President Obama and Vice President Biden welcomed Republican turned Democrat Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.) to the White House on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after he shocked Washington by switching parties.
Obama, calling Specter “one tough hombre,” acknowledged that Specter’s decision “wasn’t easy,” but he said it reflects the senator’s indepedent streak. The president said he does not expect Specter “to agree with every decision I make.”
Referring to himself as a “loyal Democrat,” Specter said his brief remarks to the Republican caucus Tuesday “wasn’t an easy conversation,” but Obama has “projected a conversation I feel comfortable with.”
“I think I can be of assistance to you, Mr. President,” Specter said.
And on how Specter’s switch will help his reelection prospects:
“We are confident Arlen Specter is going to get a sixth term in the Senate,” Obama said.