Blue America Welcomes Back Two Old Friends, Joe Sestak And Ned Lamont
By Howie Klein Monday Oct 19, 2009 2:00pm
Yesterday Arlen Specter was back at his old media home, Fox News, singing a new tune, dancing the Lieberman shuffle, calling the GOP "a party of obstructionism." Well, he's got that right; they are. And until consistent polling showed that a right-wing extremist, Club For Growth head Pat Toomey, would kick his ass from Chester to Erie and from Waynesville to Carbondale in the Republican primary, Specter was very much a part of that obstructionist machine. Staring into the eyes of political mortality, Specter cut a deal with the White House to jump the fence and "become" a Democrat. He made the purely opportunistic switch on April 28. And here he was two weeks later on Meet The Press letting Pennsylvania voters know exactly what kind of a "Democrat" he would be:
Today he was calling his old colleagues obstructionists on the exact same issue for doing precisely what he was doing, although he has also bragged about how he will also vote with Republicans against Employees Free Choice. (The only difference is that he takes even more in thinly-veiled bribes from the Medical-Industrial Complex--$4,266,393, the most of any member of Congress who didn't run for president-- and Big Insurance--$1,058,655-- than most of them do.) Oh... and there's one more difference: Admiral Joe Sestak. Joe Sestak's constant pressure on behalf of working families has pushed Specter away from his unswerving support for his corporate donors. Petrified of being defeated in the Democratic primary, Specter sounds like he's almost a Democrat.
It was in the spring of 2006 that Blue America first started following Admiral Sestak as he sought, successfully, to dislodge another corrupt Republican barnacle obstructing progress in Washington, Curt Weldon. He was one of the first candidates our PAC ever endorsed and we have been immensely impressed by something that has distinguished Rep. Sestak from almost all the other members of Congress we've worked with. He is a critical thinker who seems to relish a debate of ideas. We don't always agree on every single issue but he never gets all brittle and uptight when challenged and he is always eager for input and eager to go through the thought processes that led him to make a decision. If there's one thing I've learned since starting Blue America, it's that no one is buying a member of Congress with an endorsement and no member of Congress will agree with you on every single vote. (Barney Frank once famously said even you wouldn't agree with you on every single vote.) What we do look for is someone with a sterling character who is open-minded, courageous and with inherently progressive sympathies. That's why we've continued to support Joe Sestak and why we asked him to come over to Crooks and Liars today for a live chat. He'll be joining us this afternoon at 3pm (PT), 6pm back in Pennsylvania. And he's bringing along another ole Blue America friend, Ned Lamont.
When I spoke to Rep. Sestak on the phone last week about the health-care debate, he was very forceful. "I'm going to have a very difficult time if I'm asked to vote for a bill that doesn't have a public option," he began. "I support a public option so that individuals are no longer stuck in insurance markets with no choices and no competition to bring down costs... I want to end unfair rationing by insurance company executives, like the small business owner who came into my District office because to complain about not being able to purchase insurance for herself or her employees because she had ovarian cancer ten years ago... As vice-chairman of the small business committee, I understand the need to reduce health care costs for small businesses. Only 62% of all small firms (less than 200 employees) offer health insurance, as compared to 99% of large firms. When they do offer insurance, it costs roughly 18% more than for larger employers."
You can find the rest of Specter's real health care record at DownWithTyranny. Meanwhile, please join us in the comments section below for our chat with Joe Sestak and Ned Lamont. After you've heard them out, if you'd like to sign up as a volunteer or donate to Rep. Sestak's election fund, you can do it on his website.
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Deleted by the Captain
Welcome, both of you! Great to be chatting online again. I have two questions, one for each of you. Ned, I always thought of Lieberman and Specter as the Bobbsy Twins of the Senate and I'd bet anyone that Lieberman will be campaigning for Specter during the campaign. Do you find them similar-- besides taking immense campaign "contributions" from the same special interests and then serving the demands of those corporate interests?
And Joe, congratulations on forcing Specter so further towards the interests of working families than he's usually willing to go. Is he fooling anyone in Pennsylvania? Do people there realize he's only supporting health care and EFCA-- for example-- because he's scared of you?
First, Howie it is great to be back with you. You were at the very first event I did 4 years ago and hats off to the blog community. All the print press was saying Ned who? and we were at 10 percent in the polls. It was the bloggers like you who said let's make this about the issues and I haven't forgotten that.
You still hold record for the most Blue America has ever raised for any one candidate. I think Alan Grayson's going to beat that record though. People love his penchant for telling the truth.
Thanks you, I am very happy to be here, and honored to have ben endorsed by Ned Lamont.
I think it is true. We have someone who is vociing opinion and votes not out of convictions, but out of political calculations.
I intend until May, when we win, to keep providing the sticks, while the White House provides the carrots, to keep Arlen Specter under control.
Hi Mr. Sestak. Thank you for providing a real progressive voice in the Pennsylvania senate race. I grew up in your district, actually, in Collingdale.
My question is how your health care reform plan or vision differs from Mr. Specter's. I think it's important for voters to understand that distinction in very clear terms. What is Senator Specter simply wrong or misguided about, on any issue, in your view?
Thank you and keep up the good fight.
Matt in Lancaster, PA
I had a reply to this comment and lost it due to technical issues on our end. In short, you can see the clearest differences between us at TheRealSpecter2010.com
On behalf of the C&L staff (and I may be the only one who went to High School in PA -- Cambridge Springs south of Erie)...
WELCOME!
I'd like to know whether you see the taxpayers getting their money back from the TARP funding. Barney Frank was here in a chat earlier this year and he said the main misperception about TARP was that the taxpayers would not get the money back and he felt the banks would pay it back. Now that the bonuses scandal has broken, do we have any recourse to demand repayment sooner?
There is a provision in TARP that permitted us to recoup the money if we have not after five years. It will take Presidential and Congressional action, and I intend to keep following up on that accountability.
That said, I am supportive of the President, because it stopped the cratering of the economy. While it is intense, it is not intensifying.
Tired old fools in washington. Why do you think we are having the problems we have now? People like specter,bush,chenny,reid,mcconnell,pence,shumer,baccus,snowe, I could spend the whole evening naming the criminals in our government. We need to clean them out!
republicanism/conservatism is a mental illness!
How is your polling going in terms of the political layout of Pennsylvania? Those of us familiar with the politics of that state know that it is at least TWO states. Eastern PA dominated by Philadelphia and sensing that it is an Eastern Seaboard state, and much of Western PA has rural and rust-belt vibe to it. Are you sensing that Western PA is changing, or are they as conservative as I remember 20 years ago? Are you planning on spending most of your time in Eastern PA, or is there hope for my old stomping ground, of which Obama got slammed for his "guns and religion" comment?
As the months go on, I will increasingly be a presence in Western Pennsylvania. My Slovak blood stands me well there. I also relate to the hard-working ethos in the area.
the PHiladelphia region has gotten to know me, but I will need deepr penetration in the inner city.
I enjoy what people call the "t." I find that people don't pay attention to that area. they truly are hard-working, education people who need to be included, and I intend to do that as I transition back and forth.
How do we turn back the power of the Corporations to dominate the government?
And reclaim Lincoln's vision of government of, by and for the people.
Natural people, NOT artificial people.
I believe in, and voted for a provision that I voted for that shareholders should be given the right as owners to compensatory review of salaries and bonuses, including the provisions for what bonuses are based upon. For me transparency and accountability are the key to restoring faith not just to our government but also to our public institutions,.
Joe, if the inability of the Democratically controlled Senate to pass health care reform and adequate financial regulations has taught us one thing it's that Big Business owns too many of the politicians. Many people seem frustrated that the special interests finance the campaigns and then get their way in return. You've been in the House 3 years now. Is there any serious talk about meaningful campaign finance reform? It seems to many of us that without it, we're just doomed to lots of Joe Lieberman/Arlen Specter corruption in the place of public service.
I cannot agree more. Unfortunately, there is not serious talk of campaign finance reform.
I am a co-sponsor of a bill for public financing. We must remove the money from politics. It would remove so much of the perception, and the reality, from corruption in politics.
However, this campaign is going to be won on the issue, because good ideas and a strong message trumps money every time.
I hope your right about " good ideas trumping money " that will be an up hill battle .
Q , what can be done to bring back our MFG base .
I am a strong believer in having vastly improved access to capital for small businesses. Particularly by not just community banks, but in venture capital. In 2000, $79B in venture capitol produced 21% GDP. Just by 2007, venture capital investment was down to $28B, as the Bush administration cut programs like the New Market Venture Capital Program.
I have introduced a bill to revitalize that program, focused on emerging technologies like green technology and nanotechnology. This is about new, high0value manufacuring in emerging technologies, and access to credit for small businesses is the key.
IF this is about high end manufacturing and jobs, I would just emphasize that healthcare reform is all about jobs, If you can lower the costs, then we can more than afford to create new jobs with the money saved. The way the healthcare system is now, we are risk averse to losing jobs, any money saved in the healthcare bill, would come back in the form of jobs.
sometimes it seems like a catch 22 , if you have a job , your chances of HC are increased . With so many of us out of work and losing everything we own , hope sometimes does shine so bright .
thanks again
dn
Grayson-Sestak 2012 (awakes with a start)
needs campaign theme...
"These Dudes Do Not Play"
Specifically Ned, do you have any thoughts about what it will take to replace the Majority Leader? For instance, the last two Democratic Leaders came from Red States - thereby compromising their leadership.
We need strong leadership in lock step with the majority of Americans. While, we all wish CT voted you in (PS: run again!) ... we need a Leader who operates from the majority - not hiding from it.
Any thoughts?
I think in 2006 democrats won because they stood up and proudly let the Americans know where they stood on the issues, they went straight to the heart of the issues. I think the leadership in congress should come out with a strong Democratic agenda, not start compromising off the bat.
But, he is on an island right now. The Congressional Dems have really been problematic with their lack of a cohesive plan. With the majority, what will they DO?
You are dead-on - they compromised too early on the mezzo-stimulus plan, and started from the wrong spot on the health insurance reform bill.
Man... I wish the two of you were in PA and CT .. and Dodd had won the Leadership post! What a better place America would be at!
Staff buzz has it you both handled yourselves very well with Chris Matthews this afternoon, speaking of Philadelphia....ahem. :) [I expect we'll have the video up at Video Cafe soon...]
Stop posting over me. lolololol
Welcome both of you. Sorry I am little late but so it goes. I think you did a great job on Hardball today.
We need robust regulation in the financial sector. We have been screwed over bigger than anybody would ever imagine. Both Lieberman and Spector were part of this. Please preach about this loud and clear on the trail.
Amen, Captain! And we may have only seen the tip of the iceberg
You can expect what you inspect. I believe that we should have placed within the Federal Reserve the capability to monitor through transparent reporting any future systemic failures like we had last year.
Ah hello.. hello (tapping the computer screen) Is this thing working (talking to myself)
in an op-ed entitled, "A Hatchet Job So Bad It's Good" suggested that EVERYONE (other than those who are eligible for Medicaid/Medicare) would be eligible for a Public Option.
There is so much confusion about The Public Option. My understanding is that if it is included in any bill at the MOST only about 17 million Americans would even be eligible for it.
Can either of you please explain WHO WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO JOIN A PUBLIC OPTION???
And, what are your positions on Conyers/Kucinich H.R. 676 Medicare for All???/
Thanks,
Abbybwood, R.N.
1. The public option on the House side is open to any individual that is not working for a company of more than 15 people (or 50 people after three years). Those companies are mandated to provide health coverage.
2. I can support Kucinich's amendment to allow single payer in states as long as it still allows individuals to purchase private insurance as well.
That means I can work as a Registered Nurse as an "Independent Contractor" and then I will be eligible to have health insurance through the federal government and I won't have to pay any profits to the rotten for-profit health insurance corporations!!!
I can't wait to go back to work!!
This is great news!!
Thanks so much for coming on C&L...It's good to see you again Ned. Joe, thanks for taking the time to chat with the blogopshere.
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter received the endorsement of Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Ed Rendell to become a Democrat and subsequent support in his upcoming election....
I hope that Sestak wins to break this awful Democratic Party status quo crapola which stinks to high heaven right now....
Specter is NO DEMOCRAT!!!!
Specter HAS been more pro-Democratic agenda than 30 or so of the other Democratic Senators!
For instance, my own needs to go ... Feinstein!
I attend a very mixed church, politically, everything from socialists to Glenn Beck viewers (I know). But when I have had the opportunity to talk to the FOX viewer folks, and I explain an idea that "why don't we try this?"
Everyone under 65 can buy into Medicare
We'll pay for it with PREMIUMS
They are FOR THAT. Isn't that what the "public option" is? We've done a very poor job, thanks to the Blue Dogs, imo, in explaining what public option is. Keep it so simple, a FOX viewer can understand it, lol!
How about keeping it so simple that a Democrat like me can understand it??? lol
Allowing seniors under 65 to buy into medicare is a good idea, but remember that medicare needs reform as well. Paying for quality instead of quantity is not our best opportunity to reform the healthcare system.
What is the deal with "seniors under 65?" Isn't that an oxymoron? I heard Howard Dean say the same thing the other night. Not to disrespect, it's just that (as I asked on my own blog) if we call gay marriage
Catering stimulus package for Seniors
and then put (and other gay people) in tiny print where "seniors" can't read it, we might pass the darn thing?
I'm not entirely kidding. Speaking as a post-boomer, I'm getting pretty tired of losing the generational warfare battles over and over because anything with the word "Seniors" gets instant acceptance.
I think you can join AARP at 55, maybe that counts as being a "senior."
I could join AARP THEN. I wish paying AARP dues entitled you to purchase Medicare, too!
Joe, are you aware that AT&T is shoveling campaign contributions at Blue Dogs to get them to disavow Net Neutrality and how can a good idea go up against a bottomless pit of campaign contributions?
You don't want corporate interests dictating what people see and hear via the internet. Plain and simple.
Once again, we have to remove money from politics.
I am a strong supporter of Net Neutrality, am a co-sponsor of the bill, and fully support the FCC's decision to make Net Neutrality a rule.
Joe, can Specter's opposition to Dawn Johnsen be something you address in the campaign?
I am disappointed in Specter's opposition to Johnson.
In today's economy, and with the health care debate rocking so much, there will be more immediate issues on the mind of working families in the short-term.
But yes!
Will the 3 Pennsylvania Blue Dogs, Jason Altmire, Chris Carney and Patrick Murphy endorse Specter or stay neutral?
Comments on what Michael Moore had to say?
hi ned are you planning another run for the senate?
Ned, thanks for endorsing Congressman Sestak today. Your campaign for Senate is the model the media will use to discuss Joe's campaign against Senator Specter.
Two questions: Does Pennsylvania election law allow Arlen to pull a Connecticut-for-Lieberman switch after the Democratic primary?
2. Why do you go on Hannity's program on his Great American Panel, Ned? Channel-surfing the other night, I was startled to see you there, being lied to -- and about! -- right to your face, by Hannity. Why dignify them with your presence? Do you think their deluded viewers are reachable?
1. No. We have a sore loser law. He could switch before, though.
I wanted to push back on some of the gross misrepresentations that they make about healthcare reform.
???
(As to endorsements/money).
BUT the Pennsylvania primary is May 18. I expect/hope party money is held until the nominee of the party is selected?
On Rep. Sestak.
and had Specter calling Grassley...They had a twitter fight..LOL Vote Vets was right there supporting you.
Have to run so just want to say think you for coming over and I sure as hell hope you come back. This interaction is so good for all of us. Sometimes we get a little depressed by all the craziness and it gets to be overwhelming. Health care, Financial sector, Glenn Beck, the crap they spew on the Sunday morning shows and then John Amato has to bring up Net Neutrality. Does it ever end? Thanks again.
And thanks to everyone here at Crooks and Liars,a nd throughout hte netroots. I am honored to be endorsed by Ned Lamont, a man who has principle and who has guts.
I want to thank you and, and ask you to spread the word and help us gain support for the type of accountability that the netroots shouts for. You have helped me a lot, and I will ask for your support to the very end.
Please visit my website, and join the campaign.
I'm concerned about the length of the various "public option" bills before congress and the special language introduced by special interests. Do you see any hope of a path towards single payer if a public option bill is passed or have hurdles been set in place to prevent this natural transition?
Congressman, what are voters asking you about? What is of most concern to Pennsylvanians as you campaign? Do people bring up Arlen, or do you need to tell them you are running against him?
Have you found that relationships between your offices have soured since you announced your campaign? Are your constituents lacking access to either Senate office because you've challenged Arlen?
Thanks again for chatting today!
No, have always taken care of our constiuents ourselves, so there is no issue there. Nor would I expect there to be.
Voters are most concerned about the economy, in terms of both jobs and managing the national debt, with health care also up there.
We are working hard at the challenge of name recognition, and you all are a great help in this.
over all this on all sides. Yet Congress just takes it with a grain of salt and can't figure it out?
What are your thoughts about the White House going on the offensive concerning Fox News?
based on the fact of this:
"Without any assurance of seniority, Specter loses a major weapon in his campaign to win reelection in 2010: the ability to claim that his nearly 30 years of Senate service places him in key positions to benefit his constituents."
Comment???
I debated a right winger from the Heritage Foundation and he thought we were crazy going after Lieberman, but in the end he realized that we created a movement around you, so THANKS.
I appreciated all the support I got from Netroots in 06, only disappointed that I didnt finish the job on election day. And two years later here we are with us electing a president who opposed the war from the beginning, now you have a good opportunity to elect a great man from PA who has the ability to stand up to the establishment. You know he'll be there to fight for you; so tell your friends; go online; make a donation, make a difference, lets get Joe Sestak elected to the US Senate! Website.
in California. Joe, are you rooting for the Phillies tonight? And how cold is it there?
Joe, Ned, thanks for stopping by today. I know it's been a busy day. We hope to see you back here soon. Keep fighting the good fight; not enough people do.
We really appreciate it...
John and Howie for having them on , i for one would like to see more interveiws ,
a note from the peanut gallery .
Paul Hodes this Thursday, 4pm (PT) right here
I guess I'm too late, but here's one I put on an earlier thread announcing the interview:
Mon, 10/19/2009 - 13:59 — ysbaddaden
When can we restore Civil Rights and privacy with no data sweeps, FISA-less wire taps, listening into lawyer/client interviews in prison, habeus corpus etc?
And has the Patriot Act entirely replaced the War Powers Act of 1973?
And is it already too late for HR 676?
And can we bring back the Fairness Doctrine in broadcast and include cable?
And can we have a new version of the Glass Stegall Act, a revocation of Gramm, Leach, Bliley, and a reversal of the Garn St Germain Act, as well as the McCarran Ferguson Act?
And even though it was a Supreme Court Case from 1886 cam we place restrictions on the Santa Clara County vs Southern Pacific Railroad?
And what about viable Campaign Finance Reform? Since when did conservatives accept the concept of symbolic speech as per Tinker v Des Moines?
Sorry for so many questions and so many Ands but I'm at work and can't participate, and soon have my 1.5 hour trip home.
But I'd really like to know how anyone living in reality believes we'll ever see REAL health care reform or finance reform when one of the most serious laws in our legal codes concerning war of aggression and torture are ignored. This isn't some silly theoretical line in the sand but a very real line between civilization and barbarianism. I for one have no illusions of a barbaric state instituting meaningful health care or finance reform. Not until the war criminals are locked away and civilization returned to the state will those things happen. IMO
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