Arlen Specter Picks Democrats Over Republicans, Swine Flu Takes a Backseat

Our daily look at stories and topics that are lighting up the Internets:

The Specter Switch

Everybody and their mother is talking about Sen. Arlen Specter's (?-Pa.) jump across party lines, because, well, it gives us something to talk about other than swine flu. Here's a look at what bloggers are saying from each side of the aisle:

Liberal: Steve Benen is all over this story today. He explains the circumstances that led to the switch, as well as the reasons it was in his self-interest: "For Specter's re-election hopes, this makes quite a bit of sense. He was going to lose to Pat Toomey in a GOP primary, and the Republican base in Pennsylvania has grown to actively detest him." More from Benen here. Dan Amira explains the precarious filibuster-proof Democratic majority. David Sirota realizes Specter will now have to run in a Democratic primary. BarbinMD reports the news came as a huge surprise to the GOP. Ryan Grim explains why the switch matters. David Waldman talks deal-making between the Democrats and the GOP. John Farrell thinks the switch hurts both parties alike. Marc Ambinder approaches Specter's move from multiple angles. And liberal Matt Corley wonders if Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe will follow in Specter's footsteps.

Conservative: Jay Nordlinger thinks there's something refreshing at work here: semi-honesty. He takes the dodging and weaving out of Specter's statement: "He thought he was going to lose." David Frum (clairvoyantly?) wrote this piece before the switch was announced. Jeff Emanuel doesn't seem too unhappy to see Specter go: "Specter, along with Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, provided the GOP votes that enabled the measure to pass the Senate and be signed into law by Obama." Michelle Malkin is characteristically blunt about the event: "Arlen Specter, we have just 10 words for you: Don't let the door hit you on the way out." Jeffery Lord thinks Specter's goodbye is an opportunity for the GOP. And Matt Welch has this to say: "I am always delighted to be reminded of the commonalities between the two big parties, particularly concerning their behavior in power. Throat-clearing aside, this strikes me as no favor at all to the Democrats. By choosing to die on the hill of the stimulus package of all things, Specter reinforces whatever notion there is that stimuli and bailouts are Democratic, not Republican, pet toys."

... Meanwhile ...

Rising body count could leave millions upon millions dead... Move over New York, D.C. becomes the next location for an Air Force One photo shoot... George W. Bush, legacy shaper?... And in case swine flu had you forgetting, tomorrow marks Obama's 100th day.