After the Debate: The Candidates' Real Records on Iraq, Health Care

With pundits evaluating the efforts of Edwards and others to go after Hillary, progressives may want to go beyond the headlines to learn more about the real records of the contenders. They should discover one of the most definitive and useful sources for the actual voting records and public statements on the campaign's key issues by the leading Democratic candidates.

Surprisingly, it's not found at the candidates' own websites, Wikipedia, Project Vote-Smart or other sites, but through the volunteer efforts by the little-known DC for Democracy grass-roots organization that's preparing to vote on its endorsement next week. The organization is a chapter of the progressive Democracy for America organization that supports liberal candidates and agendas, originally founded by Howard Dean. The candidates' major votes and statements on Iraq, health care, climate change, New Orleans and other major issues can be found here, with more to come next week. There are enough details and further links to keep even the most well-informed progressive and political junkie learning more about the candidates to better guide their decisions in the upcoming primaries.

Don't take the candidates rhetoric at face value. Find out what they've really done and where they stand. And see if Hillary's efforts to "blur the differences" between her and the other candidates' positions really holds up under scrutiny.

Comments

[DeJaVu57]

VOTE ON BRANDING IRAN'S
REVOLUTINARY GUARD AS TERRORISTS:
I sure hope BushCo doesn't think this vote gives him another permission slip to invade another Middle East Country. What were they thinking, voting this way? Any strike against Iran would need the O.K. from Congress first. Congress declares War, not the President. If done without Congressional approval ,it violates the Constitution (Again..). The beating of the War drums sure reminds me of the way the drums were beat in the run up to invading Iraq. First You demonize the leader, then You exaggerate any threat. Deja Vu here? My fear is that BushCo will manufacture a phony incident, thus giving him an excuse for by-passing Congress. These neo-nutjobs in the White House need to be stopped this time. What troops are left for a fight with Iran? Our Military is already stretched to the breaking point. Does BushCo plan on sending our Boy Scouts next? It's time to end our nations "Long National Nightmare" of BushCo and his deranged vision of his "New Middle East!" Let us not begin ,a third fight we will not win. p.s. It's much more likely that Deferment Dick's buddies the (Sunni) Saudis are the ones supplying the (Sunni) Insurgents with weapons, not (Shiite) Iran. STAY OUT OF IRAN!
and GET OUT OF IRAQ!....NOW!
Jeff Morris-Saugerties NY- DeJaVu57

[LizM]

I must give credit where credit is due - that source for the comparison of 'Iraq' records among the candidates was, shockingly, the best I have ever seen.

[2lib4oh]

Did you notice how Hillary filibustered Russert to get her answers in? Gotta love her. She is playing with the big boys.

Thought Richardson came across stronger but Obama was weak in his answers.Maybe a cold took him down.

Edwards did a pretty good job. His answers were strong and well thought out.His indignation over the hair cut question showed he was tired of hearing it. He is right. Look at what he did right. There is plenty to look at. If we looked at Bush's mistakes it would have taken up the whole debate.

Biden was strong on foreign policy. He would make a great Secretary of State.

People can laugh at Kucinich but he has credibility behind him. He did turn Cleveland around and a little peace in the world wouldn't hurt anyone would it? Or would we rather see more body bags?

Clavel is great entertainment with a little more truth than we might be comfortable with.

Dodd is strong on foreign policy as well.He is certainly someone to watch.

Compared to the GOP debate this was a love-fest. Lots of snipping and puffing there but not much substance.I don't think they addressed the real concerns of Americans in their debate.
My 2 cents worth

[LizM]

Given a choice, and the fact that the next President is going to be facing any number of foreign policy and national security challenges,
wouldn't you rather have a President who has what it takes to be a great SOS?

Think about it this way...would anyone seriously consider Senators Clinton or Obama for SOS? If they wouldn't be qualified or seriously considered for SOS, then why the heck would anyone seriously consider them for President!!!

[pros54]

With Senator Clinton's vote on the Iran revolutionary guards what else does anyone need to satisfy the person that is wholly in the pocket of the military industrial complex that believes it needs all these wars to survive? Senator Obama refused to take a stand by not voting. What bravery for a change seeker.

[dirtyrearend]

The dems made it clear that they arent getting us out of Iraq. None would say that we would be out by the end of the next presidential cycle.That was the only reason the pussies were voted into congress and the senate and look what they have done. NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING. Just a few token bills and a lot of whining that republicans wont let them do anything. Sickening. I wish we could use them for pinatas

[RDixon]

Wonder why they didn't include this gem from Clinton in late 2002?

"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002

[Purple Girl]

WAs that the Democratic Debate- oh yeah I saw a flash of Kucinich and Gravel. Please what a bunch of useless pieces of SH*T. do you hear th a Sucking noise - it's the dems going down the drain with the Repugs. See the non binding clearance for take off to Iran. Where are they going to get the resources for that folly?
Add on top the ridiculous but deadly votes rebuking the MoveOn add- Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press. Roll over- good dog.
Time to ask the UN for help by cutting the legs out from underneath their agenda- War Crime Charges against this admin and all who have promoted and sheltered it.