Obama Endorses Specter at White House, Calls Him "One Tough Hombre"

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and newly minted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter met behind closed doors this morning at the White House.

The three emerged and spoke briefly to the press.

Specter said to Obama, "Mr. President, you have projected an administration I am very comfortable with," and later added, "I do want to serve a sixth term. I make no bones about that." He listed several issues where he felt he could work with Obama, including climate change, immigration and health care reform.

Obama stepped up to the podium, thanked Specter, and said, "I have told him he will have my full support in the Democratic primary. We are confident that Arlen Specter is going to get a sixth term in the United States Senate and the American people will be better off for it."

Obama later said, "Arlen Specter is one tough hombre."

For Specter, there's no way to guarantee his party switch will save his seat. But for President Obama, it's hard to think of a visual image he would rather have on his 100th day in office than a senior, moderate Republican joining his cause.