Senator Arlen Spector has left the Republican party. Seen by many as a moderate because of his lack of virulence against Democrats, his defection was not a big surprise. He was not popular among Republicans who saw him as a renegade or simply as sold-out.

His move showed his political realism: he cannot win a reelection as Republican. His argument is credible when he said that his party has shifted more to the right. The GOP today resembles more a potpourri where all the extremists find certain comfort: Rush Limbaugh, pro-gun, religious extremists, anti-gay, anti-abortion, etc.

The lack of charismatic leaders with great ideas such as Ronald Reagan is a big handicap. The Republican party is on its knees right now. The fall of the Republican party is eminent. As Zaghawa of Chad say, “When the big tree falls, the goat eats its leaves.”