The Kerry Line: Candidate Kerry vs. Senator Kerry

George W. Bush ^ | July 23, 2004

[RWR8189]

"If Candidate Kerry was misled, it was from Senator Kerry - the same Senator Kerry who wrote that if Saddam Hussein was 'unwilling to bend' he had 'invited enforcement,' even if the United States had to act alone. Senator Kerry has four days in Boston to explain a dizzying array of positions on the war in Iraq to an American public growing tired of his vacillations and doublespeak."

- Steve Schmidt, Bush-Cheney '04 Spokesman

Who Is Misleading Whom? John Kerry Said Yesterday That President Bush "Misled"

Kerry: "The President Broke His Word. That's Why I Say He Misled America." "Kerry said Bush promised 'to build a legitimate international coalition, to go to war as a last resort.' It appears 'more and more evident ... that they intended to go no matter what,' Kerry said. 'The president broke his word. That's why I say he misled America. ... He went back on his word with respect to an issue that involves the lives of our young Americans.'" (Jill Lawrence And Martin Kasindorf, "On Iraq, 'The President Broke His Word,'" USA Today, 7/23/04)

But Kerry Agreed With The President That Saddam Hussein Was A Threat

On September 6, 2002 In The New York Times, Senator Kerry Laid Out A Proposal For Dealing With Iraq That Followed Closely The President's Vision For Eliminating A Growing Danger To The United States And Our Allies.

Kerry Agreed Saddam Hussein "Invited Enforcement" Even If America Needed To Act Alone. "If Saddam Hussein is unwilling to bend to the international community's already existing order, then he will have invited enforcement, even if that enforcement is mostly at the hands of the United States, a right we retain even if the Security Council fails to act" (Sen. John F. Kerry, “We Still Have A Choice On Iraq,” The New York Times, 9/6/02)

Kerry Suggested The Administration Seek Advice And Approval From Congress, Which The Administration Was Already Doing.

On October 11, 2002, Congress Authorized Military Action If Saddam Hussein Thumbed His Nose At The World Community. Kerry voted for the resolution.

John Kerry Wrote That We "Must Seek Full Enforcement Of The Existing Cease-Fire Agreement From The United Nations Security Council." The Administration had already begun working toward a new United Nations Security Council Resolution. (Sen. John F. Kerry, “We Still Have A Choice On Iraq,” The New York Times, 9/6/02)

President Bush Brought Resolution 1441 To The Security Council, Giving Iraq Four Months To Disarm. Resolution 1441 passed unanimously.

President Bush Issued An Ultimatum To Saddam Hussein On March 17, 2004.

Kerry Agreed With This Strategy As Well, Writing That "We Should Offer A Clear Ultimatum To Iraq Before The World …" (Sen. John F. Kerry, “We Still Have A Choice On Iraq,” The New York Times, 9/6/02)

So, While President Bush Knew What He Needed To Do To Keep America Safe, John Kerry Had The Sense To Sign On To Every Aspect Of That Plan. The only difference now is that one man, President George Bush, hasn't blinked or flinched. John Kerry has declared himself an "anti war candidate," coughs up political attacks on the campaign trail that contradict the words of Senator Kerry who understood and forgot, or understands and seeks to cover up, his knowledge that Saddam Hussein was a threat that had to be dealt with.

[Always Right]

I made up a whole debate between Candidate Kerry and Senator Kerry about a month ago. They were on complete opposite sides of the fense on most all issues.

[Always Right]

The Kerry’s Debate I: Senator Kerry vs. Candidate Kerry
Various | 3-5-04 | ALways RIght

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1091343/posts

Posted on 03/05/2004 9:47:44 AM EST by Always Right


Moderator: Welcome everyone. Today will be our first debate between Senator John Forbes Kerry (D-MA) and the Democratic Presidential nominee John F. Kerry. Senator Kerry, the first question is for you. What was your position on the 1991 Gulf War?


Senator Kerry: As you know, I voted against the war in Iraq in 1991. Instead I supported a resolution which would have continued economic sanctions against Iraq. I stated on the floor of the Senate that “there is no consensus in America for war and, therefore, the Congress should not vote to authorize war”. I rejected the “rush to so much death and destruction when it did not have to happen.”

I have long been a critic of such wars, protesting against what we did in Vietnam and testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee concerning the atrocities committed by US soldiers including myself against innocent Vietnamese. I was ashamed of my involvement in Vietnam and participated in an event where Vietnam vets threw our war metals away.

Moderator: Thank you Senator. Candidate Kerry how do you respond?

Candidate Kerry: A month after Senator Kerry voted against the war, I wrote a letter to one of my supporters in which I said, “From the outset of the invasion, I have strongly and unequivocally supported President Bush's response to the crisis and the policy goals he has established with our military deployment in the Persian Gulf." My experience as decorated soldier in Vietnam proves that I am strong on defense.

Moderator: Since the first Gulf War, both of your positions have seemed to changed over time. Could you explain your position on the current war in Iraq? Candidate Kerry, you go first please.

Candidate Kerry: As you know from my campaign, I have taken a strong position against Bush’s unilateral war in which he mislead the American people. In fact, a month prior to Senator Kerry voting for the resolution authorizing war, I wrote an op ed in the New York Times against such a resolution, as war should have been the absolute last resort. Continuing the inspection process offered the best hope for a peaceful solution and I stated, “those who think that the inspection process is merely a waste of time should be reminded that legitimacy in the conduct of war, among our people and our allies, is not a waste, but an essential foundation of success.” President Bush rushed America into war. The war was poorly planned and has proven too costly in terms of American lives and money.

I also opposed the additional $78 billion for the reconstruction of Iraq. President Bush should be ‘opening and internationalizing the contracting process’ instead of non-competitively awarding the ‘lion’s share’ contracts to ‘Halliburton and other select American companies’.

“This administration’s brazen, go-it-alone policy has placed our soldiers at unnecessary risk and our hopes for success in jeopardy. It has turned American liberators into occupiers in the eyes of many Iraqis. It has created a terrorist presence in Iraq where none previously existed– and made Iraq a recruiting poster for terrorists of the future. It has undermined the legitimacy of our efforts at home, abroad, and in Iraq. And it has left Iraqis wondering when they will get their country back. We cannot continue on this course. The stakes are too high– for our troops, for the Iraqi people, for the region, and for American security.”

Moderator: Thank you Candidate Kerry, and Senator your response?

Senator Kerry: I must strongly disagree with Candidate Kerry here. I voted for the Iraqi War Resolution. “We are facing a very different world today than we have ever faced before. September 11 changed a lot….(Saddam was) a brutal, oppressive dictator, guilty of personally murdering and condoning murder and torture, grotesque violence against women, execution of political opponents, a war criminal who used chemical weapons against another nation and, of course, as we know, against his own people, the Kurds. He has diverted funds from the Oil-for-Food program, intended by the international community to go to his own people. He has supported and harbored terrorist groups, particularly radical Palestinian groups such as Abu Nidal, and he has given money to families of suicide murderers in Israel.”


“The Senate worked to urge action in early 1998. I joined with Senator McCain, Senator Hagel, and other Senators, in a resolution urging the President (Clinton) to ‘take all necessary and appropriate actions to respond to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end his weapons of mass destruction program.’ That was 1998 that we thought we needed a more serious response. “


“By standing (now) with the President (Bush), Congress…demonstrate(d) our Nation (was) united in its determination to take away that arsenal, and we…affirm(ed) the President's right and responsibility to keep the American people safe…So I believe the Senate… made it clear, and the country will make it clear, that we will not be blackmailed or extorted…and we…(could) not permit the United Nations--an institution we have worked hard to nurture and create--to simply be ignored by this dictator.”


Moderator: Thank you Senator. I must say this is exciting, after all the Democratic debates between the candidates, where everyone was agreeing, to have such a debate with completely opposite positions. Now let’s switch gears and discuss a hot topic that has been in the news lately, gay marriage. Candidate Kerry, what is your position on gay marriage?

Candidate Kerry: I have taken the same stance as President Bush and Vice President Cheney in opposing gay marriage. I personally oppose gay marriage. Whether I would support a constitutional amendment “depends entirely on the language of whether it permits civil unions and partnership or not….I believe the right answer is civil unions. I oppose gay marriage and disagree with the Massachusetts Court's decision”

Moderator: And Senator Kerry…

Senator Kerry: Unlike Candidate Kerry, my record in the Senate establishes me as one of the leading defenders of gay marriage. I was one of only 14 Senators who voted against the “unconstitutional, unprecedented, unnecessary and mean-spirited bill” Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, which was signed by President Clinton. I considered the Defense of Marriage bill the equivalent of banning interracial marriages and “thought it was gay-bashing on the floor of the United States Senate.” And just back in July of 2002, I signed a joint congressional letter which stated, "we believe it would be a grave error for Massachusetts to enshrine in our Constitution a provision which would have such a negative effect on so many of our fellow residents." So I have strongly opposed legislation on the state and federal level which would ban gay marriage.

Moderator: So thank you Candidate Kerry and Senator Kerry for participating tonight in our first Kerry debate. In future debates we will discuss jobs, trade, security, and taxes. Thank you for joining us and good night.

[Christian4Bush]

Wow. I forgot about this. Thanks for the virtual PING!

[Peach]

The metrosexual gigolo flip flopper faux war hero pompous windbag has no business even thinking about running for elective office.

It is only because he has a complicit media behind him that he's running at 50/50 with the president.

[beyond the sea]

John-Jaquestrap Effin Shove It S.O.B Teresa Mamma T Winthrop Simoes-Ferreira Al Qerry-Heinz III is a loser lying piece of crap!

And, there will come a time when the rest of America will refer to Effin's tiny attack dog, John Edwards as: The political equivalent of breast implants!

What a duo.............two losers!!!!!!!!

[scaryKerry]

Yeah, but he knows where he stands on Iraq. Hurl.

[vannrox]

John Kerry on Abortion

Click here for OR .

• Kerry staunchly resists restrictions on abortions. (Apr 2004)
• Partial-birth abortion ban undermine women's right to choose. (Nov 2003)
• No criminalization of a woman's right to choose. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
• Voted NO on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
• Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
• Voted NO on disallowing overseas military abortions. (May 1999)
• Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)

John Kerry on Budget & Economy

Click here for OR .

• Incentives to create jobs at home and end corporate welfare. (Jul 2004)
• We can do better on economy--lift people out of poverty. (Jul 2004)
• Economy is recovering for corporations to some degree. (Jan 2004)
• Will follow Clinton's plan to halve deficit in four years. (Oct 2003)
• Base policy on broad growth and progressive taxation. (Oct 2003)
• Bush policy kept economy afloat in recession-keep some of it. (Sep 2003)
• No excuse for special tax cuts for the rich. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
• Voted NO on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
• Voted NO on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997)

John Kerry on Civil Rights

Click here for OR .

• Defense of Marriage Act is fundamentally ugly. (Apr 2004)
• Questions the ultimate practicality of affirmative action. (Apr 2004)
• Supports federal DOMA, but not Massachusetts DOMA. (Feb 2004)
• Support "mend it, don't end it" for affirmative action. (Jan 2004)
• Flag burning is displeasing, but it's free expression. (Jan 2004)
• For partnership rights and civil union. (Nov 2003)
• Include a sunset provision in the Patriot Act. (Jun 2003)
• Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
• Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
• Voted YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
• Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
• Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
• Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
• Voted YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
• Voted NO on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)
• Voted NO on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)
• Shift from group preferences to economic empowerment of all. (Aug 2000)

John Kerry on Corporations

Click here for OR .

• Kerry owned a small business: they're engine of economy. (Mar 2004)
• Close the loopholes that reward corps taking jobs overseas. (Jan 2004)
• Regulate on side of citizens, not on side of corporations. (Oct 2003)
• Democratize the process of corporate boards. (Sep 2003)
• End "Get Mine and Get Out" ethic at White House. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)

John Kerry on Crime

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• Opposes death penalty except for post 9-11 terrorists. (Jul 2004)
• States should not engage in killing-too many mistakes. (Feb 2004)
• Moratorium on federal executions-only exception is terrorism. (Jan 2004)
• Death penalty for Osama bin Laden. (Dec 2003)
• Voted YES on $1.15 billion per year to continue the COPS program. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)
• Voted NO on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)
• Voted YES on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)
• Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)
• Voted NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)
• Voted NO on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)
• More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)
• Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)

John Kerry on Drugs

Click here for OR .

• Target traffickers as well as reducing demand. (Mar 2004)
• Admits having smoked marijuana. (Nov 2003)
• Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses. (Nov 1999)
• Voted NO on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)

John Kerry on Education

Click here for OR .

• Invest in the children, not the prison system. (Jul 2004)
• National Education Trust Fund: fully fund mandated standards. (Mar 2004)
• Measure learning, but with flexible standards. (Feb 2004)
• Vouchers drain resources from public schools. (Jan 2004)
• Supported "No Child Left Behind," but Bush reneged. (Oct 2003)
• Stop viewing charter schools as threatening innovation. (Oct 2003)
• Nothing good about vouchers can't be done in public schools. (Oct 2003)
• Voted YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
• Voted NO on Educational Savings Accounts. (Mar 2000)
• Voted NO on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
• Voted NO on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
• Voted NO on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
• Voted NO on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
• Voted NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)
• Voted YES on national education standards. (Feb 1994)
• Offer every parent Charter Schools and public school choice. (Aug 2000)
• Three R’s: $35B for Reinvestment,Reinvention,Responsibility. (Jan 2001)

John Kerry on Energy & Oil

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• No American should be held hostage to our oil dependence. (Jul 2004)
• No nuclear waste dump in Nevada's Yucca Mountain. (Feb 2004)
• Raise CAFE standard to 36 mpg by 2015. (Jan 2004)
• Ban MBTE and sue companies who make it. (Jan 2004)
• 20% renewable energy by 2020. (Nov 2003)
• ANWR won't provide any oil for 20 years. (Sep 2003)
• Invent our way out of oil dependency-don't drill our way out. (Sep 2003)
• Invest in advancing secure forms of energy instead of oil. (Jun 2003)
• Led effort to try to raise fuel efficiency standards. (May 2003)
• Create new energy sources to end Mideast dependency. (May 2002)
• Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
• Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
• Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
• Voted NO on replacing CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
• Voted NO on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
• Voted YES on keeping CAFE fuel efficiency standards. (Sep 1999)
• Voted NO on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
• Voted NO on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
• Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
• Supports tradable emissions permits for greenhouse gases. (Aug 2000)
• Keep climate change in EPA "State of the Environment" report. (Jun 2003)
• Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy. (Mar 2004)

John Kerry on Environment

Click here for OR .

• Fact Check: Contaminated home uses city water, not bottled. (Dec 2003)
• Make environmental justice an EPA priority. (Oct 2003)
• Safeguard the environment and grow the economy. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
• Voted NO on more funding for forest roads and fish habitat. (Sep 1999)
• Voted NO on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
• Voted YES on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
• Voted YES on continuing desert protection in California. (Oct 1994)
• Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments. (May 1994)
• Reduce liability for hazardous waste cleanup. (May 2001)
• EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)

John Kerry on Families & Children

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• Care for our children and protect the neighborhoods. (Jul 2004)
• Fighting for America's Children: insurance & care for all. (Mar 2004)
• Fully fund Head Start for all 3- and 4-year-olds. (Mar 2004)
• Supports Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act. (Mar 2004)
• New "Kids Safety Effort" at the FDA. (Mar 2004)
• Fund Head Start to leave no child behind. (Sep 2003)
• Voted YES on restricting violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
• Give parents tools to balance work and family. (Aug 2000)

John Kerry on Foreign Policy

Click here for OR .

• American power comes from respect, not weapons. (May 2004)
• Bush undermines generations of American leadership. (May 2004)
• Haiti is in crisis because Bush hates Aristide. (Feb 2004)
• Excluding other nations in rebuilding Iraq is dumb. (Dec 2003)
• Supports multilateral cooperative internationalism. (Oct 2003)
• Voted YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe. (May 2002)
• Voted YES on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
• Voted NO on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
• Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
• Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
• Voted NO on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
• Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
• Progressive Internationalism: globalize with US pre-eminence. (Aug 2000)
• Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine. (Apr 2001)

John Kerry on Free Trade

Click here for OR .

• All new trade must include labor and environmental standards. (Jan 2004)
• Veto FTAA and CAFTA until they have stronger standards. (Jan 2004)
• Dean's trade policy is protectionist. (Sep 2003)
• FTAA needs more labor and environmental standards. (Sep 2003)
• Fix NAFTA-canceling it would be disastrous. (Sep 2003)
• Capitalism and democracy go hand in hand. (May 2003)
• Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
• Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
• Voted YES on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
• Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
• Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
• Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
• Voted YES on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
• Build a rule-based global trading system. (Aug 2000)

John Kerry on Government Reform

Click here for OR .

• Every vote must be counted. (Jan 2004)
• Flag and patriotism belong to all Americans. (Jun 2003)
• Only Senator elected 4 times without a dime of PAC money. (Jun 2003)
• Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
• Voted NO on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
• Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions and corporations. (Apr 2001)
• Voted YES on continuing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
• Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
• Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
• Voluntary public financing for all general elections. (Aug 2000)

John Kerry on Gun Control

Click here for OR .

• Gun owner & hunter, but rights come with responsibility. (Mar 2004)
• Democratic Party shouldn't be for the NRA. (Nov 2003)
• Supports assault weapons ban & Brady Bill. (Oct 2003)
• Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
• Voted YES on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
• Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology. (Aug 2000)

John Kerry on Health Care

Click here for OR .

• Save families up to $1,000 a year on their premiums. (Jul 2004)
• Health care is not a privilege but a right for all. (Jul 2004)
• Key issue: Does government control reduce cost? (Apr 2004)
• Catastrophic health coverage for all costs over $50,000. (Feb 2004)
• Research, prevention, and wellness can reduce Medicare costs. (Jan 2004)
• Day 1: Make health care a right, not a privilege. (Jan 2004)
• Don't push seniors into HMOs; change Bush Rx plan. (Jan 2004)
• Cut $350B of bureaucracy and cover 90% of Americans. (Oct 2003)
• Cover more citizens with health plan like Congress gets. (May 2003)
• Lack of accessible health care is a disgrace. (May 2002)
• Voted YES on allowing importation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
• Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
• Voted NO on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
• Voted YES on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
• Voted NO on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
• Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
• Voted NO on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
• Voted YES on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
• Voted YES on medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
• Establish "report cards" on HMO quality of care. (Aug 2000)
• Let states make bulk Rx purchases, and other innovations. (May 2003)

John Kerry on Homeland Security

Click here for OR .

• Add 40,000 troops and double anti-terrorism special forces. (Jul 2004)
• End the backdoor draft of reservists, help is on the way. (Jul 2004)
• Will lead a global effort against nuclear proliferation. (Jul 2004)
• Quickly implement the recommendations of the 9-11 commission. (Jul 2004)
• Bush's foreign policy has not made American safer. (Jul 2004)
• Four new imperatives: alliances, modernize, end Mideast oil. (May 2004)
• Exaggeration by the Bush administration should be questioned. (Jan 2004)
• Bush administration is misleading America in a profound way. (Jan 2004)
• Increase military by 40,000 troops-but no draft. (Jan 2004)
• Bush misused the authority Congress gave him. (Jan 2004)
• Color-coded warning system needs to be changed. (Jan 2004)
• Focus more on human intelligence gathering. (Nov 2003)
• Make certain the veterans have benefits. (Nov 2003)
• Focus on first responders instead of duct tape. (Oct 2003)
• No new generation of nuclear weapons. (Sep 2003)
• Automatic citizenship to immigrants who serves in army. (Sep 2003)
• Voted YES on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
• Voted NO on deploying missile defense as soon as possible. (Sep 1998)
• Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
• Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
• Voted NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
• Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)

John Kerry on Immigration

Click here for OR .

• Restore immigrant benefits lost in 1996 welfare reform. (Mar 2004)
• Expedited citizenship for members of the Armed Forces. (Mar 2004)
• Earned legalization for immigrants to keep families together. (Feb 2004)
• Earned legalization for undocumented immigrants. (Jan 2004)
• Amnesty to anyone here over 5 or 6 years. (Sep 2003)
• Voted NO on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work. (Jul 1998)
• Voted NO on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
• Voted NO on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)

John Kerry on Jobs

Click here for OR .

• 2.7M manufacturing jobs lost under Bush. (Aug 2004)
• Raise minimum wage to $6.65 by next year, then higher. (Jan 2004)
• Provide employment opportunities to minorities. (Jan 2004)
• Trade grows jobs. (Sep 2003)
• Jump start jobs at home via energy independence. (Sep 2003)
• We need job opportunities, not photo opportunities. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001)
• Voted NO on killing an increase in the minimum wage. (Nov 1999)
• Voted NO on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997)
• Voted NO on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996)
• Protect overtime pay protections. (Jun 2003)

John Kerry on Principles & Values

Click here for OR .

• Bigotry and hatred should never steal our hope and future. (Jul 2004)
• The flag represents who we are and what we believe in. (Jul 2004)
• Reject politics that divide people. (Jul 2004)
• Pray humbly that we are on God's side. (Jul 2004)
• Will lead an America where all are in the same boat. (Jul 2004)
• Clear separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
• Revoke every Bush order that favors special interests. (Mar 2004)
• Honors the separation of church and state. (Dec 2003)
• Despite Zell Miller, Dem Party does speak to southerners. (Nov 2003)
• Bush broke his three biggest campaign promises. (Oct 2003)
• Need a president who won't write laws only for contributors. (Sep 2003)
• Contest between common sense values and extreme ideologues. (Jun 2003)
• I'm talking about things that matter to people. (May 2003)
• Service is what brought America peace and prosperity. (Jul 2004)
• Restore trust and credibility to the White House. (Jul 2004)
• Seeing complexities of complex issues is not flip-flopping. (Jul 2004)
• Shutting one's eyes and ears to the truth is not patriotism. (Jul 2004)
• America can do better and help is on the way. (Jul 2004)
• Ready to lead America: I was there and I led the fight. (Dec 2003)
• Campaign built around a call to service. (Oct 2003)
• Redeem promise for a better America for our children. (Oct 2003)
• It is time for this country to ask again, why not? (May 2003)
• My mother was the rock of our family. (Jul 2004)
• Saw the fear in the eyes of people who were not free. (Jul 2004)
• Grandfather committed suicide; John never told he was Jewish. (Jul 2004)
• Spent summers on Cape Cod and hometown in Millis MA. (Jul 2004)
• Attended boarding school in Europe; fluent in French. (Jul 2004)
• Despite aristocratic roots, a Catholic outsider at schools. (Jul 2004)
• Political heroes: Max Cleland, FDR, JFK, Lincoln. (Nov 2003)
• Favorite song: Bruce Springsteen, "No Surrender.". (Sep 2003)
• Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
• Supports Hyde Park Declaration of "Third Way" centrism. (Aug 2000)
• Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2000)
• New Democrat: "Third Way" instead of left-right debate. (Nov 2000)
• Member of the Senate New Democrat Coalition. (Jan 2001)

John Kerry on Social Security

Click here for OR .

• Will not privatize Social Security nor cut benefits. (Jul 2004)
• I will never privatize, extend retirement age, nor cut SS. (Jan 2004)
• Guarantee Social Security soundness, even if unpopular. (Sep 2003)
• Don't threaten Social Security on Wall Street trading block. (May 2002)
• Voted NO on Social Security Lockbox & limiting national debt. (Apr 1999)
• Voted NO on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees. (May 1998)
• Voted NO on allowing personal retirement accounts. (Apr 1998)
• Voted NO on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes. (May 1996)
• Create Retirement Savings Accounts. (Aug 2000)

John Kerry on Tax Reform

Click here for OR .

• More tax cuts for people who make less than $200,000. (Jul 2004)
• Keep child tax credit, and new 10% tax bracket. (Jan 2004)
• Kerry vs. Bush on taxes is a fight we deserve to have. (Jan 2004)
• They're not Bush tax cuts, they're Democrat tax cuts. (Oct 2003)
• GOP tax policy comforts the comfortable. (Oct 2003)
• 10% bracket in Bush tax cuts was Democrats' idea. (Sep 2003)
• Bush tax cuts reach 32 million in middle class. (Sep 2003)
• We're tired of being trickled on--Middle class tax cuts now. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. (May 2003)
• Voted NO on cutting taxes by $1.35 trillion over 11 years. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on increasing tax deductions for college tuition. (May 2001)
• Voted NO on eliminating the 'marriage penalty'. (Jul 2000)
• Voted NO on across-the-board spending cut. (Oct 1999)
• Voted NO on $792B tax cuts. (Jul 1999)
• Voted NO on requiring super-majority for raising taxes. (Apr 1998)
• Voted NO on FY99 tax cuts. (Apr 1998)

John Kerry on Technology

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• Reallocate spectrum for wireless phone networks. (Mar 2004)
• Empower Americans by making Internet access universal. (Mar 2004)
• Invest in high-speed commuter rail & double-dip benefits. (Oct 2003)
• Voted YES on Internet sales tax moratorium. (Oct 1998)
• Voted YES on telecomm deregulation. (Feb 1996)
• Chief information officer to digitize federal government. (Aug 2000)
• Promote internet via Congressional Internet Caucus. (Jan 2001)

John Kerry on War & Peace

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• I'd vote to authorize war, but with allies. (Aug 2004)
• Swift Boat Vets attack Kerry's medals. (Aug 2004)
• Need two army divisions for now-but no draft. (Feb 2004)
• Pre-emptive strike ok only when US survival at stake. (Jan 2004)
• Get US more deeply involved in Arab-Israeli peace process. (Nov 2003)
• Leadership comes from experience: share the war burden. (Oct 2003)
• Bush has broken his promises & is mismanaging war. (Oct 2003)
• Against a misapplied blanket pre-emptive doctrine. (Jun 2003)
• Afghanistan incursion justified and not the same as Vietnam. (Apr 2004)
• Supported 1998 missile attacks against Afghanistan & Sudan. (Apr 2004)
• War decisions guided by facts not distorted by politics. (Jul 2004)
• Bring allies to share our burden in fighting terrorism. (Jul 2004)
• Only go to war if we have to, not because we want to. (Jan 2004)
• De-Americanize Iraq: the exit strategy is victory. (Sep 2003)
• $87B for Iraq only when internationalization is addressed. (Sep 2003)
• Don't miss 3rd opportunity in Iraq to bring in UN. (Sep 2003)
• Don't send more US troops to Iraq-share power & share burden. (Sep 2003)
• Intelligence information should not be manipulated. (Jun 2003)
• Disarm Saddam, but war should be a last resort. (May 2003)
• Preferred diplomacy, but supported invading Iraq. (May 2003)
• Kerry's C.O. says Kerry deserved his Silver Star. (Aug 2004)
• Man Kerry rescued says Kerry deserved his Bronze Star. (Aug 2004)
• Condemned early Vietnam protests as "irresponsible". (Jul 2004)
• Anti-Vietnam but not left-wing anti-war. (Apr 2004)
• Kerry saves life under fire, awarded Bronze Star. (Apr 2004)
• Vietnam was genocide, but no point calling it "war crimes". (May 2001)
• Vietnam didn't threaten US; US war crimes did. (Apr 1971)
• Vietnam war was criminal hypocrisy and tore apart US. (Apr 1971)
• How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake. (Apr 1971)
• US soldiers committed atrocities in Vietnam, including me. (Apr 1971)
• Karl Rove: "Kerry gave green light to Bush on Iraq". (Apr 2004)
• No regrets on war vote-but regrets on Bush breaking promises. (Feb 2004)
• Bush went to war the wrong way-I voted for the right way. (Jan 2004)
• Maybe on $87B for Iraq-repeal Bush tax cut to pay it, if yes. (Sep 2003)
• Vote for war was needed to push Saddam on inspectors. (Sep 2003)
• Voted NO on $86.5 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
• Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
• Voted NO on allowing all necessary forces and other means in Kosovo. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo. (Mar 1999)
• Voted NO on ending the Bosnian arms embargo. (Jul 1995)
• Condemns anti-Muslim bigotry in name of anti-terrorism. (Oct 2001)

John Kerry on Welfare & Poverty

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• Desperate need to build more affordable housing. (Nov 2003)
• Ok for government to partner with non-profits & for-profits. (Oct 2003)
• Voted YES on welfare block grants. (Aug 1996)
• Voted YES on eliminating block grants for food stamps. (Jul 1996)
• Voted NO on allowing state welfare waivers. (Jul 1996)
• Voted YES on welfare overhaul. (Sep 1995)
• Finish welfare reform by moving able recipients into jobs. (Aug 2000)
• Fully fund AmeriCorps. (Jun 2003)

VoteMatch Responses (Click here for VoteMatch quiz)
VoteMatch Question & Answer (Click on question for explanation and background)	Based on these stances: (Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
Strongly Favors topic 1:Abortion is a woman's right (10 points on Social scale)	Kerry staunchly resists restrictions on abortions: Strongly Favors topic 1 Partial-birth abortion ban undermine women's right to choose: Strongly Favors topic 1 No criminalization of a woman's right to choose: Strongly Favors topic 1 Expand embryonic stem cell research.: Favors topic 1 NO on disallowing overseas military abortions: Favors topic 1 NO on banning partial birth abortions: Strongly Favors topic 1 NO on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions: Favors topic 1 NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime: Favors topic 1
Favors topic 2:Require companies to hire more women & minorities (2 points on Economic scale)	Questions the ultimate practicality of affirmative action: Opposes topic 2 Shift from group preferences to economic empowerment of all.: Neutral on topic 2 NO on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds: Strongly Favors topic 2 YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation: Strongly Favors topic 2 NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business: Strongly Favors topic 2 NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training: Favors topic 2 YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women: Favors topic 2
Strongly Favors topic 3:Sexual orientation protected by civil rights laws (10 points on Social scale)	Defense of Marriage Act is fundamentally ugly: Strongly Favors topic 3 Supports federal DOMA, but not Massachusetts DOMA: Opposes topic 3 For partnership rights and civil union: Strongly Favors topic 3 More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes.: Strongly Favors topic 3 NO on prohibiting same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3 YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation: Strongly Favors topic 3 YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation: Favors topic 3 YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes: Strongly Favors topic 3
Opposes topic 4:Permit prayer in public schools (7 points on Social scale)	NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer: Opposes topic 4 NO on $75M for abstinence education: Strongly Opposes topic 4 YES on restricting violent videos to minors: Neutral topic 4
Favors topic 5:More federal funding for health coverage (2 points on Economic scale)	Health care is not a privilege but a right for all: Favors topic 5 Catastrophic health coverage for all costs over $50,000: Strongly Favors topic 5 Cut $350B of bureaucracy and cover 90% of Americans: Strongly Favors topic 5 Cover more citizens with health plan like Congress gets: Strongly Favors topic 5 Lack of accessible health care is a disgrace: Favors topic 5 Establish "report cards" on HMO quality of care.: Favors topic 5 Let states make bulk Rx purchases, and other innovations.: Opposes topic 5 YES on medical savings acounts: Favors topic 5 YES on Medicare means-testing: Opposes topic 5 NO on limiting self-employment health deduction: Favors topic 5 YES on Unknown roll call for 1999-76: Favors topic 5 YES on including prescription drugs under Medicare: Favors topic 5 NO on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit: Favors topic 5
Opposes topic 6:Privatize Social Security (2 points on Economic scale)	Will not privatize Social Security nor cut benefits: Strongly Opposes topic 6 I will never privatize, extend retirement age, nor cut SS: Strongly Opposes topic 6 Don't threaten Social Security on Wall Street trading block: Opposes topic 6 Create Retirement Savings Accounts.: Favors topic 6 NO on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes: Opposes topic 6 NO on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees: Opposes topic 6 NO on allowing personal retirement accounts: Opposes topic 6
Strongly Opposes topic 7:Parents choose schools via vouchers (0 points on Social scale)	Vouchers drain resources from public schools: Opposes topic 7 Stop viewing charter schools as threatening innovation: Favors topic 7 Nothing good about vouchers can't be done in public schools: Strongly Opposes topic 7 Offer every parent Charter Schools and public school choice.: Opposes topic 7 NO on school vouchers in DC: Strongly Opposes topic 7 NO on education savings accounts: Opposes topic 7 NO on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules: Strongly Opposes topic 7 NO on Educational Savings Accounts: Opposes topic 7 YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors: Opposes topic 7 YES on funding student testing instead of private tutors: Opposes topic 7
Opposes topic 8:Death Penalty (7 points on Social scale)	Opposes death penalty except for post 9-11 terrorists: Favors topic 8 States should not engage in killing-too many mistakes: Strongly Opposes topic 8 Moratorium on federal executions-only exception is terrorism: Opposes topic 8 Require DNA testing for all federal executions.: Strongly Opposes topic 8 NO on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals: Opposes topic 8 NO on limiting death penalty appeals: Opposes topic 8
Strongly Opposes topic 9:Mandatory Three Strikes sentencing laws (10 points on Social scale)	NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms: Strongly Opposes topic 9 NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Opposes topic 9 YES on $1.15 billion per year to continue the COPS program: Opposes topic 9
Strongly Opposes topic 10:Absolute right to gun ownership (0 points on Social scale)	Gun owner & hunter, but rights come with responsibility: Favors topic 10 Democratic Party shouldn't be for the NRA: Strongly Opposes topic 10 Supports assault weapons ban & Brady Bill: Opposes topic 10 Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology.: Opposes topic 10 NO on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks: Strongly Opposes topic 10 NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows: Opposes topic 10 YES on background checks at gun shows: Strongly Opposes topic 10 NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence: Strongly Opposes topic 10
Opposes topic 11:Decrease overall taxation of the wealthy (2 points on Economic scale)	More tax cuts for people who make less than $200,000: Opposes topic 11 They're not Bush tax cuts, they're Democrat tax cuts: Favors topic 11 Base policy on broad growth and progressive taxation: Strongly Opposes topic 11 GOP tax policy comforts the comfortable: Opposes topic 11 Bush tax cuts reach 32 million in middle class: Favors topic 11 No excuse for special tax cuts for the rich: Strongly Opposes topic 11 We're tired of being trickled on--Middle class tax cuts now: Strongly Opposes topic 11 YES on Internet sales tax moratorium: Favors topic 11 NO on FY99 tax cuts: Strongly Opposes topic 11 NO on requiring super-majority for raising taxes: Opposes topic 11 NO on $792B tax cuts: Opposes topic 11 NO on eliminating the 'marriage penalty': Opposes topic 11 NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts: Opposes topic 11 YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates: Opposes topic 11 NO on cutting taxes by $1.35 trillion over 11 years: Strongly Opposes topic 11 YES on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction: Opposes topic 11 NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Favors topic 12:Immigration helps our economy-encourage it (7 points on Economic scale)	Restore immigrant benefits lost in 1996 welfare reform: Strongly Favors topic 12 Earned legalization for undocumented immigrants: Favors topic 12 Amnesty to anyone here over 5 or 6 years: Strongly Favors topic 12 NO on limit welfare for immigrants: Strongly Favors topic 12 NO on visas for skilled workers: Opposes topic 12 NO on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work: Opposes topic 12
Favors topic 13:Support & expand free trade (7 points on Economic scale)	Veto FTAA and CAFTA until they have stronger standards: Opposes topic 13 Trade grows jobs: Strongly Favors topic 13 Build a rule-based global trading system.: Favors topic 13 YES on Unknown roll call for 1997-292: Favors topic 13 YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority: Favors topic 13 YES on expanding trade to the third world: Favors topic 13 YES on removing common goods from national security export rules: Favors topic 13 YES on extending free trade to Andean nations: Strongly Favors topic 13
Strongly Opposes topic 14:Link human rights to trade with China (10 points on Social scale)	YES on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons: Opposes topic 14 YES on permanent normal trade relations with China: Strongly Opposes topic 14 YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam: Opposes topic 14
Opposes topic 15:More spending on armed forces (7 points on Economic scale)	$87B for Iraq only when internationalization is addressed: Favors topic 15 NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations: Opposes topic 15 NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects: Strongly Opposes topic 15 YES on allowing another round of military base closures: Opposes topic 15 YES on military pay raise of 4.8%: Strongly Favors topic 15
Favors topic 16:Reduce spending on missile defense (Star Wars) (2 points on Economic scale)	NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty: Favors topic 16 NO on deploying missile defense as soon as possible: Favors topic 16 NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels: Favors topic 16 YES on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: Favors topic 16 YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP: Strongly Opposes topic 16
Strongly Favors topic 17:Seek UN approval for military action (0 points on Economic scale)	Get US more deeply involved in Arab-Israeli peace process: Strongly Favors topic 17 Supports multilateral cooperative internationalism: Strongly Favors topic 17 Progressive Internationalism: globalize with US pre-eminence.: Favors topic 17 Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine.: Strongly Favors topic 17 NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech: Favors topic 17 YES on $17.9 billion to IMF: Favors topic 17 NO on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion: Favors topic 17 YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo: Neutral topic 17 NO on allowing all necessary forces and other means in Kosovo: Neutral topic 17 YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe: Strongly Favors topic 17
Strongly Favors topic 18:Reduce use of coal, oil, & nuclear energy (0 points on Economic scale)	20% renewable energy by 2020: Strongly Favors topic 18 Invent our way out of oil dependency-don't drill our way out: Favors topic 18 Invest in advancing secure forms of energy instead of oil: Strongly Favors topic 18 Led effort to try to raise fuel efficiency standards: Strongly Favors topic 18 Supports tradable emissions permits for greenhouse gases.: Favors topic 18 Reduce liability for hazardous waste cleanup.: Opposes topic 18 Keep climate change in EPA "State of the Environment" report.: Favors topic 18 Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy.: Strongly Favors topic 18 NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline: Favors topic 18 YES on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests: Favors topic 18 NO on defunding renewable and solar energy: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on keeping CAFE fuel efficiency standards: Favors topic 18 NO on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling: Favors topic 18 NO on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior: Favors topic 18 NO on replacing CAFE standards within 15 months: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill: Favors topic 18
Strongly Opposes topic 19:Drug use is immoral: enforce laws against it (10 points on Social scale)	NO on spending international development funds on drug control: Strongly Opposes topic 19 NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Opposes topic 19 NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses: Opposes topic 19
Favors topic 20:Allow churches to provide welfare services (2 points on Social scale)	Finish welfare reform by moving able recipients into jobs.: Favors topic 20 YES on welfare overhaul: Favors topic 20 NO on allowing state welfare waivers: Opposes topic 20 YES on eliminating block grants for food stamps: Opposes topic 20 YES on welfare block grants: Favors topic 20

John Kerry is an EXTREME Liberal.
But, according to European Standards he is a MODERATE CONSERVATE LIBERAL.
The vote 2000 web site considers Kerry to be a "Moderate Liberal".

Yet their criteria negates the fact that he has the most liberal voting record in the Senate...EVER!
By their standard, the Senate is populated with ultra conservatives and no real liberals. Click here for THEIR explanation (and Justification) for their classification.

                                                                                                                                                                               

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