But at least Specter has made a considerable effort to back away from how his remarks are characterized now that it looks as thought there might be consequences. He wants that chairmanship, and quitting the majority isn't going to get it for him.

The fact his remarks were spun the way they were, though, and that the spin has been so widely believed, is all thanks to Specter's own behavior. Again, he's having to face the possibility of major consequences for his behavior, and it does appear that he's making the right noises now.

So whichever way it shakes out, I'm confident that the end result in the long term will be manageable.

Republicans cannot make the same polorizing mistake. Specter worries me, but I have to keep falling back on the assumption that this White House knows what it is doing. Specter owes GWB his Senate seat for supporting him rather and he knows it. Of course he, Specter, will put on a different face to the PA voters, he has to so not to look so beholden.

There is not much this White House does with things like this that do not work. If the Republicans want to build a bigger tent and get to 60 they are going to have to put some trust in these Moderate Republicans at some point. In doing so, it makes it harder for them to complain down the road. I must admit though, I am holding my breath on this one.