Monday, August 30, 2004

Ultra-Liberal when he wants to be

Captain Ed notes that Kerry is more liberal under Republican presidents than he was under Clinton (the only Democrat president in Kerry's Senatorial career), according to National Journal's examination of his voting record.

What is the point?

First, Kerry abandons his principles in favor of prevailing party loyalty. For six of Clinton's eight years, Kerry was in the minority party, therefore he had to compromise for Clinton to help the president pass legislation that would also appeal across the Senate aisle. But during the Bush (papa y hijo) and Reagan presidencies, he could (and did) tack as far left as he wanted -- out toward the Wellstone/Kennedy fringe.

Second, when combined with Kerry's lack of leadership in policy issues during his 20-year Senatorial career, the junior senator from Massachusetts is clearly revealed as a follower of the far left of his party. His Americans for Democratic Action ratings support this conclusion.

Ultimately, this shows how Kerry would, despite his rhetoric and bluster, cater to the collection of left-wing interest groups that are the real powers behind the Democrats -- Ralph Neas, Nan Aron, ADA, ACLU, AFL-CIO, etc. Not a good sign for anyone who expects a president to actually LEAD the country.

He's just another Jimmy Carter.

No comments: