style while Biden's clueless wonder routine went under the radar. He's Dan Quayle's clone.

Kevin   May 22nd, 2009 12:56 am ET

Thanks Joe, but whats to stop this traitor from turning on the Democrats once he gets elected?

Solid   May 22nd, 2009 12:54 am ET

Is it me or does this guy always look like he is drunk all the time? No disrespect but geez someone do something.

marcus   May 22nd, 2009 12:41 am ET

the dems are fools to support specter's re-election bid. they have an excellent opportunity to replace specter with a REAL democrat. selling themselves out for knuckleheads like specter will be one of the first steps in the resurrection of the republican party.

rob   May 22nd, 2009 12:29 am ET

President Obama, you are turning your back on the many Gays who supported you. Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell now as you promised to.

Alex   May 22nd, 2009 12:14 am ET

Specter has to go... Primary! Primary! Primary!

Wake up call to Joe Biden...   May 22nd, 2009 12:13 am ET

Joe-even though everyone knows you're an empty suit-you should still know that you can't trust a Judas-–bring Specter into your camp at your peril....

Patrick   May 22nd, 2009 12:09 am ET

It's dissapointing that if he feels so strongly about Specter that he wouldn't have done this for him if he was still a Republican.

Hey Joe........   May 22nd, 2009 12:08 am ET

Specter knifed the Republicans in the back--can you be sure he won't turn on you????? Watch your back.

TCM   May 22nd, 2009 12:00 am ET

haha...a "kudos," from Biden...what could possibly be more anti-climatic? The biggest "gaffer," in the history of the White House willing to provide endorsements....no thanks!

Rick in OP   May 21st, 2009 11:30 pm ET

When did Biden get back from Antarctica?

Mike   May 21st, 2009 11:28 pm ET

Sen. Specter has the smarts and the wit of a senior senator who was fit for presidency once. He was the first US senator who called for president Nixon to resign. He would be a great asset to the Democrats.

CNN watchdog   May 21st, 2009 11:19 pm ET

A Joe Biden endorsement...Oh Boy!!.....you can see the lack of comments on here...the Public is yawning

noregrets   May 21st, 2009 11:16 pm ET

Maybe we have gone down the rabbit hole. Doesn't VP Biden look like the Chesire cat in this photo? I do think that since both the left and right are attacking Pres. Obama on Gitmo and the release of the abuse photos that he's playing it right.

Mike in Montana   May 21st, 2009 11:07 pm ET

They make great soul mates. They are both a half of bubble off of plumb! If Specter is re-elected then the people of Pennsylvania will get what they deserve – a senator whose only interest are those of himself!

usnuzuluze   May 21st, 2009 11:05 pm ET

Specter turncoat for VOTES, nothing more and nothing less! The Dem-o-c-RATS deserve him.

annie for Palin   May 21st, 2009 10:58 pm ET

Don't you just have to wonder everyone says obama is so smart, highly intellingent and yet he picked biden for vp. That should seriously make anyone who is bragging on obama's brain power re-think their opinion.

annie for Palin   May 21st, 2009 10:55 pm ET

If PA doesn't specter, biden will go there and talk them to death.

Steve in Las Vegas,NV   May 21st, 2009 10:54 pm ET

Is he a dino, Democrat in name only or...A rino Republican in name only? Or is just a ploy just to stay in office by any means necessary!
Only he knows for sure.

bob   May 21st, 2009 10:49 pm ET

specter's son is one of the sleaziest ambulance chasers in philiadelphia, a city whose medical system has been ruined by specter, his cronies, and the deadbeat clients he thrives on trying to make an easy buck. as a physician in training, it hurts to know that i can't practice in PA because of this malpractice crisis

Amazen1   May 21st, 2009 10:42 pm ET

I love Obama and Biden but hell no to Specter. He is no better than Lieberman. They are the lowest of the low,"traiters". I'm a rabid dem but I don't like turn coats. If he will do that to the Repubs what do you think he will do to us!

David in West Virginia   May 21st, 2009 10:29 pm ET

If Rep. Joe Sestak run for Senate against Arlen Specter, I will assist him as best I can financially. Arlen Specter is a republican in democrat clothing and not worthy of being called a democrat, ever.

Pat, CA   May 21st, 2009 10:26 pm ET

Over the years, we've certainly had our disagreements. During that time, however, Arlen has been my friend, my confidant, and my partner in enacting many pieces of significant legislation.
-----–

That says plenty to me about Arlen's dismal failure. IF Biden endorses him - Specter must not be much of a senator.

Biden is a JOKE!!!!!!!!! With too many hairplugs!!!!!!!!!!

America Shrugged   May 21st, 2009 10:26 pm ET

Why? He's not going to vote with Dems a majority of the time. He only changed to save his political hide and become a powerful tool to get what he and other republicans want out of the dems.

Christine   May 21st, 2009 10:23 pm ET

Oh forget it, turncoat.

Biden, Specter will do you no favors   May 21st, 2009 10:18 pm ET

Biden, I think you think you know Specter

I suspect that just as fast as he became a Democrat... he will become a repub

he is another Liberman

rlkidd   May 21st, 2009 10:16 pm ET

Once elected our politicans should not be allowed to campaign for any political party.
Elected officals should represent all Americans not just their own party.

lb   May 21st, 2009 9:58 pm ET

Senator Spector needs to quietly retire....to change party for political longevity is not what this country needs. Sorry Joe, he won't get any support from me.

SQZ   May 21st, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Senator Biden is an idiot. This is not the prime example though....

Geno Malkin   May 21st, 2009 9:35 pm ET

No way, Joe.

Sestak 2010. Just give us a candidate and we'll beat Arlen.

Texas Teacher   May 21st, 2009 9:34 pm ET

Democrats and people of wisdom all over this country had better stay ahead of the issues... otherwise... the GOP (Grossly Offensive Party) will push you over the edge of sanity and have you thinking about anything BUT the important issues of the day! It's good to listen to the opposition... one needs to know what the enemy is up to... and trust me... the party led by Rush Limbaugh and company is nothing but evil!

joe smith   May 21st, 2009 9:27 pm ET

AIPAC loves you boys..

Lori   May 21st, 2009 9:24 pm ET

Go Arlen! I know you'll win Pennsylvania. I find it ironic that Republicans call Arlen a hypocrite for leaving the GOP but they don't see the hypocrisy in backing Crist in Florida who supported Obama's stimulus bill (the bill they allegedy hate). Go Arlen! Go Arlen!

fools, fooled by obama   May 21st, 2009 8:14 pm ET

no way joe dunderhead.

greenliz   May 21st, 2009 8:13 pm ET

I love Biden. But if Joe Sestak decides to run I am not sure I can vote against him. He actually does hold the democratic parites ideals unlike specter who i believe is just using this for his own political advantage and has shown me nothing to think he will help the democrats in the senate.

Willy Brown   May 21st, 2009 8:01 pm ET

If doofus Biden likes him then I'll votye for the other guy for sure. We already have 1 idoit in the W.H.

xargaw   May 21st, 2009 7:53 pm ET

As a Democrat that cannot vote in PA, perhaps what I think matters not at all. If I could vote, Spectar would be my last choice. He is all about himself. Democrat or Republican, he is a thorn in side of progress caring more about face time on cable news than making any real difference in the lives of Americans.

Gary   May 21st, 2009 7:50 pm ET

Spector votes for the pork bill called "stimulus" making our deficit this year more that twice that of Bushes worst year (which was pretty bad already!). He supports Nancy Pelosi in calling the CIA liars. He supports malpractice lawyers (maybe because his son is one). He supports socialized medicine. He supports abortion on demand. He came up with this "single bullet theory" lie that Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy (this was his theory! look it up!). I don't think we want Spector back in the Senate. I'd be happy with a moderate Republican or Democrat – - but not with Spector.

gary davis Harbor Oregon   May 21st, 2009 7:49 pm ET

I love seeing Joe Biden smile

it has to be one of the best smiles on the planet
it is real and I think he would be fun to set down with and just chat about life and what ever
if Joe sees this
email me at garysharon2@charter.net

I am on the southern Oregon Coast
Brookings Harbor

CNN watchdog   May 21st, 2009 7:37 pm ET

Change the letter after your name from R to D, and BINGO....Joe and Bo love you! What does this tell you?......

Jimmy the Greek   May 21st, 2009 7:37 pm ET

Glad to see the democrats taking their constituents for granted!!

Let's not give the voters of PA a choice in their candidate. Instead – the DNC leadership and White House pushes out any competition for Specter – giving him an easy ride.

No back-room deals going on THERE (eyes rolling). That's called "democracy" in the dems book, eh?

Leon   May 21st, 2009 7:28 pm ET

He is a traitor, against the traditional values of our founding-fathers.

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