Most Kossacks are probably on Barack Obama's mailing list. I signed up back during the campaign, and I get a pretty constant stream of emails signed by some high-up. One just popped up in my inbox, and I thought I would share since it may have only gone to Pennsylvania voters.
My friend Arlen
From: Vice President Joe Biden (info@barackobama.com)
Sent: Thu 5/21/09 9:37 AM
To:
Michael --
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.
Find out more about Senator 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://my.barackobama.com/...
Thanks,
Vice President Joe Biden
This email should take care of any doubt that the party machine is behind Arlen Specter 100%. I am a good Pennsylvania Democrat from a line of Pennsylvania Democrats. I grew up in the Lehigh Valley where Pat Toomey was elected to Congress. My grandmother still lives there and said to me a few weeks ago:
I never liked Pat Toomey, I don't think he is a good man. I've never voted for a Republican, I don't like how they treat people. I think we should help each other.
Simple and to the point, right? (although she say she probably voted for Eisenhower when I asked)
The McCain/Palin campaign made a huge run at Pennsylvania in the last weeks of the general election. Talking heads, bloggers, and armchair analysts were predicting (maybe hoping in vain?) that the Republicans would win Pennsylvania and the presidency.
"What about Pennsyltucky?" said the big city liberals.
"He said you are bitter and cling to guns and religion!" screamed Sean Hannity.
"My constituents are racists", said Jack Murtha.
"He will bankrupt the coal industry!" shrieked the collective right-wing noise machine.
But it didn't happened. Pennsylvania's electoral votes went to the Democratic ticket like they have every presidential election since 1992. 11 out of our 19 Congressional Representatives are Democrats. Our Governor is a Democrat, one of our Senators is a Democrat, and given the chance the other could be too.
The point is, if the party machine has it's way the choice we will have in Pennsylvania will be between Pat Toomey the Republican and Arlen Specter the Republican. Notice anything missing there? Toomey vs. Specter, that's what the Republican primary should be. If I want that kind of choice, I'll register as a Republican. I want a real choice in 2010. I want change. I want a fresh face in the Senate, some one with ideas, and energy, and the strength to fight for what we want.
Why should a state that elects Democrats be allowed no choice on election day?