http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/...
It may be time to coin the phrase "pulling a Specter," because Sen. Arlen Specter (PA), the senior Republican on the Judiciary Committee, just did it again. After making a huge fuss questioning the independence of Eric Holder, Specter just caved and said he'll support the attorney general nominee.
"I can say with some confidence that there won't be a successful filibuster," Specter told reporters at a press conference gathered to share his thoughts on Holder in advance of tomorrow's Judiciary panel vote on the nominee.
Specter is such a complete dofus. He wasted a week into having an AG in place for Obama.
"At no time did I challenge Mr. Holder's integrity," the Pennsylvania senator concluded. (But he sure came close, according to Holder himself.) "It was a question of judgment."
Speaking of judgment, Holder also has resolved -- to Specter's satisfaction, at least -- the GOP demand that he promise not to prosecute Bush administration intelligence officials who engaged in brutal interrogations at Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere.
"The gist of" Holder's stance on the issue, Specter told me, "is that if you have an authoritative legal opinion, that's a defense in terms of mens rea, of intent. That's a broad generalization. I don't think you can go any further than that until you examine the specific facts of a case."
Really, that's what you needed Specter? Holder to say "Hey, I won't prosecute someone till I see the facts of the case."
I really look forward to Holder looking at facts of these cases and coming up with judgements based on what laws may have broken. Gonzo, Rove, Yoo, et al...I'd be scared now.
Poor Republicans, looking sillier each passing day.