Flap over Specter's 'act like a lady' comment spreads

Criticized for scolding Rep. Michele Bachmann (R., Minn.) on a Philadelphia talk show to "act like a lady," Sen. Arlen Specter had little to say yesterday about the incident, commenting only that he looked forward to "more frank, but less testy," discussions on issues.

In a statement to The Inquirer, Specter did not directly address the exchange Wednesday on Dom Giordano's show on WPHT-AM (1210).

"While Rep. Bachmann and national Republican leaders talk about what they're against, I am focusing on creating jobs, reducing the deficit, and moving our country out of this deep recession," Specter said.

Pundits and challengers, however, are taking swings.

New York Times columnist Gail Collins wrote Friday that Specter had "lost it completely." A top Republican demanded an apology.

Specter's remarks came during a special broadcast from Washington of the Giordano show to mark the first year of President Obama's term.

Specter, the 79-year-old Republican-turned-Democrat, who is facing a tough primary, and Bachmann, 53, a favorite of the conservative Tea Party movement, were Giordano's first guests.

At one point during an exchange over the health-care bill, Specter noted that Bachmann had said she voted for prosperity.

"Well, prosperity wasn't a bill," the Pennsylvania senator began to explain.

"Well, why don't we make it a bill?" said Bachmann, talking over him.

"Now wait a minute," Specter said. "Don't interrupt me. I didn't interrupt you. Act like a lady."

"Well, I think I am a lady," Bachmann said.

"I think you are, too," Specter said. "That's why I'm treating you like one. But just don't interrupt me."

Attempts to reach Bachmann via e-mail and phone were unsuccessful. But she told Fox News personality Sean Hannity on Thursday that she was "stunned at the arrogance" of Specter. She said the senator had "told me to basically sit down and be quiet."

Jan Larimer, cochair of the Republican National Committee, said yesterday that Specter's remarks were "disrespectful" and "demeaning to all women." She called for an apology.

Jonathon Dworkin, a spokesman for Specter's primary challenger, Rep. Joe Sestak, called the remarks "patronizing."