Yesterday morning (April 27) NewsLanc’s publisher accompanied Senator Arlen Specter on a drive from Lancaster to Harrisburg and, except for the impression that he had had the most collegial conversation of their almost 60 year acquaintance, Specter’s change of party affiliation came as no less of a surprise today than to others…and probably moreso.
During the ride, Specter gave a ten minute interview to the Fox network. It covered several important issues and Specter showed command of language and cogency of thought.
Some local and national matters were briefly discussed, but Specter seemed unusually reflective, asking “Robert, what makes you so intense?” and reciprocating as candidly in kind.
Specter expressed the same reason for running for reelection today as he confided yesterday: He believes his seniority and experience positions him to bring about much good for the country.
Some may regret, as does NewsLanc‘s publisher, that he did not make the change in 2002 when his influence on important events might have altered the course of history and better served the nation.
In any case, Specter hasn’t so much changed as reverted, since his initial party affiliation was as a Democrat.
We wish him good health and God speed!
