Kerry Is One of The Most Liberal Figures in The Senate

[DrFunkenstein]

Whatever you think of his campaigning tactics or his belief that Bob Shrum is anything but a self-serving nincompoop, you have to give him credit when it comes to policy. He has always been at the forefront of the environmental movement, of health care reform, and - like Obama - one of the strongest voices against nuclear weapons in U.S. politics.

I cannot say that I was always thrilled with his campaigning or speech-making choices, but his Presidential agenda was the most progressive of any viable candidate in modern history.

No endorsement will have much change in the way I feel about the candidates, but there are a handful of voices that I truly respect and will listen to more carefully than others. It surprised me that Kucinich openly suggested that his supporters go for Obama, and pleases me greatly that Kerry agrees with me on whom will best serve this nation.

[LSK]

1. he has been on the right side of every vote since 2004

Led the successful filibuster of drilling in ANWAR.

Was one of the 1st to call for timetables in Iraq in 2005.

Unsuccessfully led a filibuster on Alito: http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/01/26/alito/index.html

[aquart]

2. Uh huh. Is it true that Clinton and Obama voted the same 90% of the time?

Since he's been in the Senate, of course.

[phillyliberal]

3. yeap!

John Kerry is one of the most respectable figures in public service. he is my favorite.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

4. Kerry fan here. Not an Obama fan

but Kerry now has me reconsidering Obama.

[ProSense]

5. A true

progressive, from day one in the Senate.

[MH1]

Thank you, well said!

Kerry is more progressive than he is often given credit for. I think partly that is because he doesn't rule out working with others of different beliefs. He tries to leave the door open to get some progress on an issue, even when there is too much opposition to achieve the liberal ideal. I suspect he sees the same values in Obama.

They also share a believe in open government and citizen engagement, which is a core principle for me, and why I was attracted to each of them, once I got to know more about their positions.

I would have been shocked if Kerry would have endorsed either of the other supposedly "viable" candidates.

[DrFunkenstein]

10. How to Stay True to Your Principles AND Work Across The Aisle

Kerry pointed the way on how to make the spirit of bipartisanship work without triangulating away your principles.

And you are right, the two share a strong belief that an active and engaged citizenship is core to a working democracy. Kerry's call to service in 2004 was echoed loudly by Obama in 2007.

[babylonsister]

6. Thank you, Dr. Funkenstein, for inserting some reality. nt

[Old and In the Way]

7. Well said.

Big Kerry fan here, but I have to say I'm surprised he endorsed a primary candidate and even more surprised that it wasn't Edwards. I totally understand why he didn't endorse Hillary, though.

[cmaff05]

11. If you remember

Kerry made it crystal clear months after the election that he regretted choosing Edwards as his running mate.

[Radical Activist]

8. It would be nice to see this help in Mass. on Feb. 5

Kucinich and Kerry know that Obama is a solid progressive despite the far fetched spin I've seen on the net for the past year.

[cmaff05]

9. Yup

He also voted against the Flag Desecration Amendment and the Federal Marriage Amendment. He isn't just talk, he backs it up with action and his voting record. He's been on the right side of voting for liberal social issues.

[Fabio]

12. Hi Dr F!

How are you? PM me some time.

Btw, how dare you talk about policy on this board.

[beachmom]

13. Yep. Like you said in a piece a year ago, his ideas on Energy Independence

as it relates to terrorism, Iraq, and global climate change were truly groundbreaking, and would have been a great platform for a campaign. I tend to respect his opinions on policy, and agree with him I would say 99% of the time.

[politicasista]

14. K&R

:kick: