Republican Candidate: Jeb Bush

Republican from Florida

Jeb Bush is running for president of the United States in 2016. He served two terms as the governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007. He is also the brother of former President George W. Bush and the son of former President George H.W. Bush. He is married and has three children. Two boys and a girl.

Positions on the Issues:

 

Abortion:

Moderate Conservative/Pro-Life

•  Jeb avoids extremism on women's issues. (Aug 2012)
• Funded adoption counseling, but not abortion counseling. (Dec 2009)
• Prevent use of public funds for stem cell research. (Dec 2009)
• Created "Choose Life" license plates. (Feb 2007)
• Parental consent; clinic regulation; pro-life counseling. (Feb 2007)
• Restrict abortions to incest, rape, & health. (Jul 1998)
• No need to teach about abortion if we have moral absolutes. (Nov 1995)

 

On The Economy

• 6-year recovery has been slower than other comebacks. (Feb 2015)
• $787B economic plan: whole lot of spending & not stimulative. (Feb 2014)
• Stimulus more related to liberal agenda than stimulus. (Feb 2014)
• Bipartisan compromise to reduce the deficit significantly. (Dec 2012)
• Mortgage bankers got us into this mess; they should solve it. (Oct 2011)
• Florida budget grew by 27% during Bush's terms. (Dec 2009)
• Bank bailouts were needed to avoid financial unraveling. (Aug 2009)
• OpEd: 1990 S&L bailout included $4M to Jeb. (Feb 2007)
• 1988: Lost $4M in taxpayer bailout of failed Savings & Loan. (Aug 1999)
• Supports constitutional balanced budget amendment. (Nov 1998)
• Bankruptcy reform: limit Chapter 7; protect states' role. (Feb 2001)
• Uphold commitments to states before other spending. (Sep 2001)
•  On Social Security:
• • Push back the retirement age to 68 or 70. (May 2015)
  • Privatization became administration's fundamental philosophy. (Dec 2009)
  • Social service benefits via private & faith-based companies. (Dec 2009)
  • 1994 opponent falsely accused Jeb of cutting Social Security. (Oct 2006)
  • Maintain long-term solvency of Social Security and Medicare. (Aug 2001)
   
• On Civil Rights:
•  
• OpEd: "One Florida" scrapped affirmative action. (Apr 2015)
• Let businesses express religious freedom against gays. (Mar 2015)
• Respect civil unions & same-sex lifetime commitments. (Jan 2015)
• 1994: LGBT protections are tantamount to elevating sodomy. (Jan 2015)
• Don't-ask-don't-tell ok if it doesn't affect policy. (Dec 2014)
• Traditional marriage best; but recognize gay couples. (Mar 2013)
• Replaced affirmative action with "One Florida" initiative. (Jun 2012)
• Insisted on more racial and gender diversity in trial judges. (Mar 2008)
• Dismantled Florida's affirmative action program. (Feb 2007)
• One Florida: equal minority contracts and admissions. (Feb 2007)
• Don't create gays as another category of victims. (Feb 2007)
• Removed Confederate battle flag from Florida Capitol. (Feb 2007)
• Provide licensure exams in Spanish, for free. (Jun 2000)
• Supports Affirmative Action; against quotas. (Jul 1998)
• No hate-crimes status for gays; no gay marriage. (Jul 1998)
• Gay rights & feminism are "modern victim movements". (Nov 1995)
• Support principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment. (Feb 2001)
• Push back the retirement age to 68 or 70. (May 2015)
• Privatization became administration's fundamental philosophy. (Dec 2009)
• Social service benefits via private & faith-based companies. (Dec 2009)
• 1994 opponent falsely accused Jeb of cutting Social Security. (Oct 2006)
• Maintain long-term solvency of Social Security and Medicare. (Aug 2001) 
•  
• On Gun Control:
• • Stand-your-ground bill: Deadly force OK when threatened. (Dec 2009)
  • Violent gun crime rate is down by more than 25%. (Jan 2002)
  • Use a Gun and You’re Done. (Nov 2001)
  • Concealed carry OK; supports instant background check. (Jul 1998) 
   
• On Drugs: 
• Smoked pot & drank alcohol in late 1960s high school. (Feb 2015)
• My high school drug use was "stupid" and "wrong". (Feb 2015)
• No medical marijuana; it's just a guise toward legalization. (Aug 2014)
• Illegal drugs moving over US-Mexico border has intensified. (Mar 2013)
• Deploy military on both sides of the US-Mexican border. (Mar 2013)
• Funding to reduce teen substance abuse and tobacco use. (Mar 2004)
• Create a prescription drug tracking system to prevent abuse. (Mar 2004)
• Opposed treatment instead of jail for nonviolent drug users. (Sep 2002)
• Mandatory prison sentences for drug offenses. (Nov 2001)
• Reduce drug use by 50% by prevention & enforcement. (Jul 1999)
• More federal funding for all aspects of Drug War. (Aug 2000) 

On Education: 

Federal government should create choices, not standards. (Mar 2015) Common Core is not a federal takeover. (Feb 2015) 1994: cut Department of Education from 2,000 to 50 staff. (Jan 2015) I won't run from Common Core, even if GOP does. (Apr 2014) 13,000 politicized unionized monopolies isn't the best model. (Apr 2014) Common Core is the right thing to do for our country. (Apr 2014) Advocate for Common Core education standards. (Mar 2014) Ed reform: reading scores improved; parents got more choices. (Feb 2014) No Child Left Behind got states to start reforms. (Oct 2013) Common core lets 1,000 different curriculum flowers bloom. (Oct 2013) We test too much; focus on accountability instead. (Oct 2013) More STEM grads, to maintain global technology leadership. (Mar 2013) Civics & government for high school graduation. (Mar 2013) Full immersion for English learners. (Mar 2013) 800,000 FL parents selected schools, not district zoning. (Mar 2013) Teacher bonuses for students passing AP courses. (Mar 2013) Education savings accounts: Fund students instead of schools. (Mar 2013) Florida Formula: schools graded A-to-F; extra funding for A. (Nov 2012) Restore schools via standards for teachers instead of tenure. (Nov 2012) Let's give every parent in America a choice about schools. (Aug 2012) School choice is about unions versus kids. (Aug 2012) Pushed 1st state-wide voucher program & school testing. (Jun 2012) Guarantee college admission for top 20% of high school grads. (Dec 2009) Catholic Conference sought more voucher accountability. (Dec 2009) 60% of FCAT-passed schools failed to meet NCLB standards. (Dec 2009) OpEd: Stacked Board of Regents with Republican donors. (Feb 2007) Repeal class size limit state constitutional amendment. (Feb 2007) Co-founded a charter school in a poor Miami neighborhood. (Feb 2007) Make school plan more punitive and more vouchers. (Feb 2007) 1997: Smaller schools are better schools, but also cost more. (Feb 2007) Don't restrict creationism discussion, but don't require it. (Feb 2007) Voluntary universal Pre-K: fund 9,600 pre-school teachers. (Mar 2004) A+ Plan: Make "F" schools disappear; make more "A" schools. (Jan 2002) Push for gains among minority and disadvantaged students. (Jan 2002) Social promotion doesn't do our kids any favors. (Jan 2002) Restrict grade inflation by imposing minimum standards. (Jun 2000) School prayer OK if prayers are voluntary and student-led. (Mar 1999) More funding for schools; merit pay for teachers. (Jul 1998) Focus on abstinence; end social promotion. (Jul 1998) Grade inflation breeds culture of falsely perceived success. (Nov 1995) Instituted school voucher plan. (Jan 2000) Supports charter schools & vouchers. (Jul 1998)

On Energy and Oil:

• On global warming: I'm a skeptic; I'm not a scientist. (Jul 2014)
• Replace crony capitalism with free-market strategy. (Oct 2013)
• A "patriotic energy policy" will yield far more revenue. (Mar 2013)
• I'm a skeptic about global warming. (Aug 2009)
• We're vulnerable because we don't control our energy sources. (Aug 2009)
• During hurricanes, prosecutes gas stations for price gouging. (Feb 2007)
• 2005: 125-mile no-drill zone; then 75 miles ok for drilling. (Feb 2007)
• Eliminate automobile emissions testing. (Jun 2000)
• Voluntary partnerships reduce greenhouse gases economically. (Aug 2000)
• Kyoto Treaty must include reductions by all countries. (Aug 2000)
• More funding to develop domestic energy supplies. (Sep 2001)
• Use federal funds for nuclear cleanup, with state input. (Sep 2001)
• Share offshore oil development revenue with states. (Sep 2001)
• Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)

On The Environment:

• Let the market decide on RFS' ethanol in gasoline. (Mar 2015)
• 1990s: Compensate landowners; 2010s: state-run conservation. (Jan 2015)
• Florida Forever: $1B for environmental land purchases. (Dec 2009)
• Everglades are "crown jewel" of Florida environmental legacy. (Dec 2009)
• Acceler8: $1.5B plan for Everglades restoration. (Dec 2009)
• Declined results of state survey to limit urban sprawl. (Dec 2009)
• 2004: Universal praise for handling spate of hurricanes. (Feb 2007)
• 1,920-acre development on edge of Everglades. (Feb 2007)
• New marine sanctuary to protect the Florida Keys. (Mar 2004)
• Drilling in Gulf of Mexico hurts Florida tourism industry. (Jan 2001)
• Restrict Eminent Domain; most severe of all govt powers. (Jun 2000)
• Let industries “self-audit”; compensate for “takings”. (Jul 1998)
• More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups. (Aug 2001)
• Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water. (Aug 2001)
• Supports national drought policy, focusing on readiness. (Sep 2001)
• Maintain water flow in Mississippi & Missouri Rivers. (Feb 2001)

 On Families and Children:

• Shame fathers who walk away from paternal obligations. (Jun 2015)
• Conservatives and Hispanics share family values. (Mar 2013)
• Supper with kids keeps them away from drugs & booze. (Feb 2007)
• Privatized foster care via for-profit companies. (Feb 2007)
• No Place Like Home initiative: find families for DCF kids. (Mar 2004)
• Increase KidCare; increase developmentally disabled services. (Jan 2002)
• No mandated child safety seats. (Jun 2001)
• Parental consent over government intrusions into families. (May 2001)
• Encourage fathers' participation in child-raising. (Sep 2001)
• Federal funds & state involvement in fatherhood initiatives. (Aug 2001) 

On Foreign Policy: 

• Cancel any nuclear deal with Iran. (Jun 2015)
• Putin is a bully; expand US troops in countries near Russia. (Jun 2015)
• Peace deal with Iran threatens America & menaces Israel. (Mar 2015)
• US should shape events and build alliances of free people. (Feb 2015)
• Pressured father's V.P. staff to help Cuban prisoners. (Feb 2015)
• Built schoolhouse in Mexico on a high school project. (Feb 2015)
• Strengthen the Cuban embargo instead of lifting it. (Dec 2014)
• We are leader among equals in community of nations. (Dec 2014)
• Words matter: presidents should mean it when they say it. (Dec 2014)
• Nourish our existing alliances: that means NATO & Israel. (Oct 2014)
• Passivity hasn't worked on Russia and Ukraine. (May 2014)
• Leading from behind is so odd to me. (Apr 2014)
• 2010: Ineptitude will bring down Chavez regime in Venezuela. (Apr 2014)
• Neo-isolationism and American passivity both have dangers. (Mar 2014)
• South Korea success: 1952 devastation to 2014 first-world. (Jun 2013)
• Supports economic cooperation between US and China. (Jan 2012)
• Honorary Cuban to exile community in Miami. (Feb 2007)
• Two years in Venezuela; majored in Latin American studies. (Feb 2007)
• 1988: Joined relief effort for Armenian earthquake. (Oct 2006)
• 1990: Defended anti-Castro terrorist as patriot in exile. (Sep 2004)
• Support Israel in its battle against terrorism. (Apr 2004)
• Role in the world: military strength and moral clarity. (Jun 1997)

On Free Trade:

• Strengthen Cuban embargo; talking undermines US credibility. (Dec 2014)
• Four visits to Taiwan to increase trade exchange. (Jun 2004)
• Advocated Miami as HQ for Free Trade Area of the Americas. (Nov 2003)
• Enforce trade law against subsidized Canadian lumber imports. (Sep 2001)
• Bound under state commitment to CAFTA. (Aug 2005) 

On Government Reform:

• Vetoed more than $2.3 billion in earmarks. (Jan 2015)
• No conspiracy of hackers manipulating electronic voting. (Feb 2014)
• 2005: Disallowed early voting in schools or churches. (Feb 2014)
• Legislative term limits strengthened Bush's executive power. (Dec 2009)
• Refused to fund state agency requests for specific services. (Dec 2009)
• Mature society can empty government buildings of workers. (Dec 2009)
• Judges should respect primacy of Legislature & Executive. (Dec 2009)
• Asked judicial candidates: Are you a God-fearing churchgoer? (Dec 2009)
• 2005: Achieved goal of restraining growth in spending. (Dec 2009)
• Longer time and more fees to see public records. (Feb 2007)
• Scrubbed voter registration rolls to eliminate felons. (Feb 2007)
• Government is an obsolete dinosaur. (Feb 2007)
• Challenge relying on government for satisfaction. (Nov 2006)
• Even private citizens have a public service role. (Nov 2006)
• Keep legislation small and focused: no mammoth “train” bills. (Jun 2001)
• Reform Civil Service: “Service First”. (Mar 2001)
• Privatize & outsource govt; fee holidays for contractors. (Jun 2000)
• No campaign spending limits; no public financing. (Nov 1998)
• Proper role: public order & general welfare. (Nov 1995)
• Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors. (Aug 2001)

On Healthcare:

• You should vaccinate your children; over and out. (Feb 2015)
• Clear & concise response stops unneeded fears about Ebola. (Oct 2014)
• Handle Ebola like I handled anthrax in 2001. (Oct 2014)
• ObamaCare is flawed to its core, and doesn't work. (May 2014)
• ObamaCare is flawed to its core. (Nov 2013)
• Let ObamaCare fail due to its own dysfunction. (Oct 2013)
• Move Medicaid from "defined benefit" to defined contribution. (Dec 2009)
• Provide risk-adjusted premiums (insurance vouchers). (Dec 2009)
• Slashed every request for adult mental health. (Dec 2009)
•  Medicaid reforms won't cover chronic conditions. (Dec 2009)
• ObamaCare is focused on access; should be focused on quality. (Aug 2009)
• Terri Schiavo: Did all possible to keep her hooked up. (Feb 2007)
• Compromised on limiting medical malpractice awards. (Feb 2007)
• KidCare and Medikids: expand to 1.6M kids and then even more. (Mar 2004)
• Leave research funding to Feds, not State. (Jun 2001)
• No physician-assisted suicide. (Nov 1998)
• No federal pre-emption of employee health plan regulation. (Oct 2001)
• Protect state tobacco settlement funds from federal seizure. (Apr 1999)

On Homeland Security:

• Deal with bullies like Putin with strength, not nuance. (Jun 2015)
• We need strategy against ISIS: advisory but not military. (Jun 2015)
• Weakness invites war: our military should equal any threat. (Feb 2015)
• Issues where Rand Paul disagrees with Jeb Bush. (Jan 2015)
• OpEd: a multilateralist more than a neoconservative. (Dec 2014)
• OpEd: Distancing himself from brother & neocons. (May 2014)
• Conflicting accounts of Benghazi emboldens terrorists. (Oct 2012)
• Benghazi attacks had warnings which were ignored. (Oct 2012)
• 1985: Contra freedom fighters' cause is noble and just. (Feb 2007)
• Save Florida's 21 military bases from closure or downsizing. (Feb 2005)
• Make Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation. (Mar 2004)
• Threat from 9/11 is unprecedented for our generation. (Jan 2002)
• $17M for new programs for terrorism response. (Jan 2002)
• Deal with terrorism as a joint federal-state responsibility. (Feb 2001)
• Include states in anti-terrorism planning. (Sep 2001)
• Increase defense spending to meet global responsibilities. (Jun 1997) 

On Immigration: 

• There is no plan to deport 11 million people. (Feb 2015)
• 2009: favored deportation; 2012: favored path to citizenship. (Feb 2015)
• Supports DREAM Act, but not via executive action. (Feb 2015)
• Immigrants are an engine of economic vitality. (Jan 2015)
• OpEd: Disagrees with Tea Party on immigration and education. (Dec 2014)
• OpEd: Rational sympathy rather than economic logic. (Apr 2014)
• Immigration is 'not a felony' but 'an act of love'. (Apr 2014)
• Immigrants are committed to family, even if illegally here. (Apr 2014)
• Illegal immigration is act of love: different kind of crime. (Apr 2014)
• Advocate for residency for illegal immigrants. (Mar 2014)
• My plan is legalization, not self-deportation. (Mar 2013)
• People come illegally because there's no legal path to come. (Mar 2013)
• Path to citizenship or path to legalization: both could work. (Mar 2013)
• Reform must make it easier to come legally than illegally. (Mar 2013)
• 6-part proposal for comprehensive immigration reform. (Mar 2013)
• There is no realistic pathway to citizenship for most people. (Mar 2013)
• Limit family reunification: no siblings nor parents. (Mar 2013)
• Treat illegals with compassion but also rule of law. (Mar 2013)
• Path to legal resident status: pay fines & no criminals. (Mar 2013)
• Secure border as component of reform, not as prerequisite. (Mar 2013)
• To become citizen, pass exam in English and civic history. (Mar 2013)
• Illegals can't "wait in line"; there is no line to wait in. (Mar 2013)
• Objections to more multiracial America are misplaced. (Mar 2013)
• GOP wooed Hispanics in 2004; but alienated them by 2012. (Jun 2012)
• Education reform more critical than immigration reform. (Jan 2011)
• Pray for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, not AZ law. (Apr 2010)
• 1980s: Voter registration for 88,000 naturalized Hispanics. (Feb 2007)
• Speaks Spanish; husband and father of Hispanics. (Feb 2007)
• Share costs of legal immigration between states & federal. (Feb 2001)
• Federal government should deal with criminal repatriation. (Feb 2001)
• Import farm workers from Mexico. (Sep 2001)

On Jobs:

• State minimum wages ok, but not at federal level. (Jun 2015)
• Employ American Workers Act led to lost ideas & lost jobs. (Mar 2013)
• Florida job growth during Bush terms. (Dec 2009)
• Gambling is emblematic of "something for nothing" culture. (Feb 2007)
• Operation Paycheck: stimulus for 33,000 construction jobs. (Jan 2002)
• More R&D & tax incentives for small farmers. (Sep 2001)
• Repeal the federal unemployment "temporary surtax". (Feb 2001)

On War and Peace:

• Add a new U.S. base in Iraq's Anbar province. (Jun 2015)
• On Palestine: Israel won't sacrifice when she is threatened. (Mar 2015)
• Non-state terrorists are greatest threat we now face. (Feb 2015)
• OpEd: Supports 2003 Iraq invasion even with current evidence. (Feb 2015)
• 1971: Registered for draft but never got drafted. (Feb 2015)
• 1971: Ambivalent about Vietnam, but would have served. (Feb 2015)
• ISIS's rise is because world has no clue where US will be. (Oct 2014)
• OpEd: Not distancing himself from brother's Afghan policy. (Mar 2013)
• Over time, people will respect our resolve in Iraq. (Mar 2013)
• Encourage regime change in Iran; keep military option open. (Nov 2010)
• Opposed Vietnam War; considered Conscientious Objection. (Feb 2007)
• Disliked Andover because of Vietnam-era campus turmoil. (Feb 2007)
• 1998: Declined to call for invading Iraq to depose Saddam. (Feb 2007)
• 1971: Troubled by LBJ's Vietnam, but registered to serve. (Feb 2007)
• 1972: considered conscientious objector status. (Sep 2004)
• God grants liberty only to ready to defend it. (Mar 2004)
• Extend international order friendly to our security. (Jun 1997) 

Since Jeb was a Governor and not a member of Congress there are no Congressional voting records for him...the same reason that Hillary Clinton's Voting Record ends in 2007. M'kay?

(...and you people vote?)

Anyway...come back Monday to take a gander at Donald Trump.

Democratic Candidate: Hillary Clinton

Democrat from New York

Hillary Clinton is a candidate running for president of the United States in 2016. She served as U.S. Secretary of State during the first four years of the Obama administration. She is formerly a U.S. senator from New York, first elected in 2000. She was a candidate for president in 2008. She previously served as first lady when her husband, Bill Clinton, served two terms as president. She was born in Chicago in 1947, graduated from Wellesley College and earned a law degree at Yale Law School. She and her husband have one daughter. 

Position on the Issues:

Abortion:

Moderate Progressive. Pro-choice.

Voting Record:

• Voted liberal line on partial birth & harm to fetus. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
• Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
• Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
• Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
• Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
• Endorsed Recommended by EMILY's List of pro-choice women. (Apr 2001)
• Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
• Sponsored bill providing contraceptives for low-income women. (May 2006)
• Sponsored bill for emergency contraception for rape victims. (Sep 2006)
• Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
• Provide emergency contraception at military facilities. (Apr 2007)
• Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)
• Focus on preventing pregnancy, plus emergency contraception. (Jan 2009)

 The Economy:

Progressive/ Liberal

Voting Record:

• Voted to limit credit card interest to 30%. (Jan 2008)
• FactCheck: Consistently against making bankruptcy stricter. (Jan 2008)
• 2005 bankruptcy bill was by big credit cards & lenders. (Jan 2008)
• Voted YES on $60B stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, & energy. (Sep 2008)
• Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
• Require full disclosure about subprime mortgages. (Dec 2007)
• Reform mortgage rules to prevent foreclosure & bankruptcy. (Feb 2008)

On Social Security:

Progressive

• Privatization off the table; but maybe payroll cap increase. (Aug 2014)
• No lifting cap on payroll tax; that taxes middle class. (Apr 2008)
• Bipartisan commission, like in 1983, to address crisis. (Apr 2008)
• FactCheck: No, teachers & police won’t pay if cap over $102K. (Apr 2008)
• FactCheck: Yes, removing $97,500 cap affects middle-class. (Nov 2007)
• Have a bipartisan commission on Social Security and its tax. (Oct 2007)
• 1997: Hillary warned against privatizing Social Security. (Oct 2007)
• $1000 matching tax credit for first $1000 in 401(k) deposit. (Oct 2007)
• Solvent until 2055 under Bill Clinton; now has lost 14 years. (Sep 2007)
• Nothing else on table until fiscal responsibility returns. (Sep 2007)
• Make sure nobody ever tries to privatize Social Security. (Aug 2007)
• Soc.Sec. one of greatest inventions in American democracy. (Oct 2006)
• Social Security protects families, not just retirees. (Feb 1999)
• All should join the debate now to preserve future solvency. (Feb 1999)
• Respect unique power of government to meet social needs. (Sep 1996)
• Elderly poor are hit hardest by delays in COLA increases. (Jun 1994)
• Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)
• Create Retirement Savings Accounts. (Aug 2000)
• Rated 100% by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)

 Civil Rights:

• Women in Public Service Project: 50% of officials by 2050. (Nov 2013)
• 1998: Hillary predicted female President in near future. (Oct 2007)
• 1962: met MLK Jr. preaching a sermon in Chicago. (Jul 2007)
• 1995: Politely criticized China’s human rights. (Jun 2007)
• Developmental thread: tragedy of race must be made right. (Jun 2007)
• Pushing for privacy bill of rights. (Jun 2006)
• Professional woman AND hostess; feminist AND traditionalist. (Nov 2003)
• Crack down on sex trafficking of women and girls. (Jan 2000)
• Human rights are women’s rights. (Jan 2000)
• Women’s rights are human rights. (Dec 1999)
• Support National Endowment for the Arts. (Feb 1997)
• Sex selection, prostitution & war rape: human rights issues. (Sep 1995)
• Women's suffrage was 72-year struggle, but not a shot fired. (Sep 1993)

  Affirmative Action

• OpEd: "18 million cracks" meant "lingering sexism". (Aug 2009)
• Heads movement of women looking to America's true promise. (Aug 2009)
• Equal pay is not yet equal. (Jan 2008)
• MLK recognized that working within the system was necessary. (Jan 2008)
• Compiled “Handbook on Legal Rights for Arkansas Women”. (Nov 2007)
• Hillary wanted Bill’s cabinet to “Look Like America”. (Oct 2007)
• Founded Vital Voices Initiative with Madeleine Albright. (Sep 2007)
• 1965: brought black classmates to all-white church. (Jul 2007)
• We’ve come a long way on race, but we have a long way to go. (Jun 2007)
• 1988: Instituted gender diversity Report Card within ABA. (Jun 2007)
• Create a pipeline for more women in leadership. (Oct 2005)
• 1972: Worked with Edelman on school desegregation in South. (Nov 2003)
• Apologize for slavery, but concentrate on civil rights now. (Oct 2000)
• First chair of ABA Commission on Women and the Profession. (Aug 1999)
• Raised issues of gender compensation gap at 1970s Rose Law. (Nov 1997)
• Affirmative living: involve entire village against racism. (Sep 1996)

  Gay Rights

• I re-evaluated & changed my mind on gay marriage. (Jun 2014)
• We have all evolved on gay marriage since 1990s. (Jun 2014)
• DOMA discrimination holds us back from a more perfect union. (Jun 2013)
• I support gay marriage personally and as law. (Mar 2013)
• Telling kids about gay couples is parental discretion. (Sep 2007)
• Positive about civil unions, with full equality of benefits. (Aug 2007)
• Let states decide gay marriage; they’re ahead of feds. (Aug 2007)
• GLBT progress since 2000, when I marched in gay pride parade. (Aug 2007)
• Supports DOMA, which Bill Clinton signed. (Jul 2007)
• Don’t ask don’t tell was an important transition step. (Jun 2007)
• 2004:defended traditional marriage; 2006:voted for same-sex. (May 2007)
• Federal Marriage Amendment would be terrible step backwards. (Oct 2006)
• Gay soldiers need to shoot straight, not be straight. (Nov 2003)
• End hate crimes and other intolerance. (Sep 2000)
• Gays deserve domestic partnership benefits. (Feb 2000)
• Military service based on conduct, not sexual orientation. (Dec 1999)

  Voting Record

  • Co-sponsored bill to criminalize flag-burning. (Jan 2010)
  • Op-ed: Sposnored flag-burning bill for centrist credential. (May 2006)
  • Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
  • Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
  • Shift from group preferences to economic empowerment of all. (Aug 2000)
  • Rated 60% by the ACLU, indicating a mixed civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
  • Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated 96% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery. (Jun 2008)
  • Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Dec 2007)
  • Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)
  • Reinforce anti-discrimination and equal-pay requirements. (Jan 2008)
  
  On Gun Control:
  
• Rein in idea that anybody can have a gun anywhere, anytime. (May 2014)
• 2000: advocate for national gun registry; 2008: backed off. (May 2014)
• Balance lawful gun ownership & keeping guns from criminals. (Apr 2008)
• Give local police access to federal gun tracking info. (Apr 2008)
• Let states & cities determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
• Against illegal guns, crack down on illegal gun dealers. (Jan 2008)
• Backed off a national licensing registration plan on guns. (Jan 2008)
• Get assault weapons & guns off the street. (Jul 2007)
• Background check system could prevent Virginia Tech massacre. (Apr 2007)
• FactCheck: VA Tech shooter not declared a danger to others. (Apr 2007)
• Congress’ failure at Littleton response inspired Senate run. (Nov 2003)
• Keep guns away from people who shouldn’t have them. (Sep 2000)
• Limit access to weapons; look for early warning signs. (Sep 2000)
• License and register all handgun sales. (Jun 2000)
• Tough gun control keeps guns out of wrong hands. (Jul 1999)
• Gun control protects our children. (Jul 1999)
• Don’t water down sensible gun control legislation. (Jul 1999)
• Lock up guns; store ammo separately. (Jun 1999)
• Ban kids’ unsupervised access to guns. (Jun 1999)
• Get weapons off the streets; zero tolerance for weapons. (Sep 1996)
• Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
• Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology. (Aug 2000)
•  

 On Drugs:

• More drug diversion; more community policing. (Apr 2015)
• Medical marijuana now; wait-and-see on recreational pot. (Jul 2014)
• Medical marijuana maybe ok; states decide recreational use. (Jun 2014)
• Reduce sentencing disparity for crack, but not retroactively. (Dec 2007)
• 1969: held herself aloof from college drug counterculture. (Jul 2007)
• Divert non-violent drug offenders away from prison. (Jun 2007)
• Gov. Clinton implicated in his brother Roger’s drug arrest. (Feb 2004)
• Address drug problem with treatment and special drug courts. (Oct 2000)
• Ambiguous reports of 1960s college alcohol & drug use. (Aug 1999)
• Involved parents most influential in reducing teen drug use. (Sep 1996)
• End harsher sentencing for crack vs. powder cocaine. (Jun 2007)
• Require chemical resellers to certify against meth use. (Sep 2007) 

On Education: 

• Teach Bible as history & literature; not science or religion. (Apr 2015)
• OpEd: Common Core recycled from Clintons in 1980s and 1990s. (Jun 2013)
• Parents are a child’s first teachers. (Jan 2008)
• We have not yet reached consensus on education reform. (Sep 2007)
• It takes a village; American village has failed our children. (Jun 2007)
• Establish right to education from pre-school thru college. (Jun 2007)
• Early education affects things from IQ to lifelong earnings. (Dec 2006)
• 2001: Proposed and passed National Teacher Corps. (Dec 2006)
• Teacher testing only for new teachers. (Oct 2000)
• Testing only new teachers respects professionalism. (Oct 2000)
• Teachers need more peer consulting & more recognition. (Jul 1999)
• Social promotion cheats our children. (Jul 1999)
• Read to young kids 20-30 minutes daily. (Jul 1999)
• Entire school staff should focus on school safety. (Jul 1999)
• Metal detectors at school are not much of an intrusion. (Jun 1999)
• Arts education is needed in our schools. (Sep 1998)
• Give kids after-school activities to prevent gangs. (Apr 1998)
• Allow student prayer, but no religious instruction. (Sep 1996)
• Character education: teach empathy & self-discipline. (Sep 1996)
• Supports Goals 2000: hardly the stuff of revolution. (Sep 1996)
• Supports structured inner-city schools, with uniforms. (May 1996)
• 1960s: Taught reading in poor Boston neighborhoods. (Aug 1993)
• End predatory student college loan rates over 20%. (Apr 2008)
• Fully fund special education & 21st century classrooms. (Dec 2007)
• Get more teachers into hard-to-serve areas. (Nov 2007)
• Incentive pay for school wide performance. (Aug 2007)
• Universal pre-kindergarten; and make family the best school. (Aug 2007)
• Working families cannot participate in school between 9 & 3. (Jul 2007)
• Transfer tax cuts from rich & corporations to student aid. (Jun 2006)
• Reforms: teacher corps; more federal funding; modernize. (Sep 2000)
• Opposes merit pay for individual teachers. (Apr 2000)
• Supports merit pay for entire schools. (Apr 2000)
• Scholarships for teachers who go to urban schools. (Mar 2000)
• Increase resources to meet increased standards. (Mar 2000)
• Address teacher shortage with salary increases. (Jul 1999)
• More after-school; smaller classes. (Jul 1999)

  School Choice

• Total change in No Child Left Behind. (Aug 2007)
• Supports public school choice; but not private nor parochial. (Oct 2006)
• More teachers, smaller classes, no vouchers. (Oct 2000)
• Vouchers would take money from public schools. (Oct 2000)
• Vouchers drain money from public schools. (Sep 2000)
• Vouchers will not improve our public schools. (Jul 1999)
• Let’s build up our schools-not tear them down. (Jul 1999)
• Charter schools provide choice within public system. (Jul 1999)
• Charters meet needs of failing public school students. (Aug 1998)
• Vouchers siphon off much-needed resources. (Aug 1998)
• Parents can choose, but support public schools. (Feb 1997)
• Supports public school choice and charter schools. (Sep 1996)

 Voting Record:

• Solemn vow never to abandon our public schools. (Jul 1999)
• Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
• 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)
• Offer every parent Charter Schools and public school choice. (Aug 2000)
• Rated 82% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes. (Dec 2003) 

 On Energy and Oil:

• $100B per year by 2020 for climate change mitigation. (Jun 2014)
• $100B per year by 2020 for climate change mitigation. (Jun 2014)
• The steady march of climate change is obvious in the Arctic. (Jun 2014)
• Get tough with energy speculators and with OPEC cartel. (May 2008)
• Gas tax holiday, paid for by windfall oil tax. (May 2008)
• GovWatch: Gas tax holiday saves $8B; but that’s 64 cents/day. (May 2008)
• Investigate gas price manipulation; add windfall profits tax. (Apr 2008)
• FactCheck: Yes, FTC is investigating gas price manipulation. (Apr 2008)
• Cap-and-trade as president; compact fluorescents at home. (Apr 2008)
• $650 for help with energy bills to those who can’t afford it. (Jan 2008)
• FactCheck: Oil & gas giveaways stripped from final 2005 Bill. (Jan 2008)
• Investigate & move toward energy efficiency and conservation. (Oct 2007)
• Opposes Yucca Mountain; earthquake fault goes under it. (Sep 2007)
• Led delegation, with McCain, to see effects of polar warming. (Sep 2007)
• Invest in alternative energy; jobs that won’t be outsourced. (Aug 2007)
• End Big Oil tax break; $50 billion for strategic energy fund. (Jul 2007)
• Agnostic about nuclear power until waste & cost issue solved. (Jul 2007)
• FactCheck: There was no Big Oil tax break under Bush-Cheney. (Jul 2007)
• Energy Independence 2020: $50B for Strategic Energy Fund. (Jun 2007)
• Extensive funding into alternative energy. (Jun 2007)
• Will make big oil fund alternative energy research. (Feb 2007)
• $50B strategic energy fund from taxing oil companies. (Oct 2006)
• Remove energy dependence on countries who would harm us. (Jun 2006)
• Need to move toward energy efficiency and conservation. (Jan 2006)
• Supports oil reserve release & fund conservation. (Oct 2000) 

Voting Record: 

• Ratify Kyoto; more mass transit. (Sep 2000)
• Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
• Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
• 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 terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
• Supports tradable emissions permits for greenhouse gases. (Aug 2000)
• Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy. (Mar 2004)
• Establish greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
• Require public notification when nuclear releases occur. (Mar 2006)
• Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
• Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
• Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)
• Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards. (Jan 2008)
• Gas tax holiday for the summer. (Apr 2008) 

On The Environment:

• $5B for green-collar jobs in economic stimulus package. (Jan 2008)
• Voted against and consistently opposed to Yucca Mountain. (Jan 2008)
• A comprehensive energy plan as our Apollo moon shot. (Jan 2008)
• Advocate a cap and trade system. (Dec 2007)
• Better track kids’ products for exposures to toxic materials. (Dec 2007)
• Support green-collar job training. (Aug 2007)
• Put someone in charge of Katrina recovery who actually cares. (Aug 2007)
• Overcome almost criminal indifference to Katrina rebuilding. (Jun 2007)
• Launched EPA study of air quality at Ground Zero. (Jun 2007)
• Scored 100% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
• Stands for clean air and funding the EPA. (Sep 2000)
• Reduce air pollution to improve children’s health. (Jun 1998)
• Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
• Voted NO on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
• Remove PCBs from Hudson River by dredging 200 miles. (Apr 2001)
• Rated 89% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
• EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)
• Sponsored bill for tax credit to remove lead-based paint. (Nov 2005)
• Sponsored bill for commission to examine Katrina response. (Sep 2005)
• Sponsored health impact bill for environmental health. (Apr 2006)
• Grants for beach water pollution under Clean Water Act. (Apr 2008)
• Inter-state compact for Great Lakes water resources. (Jul 2008)
• Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)

 On Families and Children:

• Our generation is blessed by extra years with aging parents. (May 2014)
• Grew AR Children's Hospital to one of nation's 10 largest. (Sep 2007)
• Struggling families are invisible to Bush administration. (Aug 2007)
• 1980s: her church founded largest daycare in Arkansas. (Jul 2007)
• Family planning & child spacing is international human right. (Jul 2007)
• Mother’s difficult childhood sparked concern for kids. (Dec 2006)
• Teen abstinence is the right thing to do. (Oct 2005)
• Even welfare children are better off with their parents. (Nov 2003)
• Caution in treating preschoolers with psychiatric drugs. (Mar 2000)
• Parents’ dedication improves kids’ lives. (Jan 2000)
• Boycott violent media and products. (Aug 1999)
• Send message: It is the job of children to learn. (Jul 1999)
• Help “sandwiched” parents care for elderly plus kids. (Jan 1999)
• More funds for after-school programs. (Nov 1998)
• Keep kids busy from 2PM to 8 PM to avoid trouble. (Nov 1998)
• Spend more time with kids to prevent violence. (Apr 1998)
• Teens not ready for sex; provide havens for alternatives. (Sep 1996)
• Change what kids see in the media. (Jun 1995)
• Men should be full participants in child-raising. (May 1994)
• Improving women's lives improves children's lives. (Sep 1993)
• 1973: Legal parallels between marriage and slavery. (Aug 1993)
• No tea and cookies for her, but no insult intended. (Jul 1992)

  Child Law

• Served as chairman of the Children's Defense Fund. (Oct 2007)
• Support new parents to promote healthy child development. (Sep 2007)
• For teens, not about birth control, but about self-control. (Jul 2007)
• 1970s: “I want to be a voice for America’s children”. (Jun 2007)
• Supported foster care adoptions as First Lady & as Senator. (Dec 2006)
• I've spent 30 years worrying about impact of media on kids. (Oct 2005)
• Critics misinterpret 70s article on "Children Under the Law". (Feb 2004)
• 1974 article: put abused children into state care. (Nov 2003)
• Leave politics out of Elian decision. (Apr 2000)
• Governments can’t love child; but it can help families. (Apr 2000)
• Decide Elian’s fate via ongoing INS legal process. (Apr 2000)
• Treat kids as “child citizens” not “minors” under the law. (Dec 1999)
• No dividing line between government vs. parents & children. (Dec 1999)
• Early-warning hotlines for homicidal & suicidal students. (Jul 1999)
• Expand Family and Medical Leave Act. (Aug 1998)
• Raised issues of maternity leave at 1980s Rose Law. (Nov 1997)
• Family Leave Act is a good start; paid leave better. (Sep 1996)
• Against social service agency interference in families. (Aug 1993)
• 1970s: Learned child law theory at CDF and at Yale. (Aug 1993)
• 1973: Researched "Beyond the Best Interest of the Child". (Aug 1993)
• 1973: Create legal scale of graduated maturity for children. (Aug 1993)
• 1979: Child's future shouldn't be unilaterally by parents. (Aug 1993)

  It Takes a Village

• A family is a child’s first school. (Oct 2007)
• Hillary’s “village” criticized as Big Government. (May 2007)
• Chelsea benefited from “village” & from two parents. (Dec 2006)
• It takes a village to raise a child, in interdependent world. (Dec 2006)
• OpEd: "It Takes A Village" really means big government. (Apr 2006)
• It Takes a Village and a president who believes. (Sep 2005)
• "It Takes a Village" implies family as part of society. (Nov 2003)
• Leave no child behind; it still takes a village. (Aug 2000)
• Community support is key to valuing families. (Dec 1999)
• Society is responsible for alienation that causes violence. (Jun 1999)
• “It Takes a Village” is about relationships, not geography. (Oct 1996)
• Children are not rugged individualists. (Sep 1996)
• Give parents tools to balance work and family. (Aug 2000)
• Rated 0% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Ban high lead levels in children's toys. (Nov 2005)
• Sponsored bill against renting violent video games to kids. (Dec 2005)
• Call for a White House Conference on Children and Youth. (Mar 2008)

On Foreign Policy:

• Some world leaders are still misogynistic. (Jun 2014)
• Idealistic realism: embody hybrid rather than categorizing. (Jun 2014)
• Integrate with Latin America but focus on income inequality. (Jun 2014)
• 2009: Chose Japan as first destination to emphasize alliance. (Jun 2014)
• Smart power: combine civil society & traditional diplomacy. (May 2014)
• Does US still have what it takes to lead? Yes!. (May 2014)
• Distinguish inherited problems from new ones & opportunities. (May 2014)
• "Smart power" combines diplomacy and development. (Sep 2013)
• America is the "indispensable nation". (Jun 2012)
• Ceremonial role abroad as First Lady, but no NSC meetings. (Jun 2012)
• New American Moment: new ways of global leadership. (Jun 2012)
• 2009: Regrets US not part of International Criminal Court. (May 2010)
• Commit to helping people abroad before committing troops. (Apr 2008)
• Establish leadership & moral authority via multilateralism. (Dec 2007)
• Operate from a position of strength, but not confrontation. (Dec 2007)
• Supported strong funding for international development. (Oct 2007)
• Should not telegraph our adversaries about preconditions. (Aug 2007)
• Diplomacy yes; propaganda no; when meeting enemy leaders. (Jul 2007)
• Support UN reform because US benefits. (Oct 2005)
• Supports USAID projects in developing world. (Nov 2003)
• Focus on women's rights in international policy. (Nov 2003)
• Engage in world affairs, including human rights. (Oct 2000)
• Human rights are central to our objectives abroad. (Oct 2000)
• Smartest strategic choice is peace. (Nov 1999)
• Foreign aid spending is only 1%; lead by remaining engaged. (Feb 1997)
• Supports micro-loans to third-world women. (Sep 1995)

  China

• China never fits neatly into category like friend or rival. (Jun 2014)
• Get China involved with North Korea diplomacy. (Jun 2014)
• China never fits neatly into category like friend or rival. (Jun 2014)
• Embed China within broader Asia strategy. (Jun 2014)
• Balance American interests between China & Korea. (Jun 2014)
• Freedom of navigation & open access in South China Sea. (Jun 2012)
• Boycott Olympic ceremony to pressure China on Tibet & Sudan. (Apr 2008)
• Establish coherent diplomatic approach toward China. (Dec 2007)
• China respects us if we call them on human rights breaches. (Dec 2007)
• FactCheck: Chinese did black out Hillary, but DID invite her. (Dec 2007)
• Our fiscal responsibility undercuts Chinese power over us. (Aug 2007)
• China: criticized authoritarianism with women & children. (Dec 1999)

  Latin America

• End the Cuban embargo; that will shift onus to Castros. (Jun 2014)
• Focus on BRICs: Brazil, Russia, India, China, & South Africa. (Jun 2012)
• Meet with Cuban leaders only after evidence of change. (Feb 2008)
• Cuba deserves peaceful transition to freedom & democracy. (Sep 2007)
• Keep Cuban embargo; pay UN bills. (Oct 2000)

  Middle East

• ISIL is more advanced and well-funded than al Qaeda. (Oct 2014)
• Political restraint against Iran's Ahmadinejad was a mistake. (Jun 2014)
• 2011: we abandoned Egypt's Mubarak too readily. (Jun 2014)
• Arab Spring: Egyptian uprising had destabilizing impact. (Jun 2014)
• Work toward Arab Spring not being hijacked by extremists. (Jan 2013)
• Afghan women are better off, but we must prevent reversal. (Jan 2013)
• 2007: Traveled to Iraq & Afghanistan before announcement. (Jan 2010)
• 2001 speech to AIPAC pledges money for Israeli military. (Nov 2007)
• Arabic and Muslim countries take women leaders seriously. (Jul 2007)
• Allegedly pro-PLO in 1960; but pro-Israel by 1981. (Jul 2007)
• Supported Palestine in 1998, before Bill officially did. (May 2007)
• Obligation to support Israel with more than foreign aid. (Oct 2005)
• Alienated Jewish voters by kissing Mrs. Arafat. (Oct 2001)

  Political Hotspots

• 2012: Take a harder line with Russia's Putin. (Jun 2014)
• 1998: organized women's peace conference in Northern Ireland. (Jun 2014)
• 2009: Northern Ireland shows any adversaries can make good. (Jun 2014)
• Push Russia on press freedom; they've killed 20 journalists. (Jun 2014)
• Putin's annexing Crimea plays outdated zero-sum game. (Jun 2014)
• Russian reset: Pushed Obama to keep Putin at a distance. (Jun 2014)
• Eastern Europe in NATO keeps Putin from moving beyond Crimea. (Jun 2014)
• 2007: Naive to meet with leaders of Iran & North Korea. (Aug 2009)
• Committed to maintaining economic embargo against Cuba. (Dec 2008)
• Diplomacy with Iran & Cuba, but no presidential meetings. (Feb 2008)

  Voting Record:

  • Would use very vigorous and bipartisan diplomacy. (Feb 2008)
  • Dems believe in fighting terror with cooperation. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Oct 2008)
  • Voted YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe. (May 2002)
  • Progressive Internationalism: globalize with US pre-eminence. (Aug 2000)
  • Increase aid to avert humanitarian crisis in Congo. (Dec 2005)
  • Implement Darfur Peace Agreement with UN peacekeeping force. (Feb 2008)
  • Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s. (Mar 2007)
  • Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations. (May 2007)
  • Call for Burma's junta to release political prisoners. (Jun 2007)
  • Develop a strategy to protect civilians in Darfur. (Feb 2007)
  • Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO. (Jan 2008)
  • Condemn violence by Chinese government in Tibet. (Apr 2008)
  • Sanction Mugabe until Zimbabwe transitions to democracy. (Apr 2008)
  • Pressure friendly Arab states to end Israeli boycott. (Oct 2007) 
  
  On Free Trade:
  
  • TPP must produce jobs, raise wages, & protect security. (Apr 2015)
  • Chief advocate for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). (Aug 2014)
  • TPP agreement creates more growth and better growth. (Aug 2014)
  • Global trading system isn't up to standards of fairness. (Jun 2014)
  • China benefits from WTO and should play by WTO rules. (Jun 2014)
  • Have a trade prosecutor to enforce the trade agreements. (Feb 2008)
  • AdWatch: Supported NAFTA in 1998; opposed CAFTA since 2005. (Jan 2008)
  • Criticized trade pacts for weak labor standards. (Nov 2007)
  • FactCheck: for NAFTA while First Lady; now against CAFTA. (Oct 2007)
  • Export from big agribusiness, but also from small farmers. (Aug 2007)
  • Smart, pro-American trade: NAFTA has hurt workers. (Aug 2007)
  • No fast-track authority for this president. (Aug 2007)
  • Better approach: real trade adjustment assistance. (Aug 2007)
  • End tax breaks for outsourcing jobs. (Jun 2007)
  • Defended outsourcing of US jobs to India. (Oct 2005)
  • Globalization should not substitute for humanization. (Jun 1999) 
  
  Voting Record:

 
  Hillary opposed NAFTA. (Oct 2007)

• Voted against CAFTA despite Bill Clinton’s pushing NAFTA. (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
• Voted NO 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)
• Build a rule-based global trading system. (Aug 2000)
• Rated 17% by CATO, indicating a pro-fair trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
• Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007) 

On Government Reform:

• FactCheck: Yes, more legislation & sponsorships than Obama. (Apr 2008)
• Transparent government includes federal agency blogs. (Jan 2008)
• Never abuse the purpose of signing statements. (Dec 2007)
• Change system from the inside, not from the outside. (Nov 2007)
• End no-bid contracts, end revolving door in government. (Aug 2007)
• 1978: chaired Legal Services Corp. while at Rose Law Firm. (Jul 2007)
• Create a public service academy, like military academy. (Jun 2007)
• 1970s: Worked on 18-year-old voting Amendment. (Jun 2007)
• Cut gov’t contractors and end privatization of government. (Feb 2007)
• $5M in New York state “pork barrel” bills thru 2004. (Oct 2006)
• Triangulation replaces partisanship with a dynamic center. (Nov 2003)
• Defined appropriate high crimes for impeaching Nixon in 1973. (Nov 2003)
• Visited many non-governmental programs on India trip. (Feb 2003)
• Whitewater investigation ends; Hillary questions $52M spent. (Sep 2000)
• New Democrat: Government is not the solution to all problems. (Feb 2000)
• Give big states a big slice of federal pie. (Aug 1999)
• We need strong and efficient governments. (Jun 1999)
• Government should help people, not support bureaucracy. (Feb 1997)
• 1973: Researched Nixon's White House tapes. (Aug 1993)
• Only explicit felonies should trigger impeachment. (Feb 2004)

  Campaigns & Voting

• Consider Constitutional Amendment against Citizen's United. (Jul 2014)
• Voter suppression revives old demons of discrimination. (Aug 2013)
• Fight obstacles to voting disguised as election fraud claims. (Aug 2013)
• Get D.C. full voting rights, plus more direct federal funds. (Feb 2008)
• Stand for public financing and getting money out of politics. (Jan 2008)
• HILL-PAC is one of politics biggest money-raisers. (Nov 2007)
• Public financing would fix campaign donor problems. (Sep 2007)
• Presidents should reveal donations to their foundations. (Sep 2007)
• Move to public election financing, not banning lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
• Same-day voter registration; no oppressive ID requirements. (Jul 2007)
• Verified paper ballot for every electronic voting machines. (Nov 2006)
• Right to vote is precious & needs protection. (Sep 2005)
• HILLPAC raised $31M through 2002. (Feb 2004)
• Soft money ban & independent ad ban for Senate campaign. (Feb 2000)

  Voting Record:

• Count Every Vote Act: end voting discrimination by race. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
• Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
• 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 & corporations. (Apr 2001)
• Voluntary public financing for all general elections. (Aug 2000)
• Criminalize false or deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
• Reject photo ID requirements for voting. (Sep 2005)
• Post earmarks on the Internet before voting on them. (Jan 2006)
• Establish the United States Public Service Academy. (Mar 2007)
• Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
• Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007) 

On Healthcare:

        The science is clear: vaccines work. (Feb 2015)

• Ebola won't stay confined; put resources into Africa. (Oct 2014)
• Don’t legitimize end-of-life decision, but ok to help decide. (Apr 2008)
• Decrease generic drug costs for developing countries. (Apr 2008)
• Taxpayers pay for drug R&D, not drug companies. (Jan 2008)
• Need a health care system that manages chronic diseases. (Jan 2008)
• Universal health care is a core Democratic principle. (Jan 2008)
• Pledges to support $50B for AIDS relief in US and world. (Dec 2007)
• Worked on education & welfare in Arkansas but not healthcare. (Oct 2007)
• No parent should be told ‘no’ for healthcare for their kids. (Sep 2007)
• Local smoking bans ok, but no national ban. (Sep 2007)
• Outcry if AIDS were leading disease of young whites. (Jun 2007)
• Electronic medical records save $120 billion in health care. (Jun 2007)
• Insurers must fund prevention without preexisting conditions. (Mar 2007)
• Require electronic medical record for all federal healthcare. (Mar 2007)
• Increase America’s commitment against Global AIDS. (Nov 2006)
• FDA should compare drug effectiveness--not just safety. (Oct 2006)
• Supply more medical needs of families, & insure all children. (Jun 2006)
• Healthcare system plagued with underuse, overuse, and abuse. (Oct 2005)
• Fought for pediatric rule: new drugs tested for child safety. (Oct 2005)
• Low-tech low-cost water treatment for developing world. (Nov 2003)
• Millions uninsured is source of America's healthcare crisis. (Nov 2003)
• Recommended "managed competition"; not single-payer system. (Nov 2003)
• Fund teaching hospitals federally because market fails. (Sep 2000)
• Regulate tobacco; fine of $3000 for every underage smoker. (Apr 2000)
• Be prepared with defenses against infectious disease. (Oct 1999)
• Medicare should be strengthened today. (Sep 1999)
• GOP overwhelmed by her health reform knowledge. (Jun 1995)
• $100B to get started on healthcare reform. (Jun 1994)

• ObamaCare

• Non-employer system better; but don't turn back ObamaCare. (Mar 2014)
• 2007: recast 1990s disaster as experience to make it happen. (Jan 2010)
• We need a movement to get healthcare done this time. (Aug 2009)

  Voting Record:

  • Health care initiatives are her first priority in Senate. (Feb 2001)
  • Voted YES on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare. (Jul 2008)
  • Voted NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
  • Voted NO on limiting medical liability lawsuits to $250,000. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on allowing reimportation 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)
  • Establish "report cards" on HMO quality of care. (Aug 2000)
  • Invest funds to alleviate the nursing shortage. (Apr 2001)
  • Let states make bulk Rx purchases, and other innovations. (May 2003)
  • Rated 100% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record. (Dec 2003)
  • End government propaganda on Medicare bill. (Mar 2004)
  • Sponsored bill for mental health service for older Americans. (May 2005)
  • Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)
  • Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
  • Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn. (Apr 2008) 
  
  On Homeland Security:
  
  
  • OpEd: More aggressive than most Dems on foreign policy. (Aug 2014)
  • NATO essential for evolving threats of the 21st century. (Jun 2014)
  • Balance lower military & higher diplomacy budget. (Jun 2014)
  • Smart Power: blend of military power and soft power. (Jun 2012)
  • Long-held pro-defense spending stance; not a move to center. (Mar 2008)
  • Examine registering 18-year-old women for selective service. (Dec 2007)
  • National security is more important than human rights. (Nov 2007)
  • 2001: Called for wrath on those who attacked America on 9/11. (Nov 2007)
  • FactCheck: Yes, in 2006 condoned exceptions on torture. (Oct 2007)
  • Torture cannot be American policy, period. (Sep 2007)
  • Wants to repeal don’t-ask-don’t-tell, but not until 2009. (Aug 2007)
  • Opposed to draft, but register women for draft. (Jul 2007)
  • Forgive student loans for universal national service. (Jul 2007)
  • 9/11: Got $20B to rebuild lower Manhattan. (Jun 2007)
  • Served on Armed Services Committee & was always prepared. (Jun 2007)
  • Fund first responders with extra $1.7 billion. (Mar 2007)
  • Marshal resources against proliferation of nuclear weapons. (Jan 2006)
  • There is no safe haven for the terrorists. (Jan 2006)
  • Consistently supported tough anti-terrorism measures. (Oct 2005)
  • Our troops are stretched; so increase size of military. (Sep 2005)
  • Muscle, not rhetoric, leads to strong homeland security. (Sep 2005)
  • Leadership role on Senate Armed Services Committee. (Feb 2004)
  • At age 27, tried and failed to enlist in Marines. (Feb 2004)
  • Send 70% of homeland security funding to cities & counties. (Feb 2004)
  • I despise terrorism and the nihilism it represents. (Nov 2003)
  • Supports funding research on missile defense. (Oct 2000)
  • Nixon should have been impeached for bombing Cambodia. (Dec 1999)
  • A safe world needs the nuclear test ban treaty. (Sep 1999)

    Benghazi

  • More Benghazi hearings ok only to learn what to do better. (Jun 2014)
  • Dozens of Benghazi attackers had dozens of motives. (May 2014)
  • Benghazi security was simply inadequate in a dangerous city. (May 2014)
  • Benghazi talking points were written by CIA for Congress. (May 2014)
  • Benghazi: focused on rescue & prevention, not retrospection. (May 2014)
  • Benghazi: Figure out what happened to prevent repeating. (Sep 2013)
  • Congress' tight security money partly caused Benghazi. (Jan 2013)
  • Benghazi was a tragedy, but we get it right 99% of the time. (Jan 2013)
  • Described Benghazi as "armed militants" in "act of terror". (Jan 2013)
  • We responded to Benghazi immediately, and for the long run. (Jan 2013)
  • Worked with Libya before Benghazi, but they had no capacity. (Jan 2013) 
  
  Voting Record: 
  
  
  • Passed legislation to treat veterans’ traumatic brain injury. (Jan 2008)
  • Proposed Federal Interoperable Communication & Safety Act. (Oct 2006)
  • Voted NO on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
  • Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
  • Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
  • Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
  • Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
  • Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
  • Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Sponsored bill maintaining role of women in armed forces. (May 2005)
  • Sponsored bill for increased security of radiation sources. (May 2005)
  • Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11. (Dec 2007)
  • Improve mental health care benefits for returning veterans. (Jun 2008)
  • Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
  • Establish global strategy to defeat al Qaeda. (Feb 2008) 
  
  On Immigration:
  
  
  • mmigrants keep America young and dynamic. (Jun 2014)
  • 2007: Focus on comprehensive reform, not driver's licenses. (Jan 2010)
  • Allow driver's licenses for illegals until we get reform. (Jan 2010)
  • NY licenses for illegals fills federal gap. (Aug 2009)
  • No official English, but keep common unifying language. (Feb 2008)
  • Introduce a path to earn citizenship in the first 100 days. (Feb 2008)
  • Consider halting certain raids on illegal immigrant families. (Feb 2008)
  • Border fence that cuts off a college campus is absurd. (Feb 2008)
  • Deploy technology & personnel, not a border fence. (Feb 2008)
  • Guest workers only for farms, to address labor shortage. (Feb 2008)
  • Don’t turn local police into immigration enforcers. (Feb 2008)
  • Deporting all illegal immigrants is unrealistic. (Jan 2008)
  • Illegal immigrants with driver’s licenses puts them at risk. (Jan 2008)
  • Exploitation of undocumented workers drives down wages. (Jan 2008)
  • Co-sponsored comprehensive immigration reform in 2004. (Jan 2008)
  • English unifies us; teach ESL but support other languages. (Dec 2007)
  • Crack down on employers who exploit undocumented workers. (Dec 2007)
  • Oppose granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
  • FactCheck: Denied saying licensing illegals “made sense”. (Oct 2007)
  • Immigrant license issue needs federal action on reform. (Oct 2007)
  • More border patrolling on both Mexican AND Canadian borders. (Sep 2007)
  • Immigration reform needs family unification as one goal. (Sep 2007)
  • Anti-immigrant bill would have criminalized Jesus Christ. (Sep 2007)
  • Sanctuary cities ok; local police can’t enforce immigration. (Sep 2007)
  • Making English official imperils crises needing translators. (Jun 2007)
  • Comprehensive reform to get 12 million out of shadows. (Apr 2007)
  • Keep New York-Ontario border passport-free for tourism. (Oct 2006)
  • Adamantly against illegal immigrants. (Sep 2005) 
  
  Voting Record:
  
  
  • Opposes illegal immigration, but doesn’t vote to follow up. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
  • Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
  • Sponsored bill covering child resident aliens under Medicaid. (May 2005)
  • Sponsored bill funding social services for noncitizens. (May 2006)
  • Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)
  
  
  On Jobs:
  
  
  • No salary increase for Congress until minimum wage increased. (Jul 2007)
  • Would accept minimum wage as president. (Jul 2007)
  • Stand up for unions; organize for fair wages. (Jun 2007)
  • Get tough with China and bring jobs back home. (Feb 2007)
  • Minimum wage increases haven’t kept up with Congress’ wages. (Dec 2006)
  • Passed 2 planks of 7-plank platform, “New Jobs for New York”. (Oct 2006)
  • Minimum wage should be tied to congressional salaries. (Jun 2006)
  • Pushed for extension of unemployment insurance. (Feb 2004)
  • The working poor deserve a living wage. (Oct 1999)
  • America can afford to raise the minimum wage. (Sep 1999)
  • Recently “we’re in it together” became “you’re on your own”. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Nov 2008)
  • Voted NO on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
  • Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001)
  • Protect overtime pay protections. (Jun 2003)
  • Rated 85% by the AFL-CIO, indicating a pro-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Allow an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
  • Sponsored bill linking minimum wage to Congress' pay raises. (May 2006)
  • Extend unemployment compensation during recession. (Jan 2008)
  • Ban discriminatory compensation; allow 2 years to sue. (Jan 2009)
  • Sponsored bill enforcing against gender pay discrimination. (Jan 2009) 
  
  
  On War and Peace:

• Supported decision to target Osama bin Laden. (Sep 2013)
• Would have never diverted attention from Afghanistan. (Jan 2008)
• After 9/11:Those helping terrorists would feel “wrath” of US. (Jun 2007)
• 1960s conversion to liberalism based on opposing Vietnam. (Jun 2007)
• At Wellesley in ‘68, steered anti-war movement within system. (Jun 2007)
• I have seen firsthand terrorists’ terrible damage. (Jun 2007)
• Ok to target Al Qaeda in Pakistan; we did that 10 years ago. (Jan 2006)
• Strategizing about Pakistan destabilizes a nuclear power. (Aug 2007)

  Iran

• Policy of prevention, not containment, on Iranian nukes. (Jan 2013)
• Trust but verify Iran: goal is diplomacy & open inspections. (Jan 2013)
• Massive retaliation from US if Iran attacks Israel. (Apr 2008)
• Continue diplomatic engagement with Iran. (Dec 2007)
• Believed, with others, that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapon. (Dec 2007)
• Pledge that Iran will not develop a nuclear bomb. (Oct 2007)
• Rushing to war with Iran vs. doing nothing is a false choice. (Oct 2007)
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard promotes terrorism. (Sep 2007)
• Prevent Iran from becoming nuclear power by diplomacy first. (Sep 2007)
• Rule out nukes against Iran. (Aug 2007)
• Iran having a nuclear weapon is absolutely unacceptable. (Jun 2007)

  Iraq War

• I got it wrong on 2002 Iraq War vote. (Jun 2014)
• OpEd: Iraq war follows tradition of active US leadership. (Jun 2012)
• OpEd: 2003 Iraq vote unmistakably authorized war. (Nov 2010)
• 2002: Saddam gave sanctuary to terrorists including Al Qaeda. (Oct 2010)
• 2007: Avoided war apology to avoid "flip-flopper" label. (Jan 2010)
• 2007: Opposed funding Iraq War; no escalation. (Aug 2009)
• 2002: Saddam gave aid to Al Qaeda terrorists. (Oct 2008)
• Up to the Iraqis to decide the future they will have. (Feb 2008)
• Some tactical success in Iraq, but no strategic success yet. (Feb 2008)
• Leaving 130,000 troops in Iraq is irresponsible abdication. (Jan 2008)
• Have nearly all combat troops out in a year. (Jan 2008)
• Voted against precedent of US subordinate to UN in Iraq. (Jan 2008)
• Iraq war authorization was not authority for preemption. (Jan 2008)
• Told by the White House how the war resolution would be used. (Jan 2008)
• Withdrawing troops is dangerous, including 100,000 civilians. (Jan 2008)
• No military solution in Iraq; this debate motivates solution. (Jan 2008)
• Called war on terror “Bush’s war” but has played active role. (Nov 2007)
• 2002: Accepted connection between Saddam & Al Qaeda. (Nov 2007)
• Leave combat troops in Iraq only for conterterrorism. (Sep 2007)
• Pentagon calls her unpatriotic for asking about exit plan. (Jul 2007)
• Bush misused authorization for war. (Jun 2007)
• The Iraq war is Bush’s war. (Jun 2007)
• Iraq war wouldn’t have happened had the inspectors been sent. (Jun 2007)
• It was a mistake to trust Bush on his judgment to wage war. (Jun 2007)
• This war is up to Iraqi people to win or lose, not the US. (Apr 2007)
• No permanent bases, but continuing residual force in Iraq. (Apr 2007)
• Takes responsibility for Iraq war vote, but not a mistake. (Feb 2007)
• OpEd: Voting for war enabled criticizing how it was waged. (Oct 2005)
• 2002 Iraq speech criticized both Saddam and U.N. (Feb 2004)
• 2002: Attacking Iraq "not a good option" but authorized it. (Feb 2004)

  Middle East

• Not helping Free Syrian Army left vacuum for ISIS to fill. (Aug 2014)
• Don't demand complete moratorium on Israeli settlement. (Jun 2014)
• 2012: We helped Syrian rebels, but we should have done more. (Jun 2014)
• Invested in Israel: negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. (Jun 2014)
• I wanted to arm Syrian rebels, along with regional partners. (Jun 2014)
• Obama rejected her 2012 plan to arm the Syrian rebels. (Aug 2013)
• Clinton-Gates combo won push for Afghan surge. (Jun 2012)
• Supports border security fence in Israel. (Oct 2006)
• Cut off US aid if Palestine declares a state unilaterally. (Oct 2000)
• Focuses on increasing relationship between US and Israel. (Oct 2000)
• Support Israel in finding a safe and secure peace. (May 2000)
• Extend peace treaties to Palestinians, Syrians & Lebanese. (Nov 1999)

  Russia

• Putin's annexing Crimea plays outdated zero-sum game. (Jun 2014)
• Putin wants to reassert Russia's dominance in its own areas. (Jun 2014)
• Contain Russia or Putin will expand beyond Crimea. (Apr 2014)

  Voting Record:

  • Iraq war vote was meant to be used as coercive diplomacy. (Jan 2008)
  • Voted against Levin Amendment: it gave UN veto over US. (Jan 2008)
  • Voted for Iraq war based on available info; now would not. (Apr 2007)
  • Critic of Iraq war, but won’t recant 2002 vote in its favor. (Nov 2006)
  • Regrets Bush’s handling of war, but not her war vote. (Oct 2006)
  • Voted YES on designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists. (Sep 2007)
  • Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding. (Apr 2005)
  • Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
  • Condemns anti-Muslim bigotry in name of anti-terrorism. (Oct 2001)
  • No troop surge: no military escalation in Iraq. (Jan 2007)
  • Deploy UN multinational peacekeeping force in Darfur. (Jul 2007)
  • Require Congress' approval before military action in Iran. (Oct 2007) 
  
  
  So there it is...but wait...there are a lot more. 
  
  Next Up:
  
  Jeb Bush
  
  
  
  

A CUP of Politics:The 2016 Presidential Candidates

So...taking a quick break from the Virtual France Tour for a moment to look over the 2016 US Presidential Field.

And whatever your political persuasion you have to admit that this is the most diverse group we have ever seen before.  Two women, one African-American, One Jewish Guy, One Indian-American, One Hispanic...I feel like I should follow this with the words

"...walked into a bar."

But make no mistake...one of these women or men will be the 45th President of the United States. 

So let's pick a good one. 

The contenders alone, set a record for the largest number ever to run for the office at the same time.  And since this picture one more Republican (John Kasich) has declared his candidacy.

The debates should be incredible.

 Political animal that I, unabashedly, am...I will watch all of them.  As well as researching each candidate and where they stand (and how their voting record stands) on the issues.

So for the next couple of weeks let's take a closer look at them individually, shall we?


Since the field is 4-15 currently...I will alternate 1 Democrat then 4 Republican Candidates until we have taken a close look at all of them.

By next year we will be...if not ready...at least informed.

See you tomorrow...

Lions and Tigers and Grands, Oh My...

Recovering from a wonderful "grand-filled" week!  Getting some 1:1 time with them before school reconvenes in August.

So the week looked a lot like this:

And a surprise end-of-the week trip with James and Nicole and the kids to

And my personal favorite...this guy:

                                                 "I Wuv You!"                


Who, although he had a huge open paddock to bound around in, came rushing to the fencing chuffing and whuffing in "tiger-talk" and pawed, rolled and played like a 200 pound kitty who just wanted a tummy rub! 

All of the big cats were rescued.  Some from horrendous circumstances. Others from well meaning people who had bought them as cubs and then realized the task at hand as their cute cuddly cub became...well...a fully grown adult Tiger, Leopard, Lion, Serville or Bobcat. A few from Circuses or Zoos. One had been kept in a room in a woman's house all of it's life. Had never seen outside or ran through the grass.

The lioness (pictured above) is Ataxic like me...staggering about, with her own neurological disorder. She perked up when I got near as if to say

"Finally, something I could probably outrun!"

All kidding aside, I learned something that could prove extremely important in my day to day battle with ataxia (unstable gait).  Although there is no cure...good results and less gait problems are shown with a regimen of  Vitamin A and E supplements and B-12. After hearing our guide discuss this I researched its effectiveness in Neurological Ataxia in Humans and found much the same recommendation. Who knew?  My neurologist never mentioned this. I am going to try the combination. If it helps I will be ecstatic...and owe this stumbling lioness a debt of gratitude. And if it works...my neurologist has some "...splainin' to do..."

Anyway, 


They all seemed relaxed, fit, healthy and happy in their new home which resembled a tropical rainforest...or maybe a scene out of Jurassic Park with compounds, platforms for leaping, water for submerging and tall tall fencing.

It was an amazing adventure and all monies go toward operating costs and the general care of the animals. It is a worthwhile cause since all/most of these animals are too damaged (or familiar) with humans to ever re-introduce to the wild.

To find out more about their operation/visit/donate items or sponsor a rescued animal, check out:


http://www.exoticfelinerescuecenter.org/home.html

And James' new slice of happiness from the past week...his new ride.

A Cadillac. 



There will be NO living with him now, you know...lol!


He worked hard for it and it rides like a dream! So proud of him.

More anon...