Edwards wealth, his record -- and why he is still trustworthy

[Armstead]

The knock on Edwards is that he is hypocritical because he is a rich guy pretending to be a populist. And he was a garden variety centrist when in the Senate. And thus he is a hypocrite in his current campaign.

I'll admit that I had to think about that myself. And yet, after seeing him actually being interviewed and listening to his campaign rhetoric and looking into him, I believe he really is being totally sincere -- and that those same things used against him are actually advantages.

After the 04 election, Edwards had many options. He could have easily stayed in Washington and joined the revolving door of corporate lobbyists, lawyers and insiders. Or he could have returned home and his lucrative law practice. He could have also simply lived off his wealth and never try to accomplish anything.

Any one of them would have been the pasth of least resistance. In fact, he did take a step in that direction, by signing on as a consultant to a hedge fund.

But ultimately, he rejected that and chose to dedicate himself to public service and re-join the political fray instead of coasting on his money and connections.

To me that indicates character and commitment to what he says he believes in. (Especially since his wife has cancer, which was an additional incentive to go for the easy way.)

Also, one cannot chalk up his current campaign to blind ambition and political opportunism. If that were the case, he could he run as a centrist this time, and simply tried to appeal to those who are "anti-Hillary" as the "pragmatic alternative."

Instead he chose to carry a more risky message. To me, that is another sign that he really means it.

[madmunchie]

1. No, no, no, no and no

He chose, for his AMBITION, for which he has an abundance. His message has been carefully chosen to be what is most likely to gather support pure and simple. He has been working on his running image for YEARS.

His years in the Senate were a disgrace and not to be brushed aside so lightly.

[EV_Ares]

2. Can you enlighten us on what made his senate record such a disgrace. If that

was the case, it was so horrible John Kerry was not concerned about it. I don't remember anyone here on DU commenting about his disgraceful senate record before now.

Maybe you can help us on it. Thanks and will be looking forward to your assistance on thhis.

[madmunchie]

55. So you are supporting him and you don't know his Senate voting record?

or Worse you don't mind that:


02/02/2000 Bankruptcy Reform bill - Voted Y
11/19/2002 Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Voted Y
05/21/2004 Condemning Iraq Abuse of Prisoners resolution - DID NOT VOTE
10/11/2002 Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Voted Y Co sponsored and argued passionately for it on Bush's behalf - against many Democratic Leaders that passionately against it.
10/06/2004 National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - DID NOT VOTE
10/25/2001 USA Patriot Act of 2001 - Voted Y -How many rights did we lose on that vote?
09/14/2001 Military Force Authorization resolution - Voted Y
09/16/2003 FCC Media Ownership bill - DID NOT VOTE
09/19/2000 U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000 - Voted Y
09/23/2004 Increased Child Tax Credit bill NV
11/09/1999 Two Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment N
11/09/1999 Three Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment N
07/15/1999 Patient Bill of Rights bill N
07/15/1999 Patient Lawsuit Amendment N

Cherry-picked from:
http://votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=21107


WEALTH He had over half of his net worth invested in HedgeFund Management Firms and SubPrime lenders.

He said that he didn't know at the time.

$16 million invested...and he didn't know? Either he's a moron or a liar.

Furthermore, I was incensed the Kerry picked (or had to pick) JE, there were plenty of us that were very upset about it, you, maybe, just weren't paying attention.


Thanks Alert Lurker for the nice handy list that is more complete than mine.

[EV_Ares]

58. Yeah, know his voting rcd, you are the one making the allegation

not me or others. Oh, so now we are to believe you were incensed at the time, very convenient now to say that. I was paying attention.

cherrypicked is right.

[madmunchie]

62. There is not secret about me being incensed that JE was the "chosen one"

He didn't have any credibility back then either. I was for Clark, no secret, I worked really hard for him, Clark was cheated back then of his chance, sorry if YOU weren't personally informed. Even though I thought JE was a very poor choice for Kerry, I continued to work for Kerry. I have watched JE for quite a while now and believe me, he isn't worthy of the Democratic Nomination.....maybe the Republican, yes, but not the Democratic.

JE's vote for IRAQ alone should disqualify him, but then follow up with The Patriot Act, The Bankruptcy Act, Yucca Mtn., Voters rights.....and that should finish this guy UNTIL he proves by ACTIONS that he is even capable of being a Public Servant again.

What public served by his IWR vote? WHO?

I was smart enough to know that Clark was right about Iraq as well as many other things, JE was wrong and made unforgivable mistakes.

[bpeale]

7. if he didn't have ambition i wouldn't vote for him

running for president is an ego trip and if you have no ambition like that lizard in the WH right now, you might as well stay home.

[madmunchie]

57. Hopefully you have more than ambition, good looks and charisma though

Believe it or not some of our past POTUS have. JE doesn't not have a credible track record on decisions regarding what is best for the U.S. Being that the only time he was a Public Servant was when he was in the Senate, that is the real only proof that exists of his job performance skills, which end up looking embarrassing for the guy who seems to NOW know so much......

[Catchawave]

11. He also represented a Red State while in the Senate

after defeating a very popular incumbent. Not bad for your FIRST time in Politics! And he has far too much energy, fighting spirit and dedication to stay bogged down in the snail's pace of the Senate. (and Yes, he would have won re-election)

If Senate records were so important, why did Gore choose Lieberman over Edwards and Kerry in 2000? And surely Kerry trusted Edwards enough for that 'heartbeat away' VP slot.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2001/0110.green.html

[surfermaw]

61. Bill Clintons suggestio, Jewish vote in Florida

[surfermaw]

60. Are you speaking of one of the Kennedy's Marilyn?

[AlertLurker]

3. Edwards wealth, his record -- and why he is UNtrustworthy

Wealth:
He had over half of his net worth invested in HedgeFund Management Firms and SubPrime lenders.

He said that he didn't know at the time.

$16 million invested...and he didn't know? Either he's a moron or a liar.

Two words:

SNAKE OIL.

His Senate Voting Record:

Cherry-picked from:
http://votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=21107

02/02/2000 Bankruptcy Reform bill - Voted Y
11/19/2002 Homeland Security Act of 2002 - Voted Y
05/21/2004 Condemning Iraq Abuse of Prisoners resolution - DID NOT VOTE
10/11/2002 Use of Military Force Against Iraq - Voted Y
10/06/2004 National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 - DID NOT VOTE
10/25/2001 USA Patriot Act of 2001 - Voted Y
09/14/2001 Military Force Authorization resolution - Voted Y
09/16/2003 FCC Media Ownership bill - DID NOT VOTE
09/19/2000 U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000 - Voted Y
09/23/2004 Increased Child Tax Credit bill NV
11/09/1999 Two Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment N
11/09/1999 Three Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment N
07/15/1999 Patient Bill of Rights bill N
07/15/1999 Patient Lawsuit Amendment N

But NOW, simply because John Edwards SAYS SO, we're supposed to believe he is an advocate for change?

Two more words:

SOMEBODY ELSE.

[bpeale]

6. don't worry, you'll get exactly what you deserve if he is not the nominee

[AlertLurker]

8. I never said that he will not be the nominee.

I believe that he will actually win the 2008 Democratic Nomination.

He's got too much going for him, to lose:

WHITE
MALE
SOUTHERN
CHRISTIAN

It's a pity, however. Sad commentary on the Democratic Party of these times...

[Clark2008]

51. A Democrat?

[bpeale]

65. maybe not. like a lot of progressive dems, i won't let you or anyone else

intimidate me into voting YOUR way. i will cast my vote as i see fit even if that vote puts someone in office that you'd rather not have. dems have a habit of shooting themselves in the foot. the DLC will try to ram someone down our throat that we don't want & they will lose as we toss our vote elsewhere. if they want the WH, they'd better put someone front & center that everyone can get behind. Hillary won't do it. the dems can't get their people to vote in lockstep. we are just too damned independent for that.

[Munch]

17. It should be noted...

that Edwards voted FOR a Patients' Bill of Rights on 6/29/2001.

And I have read that he fought strongly to get that one passed.

[Armstead]

33. Hedge Funds

That bothered me a bit too....But then after thinking about it I realized that it's no different than the kinds of investments most rich people make. It's not like he was dealing drugs or anything.

Hedge funds have gotten a dirty name now (and probably rightfully so) but I'm not sure it's much worse than the "ctreative financial vehicles" that many other people and candidates have their money socked away in.

Doesn't mean I support that. But that doesn't make him worse than most of those running.

[AlertLurker]

53. Not just the Hedge Funds - that would be OK in my books.

The Hedge Fund Management Group -Fortress- were heavily invested in Sub-prime mortgage lenders, having bought some five different mortgage brokers in 2005-6.

And it's not just that he invested half his net worth in them, it's that he either (according to his own words) didn't have a clue what he had invested $16 million in, or he lied about not knowing. Either liar or moron, in my books. I'll opt for liar, though, since he is a lawyer by trade.

If I think that he's worse than some others running, he's actually not much worse, if it makes you feel better. I like him better than Hillary, Dodd or Richardson...

I have the feeling that he will get the nomination, anyhow.

Apologies for the poor research on the Patient's Bill of Rights (07/15/1999), however - I didn't look any further than his vote, as I was just cherry-picking some of his votes I thought "questionable."

[smokey nj]

42. Please click on the Bill Title links.

I did and this is what I found:

http://votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V2643&can_id=21107

This "No" vote was a vote against KILLING the Two Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment

Two Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment

Bill Number: S 625
Issue: Labor
Date: 11/09/1999
Sponsor:Amendment: Sen Kennedy, Edward M. ; Original Bill: Sen Grassley, Chuck


Roll Call Number: 0356
Amendment Tabled (Senate)
How members voted

.
Read statements made in this general time period.

Official Title of Legislation:

S.AMDT.2751 to S 625: To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage.

Project Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to table an amendment which would raise the Federal minimum wage $1 to $6.15 over a period of two years while providing $9.5 billion in tax relief.


Here's how the vote went down. You'll notice that ALL Democrats voted against it.
http://votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_member.php?cs_id=V2643

Two Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment

State District Name Party Vote
AK Sr Senator
Ted Stevens Republican Y
AL Sr Senator
Richard C. Shelby Republican Y
AL Jr Senator
Jefferson B. 'Jeff' Sessions Republican Y
AR Sr Senator
Blanche L. Lincoln Democrat N
AZ Sr Senator
John S. McCain Republican NV
AZ Jr Senator
Jon Kyl Republican Y
CA Jr Senator
Barbara Boxer Democrat N
CA Sr Senator
Dianne Feinstein Democrat N
CO Sr Senator
Wayne A. Allard Republican Y
CT Jr Senator
Joseph I. Lieberman Democrat N
CT Sr Senator
Christopher J. Dodd Democrat N
DE Sr Senator
Joseph R. Biden Democrat N
HI Sr Senator
Daniel K. Inouye Democrat N
HI Jr Senator
Daniel Kahikina Akaka Democrat N
IA Jr Senator
Thomas 'Tom' Harkin Democrat N
IA Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Grassley Republican Y
ID Sr Senator
Larry E. Craig Republican Y
ID Jr Senator
Michael D. 'Mike' Crapo Republican Y
IL Sr Senator
Richard J. 'Dick' Durbin Democrat N
IN Jr Senator
Evan Bayh Democrat N
IN Sr Senator
Richard G. Lugar Republican Y
KS Sr Senator
Samuel D. 'Sam' Brownback Republican Y
KS Jr Senator
Pat Roberts Republican Y
KY Sr Senator
Mitch McConnell Republican Y
KY Jr Senator
Jim Bunning Republican Y
LA Sr Senator
Mary L. Landrieu Democrat N
MA Jr Senator
John Forbes Kerry Democrat N
MA Sr Senator
Edward M. 'Ted' Kennedy Democrat N
MD Sr Senator
Barbara A. Mikulski Democrat N
ME Sr Senator
Olympia J. Snowe Republican N
ME Jr Senator
Susan M. Collins Republican Y
MI Sr Senator
Carl Levin Democrat N
MO Sr Senator
Christopher S. 'Kit' Bond Republican Y
MS Sr Senator
Thad Cochran Republican Y
MS Jr Senator
Trent Lott Republican Y
MT Sr Senator
Max S. Baucus Democrat N
NC John Reid Edwards Democrat N
ND Jr Senator
Byron L. Dorgan Democrat-NPL N
ND Sr Senator
Kent Conrad Democratic-NPL N
NE Sr Senator
Charles T. 'Chuck' Hagel Republican Y
NH Sr Senator
Judd A. Gregg Republican Y
NJ Sr Senator
Frank R. Lautenberg Democrat N
NM Jr Senator
Jeff Bingaman Democrat N
NM Sr Senator
Pete V. Domenici Republican Y
NV Sr Senator
Harry M. Reid Democrat N
NY Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Schumer Democrat N
OH Sr Senator
George V. Voinovich Republican Y
OK Sr Senator
James M. 'Jim' Inhofe Republican Y
OR Sr Senator
Ron Wyden Democrat N
OR Jr Senator
Gordon Harold Smith Republican Y
PA Sr Senator
Arlen Specter Republican N
RI Sr Senator
John F. 'Jack' Reed Democrat N
SD Sr Senator
Tim P. Johnson Democrat N
TX Sr Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchison Republican Y
UT Jr Senator
Robert F. Bennett Republican Y
UT Sr Senator
Orrin G. Hatch Republican Y
VA Sr Senator
John W. Warner Republican Y
VT Sr Senator
Patrick J. Leahy Democrat N
WA Sr Senator
Patty Murray Democrat N
WI Jr Senator
Russell D. Feingold Democrat N
WI Sr Senator
Herbert H. 'Herb' Kohl Democrat N
WV Jr Senator
John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller Democrat N
WV Sr Senator
Robert C. Byrd Democrat N
WY Jr Senator
Michael B. Enzi Republican Y
WY Sr Senator
Craig Thomas Republican Y

Here's how the Three Year Minimum Wage Increase went down.
Three Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment

Bill Number: S 625
Issue: Labor
Date: 11/09/1999
Sponsor:Amendment: Sen Domenici, Pete V. ; Original Bill: Sen Grassley, Chuck

Roll Call Number: 0357
Amendment Adopted (Senate)
How members voted


.
Read statements made in this general time period.

Official Title of Legislation:

S.AMDT.2547 to S 625: To increase the Federal minimum wage and protect small business

Project Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment which would raise the Federal minimum wage $1 to $6.15 over a period of three years while providing $18.4 billion in tax relief.


Again, you'll notice that ALL Democrats voted "No"

http://votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_member.php?cs_id=V2644
Key Vote
(How all members voted)

Three Year Minimum Wage Increase Amendment

State District Name Party Vote
AK Sr Senator
Ted Stevens Republican Y
AL Sr Senator
Richard C. Shelby Republican Y
AL Jr Senator
Jefferson B. 'Jeff' Sessions Republican Y
AR Sr Senator
Blanche L. Lincoln Democrat N
AZ Sr Senator
John S. McCain Republican NV
AZ Jr Senator
Jon Kyl Republican Y
CA Jr Senator
Barbara Boxer Democrat N
CA Sr Senator
Dianne Feinstein Democrat N
CO Sr Senator
Wayne A. Allard Republican Y
CT Jr Senator
Joseph I. Lieberman Democrat N
CT Sr Senator
Christopher J. Dodd Democrat N
DE Sr Senator
Joseph R. Biden Democrat N
HI Sr Senator
Daniel K. Inouye Democrat N
HI Jr Senator
Daniel Kahikina Akaka Democrat N
IA Jr Senator
Thomas 'Tom' Harkin Democrat N
IA Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Grassley Republican Y
ID Sr Senator
Larry E. Craig Republican Y
ID Jr Senator
Michael D. 'Mike' Crapo Republican Y
IL Sr Senator
Richard J. 'Dick' Durbin Democrat N
IN Jr Senator
Evan Bayh Democrat N
IN Sr Senator
Richard G. Lugar Republican Y
KS Sr Senator
Samuel D. 'Sam' Brownback Republican Y
KS Jr Senator
Pat Roberts Republican Y
KY Sr Senator
Mitch McConnell Republican Y
KY Jr Senator
Jim Bunning Republican Y
LA Sr Senator
Mary L. Landrieu Democrat N
MA Jr Senator
John Forbes Kerry Democrat N
MA Sr Senator
Edward M. 'Ted' Kennedy Democrat N
MD Sr Senator
Barbara A. Mikulski Democrat N
ME Sr Senator
Olympia J. Snowe Republican Y
ME Jr Senator
Susan M. Collins Republican Y
MI Sr Senator
Carl Levin Democrat N
MO Sr Senator
Christopher S. 'Kit' Bond Republican Y
MS Sr Senator
Thad Cochran Republican Y
MS Jr Senator
Trent Lott Republican Y
MT Sr Senator
Max S. Baucus Democrat N
NC John Reid Edwards Democrat N
ND Jr Senator
Byron L. Dorgan Democrat-NPL N
ND Sr Senator
Kent Conrad Democratic-NPL N
NE Sr Senator
Charles T. 'Chuck' Hagel Republican Y
NH Sr Senator
Judd A. Gregg Republican Y
NJ Sr Senator
Frank R. Lautenberg Democrat N
NM Jr Senator
Jeff Bingaman Democrat N
NM Sr Senator
Pete V. Domenici Republican Y
NV Sr Senator
Harry M. Reid Democrat N
NY Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Schumer Democrat N
OH Sr Senator
George V. Voinovich Republican N
OK Sr Senator
James M. 'Jim' Inhofe Republican Y
OR Sr Senator
Ron Wyden Democrat N
OR Jr Senator
Gordon Harold Smith Republican Y
PA Sr Senator
Arlen Specter Republican Y
RI Sr Senator
John F. 'Jack' Reed Democrat N
SD Sr Senator
Tim P. Johnson Democrat N
TX Sr Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchison Republican Y
UT Jr Senator
Robert F. Bennett Republican Y
UT Sr Senator
Orrin G. Hatch Republican Y
VA Sr Senator
John W. Warner Republican Y
VT Sr Senator
Patrick J. Leahy Democrat N
WA Sr Senator
Patty Murray Democrat N
WI Jr Senator
Russell D. Feingold Democrat N
WI Sr Senator
Herbert H. 'Herb' Kohl Democrat N
WV Jr Senator
John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller Democrat N
WV Sr Senator
Robert C. Byrd Democrat N
WY Jr Senator
Michael B. Enzi Republican Y
WY Sr Senator
Craig Thomas Republican Y

Here's how the vote on the Patient Bill of Rights Bill went down. Again, all Democrats voted against it. Seeing how it was introduced by Sen. Lott from Mississippi, I'm sure there were very legitimate reasons for voting against it.

http://votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_member.php?cs_id=V2372
Key Vote
(How all members voted)

Patient Bill of Rights bill

State District Name Party Vote
AK Sr Senator
Ted Stevens Republican Y
AL Jr Senator
Jefferson B. 'Jeff' Sessions Republican Y
AL Sr Senator
Richard C. Shelby Republican Y
AR Sr Senator
Blanche L. Lincoln Democrat N
AZ Sr Senator
John S. McCain Republican Y
AZ Jr Senator
Jon Kyl Republican Y
CA Jr Senator
Barbara Boxer Democrat N
CA Sr Senator
Dianne Feinstein Democrat N
CO Sr Senator
Wayne A. Allard Republican Y
CT Jr Senator
Joseph I. Lieberman Democrat N
CT Sr Senator
Christopher J. Dodd Democrat N
DE Sr Senator
Joseph R. Biden Democrat N
HI Sr Senator
Daniel K. Inouye Democrat N
HI Jr Senator
Daniel Kahikina Akaka Democrat N
IA Jr Senator
Thomas 'Tom' Harkin Democrat N
IA Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Grassley Republican Y
ID Jr Senator
Michael D. 'Mike' Crapo Republican Y
ID Sr Senator
Larry E. Craig Republican Y
IL Sr Senator
Richard J. 'Dick' Durbin Democrat N
IN Jr Senator
Evan Bayh Democrat N
IN Sr Senator
Richard G. Lugar Republican Y
KS Sr Senator
Samuel D. 'Sam' Brownback Republican Y
KS Jr Senator
Pat Roberts Republican Y
KY Jr Senator
Jim Bunning Republican Y
KY Sr Senator
Mitch McConnell Republican Y
LA Sr Senator
Mary L. Landrieu Democrat N
MA Sr Senator
Edward M. 'Ted' Kennedy Democrat N
MA Jr Senator
John Forbes Kerry Democrat N
MD Sr Senator
Barbara A. Mikulski Democrat N
ME Jr Senator
Susan M. Collins Republican Y
ME Sr Senator
Olympia J. Snowe Republican Y
MI Sr Senator
Carl Levin Democrat N
MO Sr Senator
Christopher S. 'Kit' Bond Republican Y
MS Sr Senator
Thad Cochran Republican Y
MS Jr Senator
Trent Lott Republican Y
MT Sr Senator
Max S. Baucus Democrat N
NC John Reid Edwards Democrat N
ND Jr Senator
Byron L. Dorgan Democrat-NPL N
ND Sr Senator
Kent Conrad Democratic-NPL N
NE Sr Senator
Charles T. 'Chuck' Hagel Republican Y
NH Sr Senator
Judd A. Gregg Republican Y
NJ Sr Senator
Frank R. Lautenberg Democrat N
NM Jr Senator
Jeff Bingaman Democrat N
NM Sr Senator
Pete V. Domenici Republican Y
NV Sr Senator
Harry M. Reid Democrat N
NY Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Schumer Democrat N
OH Sr Senator
George V. Voinovich Republican Y
OK Sr Senator
James M. 'Jim' Inhofe Republican Y
OR Sr Senator
Ron Wyden Democrat N
OR Jr Senator
Gordon Harold Smith Republican Y
PA Sr Senator
Arlen Specter Republican Y
RI Sr Senator
John F. 'Jack' Reed Democrat N
SD Sr Senator
Tim P. Johnson Democrat N
TX Sr Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchison Republican Y
UT Jr Senator
Robert F. Bennett Republican Y
UT Sr Senator
Orrin G. Hatch Republican Y
VA Sr Senator
John W. Warner Republican Y
VT Sr Senator
Patrick J. Leahy Democrat N
WA Sr Senator
Patty Murray Democrat N
WI Sr Senator
Herbert H. 'Herb' Kohl Democrat N
WI Jr Senator
Russell D. Feingold Democrat N
WV Jr Senator
John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller Democrat N
WV Sr Senator
Robert C. Byrd Democrat N
WY Sr Senator
Craig Thomas Republican Y
WY Jr Senator
Michael B. Enzi Republican Y

The Patient Lawsuit Amendment would have REMOVED language validating a patient's right to sue an insurer.

http://votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=V2373&can_id=21107

Patient Lawsuit Amendment

Bill Number: S 1344
Issue: Health Issues
Date: 07/15/1999
Sponsor:Amendment: Sen Gregg, Judd ; Original Bill: Sen Lott, Trent


Roll Call Number: 0206
Amendment Adopted (Senate)
How members voted

.
Read statements made in this general time period.

Official Title of Legislation:

S.AMDT.1250 to S 1344: To protect patients and accelerate their treatment and care.

Project Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment that would remove language from the bill validating a patient's right to sue their insurer in state courts if damages resulted from a denial of medical care from the bill.

Again, all Democrats voted against it.

http://votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_member.php?cs_id=V2373
Key Vote
(How all members voted)

Patient Lawsuit Amendment

State District Name Party Vote
AK Sr Senator
Ted Stevens Republican Y
AL Jr Senator
Jefferson B. 'Jeff' Sessions Republican Y
AL Sr Senator
Richard C. Shelby Republican Y
AR Sr Senator
Blanche L. Lincoln Democrat N
AZ Sr Senator
John S. McCain Republican Y
AZ Jr Senator
Jon Kyl Republican Y
CA Jr Senator
Barbara Boxer Democrat N
CA Sr Senator
Dianne Feinstein Democrat N
CO Sr Senator
Wayne A. Allard Republican Y
CT Jr Senator
Joseph I. Lieberman Democrat N
CT Sr Senator
Christopher J. Dodd Democrat N
DE Sr Senator
Joseph R. Biden Democrat N
HI Sr Senator
Daniel K. Inouye Democrat N
HI Jr Senator
Daniel Kahikina Akaka Democrat N
IA Jr Senator
Thomas 'Tom' Harkin Democrat N
IA Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Grassley Republican Y
ID Jr Senator
Michael D. 'Mike' Crapo Republican Y
ID Sr Senator
Larry E. Craig Republican Y
IL Sr Senator
Richard J. 'Dick' Durbin Democrat N
IN Jr Senator
Evan Bayh Democrat N
IN Sr Senator
Richard G. Lugar Republican Y
KS Sr Senator
Samuel D. 'Sam' Brownback Republican Y
KS Jr Senator
Pat Roberts Republican Y
KY Jr Senator
Jim Bunning Republican Y
KY Sr Senator
Mitch McConnell Republican Y
LA Sr Senator
Mary L. Landrieu Democrat N
MA Sr Senator
Edward M. 'Ted' Kennedy Democrat N
MA Jr Senator
John Forbes Kerry Democrat N
MD Sr Senator
Barbara A. Mikulski Democrat N
ME Jr Senator
Susan M. Collins Republican Y
ME Sr Senator
Olympia J. Snowe Republican Y
MI Sr Senator
Carl Levin Democrat N
MO Sr Senator
Christopher S. 'Kit' Bond Republican Y
MS Sr Senator
Thad Cochran Republican Y
MS Jr Senator
Trent Lott Republican Y
MT Sr Senator
Max S. Baucus Democrat N
NC John Reid Edwards Democrat N
ND Jr Senator
Byron L. Dorgan Democrat-NPL N
ND Sr Senator
Kent Conrad Democratic-NPL N
NE Sr Senator
Charles T. 'Chuck' Hagel Republican Y
NH Sr Senator
Judd A. Gregg Republican Y
NJ Sr Senator
Frank R. Lautenberg Democrat N
NM Jr Senator
Jeff Bingaman Democrat N
NM Sr Senator
Pete V. Domenici Republican Y
NV Sr Senator
Harry M. Reid Democrat N
NY Sr Senator
Charles E. 'Chuck' Schumer Democrat N
OH Sr Senator
George V. Voinovich Republican Y
OK Sr Senator
James M. 'Jim' Inhofe Republican Y
OR Sr Senator
Ron Wyden Democrat N
OR Jr Senator
Gordon Harold Smith Republican Y
PA Sr Senator
Arlen Specter Republican N
RI Sr Senator
John F. 'Jack' Reed Democrat N
SD Sr Senator
Tim P. Johnson Democrat N
TX Sr Senator
Kay Bailey Hutchison Republican Y
UT Jr Senator
Robert F. Bennett Republican Y
UT Sr Senator
Orrin G. Hatch Republican Y
VA Sr Senator
John W. Warner Republican Y
VT Sr Senator
Patrick J. Leahy Democrat N
WA Sr Senator
Patty Murray Democrat N
WI Sr Senator
Herbert H. 'Herb' Kohl Democrat N
WI Jr Senator
Russell D. Feingold Democrat N
WV Jr Senator
John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller Democrat N
WV Sr Senator
Robert C. Byrd Democrat N
WY Sr Senator
Craig Thomas Republican Y
WY Jr Senator
Michael B. Enzi Republican Y

[Armstead]

49. You should post this as a seperate thread

You have illustrated a problem with some of the "voting record" scorecards. They lack context.

For another example, if a candidate votes on a progressive-but-safe apple-pie bill or amendment that has widespread backing -- or is minor or innocuous -- it can make them look progressive as part of an overall voting record.

[AlertLurker]

54. Thanks again - shoddy research of PBOR, on my part, really.

Never pays to hurry.

[MethuenProgressive]

4. "he is a hypocrite in his current campaign" I agree completely.

At least the victims of this charlatan are few in number.

[EV_Ares]

13. Poll showing he is the only dem candidate that can beat each & every one of the

republican candidates must indicate not too few in #.

[Andy823]

32. And the victims of Clinton

Will be "huge" in number if she wins the nomination and the we lose to the republicans in the general!

[asdjrocky]

56. How many people were hurt by Hillary-

In her 6 years on the board of Wall-Mart?

[bpeale]

5. i believe he said that the reason he left the senate

was because nothing could be accomplished there. to me, that says a lot. so anyone who says he should have spent more time there, i say 'bullshit.' good on him for realizing that the senate doesn't do anything all year.

[Catchawave]

12. One of the things I really admire about JRE

He chose not to seek re-election to the Senate while running for President/VP. He didn't think it was fair to his constituents.

(watch the comments "he wouldn't have won" start bubbling up...lol...)

[Adelante]

9. He's worth $54M, yes, that's rich

In 2004, as I remember it, his worth was $15M, which he had earned in his law career. That he could have "joined the revolving door of corporate lobbyists, lawyers and insiders" between presidential races seems a little beside the point. He joined one of the biggest financial rip offs since the Great Depression instead and made something like $10M a year. Big deal. Very big deal. The Financial Services Reform Act he voted for was bad for America, but good for John Edwards. It repealed the New Deal Glass-Steagall protections of consumers and markets that might have prevented some of the coming pain for the middle class. He's still got $24M in Fortress hedge fund, having shifted the funds that had been invested in subprime mortgages. This is how he made his money, not in socially responsible investments. Kucinich points out that Edwards even stands to make money on his own health plan. Yes, Edwards is a hypocrite and a rich one.

[cali]

10. It's the Fortress thing that reflects so badly on JE

It'sa truly slimy and unamerican way to invest. It hurts, rather than helps the poor and middle classes.

[EV_Ares]

14. Not hardly,he has explained that & you arestill on that, every one of them have been or are involved

with hedge funds which is why Clilnton especially isn't talking about it who would if it really had any merit to it. Who is talking about it except you? Give up trying to slam him on that one and find something at least that has some credibility behind your cuts.

[cali]

15. if others in this race have money invested in hedge funds

bad on them. You might want to show some evidence. And I know none of the have 24 million bucks invested in one. Do you realize what a hedge fund is? Oh, and no one consulted for one either for a few months- and that was recently. Furthermore, he's made poverty an anti-corporatism his signature issues- while investing in a hedge fund that hurts the poor and middle class.

I have no intention of stopping criticizing him on this piece of hypocrisy.

[EV_Ares]

16. Evidence, guess you don't even remember what posts you have been on

as this has been discussed previously as well. Do I know what a hedge fund is? Yes, do you? Like I said if it was anything to talk about Clinton would certainly be talking about it. Go ahead and keep harping on it. That way you won't be bringing up anything that actually has any credibility behind it, just the stuff you like to use like this.

Go out and get the info yourself, I assume you know how but you never seem to use any backup. Iam not going to as this stuff has been posted before & even some yesterday about it and you are the one making all the claims.

I just posted the article yesterday where they were all involved in hedge funds.

[cali]

18. bahahaha

it really gets under your skin that Edwards more than doubled his wealth by investing sleazily, doesn't it? You seem to have a very hard time dealing with the truth- along with many other Edwards supporters. One more time: HE made poverty and anti-corporatism focal points, and HE is open to charges of hypocrisy. This isn't about Obama or Clinton or anyone else. It's about JE. Get used to it. It's not going away. I'll shut up about it if he's the nom- except to say I told you so when the RNC and 527 ads start flooding the airwaves.

:rofl:

[asdjrocky]

19. Cali-

6 fucking years on the board of Wall-Mart.


Does this matter? And why is it you don't seem to have a problem with this?

[cali]

20. Sure it matters

but I'm not voting for her in the primary either. And she didn't make millions off it, nor has she made poverty or anti-corporatism the focal point of her campaign. You keep trying to change the subject. I don't blame you.

[asdjrocky]

21. And yet-

I see you defending her all the time.

And I'm not trying to change the subject, we've talked the Fortress thing to death.

I would just hope that you would cast a wider net with your all too cynical eye.

But I get it.

[zalinda]

24. Rocky, don't bother with Cali

she's voting for St Dennis. You know, the guy who has done no wrong.

zalinda

[cali]

26. In no way do I consider Dennis a saint

I know he can't win, and I don't even think he'd be an effective president. In fact, I think Edwards has a far, far greater chance of being an effective president than Dennis does. And I certainly don't think Dennis can do no wrong. I thought the Ron Paul thing was a big mistake. But keep mischaracterizing what I say and keep dissing Dennis. That's about all you can do.

[cali]

25. Yeah, and I criticize her too

did so today over her no vote on restricting the sale of cluster bombs. But there are plenty of threads criticizing Clinton. Far fewer on Edwards. And it's the hypocrisy that troubles me. Fortress is not something that's been criticized to death in my opinion. A surprising number of people don't know about it, or understand the problem with it.

[asdjrocky]

28. Ok then-

Good luck to you, we'll just agree to disagree.

[EV_Ares]

30. Yeah, you have to give her credit for determination of trying to convince

everyone. She will always say she is "fair & balanced" but the posts speak for themselves don't they.

[cali]

38. I don't claim to be anything of the sort.

I don't trust Edwards. I think he's a lousy candidate. I've hardly hidden that. I don't have a candidate really, though as I've explained numerous times, I'll probably vote for Dennis, even knowing he won't win.

[EV_Ares]

29. Well, evidently from your post, I would say it is you who seems to

be letting it get under your skin. What a childish post. I really hope you keep posting this way, so please don't shut up. It only shows your maturity and credibility. Like I said before, no problem with me and evidently no problem with Wall Street who hates Edwards, your lady Hillary would certainly make an issue of it but she doesn't. Only you, so keep posting on it.

[cali]

39. I think you're so cute when you

tell tall tales. You know perfectly well that Clinton is not my candidate, pookie. And wall street doesn't hate Edwards. And you, of course, haven't posted anything to back that up. As Edwards has taken over $190,000 from Fortress bigwigs, I'd say some people on Wall Street like him just fine. And don't worry, cupcake, I intend to keep posting about Edwards' hypocrisy.

[EV_Ares]

41. Again, evidently, you aren't the all know you claim to be. They were

just talking about Edwards and Wall Street this morning including Erin Burnette of Wall Street and of all the candidates, he is the one least liked. That has been a known for some time. The two Wall Street is most happy with is Rudy and Hillary because of what they would do for Wall Street during their administration. Next is Obama and the one Wall Street abasolutely does not want is John Edwards because of his stands that Wall Street would not be happy with at all. Pay attention.

And good glad to hear you will keep posting about his hypocrisy, that will help.

Thanks for the pookie and cupcake, that shows more of your maturity and knowledge.

[gateley]

48. I don't believe it -- that they're ALL involved in hedge funds. If you're making

the claim, then it's incumbent upon you -- again -- to provide the source.

[EV_Ares]

59. I did provide the source yesterday and Cali can verify that because

the link was posted where this was being discussed yesterday. Not my fault if you didn't see it & don't care if you believe it or not. Not hard to find if you are really interested. Was from the Washington Post.

On top of that this morning in case you missed that as well, they discussed the fact with Erin Burnett about who Wall Street favored regarding all the candidates.

The two favorites is Rudy & Hillary.

The least favorite is John Edwards of which that is no secret as he has been shunned by Wall Street always.

[waiting for hope]

63. Man, people in glass houses...

http://econedge.org/08/chelsea-clinton-gets-job-at-new-york-city-hedge-fund/

November 8, 2006
Chelsea Clinton Gets Job at New York City Hedge Fund

According to an article published by The New York Daily News, Chelsea Clinton will begin working for Avenue Capital Group, a New York City hedge fund that has donated significantly to her mother's re-election campaign fund.

It seems that Chelsea's life will never be 100% "her own," as long as mom and dad are involved in the political arena. I'm sure that much of what Chelsea does (and is forbidden to do) is dependent on "grooming" and "cues" from her parents. Even down to the job she takes.

On another note, I wonder what Avenue Capital's position is on the increasing clamor for hedge fund regulation. I'm sure having close ties to a powerful political family certainly helps matters.

Former and perhaps, future First Daughter Chelsea Clinton is getting a new job - and probably a big raise. Clinton is taking a post at the Avenue Capital Group, a hedge fund run by supporters of her mother, according to a person familiar with the company's decision.

The 26-year-old Chelsea has been a consultant at McKinsey and Co., and the move to the hottest sector of finance would almost certainly mean a raise. Annual bonuses for junior hedge fund staffers can exceed the entire salaries of consultants of Clinton's vintage, which run in the $100,000 to $150,000 range.

Her move will also embed the Clintons' family fortunes even deeper in the booming, controversial and lightly regulated hedge fund industry. The funds, which pool the money of wealthy investors, are battling to maintain freedom from the government scrutiny attached to more pedestrian money managers. Bill Clinton reportedly stands to make tens of millions of dollars as an adviser to hedge funds managed by Ron Burkle's Yucaipa Cos.

Avenue Capital claims $12 billion under management. The firm specializes in buying the bonds and stock of troubled companies at a discount and selling them at a profit when the businesses recover. The fund's founders, Marc Lasry and Sonia Gardner, are major Democratic Party donors who have contributed the maximum to Hillary Clinton's reelection campaign.

Chew on that.

[Armstead]

35. Many of the new investment vehicles wouldn't stand up to scrutiny

There's a bigger issue here which is that the whole way financial markets have been restructuired and redefined over the years is a disgrace.

I won't say I think it's great that Edwards chose to buy into that system. But my point is that he is no worse than most people with money (or even us normal schlubs) who might invest in things that have bad social and economic consequences.

At least Edwards is addressing the real issues behind this. As I noted in my original post, he could have easily just followed the path of many other bankable public figures and stayed within the system and padded his own nest for the rest of his life.

[cali]

40. I appreciate your response

but actually it is worse because Edwards has been so vocal about the divide that exists in this country and the power/wealth elite who have such an unfair advantage. And there are ways to invest that are socially responsible. It's not even that hard to do. There are funds that are specifically geared toward that. What he's doing is in stark contrast to what he's saying. Hedge funds really are unconscionable. They're poorly regulated and they exist in large part for very wealthy people to dodge taxes.

I love what Edwards says. I don't like what he does.

[jenmito]

22. How's he trustworthy when he lied about why he "chose" to take matching funds?

Not only did he chose NOT to take matching funds when he thought he'd be able to remain competitive with Obama and Hillary, when he realized he'd HAVE to take matching funds, he claimed he was doing it for moral reasons and "challenged" the other two to do the same. He's SUCH a phony.

[LSK]

23. John Edwards took a HUGE paycut to enter politics

He could still be making millions today if he stayed at his old job of being one of the top trial lawyers in the country.

[cali]

27. LOL.

JE left the Senate with a net worth of approx 15 million and now is worth 54 million. Please don't give me that huge paycut line.

[EV_Ares]

31. LOL why don't you ever back anything up instead of just your words.

[asdjrocky]

I trust him.

[asdjrocky]

34. I trust him.

[Armstead]

36. I guess you trust him twice eh?

Just kidding. I've double-posted more times than I care to admit.

[asdjrocky]

37. T-t-too m-m-much c-c-c-coffee. nnnttt

[EV_Ares]

44. LOL, coffee will do that to you. Don't know if you saw the discussion

this morning on who Wall Street likes the most regarding the candidates. The two top candidates they like per Erin Burnett, Wall Street analyst is Rudy and Hillary. The least liked and who they don't want is John Edwards and I forgot who on the republican side. Not surprising but fits into where all these people stand on the issues and what they will or will not do for Wall Street.

[asdjrocky]

46. Big money loves big money.

You do know Hillary is a friend to big business.

[EV_Ares]

47. Yeah, she is really our corporate candidate. Interesting, the two they

like (Rudy & Hillary), both from New York which they mentioned this morning, but the predominate factor I think is as you said, her friendliness to them and big business. She has Buffett now as well. Assume, Rudy would be the same.

And this money issue is a bunch of BS. There is not going to be any money problem and I will have some info on that this week. More than likely he will not be the nominee but anything can happen, you can always hope. Strange, he is the only one that can win against any one of the republican candidates, Obama has Hillary beat in a lot of cases, but she is still by and large the front runner with all of her negatives. A very strange primary.

[maximusveritas]

43. His message is not more risky in a primary

He's running for the Democratic nomination. Running to the left of Hillary is the only way he could win. Unfortunately for him, Obama also jumped in the race, forcing Edwards even more to the left and giving Obama perfect position to win the nomination.

[FrenchieCat]

45. Edwards is unelectable due to accepting matching funds........

which will silence his campaign from Feb to Aug if he were the nominee.

In addition, John Edwards will not put his money where his mouth is....so I'm not impressed by his wealth, cause it appears that he won't be using any of it for his passionate cause. Even Angelina Jolie spreads her wealth in order to achieve what she is passionate about.

[Yukari Yakumo]

52. Hell... even Brad Pitt is investing his time and $5 mil to rebuild the 9th Ward. {nt}

uguu

[Clark2008]

50. Still trustworthy? Still?

Um... he never was.

[bpeale]

64. if you're trying to start an argument with Edwards supporters

forget about it. i won't play & it seems to me a lot of Edwards supporters won't play.