Doubts Linger as Kerry Advances

[AmyStrange]

Doubts Linger as Kerry Advances
Mon Jun 14, 8:08 AM ET
washingtonpost.com
By Jim VandeHei, Washington Post Staff Writer

FROM: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/washpost/20040614/pl_washpost/a39156_2004jun13
John F. Kerry has shattered fundraising records, unified an oft-warring party and pushed past President Bush (news - web sites) in some national polls. Yet many Democratic voters, officials and even members of Kerry's staff express an ambivalence -- or angst -- about their presidential candidate that belies this strong public standing.

These Democrats say the enthusiasm for defeating Bush runs much stronger and deeper than the passion for electing Kerry. The chief reason: The senator from Massachusetts, they say, has not crisply articulated what a Kerry presidency would stand for beyond undoing much of the Bush agenda.

So far, these concerns have not slowed Kerry. But if Kerry cannot change this perception coming out of next month's Democratic convention in Boston, it could prove much harder for the party to maximize turnout, win over Ralph Nader (news - web sites) voters and keep independents from swinging to Bush, they say.

"There is a danger in that ," said John D. Podesta, White House chief of staff in the Clinton administration. "You can't just be against something. want a positive vision of where the country is going, and he has to provide that."

<SNIP>

[LuminousX]

1. Undoing the Bush Agenda

You know, all Kerry really has to do to get me passionate for his cause is to state that directly - his first two years are going to be about Undoing the Bush Agenda: fixing the economy, fixing foreign relations, fixing our military, fixing the intelligence community and fixing the environment/energy issues.

I know they can't be 'fixed' in two years but two years will get us in the right groove.

[emulatorloo]

2. Karl Rove Spreads Lingering Doubts About Kerry

Every time I hear how Kerry has no plan, no positions, no positive position etc I am suspicious. Yes I know dems are cited as saying that, but that does not mean that they haven't internalized Repug talking points.

Kerry is out every day announcing positions, etc etc etc.

[shraby]

3. Democrats always have to

fix up the Repigs messes they leave behind before they can go on to bigger and better things...so what's new? I hope Kerry will be able to do the bigger and better things at the same time he is cleaning up Bush's nightmare.

edited for tpyo

[Gloria]

4. Kerry needs a "keyword" and that word is RESPECT...

Regaining RESPECT for AMerica in the world...

Respecting the poor, the ill, the elderly, the environment, etc. etc

Respecting the law, both for our citizens and the citizens of the world (Geneva Conventions)....

It is a simple word that can resonate on many levels AND give an over-arching theme to the campaign....

[WitchWay]

6. Kerry doesn't need any Keywords

Simple words don't hack it, and they don't make Kerry support a good thing.

Kerry should have strong policies and real issues -- not a corporatist agenda to fuck over the people of this country AND Iraq by staying involved in an egregious, imperialistic war and occupation based on lies.

No "simple" catchphrase or word can change the fact that Kerry is not addressing substantive issues during his campaign, and that he is intending an imperliastic occupation of Iraq for big oil and big business.

Did you say GENEVA?
Can a simple word change Kerry's supprt of free trade agreements that leave our environmental regulations and labor standards at the mercy of Geneva Courts? Can a simple catchphrase change Kerry's support Normalized Trade Relations with China (slave labor)?

There is no RESPECT in what Kerry is about -- I have no respect for the guy and what he's about. Someone with the kind of money he's got has NO respect for the poor -- he's making money off the backs of others and through polluting agribusiness through his wife's stock options.

There is no room for blissful ignorance when it comes to important issues like WAR and a potential draft.

[blm]

15. Your post cites not ONE accurate statement re Kerry.

Kerry helped CRAFT the Kyoto Accord AGAINST the preferences of the big corporations, and any REAL environmentalist is well aware of that.

ANYONE who knows Kerry's agenda knows that he will use the presidency to push through the environmental and labor standards he wrote into the trade agreements during the Clinton term, but were voted down.

Sorry, but bitter ignorance is worse than blissful ignorance with so much at stake. In fact, it only serves Bush's agenda to keep the left divided and Dem turnout low in November.

[Beetwasher]

5. These Idiots Are Not Looking For or Talking About Vision

They are talking about a SLOGAN and coordinated talking points.

Kerry's vision is clear and easily understood for anyone who bothers to look at his website. These complaints about his "vision" are merely griping by idiots who don't know the difference (or who do, but are just trying to sow bullshit) between a vision and slogan, which Kerry has yet to unveil and, IMO, is wise to not have done so at this point. Kerry's slogan and talking points will be a breath of fresh air after 9 months of Bush's puke inducing "steady leadership, flip-flopper" crap...

[WitchWay]

7. Vision is Clear?

slogans, talking points, vision? The real problem is his platform and issues.

so...is courting McCain for VP not a symptom of this flip-flopping. Seems that Kerry isn't even sure of his party. Kerry promises different things to various people -- but surely in the end, he's deceiving someone. That is not clear vision.

If Kerry is accused of flip-flopping (like the war he voted for, but he's sort of against the way it was done, but he's staying the course through it because he "has" to) -- its his own damn fault for being a lying politician.

[Beetwasher]

8. Yes, Drink The Kool-Aid

If Kerry's a flip-flopper, bush is doing cartwheels and back flips. But you keep believing the propoganda...

Kerry's vision has nothing to do w/ floating McCain as a VP pick. That was pure, unadulterated, brilliant, savvy PR.

His vision is clear and he spells it out better than anyone. If you're interested, visit his website and see for yourself. For some reason I'm sure you'd much rather spread GOP smears and lies about flip flopping and what a bad choice McCain would be as VP. How droll.

[blm]

16. HAHAHAH...you really BELIEVE that McCain meme?

HAHAHAH.

Unnamed sources. HAHAHAH.

[lojasmo]

42. John Stewart

"John Kerry 'didn't' offer Mckain the VP slot 7 times"

[juajen]

43. Kerry has stated sucinctly that he has offered the vp slot to no one

and that includes McCain. They're friends. He's done no courting. The press did it. The rest of your post is just hogwash, bullshit, crap, well, you get it.

[Cocoa]

9. the Howler has a little fun with this story

also has a chuckle over Jodi Wilogren's "hamster" story. :-)

http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh061404.shtml

From the annals of Stepford reporters

SPEAKING OF HAMSTERS: Maybe they’ve simply been Xanaxed and Paxiled. Maybe chips have been placed in their brains. But as dreams of Reagan began to fade, the “press” resumed its coverage of Kerry. Here is Jim VandeHei in this morning’s Post, offering the latest world-class example of Inane Press Corps Character Analysis:

VANDEHEI: Kerry may never stir Democrats passionately, but he may not need to. Since his earliest days in politics, Kerry has appeared somewhat detached from the people and voters who helped elect him. He is cerebral, and his interests—such as windsurfing—and his wealth separate him from the general public. Despite Kerry’s two decades in the Senate, not many Democrats consider themselves “Kerry Democrats” or ardent loyalists, or even close friends.


Honest to God, they just can’t be human! For some reason, your pundits agreed, two years ago, that they’d pretend to be troubled by Kerry’s hobbies (link below). Today, VandeHei resumes the puzzling script, serving up the ludicrous claim that Kerry’s windsurfing “separates him from the general public.” But then, as readers may recall, they also agreed that they’d be troubled by Kerry’s very elite guitar-strumming. And so, in yesterday’s New York Times, Jodi Wilgoren sang that old song too:

<http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/13/politics/campaign/13TRAIL.html>

[Larkspur]

10. This is the same meme that the used against Howard Dean

"...John D. Podesta, White House chief of staff in the Clinton administration. "You can't just be against something. want a positive vision of where the country is going, and he has to provide that."

along with the "anger" meme.

The way I see it is that Kerry is a bore and Bush is a dictator-wannabe. It's another "lesser of 2 evils" election.

[emulatorloo]

11. Sorry Kerry Bores You - But Robin Williams and Britney aren't running

personally I don't find JK boring. . .but why should it matter. . .The President of the US is not here to entertain us.

[MontecitoDem]

13. Not sure being a "bore" puts you in the category of evil....

Just because you don't feel inspired, I fail to see why it is "just the lesser of two evils"

[ACK]

21. Come on Larkspur ... hit the man with facts

Not just middle school he is a bore put downs.

I know you have it in you. I have seen other posts that affirm it.

Bush is the one running the negative campaign.

Bore? I don't want freakin' excitement anymore I want competence. I want a man that is fit to serve in office of the President of the United States of America. Fuck excitement.

We understand you do not like Kerry and that is cool. I am not one of those idiots telling you to shut up.

Just hit him on substance instead of repeating the same Repuke tag lines like boring and elitist.

_

[Monte Carlo]

23. You know, if Dean was the one who got the nomination...

... I don't think you'd like it much if I called Dean the lesser of two evils in this election.

[Larkspur]

31. I'd expect that from Kerry fanatics

so it wouldn't have surprised me, and I wouldn't be browbeating Kerry fanatics to love Dean like Dean supporters do.

[JI7]

32. hahha, browbeating ? what crap

dean supporters were complaining about criticisms of dean even before any voting started. many of them said how we shouldn't weaken the likely nominee.never mindno voting had taken place.

[sandnsea]

38. See, you wouldn't have to

We'd be lined up right behind Dean no matter what he did or said, angry, centrist, compromising, whatever. We were always ABB, every last one of us.

In fact, I remember posting on this board that my biggest worry was Dean and Kucinich people being able to come together after the primaries. I was told not to worry at all, everybody would come together behind whoever the winner was. Of course, that was when Dean was leading.

We'd have left Kerry in the dustbins of history the second it was clear Kerry lost. No browbeating necessary.

Do I have to keep fending off attacks from the left, right, and malcontents? Is it true, are Democrats really doomed because of all this in-fighting? Was I right to just give up and quit trying to get a Democrat elected at all?

[janx]

40. Podesta doesn't seem to be a man of much imagination--

he has said that now about a couple of candidates, but I don't see his vision of things.

I guess that's way of politics in D.C.

[wyldwolf]

12. oh, this is rich!

John F. Kerry has shattered fundraising records, unified an oft-warring party and pushed past President Bush (news - web sites) in some national polls.

Because he is an intelligent well spoken leader.

Yet many Democratic voters,

Read: Folks who have voted or will vote democrat

officials

Who?

and even members of Kerry's staff

Who?

express an ambivalence -- or angst -- about their presidential candidate that belies this strong public standing.

Nah! There is small minded group on the left who HATES to win for fear of either being branded a "sell out" :eyes: or for fear of no longer having something to fight for (which is their reason for waking up in the morning.)

[blm]

17. Carville said this was baloney on Crossfire.

He said noone is talking like this and that the WP political writers are inventing controversy just like they did with Gore, but Carville said this time it won't work.

[cindyw]

14. I think Kerry is articulating something far beyond being against Bush.

People choose not to listen. Not to get too brainy, but I think this "angst" is a self reflection of the party and not a reflection of what Kerry is saying. The party in general has united against Bush and now they are feeling that it is time to move beyond Bush and think about the future. If people would start listening to Kerry, they would see that he has articulated a very bright future for this country.

[JayS]

18. What has he articulated? There is not much said about either...

...candidate down here. I looked at Kerry's webpage and pulled some voting records and was not impressed at all.

[cindyw]

19. Good vote for Bush.

[ACK]

20. WTF? His voting record? Did you read it?

Listen, bust on his IWR or Patriot Act vote. I understand that anger. But his voting record is usually one of the first things that an anti-Kerry liberal has to discount and discredit to make their point.

Usually they spout that it does not matter what he did but how he runs now.

Now, I disagree with that.

Check this out. This does not impress you next to Bush?

http://www.issues2000.org/John_Kerry.htm

You can smack him around on a couple of these votes, sure. I don't agree with the man on everything but man this is at least a step in the right direction.

Kerry is right of Kuicinch and Nader and this is true.

However, he is to the left of Lieberbush and Clinton.

At least we got a yankee with a liberal voting record for goodness sakes.

At least he wants to modify NAFTA and is not going to endorse the FTAA.

At least he has a good voting record on the environment.

At least he wants to come up with a national service plan that helps to put kids through college without them having to carry guns.

At least he wants to repeal the tax giveaways to the rich.

At least he wants to repeal the bill that gives tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas.

At least he wants to return the US to community of nations.

At least he is pro-choice through and through.

At least he has a healthcare plan.

What real choice has anyone else got?

_

[JayS]

25. Yes, I went through Kerry's record in quite some detail and...

...also checked out what groups do/do not endorse him. He has a good record on a lot of issues that are important to me. On some he is a total flop. Since he has been in office for some time, I doubt his statements on some issues as he has a high degree of power now and could be dealing with them now.

And yes, I have written the Kerry campaign many times. To date I have gotten zero replies. And yes, I counted the replies twice for accuracy.

[ACK]

26. Kinda of vague JayS

I can think of three issues where his votes have really pissed me off.

1) IWR.
2) Patriot Act.
3) Welfare Reform (even though voting against would have been a stab in the back of Clinton).

Otherwise the man has been very on target.

What are your flops?

John Kerry on Abortion

* 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 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)

John Kerry on Budget & Economy

* Economy is recovering for corporations to some degree. (Jan 11)
* Will follow Clinton's plan to halve deficit in four years. (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

* Supports federal DOMA, but not Massachusetts DOMA. (Feb 26)
* Support "mend it, don't end it" for affirmative action. (Jan 29)
* Flag burning is displeasing, but it's free expression. (Jan 25)
* 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

* Kerry owned a small business: they're engine of economy. (Mar 21)
* Close the loopholes that reward corps taking jobs overseas. (Jan 29)
* 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

* States should not engage in killing-too many mistakes. (Feb 26)
* Moratorium on federal executions-only exception is terrorism. (Jan 25)
* 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

* Target traffickers as well as reducing demand. (Mar 21)
* 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

* National Education Trust Fund: fully fund mandated standards. (Mar 21)
* Measure learning, but with flexible standards. (Feb 26)
* Vouchers drain resources from public schools. (Jan 25)
* Supported "No Child Left Behind," but Bush reneged. (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

* No nuclear waste dump in Nevada's Yucca Mountain. (Feb 13)
* Raise CAFE standard to 36 mpg by 2015. (Jan 25)
* Ban MBTE and sue companies who make it. (Jan 22)
* 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 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)

John Kerry on Environment

* 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)

John Kerry on Families & Children

* Fighting for America's Children: insurance & care for all. (Mar 21)
* Fully fund Head Start for all 3- and 4-year-olds. (Mar 21)
* Supports Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act. (Mar 21)
* New "Kids Safety Effort" at the FDA. (Mar 21)
* 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

* Haiti is in crisis because Bush hates Aristide. (Feb 26)
* 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

* All new trade must include labor and environmental standards. (Jan 25)
* Veto FTAA and CAFTA until they have stronger standards. (Jan 4)
* 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

* Every vote must be counted. (Jan 11)
* 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

* Gun owner & hunter, but rights come with responsibility. (Mar 21)
* Democratic Party shouldn't be for the NRA. (Nov 2003)
* Supports assault weapons ban & Brady Bill. (Oct 2003)
* 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

* Catastrophic health coverage for all costs over $50,000. (Feb 26)
* Research, prevention, and wellness can reduce Medicare costs. (Jan 29)
* Day 1: Make health care a right, not a privilege. (Jan 25)
* Don't push seniors into HMOs; change Bush Rx plan. (Jan 25)
* 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)

John Kerry on Homeland Security

* Exaggeration by the Bush administration should be questioned. (Jan 29)
* Bush administration is misleading America in a profound way. (Jan 29)
* Increase military by 40,000 troops-but no draft. (Jan 22)
* Bush misused the authority Congress gave him. (Jan 11)
* Color-coded warning system needs to be changed. (Jan 11)
* Focus more on human intelligence gathering. (Nov 2003)
* Make certain the veterans have benefits. (Nov 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

* Restore immigrant benefits lost in 1996 welfare reform. (Mar 21)
* Expedited citizenship for members of the Armed Forces. (Mar 21)
* Earned legalization for immigrants to keep families together. (Feb 26)
* Earned legalization for undocumented immigrants. (Jan 25)
* 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 Infrastructure

* Reallocate spectrum for wireless phone networks. (Mar 21)
* Empower Americans by making Internet access universal. (Mar 21)
* 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 Jobs

* Raise minimum wage to $6.65 by next year, then higher. (Jan 25)
* Provide employment opportunities to minorities. (Jan 11)
* 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)

John Kerry on Principles & Values

* Revoke every Bush order that favors special interests. (Mar 21)
* Not yet ready to consider a Kerry-Edwards ticket. (Feb 26)
* Ready to lead America: I was there and I led the fight. (Dec 2003)
* Honors the separation of church and state. (Dec 2003)
* Political heroes: Max Cleland, FDR, JFK, Lincoln. (Nov 2003)
* Despite Zell Miller, Dem Party does speak to southerners. (Nov 2003)
* Campaign built around a call to service. (Oct 2003)
* Redeem promise for a better America for our children. (Oct 2003)
* Bush broke his three biggest campaign promises. (Oct 2003)
* Favorite song: Bruce Springsteen, "No Surrender.". (Sep 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)
* It is time for this country to ask again, why not? (May 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 8 full quotes on Social Security OR other candidates on Social Security OR background on Social Security.

* I will never privatize, extend retirement age, nor cut SS. (Jan 4)
* 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

* Keep child tax credit, and new 10% tax bracket. (Jan 25)
* Kerry vs. Bush on taxes is a fight we deserve to have. (Jan 22)
* 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 War & Peace

* Karl Rove: "Kerry gave green light to Bush on Iraq". (Apr 18)
* Need two army divisions for now-but no draft. (Feb 26)
* No regrets on war vote-but regrets on Bush breaking promises. (Feb 26)
* Only go to war if we have to, not because we want to. (Jan 22)
* Bush went to war the wrong way-I voted for the right way. (Jan 22)
* Pre-emptive strike ok only when US survival at stake. (Jan 4)
* 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)
* Maybe on $87B for Iraq-repeal Bush tax cut to pay it, if yes. (Sep 2003)
* De-Americanize Iraq: the exit strategy is victory. (Sep 2003)
* Vote for war was needed to push Saddam on inspectors. (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)
* Against a misapplied blanket pre-emptive doctrine. (Jun 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)
* 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)
* 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

* 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)

[sangh0]

27. Is that all?

:evilgrin:

[JayS]

29. Well, right off the bat I'll agree with the three that you mention...

...but I am sure that not many will disagree. :) I think Kerry did fight to get some sunsetting provisions in the Patriot Act though.

I'm a little short on time so I will just pick one facet of an easy issue that has tendrils burrowing into about everything else.


* Include a sunset provision in the Patriot Act. (Jun 2003)

Ooops. Didn't see this one.

I'll address a few issues on Kerry's statements on firearms and the Second Amendment. Note that this is not necessarily about either firearms or the Second Amendment. A candidate's "brand" of gun control speaks volumes about what that candidate feels is an effective way to combat crime. I have heard it said by many, including Gore himself, that much of the South was lost over the gun issue. That is simplifying it a lot. When a candidate is heard to say that the gun violence problem will be solved by tap dancing and farting, he/she will not get much support. Some of the "brands" of gun control supported by Clinton and Gore were in the TD&F category. This loss of confidence in one area spills over into all areas of the crime issue. The results are predictable.


* Voted NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)

Now why in the world would anyone vote against this? We all know that violent criminals are all too often released way too early. Digging around on this bill we see that it included our old friend the "assault weapons" ban. In case you are wondering, Kerry voted yes on this part. Another part included the "Three Strikes" law, which was a good idea in principle but poorly executed in practice, and Kerry voted yes here also. The mandatory prison part of the bill received a "no" vote by Kerry. To me this is "three strikes" against Kerry on the issue of domestic violence.

* Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology. (Aug 2000)

Well, this sounds like a cool idea and makes for great science fiction...but if Kerry thinks this is going to actually solve the gun violence problem...then someone really needs to hide his keys before he goes out and hurts himself. His work to sabotage the Lawful Commerce in Arms bill pretty much guarantees that no firearm manufacturer will be stupid enough to market such a gun.

* Gun owner & hunter, but rights come with responsibility. (Mar 21)

He says this a lot...but the Second Amendment has nothing to do with hunting. And what responsibilities is he talking about? Why do anti-hunting groups rate him so highly.

* Democratic Party shouldn't be for the NRA. (Nov 2003

He says this alot. And I do mean alot. In fact all the time...no matter what the question. It appears he has some sort of anti-NRA Tourette's Syndrome. For example:

Democratic Party shouldn't be for the NRA
Q: Do you find it necessary to kill animals for photo-ops?
A: I don't think the Democratic Party should be the candidacy of the NRA. And when I was fighting to ban assault weapons in 1992 and 1993, Dean was appealing to the NRA for their endorsement, and he got it. I believe it's important for us to have somebody who is going to stand up for gun safety in America and make certain that we make our streets safe, our children safe, and not allow people to get assault weapons in America.

Source: CNN "Rock The Vote" Democratic Debate Nov 5, 2003


* Supports assault weapons ban & Brady Bill. (Oct 2003)

Well the Brady Bill is not going anywhere, especially as the NRA pretty much did the final draft. The "assault weapons" ban is such a red herring that only we could fall for it. And Kerry mixing machine guns in his statements about the AWB is either a blatent lie or shows that he knows nothing about firearms. And why do anti-gun groups rate him so highly?

And the NRA has so much fun with this picture of the Fab Four:

http://feinstein.senate.gov/photogallery/special-events/photo-gallery-special-events-040302-df-kennedy-schumer-kerry-awb-vote.htm



* Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
* Voted NO on deploying missile defense as soon as possible. (Sep 1998)
Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
* Voted NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
* Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)

Want to bet that we will hear more about all these?

* Voted NO on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work. (Jul 1998)

This shows how far removed he is from how things work down here. You would have thought all those Mexicans dying in semi-trailers last summer would have caught his attention. Give them a temporary green card and let them come harvest the crops and then do what they used to do.....go home.


* Despite Zell Miller, Dem Party does speak to southerners. (Nov 2003)

If they are transmitting, we ain't receiving.

[sandnsea]

39. oh, a single issue voter

That's a great way to make a decision on the Presidency. Can I keep my gun, ahuk, ahuk. Grow up.

[zulchzulu]

36. Which points?

Be specific.

Surely you can see a difference.

[Monte Carlo]

22. Kerry has been a strong closer in his races.

I think he deserves some benefit of the doubt.

Kerry has the ideas needed to provide something positive for voters. Right now, he's still riding the wave of Bush's own incompetence.

[WI_DEM]

24. the only thing helping Kerry

has been W's continued screw-ups. Otherwise, IMO, Kerry has thus far been a very uninspiring candidate.

[Mountainman]

28. On the night Kerry wins they will write :

Kerry won but, he did not have a message, did not have a strong campaign, was not supported by a majority of independents and a majority of his party. There was no real reason for him to win the election other than voters were voting against Bush.

Bush did well with his excellent fund raising ability and his powerful re-election campaign even though many Republicans did not chose to vote.

[Qutzupalotl]

30. Headlines will say, "Bush Comes In Second!!"

:7

[HalfManHalfBiscuit]

33. Why Repost a 2-week old article?

This has already been beat to death.

[JI7]

34. it wasn't reposted

someone angry supporter of a loser candidate wanted to post another anti kerry post which is why the thread was kicked up again. this is the same reason you see a few other old threads up here again. because of a supporter of a loser candidate wanted to drop some shit because they are still bitter about their candidate getting his ass kicked.

[zulchzulu]

35. Laziness and ignorance linger as time advances

Thanks for the 2-week old Moonie article.

[Andromeda]

37. I don't know where all these doubters are...

because in my circles I hear nothing but positives about Kerry and a belief that he will be a much better president.

He's talking about jobs and health care and the economy in his ads and speeches -- at the same time appearing very statesmen-like and presidential.

Of course Kerry is cashing in, so to speak, on Bushes waning popularity but the Democratic party is more united than ever before and I believe there will be a bigger voter turnout in '04 than ever before.

[Upfront]

41. Kerry

Wants more war and that is his main problem. Go see 911 and then tell Kerry the war for oil needs to stop. If he continues to be tall Bush he can not expect much support that is crazy about him.