Benjamin Sarlin spotlights the ad that put Specter's blunt cynicism on display :
Specter blasted the ad, claiming his quote had been taken out of context. But reporters such as the Washington Post’s Greg Sargent quickly pointed out that longer videos of his interview did not significantly change its meaning; Specter had also offered similar comments in other media appearances, saying on Meet the Press that "It became apparent to me that my chances to be elected on the Republican ticket were bleak" in discussing his switch.
Chait judges Specter's loss a net positive for the Democrats. His caveat:
[T]he White House does lose some credibility here in its ability to woo GOP defectors -- which it may well need in upcoming years as the party moves rightward and strands the remaining moderates.