Checks, Balances, And All That Jazz!

Why can’t more Senators and Representatives (from both wings of political thought and the bird in between) present their arguments for or against something with the thoughtfulness and conviction of Arlen Specter (R-Pennsylvania)? I'm not saying that I agree with all of his views, but I admire how he expresses them and how he (claims) to listen to and debate the opposing views of his colleagues. If the House and Senate had more people along with that of political reasoning and independent thought, we'd still have vigorous debate, but we'd also have a lot less the foolishness (and phony outrage?) that we are treated with every day.

Here's Specter on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" showing his support for Obama's plan for the reduction of nuclear arms and the need to sometime buck the party line in the interest of the nation and his state:

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It refreshing to know that there are still politicians out there who still try to maintain independent thought despite the leanings of their political party. I'm curious, what are the names of some other politicians that who stay true to themselves (politically) no matter what their friends and opponents say? (Obama is an obvious choice so he doesn't count)

-Noface