5/06/2009

Arlen Specter: Whoops, I Forgot I'm a Democrat Now

CQ Politics | Specter Says He ‘Misspoke” on Minnesota Senate Race
The political whirlwind that surrounded Sen. Arlen Specter ’s switch from the Republican to Democratic party had him forgetting which team he is rooting for in 2010.

But after voicing support for Republican Norm Coleman in his contested Minnesota Senate race, Specter said he misspoke in a New York Times magazine interview and is supporting Democrats.
(...)
“In the swirl of moving from one caucus to another, I have to get used to my new teammates,” he said. “I’m ordinarily pretty correct in what I say. I’ve made a career of being precise. I conclusively misspoke.”

Asked who he’s backing now in elections, Specter said, “I’m looking for more Democratic members. Nothing personal.”
Uh... huh. Sen. Specter, did you forget that, here in the Democratic Party, we try not to pull the Republican pattern of saying something horrid and then backpedaling with "it was a joke" and "I was misquoted"? I mean, I'll admit "I misspoke" is at least something of an admission of error, but you could at least try to be more careful and maybe not joke about something this serious.

Next time, just come right out and say what you mean, and don't mess around if you screw up - be expeditious and say you were incorrect right away.

Just a tip.