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John Kerry on Abortion
Click here for 34 full quotes on Abortion OR background on Abortion.
  • Criticized ban on stem cell research; Bush claims no ban. (Nov 2010)
  • No undoing Constitutional rights, including right of choice. (Oct 2004)
  • Cannot change Roe v. Wade because of my own faith. (Oct 2004)
  • Embryos used in stem cell research are not from abortions. (Oct 2004)
  • Supreme Court justices should be able to make good decisions. (Oct 2004)
  • We cannot force people to share our faith. (Oct 2004)
  • Bush allows the destruction of life up to a certain amount. (Oct 2004)
  • Life begins at conception, but we can’t legislate that. (Jul 2004)
  • Will not appoint Justice against Roe while Court is 5-4. (May 2004)
  • Kerry staunchly resists restrictions on abortions. (Apr 2004)
  • Partial-birth abortion ban undermine women’s right to choose. (Nov 2003)
  • No criminalization of a woman’s right to choose. (Jun 2003)

    Voting Record

  • FactCheck: Yes, Kerry did vote against Laci Peterson law. (Oct 2004)
  • Against partial-birth abortion but there are exceptions. (Oct 2004)
  • Voted NO on restricting UN funding for population control policies. (Mar 2009)
  • 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 NO on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
  • 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 maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted NO on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
  • 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)
  • Protect the reproductive rights of women. (Jan 1993)
  • Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)
  • Focus on preventing pregnancy, plus emergency contraception. (Jan 2009)
  • Emergency contraception at all military health facilities. (Dec 2009)
John Kerry on Budget & Economy
Click here for 17 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR 11 older headlines OR background on Budget & Economy.
  • Restore pay-as-you-go for fiscal discipline. (Oct 2004)
  • Incentives to create jobs at home and end corporate welfare. (Jul 2004)
  • We can do better on economy--lift people out of poverty. (Jul 2004)
  • Base policy on broad growth and progressive taxation. (Oct 2003)
  • No excuse for special tax cuts for the rich. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted YES on modifying bankruptcy rules to avoid mortgage foreclosures. (May 2009)
  • Voted YES on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Feb 2009)
  • 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)
  • Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
  • Voted NO on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
  • Voted NO on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997)
  • Require full disclosure about subprime mortgages. (Dec 2007)
  • Reform mortgage rules to prevent foreclosure & bankruptcy. (Feb 2008)
  • Ban abusive credit practices & enhance consumer disclosure. (Feb 2009)
John Kerry on Civil Rights
Click here for 49 full quotes on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.
  • 2004: Agreed with people of Missouri on banning gay marriage. (Mar 2012)
  • Right of public dissent vital for patriotic Americans. (Jun 2006)
  • FactCheck: Kerry would change Patriot Act, as Bush claims. (Oct 2004)
  • FactCheck: Bush DID meet with Congressional Black Caucus. (Oct 2004)
  • Help minority business by small business set-aside programs. (Oct 2004)
  • We need to hold on to equal pay for women. (Oct 2004)
  • The President must reach out to help end discrimination. (Oct 2004)
  • The Patriot Act has been used to abuse people’s rights. (Oct 2004)
  • Raising the minimum wage is a working women’s issue. (Aug 2004)
  • Questions the ultimate practicality of affirmative action. (Apr 2004)
  • Supports affirmative action now and into the future. (Mar 2004)
  • Support “mend it, don’t end it” for affirmative action. (Jan 2004)
  • Flag burning is displeasing, but it’s free expression. (Jan 2004)
  • Introduced to integration at prep school. (Jan 2004)
  • Voted for PATRIOT Act, but genuinely alarmed at PATRIOT II. (Oct 2003)
  • Politicians use “crime” as codeword for “race”. (Jun 1998)

    Gay Rights

  • Cheney’s daughter, a lesbian, would say gay is not a choice. (Oct 2004)
  • The Constitution calls for same-sex partnership rights. (Oct 2004)
  • Personally believes marriage is between a man & a woman. (May 2004)
  • Defense of Marriage Act is fundamentally ugly. (Apr 2004)
  • Opposes Massachusetts DOMA since there’s a federal DOMA. (Feb 2004)
  • For partnership rights and civil union. (Nov 2003)
  • Provide gays and lesbians with full coverage of civil rights. (Jun 1996)

    Voting Record

  • Include a sunset provision in the Patriot Act. (Jun 2003)
  • 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)
  • Voted YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted NO on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)
  • Voted NO on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)
  • 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)
  • Increase subsidies for women-owned non-profit business. (Mar 2004)
  • Sponsored bill for a Rosa Parks commemorative postage stamp. (Dec 2005)
  • Rated 100% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery. (Jun 2008)
  • ENDA: prohibit employment discrimination for gays. (Jun 2009)
  • Prohibit sexual-identity discrimination at schools. (Mar 2011)
  • Constitutional Amendment for women's equal rights. (Jun 2011)
  • 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)
  • Honor the 100th anniversary of the NAACP. (Jan 2009)
John Kerry on Corporations
Click here for 16 full quotes on Corporations OR background on Corporations.
  • Industry-sponsored chem safety research leaves US behind. (Jan 2007)
  • Precautionary Principle: producers must prove harmlessness. (Jan 2007)
  • 96% of small businesses not affected by my tax plan. (Oct 2004)
  • Kerry owned a small business: they’re engine of economy. (Mar 2004)
  • Close the loopholes that reward corps taking jobs overseas. (Jan 2004)
  • Regulate on side of citizens, not on side of corporations. (Oct 2003)
  • Offshore tax havens cause higher middle class taxes. (Oct 2003)
  • Democratize the process of corporate boards. (Sep 2003)
  • End “Get Mine and Get Out” ethic at White House. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)
  • Increase SBA loan subsidies for small businesses. (Nov 2001)
  • Expand microloans to small businesses. (Apr 2002)
  • Rated 0% by the US COC, indicating an anti-business voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 80% by UFCW, indicating an anti-management/pro-labor record. (May 2012)
John Kerry on Crime
Click here for 23 full quotes on Crime OR background on Crime.
  • Opposes death penalty except for post 9-11 terrorists. (Jul 2004)
  • States should not engage in killing-too many mistakes. (Feb 2004)
  • Moratorium on federal executions-only exception is terrorism. (Jan 2004)
  • Death penalty for Osama bin Laden. (Dec 2003)
  • Bush wants to eliminate federal assistance to local police. (Oct 2003)
  • Transnational crime is a national security threat. (Jun 1998)
  • Organized transnational crime threatens America. (Jun 1998)
  • A state doesn’t honor life by sanctioning killing. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted YES on $1.15 billion per year to continue the COPS program. (May 1999)
  • Voted NO on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)
  • Voted NO on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted YES on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)
  • Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)
  • Voted NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)
  • Voted NO on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)
  • Rated 63% by CURE, indicating mixed votes on rehabilitation. (Dec 2000)
  • More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)
  • Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)
  • Increase funding for "COPS ON THE BEAT" program. (Jan 2007)
  • Reduce recidivism by giving offenders a Second Chance. (Mar 2007)
  • Facilitate recovering crime victim restitution fees. (Apr 2011)
  • Establish an FBI registry of sexual offendors. (Oct 1996)
John Kerry on Drugs
Click here for 11 full quotes on Drugs OR background on Drugs.
  • 1986: Nicaraguan Contras support network of drug trafficking. (Mar 2010)
  • Target traffickers as well as reducing demand. (Mar 2004)
  • 1967: Skeptical of the illicit drug culture. (Jan 2004)
  • Never touched marijuana nor opium while in Vietnam. (Jan 2004)
  • Admits having smoked marijuana. (Nov 2003)
  • Colombia is entirely criminalized by drug cartels. (Jun 1998)
  • Cali cocaine cartel can't coexist with democracy in Colombia. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses. (Nov 1999)
  • Voted NO on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)
  • End harsher sentencing for crack vs. powder cocaine. (Jun 2007)
  • Require chemical resellers to certify against meth use. (Sep 2007)
John Kerry on Education
Click here for 34 full quotes on Education OR background on Education.
  • FactCheck: Bush increased Pell Grants, but not as promised. (Oct 2004)
  • People qualify for Pell Grants because they don’t have money. (Oct 2004)
  • Bush’s cut the Pell Grants and the Perkins Loans for college. (Oct 2004)
  • Bush broke promise to pay for No Child Left Behind. (Oct 2004)
  • FactCheck: Bush never promised to fully fund NCLB. (Oct 2004)
  • Fully fund No Child Left Behind. (Oct 2004)
  • Invest in the children, not the prison system. (Jul 2004)
  • Chides Bush for not fully funding No Child Left Behind. (May 2004)
  • Roll back tax cuts for rich to fund education. (May 2004)
  • National Education Trust Fund: fully fund mandated standards. (Mar 2004)
  • Measure learning, but with flexible standards. (Feb 2004)
  • Vouchers drain resources from public schools. (Jan 2004)
  • Stop viewing charter schools as threatening innovation. (Oct 2003)
  • Nothing good about vouchers can’t be done in public schools. (Oct 2003)
  • Providing student loans for college kids is an ethical issue. (Oct 1996)

    Voting Record

  • Supported “No Child Left Behind,” but Bush reneged. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Oct 2007)
  • 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)
  • Voted NO on Educational Savings Accounts. (Mar 2000)
  • Voted NO on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted NO on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted NO on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
  • Voted NO on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
  • Voted NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)
  • Voted YES on national education standards. (Feb 1994)
  • Offer every parent Charter Schools and public school choice. (Aug 2000)
  • Three R’s: $35B for Reinvestment,Reinvention,Responsibility. (Jan 2001)
  • More foreign languages courses and exchange students. (Feb 2001)
  • Rated 100% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
John Kerry on Energy & Oil
Click here for 55 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.
  • Dismiss nuclear power until weapons & waste are resolved. (Jan 2007)
  • No American should be held hostage to our oil dependence. (Jul 2004)
  • Encourage fuel efficient cars & use reserves in short-term. (May 2004)
  • No nuclear waste dump in Nevada’s Yucca Mountain. (Feb 2004)
  • Ban MBTE and sue companies who make it. (Jan 2004)
  • Drilling for oil doesn’t gain energy independence. (Oct 2003)
  • Apollo project approach to energy independence. (Oct 2003)
  • ANWR won’t provide any oil for 20 years. (Sep 2003)
  • Create new energy sources to end Mideast dependency. (May 2002)

    Global Warming

  • Global Warming as “hoax” is funded by Big Oil & GOP. (Jan 2007)
  • Legislation to reduce CO2 emissions by 2050. (Jan 2007)
  • Global warming as "hoax" is funded by Big Oil and GOP. (Jan 2007)
  • We cannot drill our way to energy independence. (Jan 2007)
  • Clean coal is only OK if we sequester tons of CO2. (Jan 2007)
  • Senate rejection of Kyoto was to renegotiate, not ignore it. (Jan 2007)
  • The Kyoto Treaty was flawed but could be fixed. (Oct 2004)
  • Raise CAFE standard to 36 mpg by 2015. (Jan 2004)
  • 20% renewable energy by 2020. (Nov 2003)
  • Dismissal of Kyoto indicative of Bush’s unilateralism. (Oct 2003)
  • Invent our way out of oil dependency-don’t drill our way out. (Sep 2003)
  • Invest in advancing secure forms of energy instead of oil. (Jun 2003)

    Voting Record

  • FactCheck: No, Kerry never voted for a 50-cent gas tax hike. (Oct 2004)
  • Led effort to try to raise fuel efficiency standards. (May 2003)
  • Voted NO on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. (Apr 2011)
  • Voted NO on protecting middle-income taxpayers from a national energy tax. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted NO on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted YES on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted YES on addressing CO2 emissions without considering India & China. (May 2008)
  • 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)
  • Voted NO on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
  • Voted YES on ending discussion of CAFE fuel efficiency standards. (Sep 1999)
  • Voted NO on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
  • Voted NO on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
  • Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
  • Supports tradable emissions permits for greenhouse gases. (Aug 2000)
  • Include pickup trucks in CAFE; include hybrids in HOV lanes. (Feb 2002)
  • Keep climate change in EPA "State of the Environment" report. (Jun 2003)
  • Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy. (Mar 2004)
  • Establish greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
  • Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
  • Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. (Jan 2007)
  • 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)
John Kerry on Environment
Click here for 35 full quotes on Environment OR background on Environment.
  • Minority communities more likely polluted than white areas. (Jan 2007)
  • New environmentalists motivated by personal stewardship. (Jan 2007)
  • Live by "Precautionary Principle": first, do no harm. (Jan 2007)
  • Consumer convenience costs the planet a price. (Jan 2007)
  • EPA limits on mercury emissions made sense. (Jan 2007)
  • Minority communities more likely polluted than white areas. (Jan 2007)
  • CWA is bedrock protection; but today it's in decline. (Jan 2007)
  • The Clear Skies bill is Orwellian and makes things worse. (Oct 2004)
  • Fact Check: Contaminated home uses city water, not bottled. (Dec 2003)
  • Make environmental justice an EPA priority. (Oct 2003)
  • Safeguard the environment and grow the economy. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Aug 2009)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting eminent domain for use as parks or grazing land. (Dec 2007)
  • Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
  • Voted NO on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
  • Voted NO on more funding for forest roads and fish habitat. (Sep 1999)
  • Voted NO on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted YES on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
  • Voted YES on continuing desert protection in California. (Oct 1994)
  • Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments. (May 1994)
  • Reduce liability for hazardous waste cleanup. (May 2001)
  • End commercial whaling and illegal trade in whale meat. (Jun 2001)
  • Support UNCED Rio Declaration at 2002 conference. (Jul 2002)
  • Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. (Dec 2003)
  • EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)
  • Sponsored health impact bill for environmental health. (Apr 2006)
  • Grants for beach water pollution under Clean Water Act. (Apr 2008)
  • Regulate all dog breeders down to kennels of 50 dogs. (Feb 2011)
  • Prohibit invasive research on great apes. (Apr 2011)
  • Sponsored ban on breeding or possessing Big Cat species. (Sep 2012)
  • Rated 100% by HSLF, indicating a pro-animal welfare voting record. (Jan 2012)
  • Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)
  • Fund projects for international conservation of cranes. (Jan 2009)
  • Fund studies of sustainable fisheries. (Oct 1996)
  • Fund studies of invasive species and algal blooms. (Mar 1998)
John Kerry on Families & Children
Click here for 15 full quotes on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.
  • 2004: Campaign event featured Mayor plus a single mother. (Nov 2009)
  • Care for our children and protect the neighborhoods. (Jul 2004)
  • Fighting for America’s Children: insurance & care for all. (Mar 2004)
  • Fully fund Head Start for all 3- and 4-year-olds. (Mar 2004)
  • Supports Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act. (Mar 2004)
  • New “Kids Safety Effort” at the FDA. (Mar 2004)
  • Fund Head Start to leave no child behind. (Sep 2003)
  • Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
  • Give parents tools to balance work and family. (Aug 2000)
  • Small Business loans for child care businesses. (Apr 2003)
  • Rated 0% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Call for a White House Conference on Children and Youth. (Mar 2008)
  • Sex Ed including both abstinence and contraception. (Mar 2009)
  • Teach teens about both abstinence & contraception. (Mar 2009)
  • Fund 2,500 Boys and Girls Clubs in underserved areas. (Dec 1997)
John Kerry on Foreign Policy
Click here for 43 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.
  • Freed Libya by rejecting false choice of force vs. diplomacy. (Sep 2012)
  • 1994: Worked with John McCain to normalize Vietnam relations. (Mar 2008)
  • No nation will ever have a veto over us. (Oct 2004)
  • The President deceived the people with this war. (Oct 2004)
  • Missouri would be the third largest country in “coalition”. (Oct 2004)
  • Preemptive strike must pass a global test. (Sep 2004)
  • Will never take my eye off the real dangerous threats. (Sep 2004)
  • Bush is sending mixed messages to South Korea. (Sep 2004)
  • Want both bilateral and multinational talks with North Korea. (Sep 2004)
  • Take notice of political oppression in Russia. (Sep 2004)
  • China is involved with North Korea no matter what. (Sep 2004)
  • America should lead by extending a hand, not a fist. (Aug 2004)
  • American power comes from respect, not weapons. (May 2004)
  • Bush undermines generations of American leadership. (May 2004)
  • Haiti is in crisis because Bush hates Aristide. (Feb 2004)
  • Excluding other nations in rebuilding Iraq is dumb. (Dec 2003)
  • Enlist allies through strength of ideas, not just arms. (Oct 2003)
  • 3rd World's BCCI: "Bank of Crooks & Criminals International". (Jun 1998)
  • Support progressive Russian leaders but fight Russia's mafia. (Jun 1998)
  • China's system is based on corruption, not Communism. (Jun 1998)
  • Support Colombia's democracy against drug crime. (Jun 1998)

    Voting Record

  • Supports multilateral cooperative internationalism. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Oct 2008)
  • Voted YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe. (May 2002)
  • Voted YES on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
  • Voted NO on capping foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
  • Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted NO on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
  • Progressive Internationalism: globalize with US pre-eminence. (Aug 2000)
  • Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine. (Apr 2001)
  • Monitor human rights in Uganda-Sudan crisis. (Aug 2004)
  • Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
  • Remove African National Congress from terrorist list. (May 2008)
  • Implement Darfur Peace Agreement with UN peacekeeping force. (Feb 2008)
  • Condemns Russia for provocative statements to Georgia. (May 2008)
  • Rated +3 by AAI, indicating pro-Arab pro-Palestine voting record. (May 2012)
  • Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s. (Mar 2007)
  • Develop a strategy to protect civilians in Darfur. (Feb 2007)
  • Sanction Mugabe until Zimbabwe transitions to democracy. (Apr 2008)
  • Pressure friendly Arab states to end Israeli boycott. (Oct 2007)
John Kerry on Free Trade
Click here for 22 full quotes on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.
  • 2004: "Benedict Arnold CEOs" profit from outsourcing. (Aug 2008)
  • All new trade must include labor and environmental standards. (Jan 2004)
  • Dean’s trade policy is protectionist. (Sep 2003)
  • FTAA needs more labor and environmental standards. (Sep 2003)
  • Fix NAFTA-canceling it would be disastrous. (Sep 2003)
  • Capitalism and democracy go hand in hand. (May 2003)
  • Crime got globalized along with all other globalizations. (Jun 1998)
  • Only multilateral actions will pressure China on free trade. (Jun 1998)

    Voting Record

  • Veto FTAA and CAFTA until they have stronger standards. (Jan 2004)
  • Voted YES on promoting free trade with Peru. (Dec 2007)
  • 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 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)
  • Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
  • Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
  • Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
  • Voted YES on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
  • Build a rule-based global trading system. (Aug 2000)
  • Rated 33% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues. (Dec 2002)
  • Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007)
John Kerry on Government Reform
Click here for 26 full quotes on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.
  • FactCheck: Yes, Kerry was absent from Senate 76% in 2003. (Oct 2004)
  • FactCheck: Kerry passed more than 5 bills, but less than 56. (Oct 2004)
  • Every vote must be counted. (Jan 2004)
  • Only Senator elected 4 times without a dime of PAC money. (Jun 2003)
  • Flag and patriotism belong to all Americans. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted YES on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
  • 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 YES 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)
  • Voted YES on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
  • Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
  • Voluntary public financing for all general elections. (Aug 2000)
  • Make Election Day a national holiday. (Aug 2001)
  • 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)
  • Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
  • Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures. (Jul 2012)
  • Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)
John Kerry on Gun Control
Click here for 16 full quotes on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.
  • Country less safe-terrorists can now buy assault weapons. (Oct 2004)
  • Supports 2nd Amendment, but wants to ban assault weapons. (Sep 2004)
  • Gun owner & hunter, but rights come with responsibility. (Mar 2004)
  • Democratic Party shouldn’t be for the NRA. (Nov 2003)
  • Supports assault weapons ban & Brady Bill. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted NO on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
  • Voted YES on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
  • Voted NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
  • Voted NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
  • Voted NO on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
  • Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology. (Aug 2000)
  • Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Close the Gun Show Loophole; restrict show sales. (May 2009)
John Kerry on Health Care
Click here for 55 full quotes on Health Care OR 12 older headlines OR background on Health Care.
  • Find common ground to cover 11 million uninsured children. (Nov 2006)
  • Fight for affordable health care for all children. (Jun 2006)
  • Flu vaccine failure means system is failing US families. (Oct 2004)
  • Passed 56 individual bills that I’ve personally written. (Oct 2004)
  • Lawsuits contribute less than 1% of all healthcare costs. (Oct 2004)
  • Choose your doctor and your healthcare plan. (Oct 2004)
  • Health care is not a privilege but a right for all. (Jul 2004)
  • Research, prevention, and wellness can reduce Medicare costs. (Jan 2004)
  • Day 1: Make health care a right, not a privilege. (Jan 2004)
  • Simultaneously address costs, coverage, and choice. (Oct 2003)
  • Lack of accessible health care is a disgrace. (May 2002)

    Health Insurance

  • FactCheck: Kerry’s plan covers 95% of Americans, not 100%. (Oct 2004)
  • Health care plan is not an empty promise and provide choice. (Oct 2004)
  • Covering more people can lower health costs in many ways. (Oct 2004)
  • It is morally wrong to leave so many Americans uninsured. (Aug 2004)
  • Start providing health insurance for every child in America. (Aug 2004)
  • Provide a bonus for states to get children insured. (Aug 2004)
  • More help to those who fall through the cracks of the system. (Aug 2004)
  • Save families up to $1,000 a year on their premiums. (Jul 2004)
  • Catastrophic health coverage for all costs over $50,000. (Feb 2004)
  • Cut $350B of bureaucracy and cover 90% of Americans. (Oct 2003)
  • Cover more citizens with health plan like Congress gets. (May 2003)
  • Providing health care for kids is an ethical issue. (Oct 1996)

    Voting Record

  • Key issue: Does government control reduce cost? (Apr 2004)
  • Voted NO on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts. (May 2011)
  • Voted YES on regulating tobacco as a drug. (Jun 2009)
  • Voted YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)
  • 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 NO on allowing tribal Indians to opt out of federal healthcare. (Feb 2008)
  • Voted YES on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Nov 2007)
  • 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 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)
  • Voted YES on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted NO on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted YES on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
  • Voted YES on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
  • 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)
  • Increase funding to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. (Mar 2003)
  • Rated 100% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record. (Dec 2003)
  • Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
  • Increase funding for occupational & physical therapy. (Apr 2011)
  • Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn. (Apr 2008)
  • Disclose payments from manufacturers to physicians. (Jan 2009)
  • Expand the National Health Service Corps. (Mar 2009)
  • Collect data on birth defects and present to the public. (Apr 1998)
John Kerry on Homeland Security
Click here for 60 full quotes on Homeland Security OR 19 older headlines OR background on Homeland Security.
  • 1971: Accused US forces of rape & carnage in Vietnam. (Mar 2010)
  • OpEd: Lost 2004 because wouldn't stand up to terrorists. (Jan 2007)
  • Our container ports, bridges, & plants are not secure. (Oct 2004)
  • Isolate the radical Muslims, not have them isolate the US. (Sep 2004)
  • Protect loose nuclear materials from the terrorists. (Sep 2004)
  • Double the number of special forces. (Sep 2004)
  • Build the strongest network to prevent nuclear proliferation. (Sep 2004)
  • Offer a military modernization plan for the troops. (Aug 2004)
  • Make better use of the National Guard. (Aug 2004)
  • Keep our promises to American veterans. (Aug 2004)
  • Make certain the veterans have benefits. (Nov 2003)
  • Invest billions to secure loose nukes abroad. (Oct 2003)
  • Stop terrorism by focusing on banks, computers & weapons. (Jun 1998)
  • China sells nuclear technology to America's enemies. (Jun 1998)
  • Need to be smarter about how we wage a war on terror efforts. (Sep 2004)
  • Automatic citizenship to immigrants who serves in army. (Sep 2003)

    Anti-terrorism

  • We must break our oil addiction to win War on Terror. (Jan 2007)
  • Cast a global net for terrorists. (Aug 2004)
  • Improve intelligence capabilities to counter terrorism. (Aug 2004)
  • Cut off terrorists funds. (Aug 2004)
  • Prevent Afghanistan & others from becoming terrorist havens. (Aug 2004)
  • Add 40,000 troops and double anti-terrorism special forces. (Jul 2004)
  • Will lead a global effort against nuclear proliferation. (Jul 2004)
  • Quickly implement the recommendations of the 9-11 commission. (Jul 2004)
  • Four new imperatives: alliances, modernize, end Mideast oil. (May 2004)
  • Increase military by 40,000 troops-but no draft. (Jan 2004)
  • Focus more on human intelligence gathering. (Nov 2003)
  • The New War: We are no longer safe at home. (Oct 2003)
  • Modernize the Middle East to prevent future terrorism. (Oct 2003)

    Voting Record

  • FactCheck: No, Kerry voted FOR 16 out of 19 defense packages. (Oct 2004)
  • Zell: Kerry voted against weapons needed for War on Terror. (Sep 2004)
  • Voted NO on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
  • Voted YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008)
  • 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)
  • Voted YES on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
  • Voted NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
  • Voted NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
  • Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
  • Establish Maritime Security grants for ports and vessels. (Nov 2002)
  • Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
  • Small business in developing homeland security technologies. (Jul 2002)
  • Rated 20% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11. (Dec 2007)
  • Study & address suicides among veterans. (Apr 2008)
  • Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays. (Mar 2010)
  • Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
  • School assistance to survivors of injured federal police. (Oct 1996)
John Kerry on Immigration
Click here for 21 full quotes on Immigration OR background on Immigration.
  • Temporary workers ok, and earned amnesty ok. (Oct 2004)
  • A guest-worker program alone won’t solve the problem. (Oct 2004)
  • Restore immigrant benefits lost in 1996 welfare reform. (Mar 2004)
  • Expedited citizenship for members of the Armed Forces. (Mar 2004)
  • Earned legalization for immigrants to keep families together. (Feb 2004)
  • Earned legalization for undocumented immigrants. (Jan 2004)
  • Amnesty to anyone here over 5 or 6 years. (Sep 2003)
  • 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 NO on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
  • Voted NO 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)
  • Voted NO on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted NO on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
  • Voted NO on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)
  • Comprehensive immigration reform without amnesty. (May 2005)
  • Cover child resident aliens under Medicaid and SCHIP. (May 2005)
  • Rated 0% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)
John Kerry on Jobs
Click here for 32 full quotes on Jobs OR background on Jobs.
  • Bush could make an impact on the loss of jobs. (Oct 2004)
  • Bush cut job training money and ignored the unemployed. (Oct 2004)
  • Many things can be done to control jobs loss and outsourcing. (Oct 2004)
  • FactCheck: 0.6M jobs lost under Bush, not 1.6M. (Oct 2004)
  • End tax incentives for companies to move jobs abroad. (Oct 2004)
  • Can’t stop all outsourcing, but can level the playing field. (Oct 2004)
  • 2.7M manufacturing jobs lost under Bush. (Aug 2004)
  • Raise minimum wage to $6.65 by next year, then higher. (Jan 2004)
  • Provide employment opportunities to minorities. (Jan 2004)
  • Weekly economic policy summit to create jobs. (Oct 2003)
  • Trade grows jobs. (Sep 2003)
  • Jump start jobs at home via energy independence. (Sep 2003)
  • We need job opportunities, not photo opportunities. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Nov 2008)
  • Voted YES on overriding presidential veto of Farm Bill. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted NO on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on limiting farm subsidies to people earning under $750,000. (Dec 2007)
  • 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)
  • Voted NO on killing an increase in the minimum wage. (Nov 1999)
  • Voted NO on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997)
  • Voted NO on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996)
  • Protect overtime pay protections. (Jun 2003)
  • Rated 100% by the AFL-CIO, indicating a pro-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Allow an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
  • Match minimum wage increases to Congressional pay raises. (May 2006)
  • Form unions by card-check instead of secret ballot. (Mar 2009)
  • Extend unemployment compensation during recession. (Jan 2008)
  • Ban discriminatory compensation; allow 2 years to sue. (Jan 2009)
  • Stronger enforcement against gender-based pay discrimination. (Jan 2009)
John Kerry on Principles & Values
Click here for 42 full quotes on Principles & Values OR 24 older headlines OR background on Principles & Values.
  • American exceptionalism is about what we do, not what we say. (Sep 2012)
  • AdWatch 2004: disastrous intro ad as liberal elitist. (May 2012)
  • OpEd: Bush & Rove saw flip-flop theme as key opening. (Nov 2010)
  • Attempted to filibuster Sam Alito Supreme Court nomination. (Mar 2010)
  • 2004 flawed exit polls showed Kerry tied in Mississippi. (Nov 2009)
  • OpEd: Dem 527s funded Kerry well; but GOP 527s destroyed him. (Aug 2008)
  • Challenging Ohio voting irregularities was too "personal". (Oct 2006)
  • OpEd: Swift Boat mess caused by media reporting accusations. (Oct 2005)
  • We need to do more to link good work with faith. (Oct 2004)
  • Bigotry and hatred should never steal our hope and future. (Jul 2004)
  • The flag represents who we are and what we believe in. (Jul 2004)
  • Reject politics that divide people. (Jul 2004)
  • Pray humbly that we are on God’s side. (Jul 2004)
  • Jewish grandparents fled anti-Semitic Europe in 1905. (Jan 2004)
  • Honors the separation of church and state. (Dec 2003)
  • Persecuted Catholics rely on church-state separation. (Oct 2003)
  • Need a president who won’t write laws only for contributors. (Sep 2003)

    Campaign Themes

  • Service is what brought America peace and prosperity. (Jul 2004)
  • Restore trust and credibility to the White House. (Jul 2004)
  • Seeing complexities of complex issues is not flip-flopping. (Jul 2004)
  • Shutting one’s eyes and ears to the truth is not patriotism. (Jul 2004)
  • America can do better and help is on the way. (Jul 2004)
  • Ready to lead America: I was there and I led the fight. (Dec 2003)
  • Campaign built around a call to service. (Oct 2003)
  • Redeem promise for a better America for our children. (Oct 2003)
  • It is time for this country to ask again, why not? (May 2003)

    Personal

  • My faith affects everything that I do. (Oct 2004)
  • My mother was the rock of our family. (Jul 2004)
  • Grandfather committed suicide; John never told he was Jewish. (Jul 2004)
  • Spent summers on Cape Cod and hometown in Millis MA. (Jul 2004)
  • Member of Skull & Bones at Yale, like Bush. (Jan 2004)
  • Political heroes: Max Cleland, FDR, JFK, Lincoln. (Nov 2003)
  • Voted YES on confirming of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court. (Aug 2009)
  • Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
  • Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
  • Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
  • Supports Hyde Park Declaration of "Third Way" centrism. (Aug 2000)
  • New Democrat: "Third Way" instead of left-right debate. (Nov 2000)
  • Member of the Senate New Democrat Coalition. (Jan 2001)
  • Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)
  • Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2007)
  • Fund the 50 States Commemorative Coin Program. (Dec 1997)
John Kerry on Social Security
Click here for 16 full quotes on Social Security OR background on Social Security.
  • FactCheck: Kerry did tax some benefits, to fund Medicare. (Oct 2004)
  • Personal retirement accounts are an invitation to disaster. (Oct 2004)
  • Social Security privatization will cost $2 trillion more. (Oct 2004)
  • Will not privatize Social Security nor cut benefits. (Jul 2004)
  • I will never privatize, extend retirement age, nor cut SS. (Jan 2004)
  • Guarantee Social Security soundness, even if unpopular. (Sep 2003)
  • Don’t threaten Social Security on Wall Street trading block. (May 2002)
  • Never thought about pulling money out of Social Security. (Jun 1996)
  • Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted NO on Social Security Lockbox & limiting national debt. (Apr 1999)
  • Voted NO on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees. (May 1998)
  • Voted NO on allowing personal retirement accounts. (Apr 1998)
  • Voted NO on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes. (May 1996)
  • Create Retirement Savings Accounts. (Aug 2000)
  • Rated 100% by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Require small businesses to allow automatic IRA deposits. (Mar 2008)
John Kerry on Tax Reform
Click here for 37 full quotes on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.
  • Abolishing state income tax would be calamitous. (Oct 2008)
  • The middle class has seen their tax burden go up under Bush. (Oct 2004)
  • Support the part of Bush’s tax cut given to the middle class. (Oct 2004)
  • Pledges not to raise taxes on earnings under $200,000. (Oct 2004)
  • More tax cut for all people earning less than the $200,000. (Oct 2004)
  • Enron received $254 million after the Bush tax cut. (Oct 2004)
  • Homeland security should come before tax cut for the wealthy. (Sep 2004)
  • Offer tax cuts that will help the middle class families. (Aug 2004)
  • More tax cuts for people who make less than $200,000. (Jul 2004)
  • Keep child tax credit, and new 10% tax bracket. (Jan 2004)
  • Kerry vs. Bush on taxes is a fight we deserve to have. (Jan 2004)
  • GOP tax policy comforts the comfortable. (Oct 2003)
  • 10% bracket in Bush tax cuts was Democrats’ idea. (Sep 2003)
  • Bush tax cuts reach 32 million in middle class. (Sep 2003)
  • We’re tired of being trickled on--Middle class tax cuts now. (Jun 2003)
  • Trade a tax cut for the huge cuts in student loans. (Sep 1996)
  • They’re not Bush tax cuts, they’re Democrat tax cuts. (Oct 2003)

    Voting Record

  • FactCheck: No, Kerry did not vote 350 times to raise taxes. (Oct 2004)
  • I supported or voted for tax cuts over 600 times. (Oct 2004)
  • Voted YES on increasing tax rate for people earning over $1 million. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted NO on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
  • Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
  • Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. (May 2003)
  • Voted YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates. (May 2001)
  • Voted YES on increasing tax deductions for college tuition. (May 2001)
  • Voted NO on eliminating the 'marriage penalty'. (Jul 2000)
  • Voted NO on across-the-board spending cut. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted NO on requiring super-majority for raising taxes. (Apr 1998)
  • Rated 14% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)
John Kerry on Technology
Click here for 20 full quotes on Technology OR background on Technology.
  • Supports "Fairness Doctrine" requiring balance in talk radio. (Nov 2009)
  • Technological advances make environmental progress cheap. (Jan 2007)
  • $3B in tax credits to spur hybrid vehicle development. (Jan 2007)
  • Reallocate spectrum for wireless phone networks. (Mar 2004)
  • Empower Americans by making Internet access universal. (Mar 2004)
  • Invest in high-speed commuter rail & double-dip benefits. (Oct 2003)
  • Member of “Digital Dozen” of tech-savvy legislators. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on $23B instead of $4.9B for waterway infrastructure. (Nov 2007)
  • Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted YES on Internet sales tax moratorium. (Oct 1998)
  • Voted YES on telecomm deregulation. (Feb 1996)
  • Chief information officer to digitize federal government. (Aug 2000)
  • Promote internet via Congressional Internet Caucus. (Jan 2001)
  • $500 tax credit for each employee who telecommutes. (Dec 2001)
  • Fund nanotechnology research & development. (Dec 2003)
  • Facilitate nationwide 2-1-1 phone line for human services. (Jan 2007)
  • Permanent ban on state & local taxation of Internet access. (Oct 2007)
  • Ensure net neutrality: no corporate-tiered Internet. (Jan 2007)
  • Overturn FCC approval of media consolidation. (Mar 2008)
  • Let companies share Y2K plans with no risk of lawsuits. (Oct 1998)
John Kerry on War & Peace
Click here for 89 full quotes on War & Peace OR 47 older headlines OR background on War & Peace.
  • 2006 Arab Peace Initiative is a re-alignment towards peace. (Jun 2010)
  • OpEd: War hero unlikely role for former antiwar activist. (Apr 2010)
  • OpEd: Lied about being in Cambodia on 12/24/1968. (Nov 2009)
  • North Korea’s got nuclear weapons due to Bush’s ambivalence. (Sep 2004)
  • Need credible Arab partner to negotiate with Israel. (Sep 2004)
  • OpEd: Served his conscience at home after service abroad. (Jan 2004)
  • Pre-emptive strike ok only when US survival at stake. (Jan 2004)
  • Get US more deeply involved in Arab-Israeli peace process. (Nov 2003)
  • Leadership comes from experience: share the war burden. (Oct 2003)
  • Supported Kosovo action & Powell Doctrine. (Oct 2003)
  • Palestinians renounce right of return; get treated equally. (Oct 2003)
  • Regrets nothing more that his 2002 vote for Iraq War. (Oct 2006)

    Afghanistan

  • Focus on the real war on terror and find bin Laden. (Oct 2004)
  • The right war was Osama bin Laden and Afghanistan. (Oct 2004)
  • Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden is, is forgotten. (Sep 2004)
  • Afghanistan incursion justified and not the same as Vietnam. (Apr 2004)
  • Supported 1998 missile attacks against Afghanistan & Sudan. (Apr 2004)

    Iraq

  • 1998: respond militarily to Saddam's threat of WMDs. (Aug 2011)
  • 2003: Believed Saddam had deadly arsenal of WMD. (Nov 2010)
  • Bush-McCain stategy in Iraq is policy to stay, not to win. (Sep 2007)
  • No al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2002; we invaded under false pretense. (Sep 2007)
  • Reduce US military presence in Iraq; and bring in neighbors. (Sep 2007)
  • Would have given Clinton the power to use force if necessary. (Oct 2004)
  • Iraq is diverting our attention from the real war on terror. (Sep 2004)
  • Iraq wasn’t the center of the war on terror before invasion. (Sep 2004)
  • It’s getting worse by the day in Iraq. (Sep 2004)
  • The US has no long-term designs on staying in Iraq. (Sep 2004)
  • 90 percent of our Army is in Iraq instead of fighting terror. (Sep 2004)
  • Wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time. (Sep 2004)
  • Never fight a war without enough troops and a plan to win. (Aug 2004)
  • Intelligence information should not be manipulated. (Jun 2003)
  • Preferred diplomacy, but supported invading Iraq. (May 2003)

    Iraq Criticism

  • War in Iraq was founded & perpetuated on lies, like Vietnam. (Jun 2006)
  • Ending Iraq war requires summit including Iran & Syria. (Jun 2006)
  • Bush rushed to war without having a plan to win the peace. (Oct 2004)
  • Iraqi war is a catastrophic mistake. (Oct 2004)
  • Saddam Hussein didn’t attack us, Osama bin Laden did. (Sep 2004)

    Vietnam

  • 2004: Swift Boat ad "Sellout" devastated campaign. (Mar 2010)
  • 2004: attacked Rove and Cheney for draft deferments. (Mar 2010)
  • OpEd: Kerry's attitude was "I'm a vet! I know war & peace!". (Nov 2009)
  • Veteran biography strategy failed with “Reporting for duty”. (Oct 2005)
  • Nothing in Vietnam realistically threatened America. (Apr 2005)
  • Vietnamese villagers say Swift Vets’ account is incorrect. (Oct 2004)
  • Kerry’s C.O. says Kerry deserved his Silver Star? (Aug 2004)
  • Man Kerry rescued says Kerry deserved his Bronze Star. (Aug 2004)
  • Only veteran to testify to congress about Vietnam. (Jul 2004)
  • Accused US government of war crime, not veterans. (Jul 2004)
  • Before enlisting, believed in the US saving face in Vietnam. (Jul 2004)
  • Condemned early Vietnam protests as “irresponsible”. (Jul 2004)
  • Anti-Vietnam but not left-wing anti-war. (Apr 2004)
  • Kerry saves life under fire, awarded Bronze Star. (Apr 2004)
  • Word “atrocity” is too strong, though it reflected anger. (Apr 2004)
  • Served in Vietnam as "winter soldier" not "sunshine patriot". (Jan 2004)
  • The term "Vietnam" encapsulates an era. (Jan 2004)
  • 1969: Awarded bronze Star for rescue. (Jan 2004)
  • 1971: Led anti-war march on Washington. (Jan 2004)
  • Vets cheered Kerry's 1971 Senate testimony. (Jan 2004)
  • 1966: Questioned Vietnam in Yale graduation speech. (Jan 2004)
  • Loss of close friend in war made Kerry see soldiers as pawns. (Jan 2004)
  • Night skirmish earned first Purple Heart for wounded arm. (Jan 2004)
  • Considered the Domino Theory ludicrous, while in Vietnam. (Jan 2004)
  • Rescued 42 half-starved Vietnamese civilians. (Jan 2004)
  • Vietnam was genocide, but no point calling it “war crimes”. (May 2001)
  • War crimes by leadership policy, not personal atrocities. (Jun 1971)
  • Vietnamization just changed the color of the bodies fighting. (Jun 1971)
  • US actions in Vietnam were counter to Geneva Conventions. (Jun 1971)
  • Objected to war policy while in Vietnam, and after. (Jun 1971)
  • Vietnam didn’t threaten US; US war crimes did. (Apr 1971)
  • Vietnam war was criminal hypocrisy and tore apart US. (Apr 1971)
  • How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake. (Apr 1971)
  • US soldiers committed atrocities in Vietnam, including me. (Apr 1971)

    Voting Record

  • Voted for Iraq war in 2002, but voted against 2004 funding. (Nov 2006)
  • No regrets on war vote-but regrets on Bush breaking promises. (Feb 2004)
  • Vote for war was needed to push Saddam on inspectors. (Sep 2003)
  • $87B for Iraq only when internationalization is addressed. (Sep 2003)
  • Voted YES on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
  • Voted NO 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 YES on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted NO on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
  • Voted NO on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted NO on ending the Bosnian arms embargo. (Jul 1995)
  • Condemns anti-Muslim bigotry in name of anti-terrorism. (Oct 2001)
  • Deploy UN multinational peacekeeping force in Darfur. (Jul 2007)
  • Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment. (Sep 2012)
  • Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. (Nov 1995)
John Kerry on Welfare & Poverty
Click here for 18 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty OR background on Welfare & Poverty.
  • My faith is why I fight poverty and protect the earth. (Nov 2010)
  • It’s long overdue time to raise the minimum wage. (Oct 2004)
  • Raise the minimum wage and training fund to help the poor. (Aug 2004)
  • Third World poverty worse than rural American poverty. (Jan 2004)
  • Desperate need to build more affordable housing. (Nov 2003)
  • Ok for government to partner with non-profits & for-profits. (Oct 2003)
  • Expand EITC as anti-poverty measure. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on instituting National Service as a new social invention. (Mar 2009)
  • Voted YES on welfare block grants. (Aug 1996)
  • Voted YES on eliminating block grants for food stamps. (Jul 1996)
  • Voted NO on allowing state welfare waivers. (Jul 1996)
  • Voted YES on welfare overhaul. (Sep 1995)
  • Finish welfare reform by moving able recipients into jobs. (Aug 2000)
  • Add 10% for HUBZone businesses in federal awards. (Oct 2002)
  • Establish a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund. (Jul 2003)
  • Tax credits to promote home ownership in distressed areas. (Apr 2003)
  • Fully fund AmeriCorps. (Jun 2003)
  • Support school breakfast for low-income children. (Mar 2009)


VoteMatch Responses
(Click here for VoteMatch quiz)
VoteMatch Question & Answer
(Click on question for explanation and background)
Based on these stances:
(Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
Strongly Favors topic 1:
Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right
(+5 points on Social scale)
No undoing Constitutional rights, including right of choice: Strongly Favors topic 1
Life begins at conception, but we can’t legislate that: Opposes topic 1
Kerry staunchly resists restrictions on abortions: Strongly Favors topic 1
Partial-birth abortion ban undermine women’s right to choose: Strongly Favors topic 1
No criminalization of a woman’s right to choose: Strongly Favors topic 1
Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record: Strongly Favors topic 1
Expand embryonic stem cell research: Favors topic 1
Sponsored bill providing contraceptives for low-income women: Favors topic 1
Sponsored bill for emergency contraception for rape victims: Favors topic 1
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance: Strongly Favors topic 1
Provide emergency contraception at military facilities: Favors topic 1
Protect the reproductive rights of women: Strongly Favors topic 1
Ensure access to and funding for contraception: Favors topic 1
Focus on preventing pregnancy, plus emergency contraception: Favors topic 1
Emergency contraception at all military health facilities: Strongly Favors topic 1
Teach teens about both abstinence & contraception: Favors topic 1
NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion: Strongly Favors topic 1
NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP: Favors topic 1
NO on Unknown roll call for 1999-340: Strongly Favors topic 1
NO on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions: Favors topic 1
NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime: Favors topic 1
YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives: Favors topic 1
NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions: Favors topic 1
YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Favors topic 1
NO on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions: Favors topic 1
NO on restricting UN funding for population control policies: Favors topic 1
Strongly Favors topic 2:
Legally require hiring women & minorities
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Questions the ultimate practicality of affirmative action: Opposes topic 2
Supports affirmative action now and into the future: Strongly Favors topic 2
Shift from group preferences to economic empowerment of all: Neutral on topic 2
Add 10% for HUBZone businesses in federal awards: Favors topic 2
Increase subsidies for women-owned non-profit business: Strongly Favors topic 2
Sponsored bill for a Rosa Parks commemorative postage stamp: Favors topic 2
Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance: Strongly Favors topic 2
Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery: Strongly Favors topic 2
Increase funding for occupational & physical therapy: Favors topic 2
Constitutional Amendment for women's equal rights: Strongly Favors topic 2
Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment: Strongly Favors topic 2
Reinforce anti-discrimination and equal-pay requirements: Favors topic 2
Ban discriminatory compensation; allow 2 years to sue: Favors topic 2
Stronger enforcement against gender-based pay discrimination: Favors topic 2
Honor the 100th anniversary of the NAACP: Favors topic 2
NO on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds: Strongly Favors topic 2
NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business: Strongly Favors topic 2
NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training: Favors topic 2
YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women: Favors topic 2
Strongly Favors topic 3:
Comfortable with same-sex marriage
(+5 points on Social scale)
2004: Agreed with people of Missouri on banning gay marriage: Strongly Opposes topic 3
Personally believes marriage is between a man & a woman: Opposes topic 3
Defense of Marriage Act is fundamentally ugly: Strongly Favors topic 3
Opposes Massachusetts DOMA since there’s a federal DOMA: Opposes topic 3
For partnership rights and civil union: Strongly Favors topic 3
Provide gays and lesbians with full coverage of civil rights: Favors topic 3
More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes: Strongly Favors topic 3
Increase funding to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic: Strongly Favors topic 3
Rated 100% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance: Strongly Favors topic 3
ENDA: prohibit employment discrimination for gays: Favors topic 3
Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays: Favors topic 3
Prohibit sexual-identity discrimination at schools: Strongly Favors topic 3
Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees: Strongly Favors topic 3
NO on prohibiting same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3
YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation: Strongly Favors topic 3
YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation: Favors topic 3
YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes: Strongly Favors topic 3
NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3
Strongly Opposes topic 4:
Keep God in the public sphere
(+5 points on Social scale)
We need to do more to link good work with faith: Favors topic 4
Persecuted Catholics rely on church-state separation: Opposes topic 4
Rated 0% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-Family-Value voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 4
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation: Strongly Opposes topic 4
Sex Ed including both abstinence and contraception: Opposes topic 4
NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer: Opposes topic 4
NO on $75M for abstinence education: Strongly Opposes topic 4
YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors: Opposes topic 4
NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration: Opposes topic 4
Strongly Favors topic 5:
Expand ObamaCare
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Find common ground to cover 11 million uninsured children: Strongly Favors topic 5
Fight for affordable health care for all children: Strongly Favors topic 5
Health care is not a privilege but a right for all: Favors topic 5
Lack of accessible health care is a disgrace: Favors topic 5
It is morally wrong to leave so many Americans uninsured: Favors topic 5
Start providing health insurance for every child in America: Strongly Favors topic 5
Catastrophic health coverage for all costs over $50,000: Favors topic 5
Cut $350B of bureaucracy and cover 90% of Americans: Favors topic 5
Cover more citizens with health plan like Congress gets: Strongly Favors topic 5
Establish "report cards" on HMO quality of care: Favors topic 5
Invest funds to alleviate the nursing shortage: Favors topic 5
Let states make bulk Rx purchases, and other innovations: Opposes topic 5
Rated 100% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record: Strongly Favors topic 5
Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn: Strongly Favors topic 5
Disclose payments from manufacturers to physicians: Favors topic 5
Expand the National Health Service Corps: Strongly Favors topic 5
NO on allowing tribal Indians to opt out of federal healthcare: Strongly Favors topic 5
NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium: Favors topic 5
NO on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts: Favors topic 5
YES on blocking medical savings acounts: Favors topic 5
YES on Medicare means-testing: Opposes topic 5
NO on limiting self-employment health deduction: Favors topic 5
YES on including prescription drugs under Medicare: Favors topic 5
NO on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit: Favors topic 5
YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics: Favors topic 5
YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug: Strongly Favors topic 5
YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D: Favors topic 5
NO on limiting medical liability lawsuits to $250,000: Opposes topic 5
YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D: Favors topic 5
YES on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility: Favors topic 5
YES on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare: Favors topic 5
YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program: Favors topic 5
YES on regulating tobacco as a drug: Favors topic 5
Strongly Opposes topic 6:
Privatize Social Security
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Personal retirement accounts are an invitation to disaster: Strongly Opposes topic 6
Will not privatize Social Security nor cut benefits: Opposes topic 6
I will never privatize, extend retirement age, nor cut SS: Strongly Opposes topic 6
Don’t threaten Social Security on Wall Street trading block: Opposes topic 6
Create Retirement Savings Accounts: Favors topic 6
Rated 100% by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 6
NO on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes: Opposes topic 6
NO on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees: Opposes topic 6
NO on allowing personal retirement accounts: Opposes topic 6
NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security: Opposes topic 6
Strongly Opposes topic 7:
Vouchers for school choice
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Vouchers drain resources from public schools: Opposes topic 7
Stop viewing charter schools as threatening innovation: Favors topic 7
Nothing good about vouchers can’t be done in public schools: Strongly Opposes topic 7
Nothing good about vouchers can’t be done in public schools: Strongly Opposes topic 7
Offer every parent Charter Schools and public school choice: Opposes topic 7
Rated 100% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes: Strongly Opposes topic 7
NO on school vouchers in DC: Strongly Opposes topic 7
NO on education savings accounts: Opposes topic 7
NO on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules: Strongly Opposes topic 7
NO on Educational Savings Accounts: Opposes topic 7
YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors: Opposes topic 7
YES on funding student testing instead of private tutors: Opposes topic 7
YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies: Opposes topic 7
Strongly Opposes topic 8:
EPA regulations are too restrictive
(+5 points on Social scale)
Live by "Precautionary Principle": first, do no harm: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Technological advances make environmental progress cheap: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Make environmental justice an EPA priority: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Safeguard the environment and grow the economy: Opposes topic 8
Global Warming as “hoax” is funded by Big Oil & GOP: Strongly Opposes topic 8
End commercial whaling and illegal trade in whale meat: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Support UNCED Rio Declaration at 2002 conference: Opposes topic 8
Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment: Neutral on topic 8
EPA must do better on mercury clean-up: Opposes topic 8
Grants for beach water pollution under Clean Water Act: Opposes topic 8
Regulate all dog breeders down to kennels of 50 dogs: Opposes topic 8
Prohibit invasive research on great apes: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Sponsored ban on breeding or possessing Big Cat species: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Fund projects for international conservation of cranes: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Fund studies of invasive species and algal blooms: Opposes topic 8
YES on continuing desert protection in California: Strongly Opposes topic 8
YES on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests: Favors topic 8
NO on prohibiting eminent domain for use as parks or grazing land: Opposes topic 8
Opposes topic 9:
Stricter punishment reduces crime
(+2 points on Social scale)
Opposes death penalty except for post 9-11 terrorists: Favors topic 9
States should not engage in killing-too many mistakes: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Moratorium on federal executions-only exception is terrorism: Opposes topic 9
A state doesn’t honor life by sanctioning killing: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Rated 63% by CURE, indicating mixed votes on rehabilitation: Neutral on topic 9
Require DNA testing for all federal executions: Opposes topic 9
Increase funding for "COPS ON THE BEAT" program: Opposes topic 9
Reduce recidivism by giving offenders a Second Chance: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Facilitate recovering crime victim restitution fees: Strongly Favors topic 9
NO on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals: Opposes topic 9
NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms: Strongly Opposes topic 9
NO on limiting death penalty appeals: Opposes topic 9
NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Opposes topic 9
YES on $1.15 billion per year to continue the COPS program: Opposes topic 9
YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program: Opposes topic 9
Strongly Opposes topic 10:
Absolute right to gun ownership
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Gun owner & hunter, but rights come with responsibility: Favors topic 10
Democratic Party shouldn’t be for the NRA: Strongly Opposes topic 10
Supports assault weapons ban & Brady Bill: Opposes topic 10
Prevent unauthorized firearm use with "smart gun" technology: Opposes topic 10
Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 10
Close the Gun Show Loophole; restrict show sales: Opposes topic 10
NO on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks: Strongly Opposes topic 10
NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows: Opposes topic 10
YES on background checks at gun shows: Strongly Opposes topic 10
NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence: Strongly Opposes topic 10
NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: Strongly Opposes topic 10
YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership: Favors topic 10
NO on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains: Opposes topic 10
Strongly Favors topic 11:
Higher taxes on the wealthy
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Abolishing state income tax would be calamitous: Strongly Favors topic 11
Offer tax cuts that will help the middle class families: Favors topic 11
More tax cuts for people who make less than $200,000: Favors topic 11
Base policy on broad growth and progressive taxation: Strongly Favors topic 11
GOP tax policy comforts the comfortable: Favors topic 11
Bush tax cuts reach 32 million in middle class: Strongly Opposes topic 11
No excuse for special tax cuts for the rich: Strongly Favors topic 11
We’re tired of being trickled on--Middle class tax cuts now: Strongly Favors topic 11
Trade a tax cut for the huge cuts in student loans: Strongly Favors topic 11
They’re not Bush tax cuts, they’re Democrat tax cuts: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Rated 14% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes: Strongly Favors topic 11
Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset: Favors topic 11
YES on Internet sales tax moratorium: Opposes topic 11
NO on requiring super-majority for raising taxes: Favors topic 11
NO on eliminating the 'marriage penalty': Favors topic 11
NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts: Favors topic 11
YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates: Favors topic 11
YES on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction: Favors topic 11
NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11
YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut: Favors topic 11
NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax: Strongly Favors topic 11
Strongly Favors topic 12:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
(+5 points on Social scale)
Temporary workers ok, and earned amnesty ok: Strongly Favors topic 12
Restore immigrant benefits lost in 1996 welfare reform: Strongly Favors topic 12
Earned legalization for undocumented immigrants: Favors topic 12
Amnesty to anyone here over 5 or 6 years: Strongly Favors topic 12
Comprehensive immigration reform without amnesty: Strongly Favors topic 12
Cover child resident aliens under Medicaid and SCHIP: Favors topic 12
Rated 0% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities": Strongly Favors topic 12
NO on limit welfare for immigrants: Strongly Favors topic 12
NO on visas for skilled workers: Opposes topic 12
NO on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work: Opposes topic 12
YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on establishing a Guest Worker program: Favors topic 12
NO on building a fence along the Mexican border: Strongly Favors topic 12
NO on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program: Neutral topic 12
NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on comprehensive immigration reform: Strongly Favors topic 12
Favors topic 13:
Support & expand free trade
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Trade grows jobs: Strongly Favors topic 13
Veto FTAA and CAFTA until they have stronger standards: Opposes topic 13
Build a rule-based global trading system: Favors topic 13
Rated 33% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues: Neutral on topic 13
YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority: Favors topic 13
YES on permanent normal trade relations with China: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on expanding trade to the third world: Favors topic 13
YES on removing common goods from national security export rules: Favors topic 13
YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam: Favors topic 13
YES on extending free trade to Andean nations: Strongly Favors topic 13
NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade: Strongly Opposes topic 13
YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on promoting free trade with Peru: Favors topic 13
Strongly Opposes topic 14:
Support American Exceptionalism
(-5 points on Economic scale)
No nation will ever have a veto over us: Favors topic 14
Bush is sending mixed messages to South Korea: Opposes topic 14
Take notice of political oppression in Russia: Opposes topic 14
Don’t miss 3rd opportunity in Iraq to bring in UN: Strongly Opposes topic 14
US actions in Vietnam were counter to Geneva Conventions: Strongly Opposes topic 14
I’d vote to authorize war, but with allies: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror: Opposes topic 14
YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls: Opposes topic 14
YES on $17.9 billion to IMF: Opposes topic 14
NO on capping foreign aid at only $12.7 billion: Strongly Opposes topic 14
YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees: Strongly Opposes topic 14
YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Opposes topic 15:
Expand the military
(+2 points on Social scale)
Increase military by 40,000 troops-but no draft: Favors topic 15
Bring allies to share our burden in fighting terrorism: Opposes topic 15
Voted against a $87 billion supplemental that hurts veterans: Opposes topic 15
Zell: Kerry voted against weapons needed for War on Terror: Strongly Opposes topic 15
$87B for Iraq only when internationalization is addressed: Favors topic 15
Rated 20% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record: Strongly Favors topic 15
Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11: Favors topic 15
NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations: Opposes topic 15
NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty: Opposes topic 15
NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects: Strongly Opposes topic 15
YES on allowing another round of military base closures: Opposes topic 15
YES on military pay raise of 4.8%: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months: Opposes topic 15
Strongly Favors topic 16:
Make voter registration easier
(+5 points on Social scale)
Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures: Strongly Favors topic 16
Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting: Favors topic 16
YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance: Favors topic 16
YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations: Favors topic 16
YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads: Favors topic 16
YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity: Favors topic 16
NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress: Strongly Favors topic 16
Favors topic 17:
Avoid foreign entanglements
(+2 points on Social scale)
The President deceived the people with this war: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Preemptive strike must pass a global test: Strongly Favors topic 17
America should lead by extending a hand, not a fist: Strongly Favors topic 17
Get US more deeply involved in Arab-Israeli peace process: Strongly Favors topic 17
Regrets nothing more that his 2002 vote for Iraq War: Strongly Favors topic 17
1998: respond militarily to Saddam's threat of WMDs: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Based vote for Iraq war on CIA’s intelligence reports: Opposes topic 17
We stood up to Bush’s aimless and failed course in Iraq: Strongly Favors topic 17
War in Iraq was founded & perpetuated on lies, like Vietnam: Strongly Favors topic 17
Nothing in Vietnam realistically threatened America: Strongly Favors topic 17
Supports multilateral cooperative internationalism: Strongly Favors topic 17
Progressive Internationalism: globalize with US pre-eminence: Favors topic 17
Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine: Strongly Favors topic 17
More foreign languages courses and exchange students: Favors topic 17
Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment: Strongly Opposes topic 17
YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq: Strongly Opposes topic 17
YES on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007: Strongly Favors topic 17
YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008: Strongly Favors topic 17
YES on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months: Favors topic 17
Strongly Favors topic 18:
Prioritize green energy
(-5 points on Economic scale)
$3B in tax credits to spur hybrid vehicle development: Strongly Favors topic 18
20% renewable energy by 2020: Strongly Favors topic 18
Invent our way out of oil dependency-don’t drill our way out: Favors topic 18
Invest in advancing secure forms of energy instead of oil: Strongly Favors topic 18
Led effort to try to raise fuel efficiency standards: Strongly Favors topic 18
Supports tradable emissions permits for greenhouse gases: Favors topic 18
Reduce liability for hazardous waste cleanup: Opposes topic 18
Include pickup trucks in CAFE; include hybrids in HOV lanes: Favors topic 18
Keep climate change in EPA "State of the Environment" report: Favors topic 18
Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy: Strongly Favors topic 18
Establish greenhouse gas tradeable allowances: Strongly Favors topic 18
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence: Favors topic 18
Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change: Strongly Favors topic 18
Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness: Favors topic 18
Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025: Strongly Favors topic 18
Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards: Strongly Favors topic 18
NO on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases: Favors topic 18
NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline: Favors topic 18
NO on defunding renewable and solar energy: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on ending discussion of CAFE fuel efficiency standards: Opposes topic 18
NO on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling: Favors topic 18
NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill: Favors topic 18
YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%): Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Favors topic 18
YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning: Favors topic 18
YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on addressing CO2 emissions without considering India & China: Favors topic 18
YES on tax incentives for energy production and conservation: Strongly Favors topic 18
NO on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade: Favors topic 18
NO on protecting middle-income taxpayers from a national energy tax: Favors topic 18
YES on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program: Favors topic 18
Opposes topic 19:
Marijuana is a gateway drug
(+2 points on Social scale)
1986: Nicaraguan Contras support network of drug trafficking: Opposes topic 19
End harsher sentencing for crack vs. powder cocaine: Opposes topic 19
Require chemical resellers to certify against meth use: Favors topic 19
NO on spending international development funds on drug control: Strongly Opposes topic 19
NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Opposes topic 19
NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses: Opposes topic 19
Strongly Favors topic 20:
Stimulus better than market-led recovery
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Restore pay-as-you-go for fiscal discipline: Opposes topic 20
End tax incentives for companies to move jobs abroad: Favors topic 20
Homeland security should come before tax cut for the wealthy: Favors topic 20
Raise the minimum wage and training fund to help the poor: Strongly Favors topic 20
We can do better on economy--lift people out of poverty: Strongly Favors topic 20
Raise minimum wage to $6.65 by next year, then higher: Strongly Favors topic 20
Desperate need to build more affordable housing: Strongly Favors topic 20
Base policy on broad growth and progressive taxation: Favors topic 20
Increase SBA loan subsidies for small businesses: Favors topic 20
Expand microloans to small businesses: Favors topic 20
Rated 80% by UFCW, indicating an anti-management/pro-labor record: Favors topic 20
YES on increasing tax rate for people earning over $1 million: Strongly Favors topic 20
YES on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package: Strongly Favors topic 20
YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending: Strongly Favors topic 20

John Kerry is a Hard-Core Liberal.
Click here for explanation of political philosophy.
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