Biden urges Pennsylvanians to back Specter
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/03/13/art.getty.biden.headshot.jpg caption="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.
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:
Thanks,
Vice President Joe Biden
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.
Specter turncoat for VOTES, nothing more and nothing less! The Dem-o-c-RATS deserve him.
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!
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.
A Joe Biden endorsement...Oh Boy!!.....you can see the lack of comments on here...the Public is yawning
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.
When did Biden get back from Antarctica?
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!
Specter knifed the Republicans in the back--can you be sure he won't turn on you????? Watch your back.
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.
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....
Specter has to go... Primary! Primary! Primary!
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.
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.
Is it me or does this guy always look like he is drunk all the time? No disrespect but geez someone do something.
Thanks Joe, but whats to stop this traitor from turning on the Democrats once he gets elected?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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