The political world is abuzz this week with the news of Arlen Specter's defection to the Democratic party. It has come so quickly that we do not yet fully know what it means, but the GOP certainly cannot feel good about it. Specter's votes will probably not differ that much, and this will probably keep a more liberal Democrat out of the Senate in 2010 (PA was poised to go blue with Specter looking weak against primary opponent Pat Toomey). Still, this is not much of a silver lining for Republicans, as what was left of any "big tent" they could claim to have once had is quickly collapsing.

On Wednesday, April 22, the Maine Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary will take up hearings on what has become the defining civil rights issue of our time: same-sex marriage. A large crowd is expected; indeed, projections are so large that the hearing has been moved to the Augusta Civic Center to allow for a greater seating capacity. Many Bowdoin students have been working on this campaign in one way or another, and some on both sides of the issue may even attend the hearing (it is open to the public).

President Obama has often been praised, appropriately, for his leadership and charisma. Indeed, these have served him well both on the campaign trail and in the policy arena. When the American people demanded action on the economy, the White House and Congress worked to pass the stimulus package. Leadership, however, is easier in some areas than others. When there is not a strong constituency for a particular policy, even when it is both pragmatic and just, strong leadership is necessary.