TPM Reader AK takes a contrary view …
Even if Specter has gotten off on the wrong foot with Dems, his defection in the first place shows that he’s willing to do whatever it takes for political survival. He’ll eventually do whatever is required to ingratiate himself to the party and to keep the blessings of Obama, Biden, Reid, etc.. That includes being on the right side of unions and health care. If he starts by playing ball with the coming supreme court nomination, Obama will send word from on high that Specter is not to be challenged.
This point does have a certain logical appeal. That said, if Specter actually decides to not just become a Democrat but actually be a Democrat, I suspect that for many the whole point of a primary challenge will have been adequately served. For my part, I’ve sensed a persistent too-clever-by-halfism from Specter over the last few days that I could see tripping him up.
