Comparing the Senate voting records of Sen. Obama, Sen. Webb and Sen. McCain

[Douglas Carpenter]

Sen. Webb has not been my first choice for the Vice Presidential nomination. However, It is clear from a wide variety of insider sources that he is near the top of the short list of those being considered.

Rasmussen Reports rates him as probably the potential candidate who would stategically add the most to the ticket:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_gerald_m_pomper/obama_s_vice_president

At first I was a bit skeptical of him. But after taking a closer look, I have to admit being somewhat impressed.

My most important reason from my point view is that his writings while teaching at the Naval War College in Monterey, California reveal that he is a foreign policy realist and pragmatist and thus not the sort to rush into ill advised military interventions. Equally important he shares with Sen. Obama the sense of importance with opening dialog with adversaries and making a sincere effort at diplomacy in resolving conflict.

But, just how liberal is he on other issues? I would have to say, more than I thought:

First, here is just one example: In 2007 The Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law gave Senator Webb a grade of A+.

Here are some more along with a comparison with Sen. Obama’s and Sen. McCain’s record:


All figures are interest group ratings from 2007.:

The link for Sen. McCain's ratings on Project Vote Smart:

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=53270&type=category&category=45&go.x=10&go.y=12

The link for Sen. Obama's ratings on Project Vote Smart:

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=9490

The link for Sen. Webb’s ratings on Project Vote Smart:

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=60043

Abortion Issues

In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator Obama a grade of 100.

2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator Webb a grade of 100.

In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator McCain a grade of 0.

_________________________________

Civil Rights and Human Rights Issues

2007 American Civil Liberties Union gave Senator Obama a grade of 80.

In 2007 American Civil Liberties Union gave Senator Webb a grade of 71.

2007 American Civil Liberties Union gave Senator McCain a grade of 50.
______________________________________________________________

Senator Obama supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 85 percent in 2007

Senator Webb supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 85 percent in 2007.

Senator McCain supported the interests of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights 15 percent in 2007.
________________________________________________________________________


Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 83 percent in 2005-2006.

Senator Clinton supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 83 percent in 2005-2006

Senator McCain supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 33 percent in 2005-2006.

________________________________________________________________________

Conservative Issues

Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Conservative Union 7 percent in 2007.

2007 Senator Webb supported the interests of the American Conservative Union 16
percent in 2007

Senator McCain supported the interests of the American Conservative Union 80 percent in 2007.
_______________________________________________________________________

Education Issues

In 2007 National Education Association gave Senator Obama a grade of A.

In 2007 National Education Association gave Senator Webb a grade of A.

In 2007 National Education Association gave Senator McCain a grade of F.

________________________________________________________________________

Environmental Issues

2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to League of Conservation Voters's position, Senator Obama received a rating of 67.

2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to League of Conservation Voters's position, Senator Webb received a rating of 87.

2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to League of Conservation Voters's position, Senator McCain received a rating of 0.
______________________________________________________________

Family and Children Issues

In 2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Children's Defense Fund's position, Senator Obama received a rating of 60.

In 2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Children's Defense Fund's position, Senator Webb received a rating of 90.

In 2007 Based on a point system, with points assigned for actions in support of or in opposition to Children's Defense Fund's position, Senator McCain received a rating of 10.
________________________________________________________
(The Family Research Council is an extremely right-wing organization found and lead by Dr. Richard Dobson)

In 2007 Family Research Council gave Senator Obama a grade of 0.

In 2007 Family Research Council gave Senator Webb a grade of 0.

In 2007 Family Research Council gave Senator McCain a grade of 42.
_______________________________________________________________

Foreign Aid and Policy Issues

Senator Obama supported the interests of the Council for a Livable World 81 percent in 2007

Senator Webb supported the interests of the Council for a Livable World 72 percent in 2007.

Senator McCain supported the interests of the Council for a Livable World 0 percent in 2007.

______________________________________________________________________.

Health Issues

Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Academy of Family Physicians 100 percent in 2007.

Senator Webb supported the interests of the American Academy of Family Physicians 100 percent in 2007..

Senator McCain supported the interests of the American Academy of Family Physicians 0 percent in 2007
_____________________________________________________________________

Labor

Senator Obama supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 100 percent in 2007.

Senator Webb supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 100 percent in 2007.

Senator McCain supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 0 percent in 2007.
______________________________________________________________________

Senator Obama supported the interests of the Service Employees International Union 75 percent in 2007.

Senator Webb supported the interests of the Service Employees International Union 75 percent in 2007.

Senator McCain supported the interests of the Service Employees International Union 8 percent in 2007.
________________________________________________________________________

Liberal

Senator Obama supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 75 percent in 2007

Senator Webb supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 85 percent in 2007.

Senator McCain supported the interests of the Americans for Democratic Action 10 percent in 2007.
_________________________________________________________________

[samdogmom]

1. The best thing about Webb is that he counters McCain's military credentials

and gives Obama a needed boost in this area!

He's another man who thinks for himself and isn't beholden to others. I do think he'd be a good choice!

[Robbins]

5. ObamaWebb

Along with ObamaRichardson this may be the real dream ticket.Webb Is more with the Democrats on Issues than some think.With Bar possibly hurting Mccain In the south he Is a great asset and even more If he Is willing to play the attack guard on Mccain.Webb came from a Democrat family who became a Republican after his vietnam excepernce but has become a Democrat again because of Iraq and other
Issues they are wrong on.Webb Is perfect to help Obama point out Mccain should be honored fro his
Vietnams ervice but he Is wrong On Iraq and other Issues.Virginia Is ready to flip and Webb helps
with this.

[muryan]

11. Webb has play with white working class voters

that richardson doesn't. Thats a major selling point.

My only problem with Obama/Webb is that I feel like Webb's anti-woman writings from awhile back, haven't been totally vetted in the national media. People in VA know about it, but most others don't.

[cliffordu]

17. The writing you mention was from 30 years ago....

we men were all pretty much Neanderthal back then....

[lojasmo]

25. Actually obliterates them.

McGoo would then have to find a super duper military cred. guy.

Like....Wes Clark. How's that gonna work? It won't.

[TexasObserver]

2. Those are good numbers for Webb. I'm favorably impressed.

[NotThisTime]

24. So am I, didn't expect such numbers!

[pinto]

3. Thanks for the info/links. Good background on one of the possible VP choices.

[demnan]

4. The problem with choosing Webb

is that it would remove him as a Democratic Senator from Virginia. With another popular Democrat running for our other Senate seat, it would be too much to expect that Democrats could retain Webb's seat. A Democratic Senate is crucial for us going into 2009. Senator Webb is greatly appreciated and needed where he is.

I hope Obama chooses someone who either is a governor or whose's Senate seat can safely be replaced with another Democrat. I'm sure some of these factors will weigh in on his decision.

[Buck Rabbit]

6. Thanks, I have clipped your post into my google notebook.

More for the McCain vs Obama than the Webb info.

My main question about Webb is who would take his Senate seat? Appointed by the Governor or special election? If we would lose that seat back to the Republicans it could throw a huge wrench in getting things through the Senate. I think if that were the case it would be better to go with a Wes Clark or a Senator in a State sure to put in another democrat in the vacated seat.

[Buck Laser]

7. And yet so many conservatives consider McCain "liberal"...

I will never understand the conservative mindset. Is McCain a crypto-liberal, as they accuse Obama of being a crypto-Muslim?

[cliffordu]

8. The family research council's zero grade is enough to get my vote for life....

Fock, I hate those pinheads....

[Douglas Carpenter]

9. as they say,"you can judge a person by their enemies as much as you can judge them by their friends"

[cliffordu]

10. That's good. Every view I have makes me their enemy.

[Douglas Carpenter]

31. lol

[Zomby Woof]

12. Webb has been my first choice for weeks

I have been trumpeting him often over the past month or more, and I am glad to see more coming around.

Good that you posted his NARAL rating. I can overlook a lot, make a compromise here and there, when it comes to supporting some candidates, but reproductive choice is non-negotiable.

He delivers on the economic goods and the military creds. Even if Obama doesn't pick him, he has his ear in the Senate, and Obama needs congressional allies in a very big way.

[Douglas Carpenter]

13. Webb actually comes in first on the Derivative Prediction Markets speculating on V.P. possibilities

currently speculating at about a 21.5% possibility of being selected for the V.P. positions -- the second behind him is Sen. Clinton at a 14% possibility followed by Bill Richardson at about an 8.5% possibility.

After that they are all in lower single digits:

http://markets.rasmussenreports.com/aav2/trading/tradingHTML.jsp#

http://www.intrade.com/jsp/intrade/contractSearch/

Of course this is only the educated guess of Market forces -- but it is an indication that he is a very serious possibility.

And as I mentioned above Rasmussen Markets makes a very persuasive case with an article, "Virginia Senator James Webb should be the Democratic candidate for vice-president."

link:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_gerald_m_pomper/obama_s_vice_president

[Douglas Carpenter]

26. kik

[Douglas Carpenter]

28. kik

[Faryn Balyncd]

14. Webb is a genuine economic populist . . . . . . .

Webb's essay on class (in the WSJ), and on the way working people have been screwed by Wall Street & the GOP, is a textbook study in how to confront power with truth.

He published this right after he was elected, and we learned quickly that Webb was much more than a powerful antiwar voice.

Class Struggle

American workers have a chance to be heard.

by JIM WEBB

The most important--and unfortunately the least debated--issue in politics today is our society's steady drift toward a class-based system, the likes of which we have not seen since the 19th century. America's top tier has grown infinitely richer and more removed over the past 25 years. It is not unfair to say that they are literally living in a different country. Few among them send their children to public schools; fewer still send their loved ones to fight our wars. They own most of our stocks, making the stock market an unreliable indicator of the economic health of working people. The top 1% now takes in an astounding 16% of national income, up from 8% in 1980. The tax codes protect them, just as they protect corporate America, through a vast system of loopholes.

Incestuous corporate boards regularly approve compensation packages for chief executives and others that are out of logic's range. As this newspaper has reported, the average CEO of a sizeable corporation makes more than $10 million a year, while the minimum wage for workers amounts to about $10,000 a year, and has not been raised in nearly a decade. When I graduated from college in the 1960s, the average CEO made 20 times what the average worker made. Today, that CEO makes 400 times as much.

In the age of globalization and outsourcing, and with a vast underground labor pool from illegal immigration, the average American worker is seeing a different life and a troubling future. Trickle-down economics didn't happen. Despite the vaunted all-time highs of the stock market, wages and salaries are at all-time lows as a percentage of the national wealth. At the same time, medical costs have risen 73% in the last six years alone. Half of that increase comes from wage-earners' pockets rather than from insurance, and 47 million Americans have no medical insurance at all.

Manufacturing jobs are disappearing. Many earned pension programs have collapsed in the wake of corporate "reorganization." And workers' ability to negotiate their futures has been eviscerated by the twin threats of modern corporate America: If they complain too loudly, their jobs might either be outsourced overseas or given to illegal immigrants.

This ever-widening divide is too often ignored or downplayed by its beneficiaries. A sense of entitlement has set in among elites, bordering on hubris. When I raised this issue with corporate leaders during the recent political campaign, I was met repeatedly with denials, and, from some, an overt lack of concern for those who are falling behind. A troubling arrogance is in the air among the nation's most fortunate. Some shrug off large-scale economic and social dislocations as the inevitable byproducts of the "rough road of capitalism." Others claim that it's the fault of the worker or the public education system, that the average American is simply not up to the international challenge, that our education system fails us, or that our workers have become spoiled by old notions of corporate paternalism.

Still others have gone so far as to argue that these divisions are the natural results of a competitive society. Furthermore, an unspoken insinuation seems to be inundating our national debate: Certain immigrant groups have the "right genetics" and thus are natural entrants to the "overclass," while others, as well as those who come from stock that has been here for 200 years and have not made it to the top, simply don't possess the necessary attributes.

Most Americans reject such notions. But the true challenge is for everyone to understand that the current economic divisions in society are harmful to our future. It should be the first order of business for the new Congress to begin addressing these divisions, and to work to bring true fairness back to economic life. Workers already understand this, as they see stagnant wages and disappearing jobs.

America's elites need to understand this reality in terms of their own self-interest. A recent survey in the Economist warned that globalization was affecting the U.S. differently than other "First World" nations, and that white-collar jobs were in as much danger as the blue-collar positions which have thus far been ravaged by outsourcing and illegal immigration. That survey then warned that "unless a solution is found to sluggish real wages and rising inequality, there is a serious risk of a protectionist backlash" in America that would take us away from what they view to be the "biggest economic stimulus in world history."

More troubling is this: If it remains unchecked, this bifurcation of opportunities and advantages along class lines has the potential to bring a period of political unrest. Up to now, most American workers have simply been worried about their job prospects. Once they understand that there are (and were) clear alternatives to the policies that have dislocated careers and altered futures, they will demand more accountability from the leaders who have failed to protect their interests. The "Wal-Marting" of cheap consumer products brought in from places like China, and the easy money from low-interest home mortgage refinancing, have softened the blows in recent years. But the balance point is tipping in both cases, away from the consumer and away from our national interest.

The politics of the Karl Rove era were designed to distract and divide the very people who would ordinarily be rebelling against the deterioration of their way of life. Working Americans have been repeatedly seduced at the polls by emotional issues such as the predictable mantra of "God, guns, gays, abortion and the flag" while their way of life shifted ineluctably beneath their feet. But this election cycle showed an electorate that intends to hold government leaders accountable for allowing every American a fair opportunity to succeed.

With this new Congress, and heading into an important presidential election in 2008, American workers have a chance to be heard in ways that have eluded them for more than a decade. Nothing is more important for the health of our society than to grant them the validity of their concerns. And our government leaders have no greater duty than to confront the growing unfairness in this age of globalization.

Mr. Webb is the Democratic senator-elect from Virginia. (Published November 15, 2006)


http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110009246

:kick:



:kick:



:kick:

[Douglas Carpenter]

15. some more on Sen. Webb as V.P. nominee from Professor Gerald Pomper of Rutgers University

Gerald Pomper is the Board of Governors Professor of Political Science (Emeritus) at Rutgers University. He has written extensively on U.S. politics, including seven quadrennial books on presidential elections since 1976.

link to full article:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_gerald_m_pomper/obama_s_vice_president

snip: "Webb fits Obama's true needs. The Illinois Senator's greatest deficiency is his lack of experience in foreign policy and military security. Clinton has made that her chief point of attack -- as in the now-classic "3 A.M. telephone" ad -- and this area is obviously McCain's greatest strength. There is no way for Obama to match McCain, even if he could manufacture some "sniper fire," but the right running mate could give him a measure of credibility, in much the same way as Cheney helped Bush.

Webb is a former Navy officer and Vietnam veteran (exactly matching McCain), and a former Secretary of the Navy bringing directly relevant executive experience. He won four military medals in Vietnam, and was wounded twice, a record that, along with awards from the American Legion and VFW, would repel attacks by SwiftBoaters. His term at the Pentagon came under Ronald Reagan, when Webb was a Republican, an advantage in Obama's effort to achieve a new electoral coalition. With this military background, he reinforces the Democrats' case against the Iraqi intervention, a position he has articulated from the beginning of the war and with particular force, including a direct confrontation with President Bush at a White House reception. As a novelist, non-fiction author and Emmy-winning television reporter, he also shows intellectual distinction.

Webb also would bring specific political advantages to the Democratic ticket. His rural roots, vigorous language and championing of working class values would compensate for Obama's evident weaknesses among these voters. Webb provides a populist platform on corporate regulation, trade, taxation and health care that would further extend the party's appeal to its lower-income base. Born in Missouri, educated in Nebraska, California and the Naval Academy in Maryland, he encapsulates a national electoral appeal. Finally, to the limited extent that state residence matters, he would help to switch Virginia into the Democratic column for the first election since 1964.

Webb may have some deficiencies as a candidate, related to sexist writings done thirty years ago and his occasional indelicate language. He, and Obama, would need to make special efforts to clear those hurdles to bring women voters back into the Democratic fold. They can succeed by emphasizing the evident differences between them and McCain on both economic and social policies, as well as the Iraq war.

On his own, we can expect Webb to outshine any of the pallid Republicans being considered for the McCain ticket, to close the party's "security gap," and to provide the necessary appeal to white male voters. For Senator Obama, Webb's selection would show both audacity and hope."



link to full article:

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_gerald_m_pomper/obama_s_vice_president

[1776Forever]

16. Sen. Webb is my first choice and has been for many months - He is the ticket!

http://webb.senate.gov/jim/



In his first term in office, Senator Jim Webb's legislative priorities have been guided by three themes: reorienting America's national security posture, promoting economic fairness, and increasing government accountability. Webb has successfully supported legislation that reflect these themes. He has introduced or cosponsored measures focused on: developing robust practices of international diplomacy, supporting our troops through responsible deployment cycles, providing comprehensive educational benefits for our post-9/11 veterans, developing stronger ethics laws and making government more transparent and accountable to the American taxpayer through greater oversight over wartime contracts.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Webb is a descendant of the Scots-Irish settlers who came to this country in the 18th century and became pioneers in the mountains of Southwest Virginia. Both sides of Webb's family have a strong citizen-soldier military tradition; a sense of duty and service to one's country has been passed down through the generations.

Webb graduated from the Naval Academy in l968, receiving the Superintendent's Commendation for outstanding leadership contributions while a midshipman, and subsequently chose a commission in the Marine Corps.

Senator Jim Webb First in his class of 243 at the Marine Corps Officers' Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, Webb served with the Fifth Marine Regiment in Vietnam, where as a rifle platoon and company commander in the infamous An Hoa Basin west of Danang he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, and two Purple Hearts. He later served as a platoon commander and as an instructor in tactics and weapons at Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, and then as a member of the Secretary of the Navy's immediate staff, before leaving the Marine Corps in 1972.

Senator Jim Webb received his J.D. at Georgetown University Law Center in 1975. He served in the U.S. Congress as counsel to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs from 1977 to 1981. In 1982, he first proposed, then led the fight for, including an African American soldier in the memorial statue that now graces the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. In 1984, he was appointed the inaugural Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. In 1987, he became the first Naval Academy graduate in history to serve in the military and then become Secretary of the Navy.

In addition to Webb's public service, he enjoyed a long career as a writer. He has authored eight books, including six best-selling novels, and has worked extensively as a screenwriter and producer in Hollywood. He taught literature at the Naval Academy as their first visiting writer, has traveled worldwide as a journalist, and earned an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his PBS coverage of the U.S. Marines in Beirut. In 2004, Webb went into Afghanistan as a journalist, embedded with the U.S. military.

He speaks Vietnamese and has done extensive pro bono work with the Vietnamese community dating from the late l970's.

Senator Jim Webb now serves as the junior Senator from Virginia. He sits on the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, and the Joint Economic Committee.

He is the proud father of children Amy, Jimmy, Sarah, Julia, Georgia (born just weeks before he took the oath of office), and step-daughter Emily. He lives in Arlington, Virginia with his wife Hong Le Webb.

:patriot:

[cliffordu]

18. Webb's my guy too. Go read his wikipedia page -

He IS a real war hero. And he ain't afraid of ANY of the rw attack monkeys. Great fit for Obama.

[1776Forever]

20. I saw him with Barack the other day! There was a great chemistry between them!

Here is the video if you want to take a look - Actually Sen. Webb wasn't in too much of this but Barack does speak about him:

http://virginiadem.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/barack-obama-with-thousands-of-supporters-senwebb-and-govkaine-in-nova/

[Eric J in MN]

19. Senator Webb voted for retrroactive immunity for phone companies...

...which are being sued for violating their customers' privacy.

It's disgusting when Congress abuses power by interfering in a current court case.

[Douglas Carpenter]

21. unfortunately every single member of Congress have some disturbing votes on their record

Sen. Obama, Sen. Clinton even Dennis Kucinich. Even the sainted George McGovern had some embarrassing votes in his record.

That's the reality of real politics, unfortunately.

[Douglas Carpenter]

22. THANKS FOR ALL THE RECOMMENDS!!!!

[Douglas Carpenter]

23. one kick for the next shift

[jasmine621]

27. I was for Webb even if Hillary had won. He can only be a positive.

Webb would ensure a blue VA in the general election and some of those GOP mid-western states too. The Obama-Webb ticket might be unbeatable in the fall. Except I still have little faith in the majority voting public. I remember how it selected Bush over Kerry with all the baggage that Bush bought to the table. It was pathetic.

[Danger Mouse]

29. I think he'd be great, but what about his seat in the senate?

[Douglas Carpenter]

30. of course that would be the concern of any Senator from a battleground state

for that matter when Governors have been suggested, I have heard similar concerns.

On the other hand with Webb as Vice President it might very well solidify the shifting of Virginia from a predominantly Republican state to a predominately Democratic state.

[Danger Mouse]

32. That's a good point.

I like Webb, and I'd like to see him on Obama's ticket, so that's good to know...as long as I could be confidend that Webb would be replaced with a Dem, I would support him for Obama's VP 100%

[rucky]

33. Exactly.

VA isn't safe.

[cliffordu]

34. Kicked again. Everyone needs to see this...

[Douglas Carpenter]

35. thanks

[goletian]

36. hes on with russert at the moment

he just said something about how whites and blacks have been played against each other by manipulation. partly true. i like the way this guy thinks, though. sounds like a strong candidate that goes well with obama.