Obama 'Thrilled' to See Specter Join Dems

'You have my full support,' president tells Pa. senator in call
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 28, 2009 1:06 PM CDT
Obama 'Thrilled' to See Specter Join Dems
Joe Biden and Arlen Specter shake hands during a reception at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 2009. The reception honored Specter for his vote for the stimulus package.   (AP Photo)

Within minutes after Sen. Arlen Specter announced he was switching from the Republican to the Democratic Party, President Obama called Specter from the Oval Office, welcoming him into the fold, Politico reports. We are “thrilled to have you,” Obama said, adding, “You have my full support.” Obama may have had an inkling it was coming; Joe Biden was reportedly instrumental in convincing Specter to defect. (More Arlen Specter stories.)

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