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This Moment On Earth, by John Kerry

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John Kerry on Abortion

Click here for 28 full quotes on Abortion OR background on Abortion.

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 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 partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
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)
Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)

John Kerry on Budget & Economy

Click here for 22 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.

FactCheck: Kerry has $900B in proposals, but not as taxes. (Oct 2004)
FactCheck: Bush spent $236B surplus, not $5.6T surplus. (Oct 2004)
Restore pay-as-you-go for fiscal discipline. (Oct 2004)
Shown exactly how to pay for every plan I've laid out. (Oct 2004)
Restore pay-as-you-go rule that Bush broke. (Oct 2004)
Bush has driven up the biggest deficits in US history. (Oct 2004)
Bush's $2.2T figures are put together by a biased group. (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)
Kerry pledges 10 million new jobs & to slow outsourcing. (Mar 2004)
Economy is recovering for corporations to some degree. (Jan 2004)
Will follow Clinton's plan to halve deficit in four years. (Oct 2003)
Base policy on broad growth and progressive taxation. (Oct 2003)
Bush policy kept economy afloat in recession-keep some of it. (Sep 2003)
No excuse for special tax cuts for the rich. (Jun 2003)
An economic record I'm proud to run on. (Oct 1996)
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)

John Kerry on Civil Rights

Click here for 41 full quotes on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.

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)
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)
Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Dec 2007)
Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)

John Kerry on Corporations

Click here for 13 full quotes on Corporations OR background on Corporations.

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)

John Kerry on Crime

Click here for 20 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)
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)
Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice. (Dec 2005)
Establish an FBI registry of sexual offendors. (Oct 1996)

John Kerry on Drugs

Click here for 6 full quotes on Drugs OR background on Drugs.

Target traffickers as well as reducing demand. (Mar 2004)
Admits having smoked marijuana. (Nov 2003)
Colombia is entirely criminalized by drug cartels. (Jun 1998)
Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses. (Nov 1999)
Voted NO on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)
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 42 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.

Global Warming as "hoax" is funded by Big Oil & GOP. (Jan 2007)
The Kyoto Treaty was flawed but could be fixed. (Oct 2004)
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)
Raise CAFE standard to 36 mpg by 2015. (Jan 2004)
Ban MBTE and sue companies who make it. (Jan 2004)
20% renewable energy by 2020. (Nov 2003)
Drilling for oil doesn't gain energy independence. (Oct 2003)
Apollo project approach to energy independence. (Oct 2003)
Dismissal of Kyoto indicative of Bush's unilateralism. (Oct 2003)
ANWR won't provide any oil for 20 years. (Sep 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)
Create new energy sources to end Mideast dependency. (May 2002)
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 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)
Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)

John Kerry on Environment

Click here for 22 full quotes on Environment OR background on Environment.

Minority communities more likely polluted than white areas. (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 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)
Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)
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 11 full quotes on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.

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 voting record. (Dec 2003)
Fund 2,500 Boys and Girls Clubs in underserved areas. (Dec 1997)

John Kerry on Foreign Policy

Click here for 29 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.

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)
Voting Record
Supports multilateral cooperative internationalism. (Oct 2003)
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 cap 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 Uganada-Sudan crisis. (Aug 2004)
Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s. (Mar 2007)
Develop a strategy to protect civilians in Darfur. (Feb 2007)

John Kerry on Free Trade

Click here for 18 full quotes on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.

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)
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)

John Kerry on Government Reform

Click here for 23 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 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)
Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)

John Kerry on Gun Control

Click here for 14 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 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)

John Kerry on Health Care

Click here for 56 full quotes on Health Care 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)
Bush has turned his back on the wellness of America. (Oct 2004)
Bush blocked drugs importation and Medicare bulk purchasing. (Oct 2004)
Kerry's healthcare plan lets people choose their plan. (Oct 2004)
Passed 56 individual bills that I've personally written. (Oct 2004)
Bush hasn't fully funded the VA hospitals and Medicare. (Oct 2004)
FactCheck: Bush's plan yields $13B for big pharma, not $139B. (Oct 2004)
Bush said in 2000 that re-importation from Canada was OK. (Oct 2004)
Lawsuits contribute less than 1% of all healthcare costs. (Oct 2004)
Choose your doctor and your healthcare plan. (Oct 2004)
Bush chose a tax cut over health care. (Oct 2004)
Bush has no plan to address the health care crisis. (Aug 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)
Don't push seniors into HMOs; change Bush Rx plan. (Jan 2004)
Simultaneously address costs, coverage, and choice. (Oct 2003)
Lack of accessible health care is a disgrace. (May 2002)
Tax cut of $550 billion would cut Medicare. (Oct 1996)
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)
FactCheck: Kerry's plan covers 92%, not 100% of Americans. (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)
Created catastrophic health insurance and withdrew it. (Jul 1996)
Voting Record
Key issue: Does government control reduce cost? (Apr 2004)
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)
Collect data on birth defects and present to the public. (Apr 1998)

John Kerry on Homeland Security

Click here for 69 full quotes on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.

Constitution is core value for our national security. (Jun 2006)
Need the best intelligence and cooperation to make us safe. (Oct 2004)
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)
Expand active duty and Army's forces to security peace. (Aug 2004)
Offer a military modernization plan for the troops. (Aug 2004)
Ensure Americans in uniform receive benefits they deserve. (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)
Supported a federal crime bill that funded 100,000 cops. (Apr 1996)
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
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)
Bush Policy
Military is overextended and there's a backdoor draft. (Oct 2004)
Bush chose tax cuts for the wealthy over homeland security. (Sep 2004)
Bush is backdoor drafting our National Guards. (Sep 2004)
Bush has cut funding to stop nuclear proliferation. (Sep 2004)
Individual Ready Reserve call-up is used as a backdoor draft. (Aug 2004)
End the backdoor draft of reservists, help is on the way. (Jul 2004)
Bush's foreign policy has not made American safer. (Jul 2004)
Exaggeration by the Bush administration should be questioned. (Jan 2004)
Bush administration is misleading America in a profound way. (Jan 2004)
Bush misused the authority Congress gave him. (Jan 2004)
Color-coded warning system needs to be changed. (Jan 2004)
Focus on first responders instead of duct tape. (Oct 2003)
No new generation of nuclear weapons. (Sep 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 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)
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 20 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 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 25 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 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)

John Kerry on Principles & Values

Click here for 53 full quotes on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.

Voted with Democratic Party 93.5% of 306 votes. (Sep 2007)
Kerry's PAC gave $8.5 million to 250 candidates in 43 states. (Nov 2006)
Last nominee to get 2nd chance was Adlai Stevenson in 1956. (Oct 2006)
Rejected challenging Ohio irregularities as too "personal". (Oct 2006)
Ended 2004 campaign with $14M in campaign funds. (Oct 2005)
FactCheck: No, Kerry is 11th most liberal, not 1st in Senate. (Oct 2004)
We need to do more to link good work with faith. (Oct 2004)
Late Night: "Top 10 Bush Tax Proposals". (Sep 2004)
Bush & Cheney unfit to serve because they misled us into war. (Sep 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)
Will lead an America where all are in the same boat. (Jul 2004)
Urban Legend: Kerry did not disparage Reagan at funeral. (Jul 2004)
Clear separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
Revoke every Bush order that favors special interests. (Mar 2004)
Honors the separation of church and state. (Dec 2003)
Despite Zell Miller, Dem Party does speak to southerners. (Nov 2003)
Bush broke his three biggest campaign promises. (Oct 2003)
Persecuted Catholics rely on church-state separation. (Oct 2003)
Need a president who won't write laws only for contributors. (Sep 2003)
Contest between common sense values and extreme ideologues. (Jun 2003)
I'm talking about things that matter to people. (May 2003)
I'm a good person to be in the foxhole with. (Sep 1996)
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)
Saw the fear in the eyes of people who were not free. (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)
Attended boarding school in Europe; fluent in French. (Jul 2004)
Despite aristocratic roots, a Catholic outsider at schools. (Jul 2004)
Political heroes: Max Cleland, FDR, JFK, Lincoln. (Nov 2003)
Raised Catholic, but family history includes Jews. (Oct 2003)
Favorite song: Bruce Springsteen, "No Surrender.". (Sep 2003)
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 15 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)

John Kerry on Tax Reform

Click here for 33 full quotes on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.

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

Voting Record

Gay Rights

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Health Insurance

Voting Record

Anti-terrorism

Bush Policy

Voting Record

Campaign Themes

Personal