Quote:

He has already semi-retracted his "salvo" and professed his intention to work with the president.


Hmm, no. He said it. The message was sent. Now, the next day he was polite "Oh no I didn't say that I was misinterpreted." That's how you always say something unpopular to someone powerful, either in politics or the corporate world: say it then deny you said it.

And there is no way they'll force Spector out. He might up and retire, and his seat would probably go to a Democrat. Moreover, Spector can work well with Democrats on the committee and Bush will need that badly to get anyone confirmed at all.
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"If they can't picture me with a knife, forcing them to strip in an alley, I don't want any part of it. It's humiliating." - windsock