Kerry Ranks as #1 Most Liberal in Senate

[Killarney]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/02/26/politics/main502099.shtml
National Journal reports that John Kerry’s voting record is the most liberal in the U.S. Senate.

"To be sure, Kerry's ranking as the No. 1 Senate liberal in 2003 -- and his earning of similar honors three times during his first term, from 1985 to 1990 -- will probably have opposition researchers licking their chops. As shown in the accompanying chart, Kerry had a perfect liberal rating on social issues during 10 of the 18 years in which he received a score, meaning that he did not side with conservatives on a single vote in those years. That included his 1996 vote, with 13 other Senate Democrats, against the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited federal recognition of states' same-sex marriage laws. Along the campaign trail, Republicans likely will remind voters of Kerry's stance on that issue."

[demnan]

1. And so it begins.

This is nothing compared to what it's going to be come July.

[Dookus]

2. And yet

many here will still call him Bush-lite.

sigh

[GreenPartyVoter]

Folks call it like they see it

[Dookus]

8. and my point is

that such people don't look at it fairly. They have prejudged him, and no amount of information to the contrary can change their minds.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. But liberal and conservative are subjective

Kerry can be liberal when stood next to Dubya, but looks conservative next to Kucinich. (In my book, perhaps not yours, though.)

[sangh0]

15. Liberal and conservative are not subjective

Relative maybe, but not subjective. Unless you're insane. Then, support for prayer in public schools could be considered liberal.

[SangamonTaylor]

9. some people just don't learn

Ralph was saying the same about Gore and Bush in 2000.

It's funny. The appearance may be similar because they must show a reserved 'presidential' character. Their policies are light years apart.

[Democat]

3. Not liberal enough for DU, too liberal for FR

Nader attacks from the left, Bush from the right.

[Liberal Veteran]

4. G. Gordon Liddy and Michael Weiner are too liberal for FR....

That's a fact.

[Democat]

12. Not to mention Timothy McVeigh

:)

[ButterflyBlood]

5. and yet he's still a DINO!

i wonder if some people here consider EVERYONE a DINO.

[goobergunch]

6. Given how many votes Kerry missed in 2003

2003 is probably not a good indication of his voting record...I'd be curious to see how he did in 2001 and 2002.

ON EDIT: National Journal agrees.

National Journal’s Richard Cohen reports: "Of the votes that Kerry cast in the two categories in which he did not receive scores in 2003 -- social policy and foreign policy -- he consistently took the liberal view within the Senate. Edwards did not receive a score in the foreign-policy category; he sided with the liberals on five votes in that area, and with the conservatives on one vote. On foreign policy, Kerry and Edwards -- both of whom supported the 2002 resolution authorizing the use of military force against Iraq -- last year joined most Senate Democrats in voting that half of the U.S. reconstruction aid to Iraq be provided as loans, a provision that ultimately was dropped.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

7. Shouldn't that be "Neo-Liberal"

?

[buckeye1]

11. But He is not "Progressive"

Whatever that means.

[MoonRiver]

13. This is NOT a negative. In fact, it's just the contrary.

Kerry is the front runner because voters believe that 1.) he can beat *, and 2.) bring about substantive changes to the bush* farrightwing agenda. Keep painting Kerry as a liberal Rove, cause that tactic will backfire in your bloated pink face. :D :D :D

[littlejoe]

14. dupe

[eaprez]

16. Who Cares?

if he's labeled a liberal. That's part of the party's problem now - they let the right make liberal into a 'dirty word' - and the leadership let them do it and to some extent CONTINUES to do so. Always posturing according to the way the wind blows - rather than standing for something we're always trying to run away from something. There is nothing to be ashamed of for supporting liberal causes....and this moment in history is a great time to show that to those that fell for that conservative crap hook, line and sinker.

[many a good man]

17. Maybe America Wants

a strong courageous principled liberal in the White House. Maybe they forgot about how good liberals are for the country. Maybe Kerry can remind America what liberals really stand for.

[mitchum]

18. Say it loud and say it proud

[Killarney]

19. I think this is a good thing and was posting it to show

people who think he's Bush-lite that he is NOT.

To me, Massachusetts Liberal is a compliment. :)

[Tinoire]

20. Title of #1 Liberal brought to you by people who think war is liberal.

Lol. War, Patriot Act and NAFTA are now liberal. Not in my world.