So Hillary has most of the Union endorsements, and big money. Either DU doesn't represent a true

[still_one]

cross section of the way Democrats and progressives will vote, or the national polls are excluding a large group in their survey?

One factor that I know isn't included is those that don't have land lines. The question is, are these a large group, and do they vote.

There have been so many "grass roots" candidates that looked so good coming out of the box, and ended up last. Howard Dean in 2004 is the most recent example

It will be quite interesting if the polls accurately reflect the desires of the Democrats and progressives who vote. I don't buy the excuse that the media is pushing Hillary, and no one has a chance. That logic implies that Democrats, progressives, lack critical thinking, and if that is the case then it is a lost cause anyway

[onehandle]

1. DU doesn't represent a true cross section of the way Democrats and progressives will vote. nt

[BootinUp]

2. Seconded. n/t

[mwb970]

8. I'm surprised how far "off" my fellow DUers are on Hillary.

This is the very first topic in many years of reading this site that I have disagreed with what I guess is the majority here. I am especially sorry to hear the Hill-bashers blame the obvious discrepancy between their disdain for her and her continuous rising in the polls on the "media" and other right-wing-type scapegoats.

Well, live and learn, eh?

[still_one]

28. Excuse me, but I was not bashing Hillary, or advocating another candidatein this post

I was simply trying to point out that there seems to be a disconnect, and trying to gather some thoughts

There was absolutely no intention in this post to bash Hillary

[mwb970]

33. Sorry, I didn't mean you.

Your post is sensible and most likely correct! Others, though, really are bashers. It is those folks I feel disconnected from on this topic.

[still_one]

35. Exactly why I posted, because of the more than usual bashing of Hillary as of late

I haven't decided who I will vote in the primaries yet, but there is no question that I will be voting straight Democratic in 2008, if for nothing else than the Supreme Court

no,I am not happy with the way the Democrats have conducted themselves the last 7 plus years in Congress, but I will not cut my nose off to spite my face. It can get so much worse if the Democrats do not regain control of Congress or the Executive branch

[ShaneGR]

32. DU represents about 10% of the overall Democratic base vote, maybe a little more but not much

This site for the most part is extremely to the left, the vast majority of democratic voters would describe themselves as "left of center".

[ourbluenation]

34. 10-4 n/t

[OKNancy]

3. DU doesn't represent a true cross section of the way Democrats and progressives will vote.

DU is like a circle jerk sometimes.
People get all riled up and paranoid and believe the absolute worst, or the nuttiest
conspiracy just because a few people post it.

Clue: Hillary Clinton is not a war-monger right-wing babyeater.
She can take all the money from anyone she wants IMO... they are just cutting their
losses ( they are probably shaking in their boots thinking about her as President)

[Deja Q]

5. Well said. Couldn't have said it better.

And while she has flipped and flopped, which candidates (of either party) haven't?

Dunno where her domestic support lies, which is aggravating at times, but I am impressed with her stance on foreign issues.

And you're especially right re: conspiracy theories. I often have to take a step back and breathe; some things (either posted by others, or even the offshoring fluff I've entertained my paranoid id with) is nothing more than unsubstantiated inference or conjecture. Indeed, when plenty of other factors successfully counter such paranoid theories, taking a step back (or two) is essential.

[applegrove]

4. DU has never represented Democratic supporters across the board.

It has never claimed to. It represents the most active and progressive viewpoints. IMO

[Deja Q]

7. That's "Democratic". Are you hiding something?

:tinfoilhat:

(this post is meant to be sarcastic and jovial, since the "D-word" often turns a lit match into a forest fire.)

Also, but rather more seriously, there is a line between "progressive" and "conspiracy theory". For credibility's sake, that line should be re-drawn for all to see. IMHO, of course...

[applegrove]

24. Thanks for pointing out a terrible mistake.

[TahitiNut]

6. Lobbyists: #1 - Clinton, #2 - McCain, #3 - Romney

Lobbyists

Hillary Clinton (D) $517,525

John McCain (R) $314,840

Mitt Romney (R) $215,775

Christopher J. Dodd (D) $211,575

Rudolph W. Giuliani (R) $206,300

Bill Richardson (D) $122,050

Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D) $111,810

Fred Thompson (R) $72,800

Barack Obama (D) $70,249

Duncan Hunter (R) $30,900

John Edwards (D) $21,500

Sam Brownback (R) $17,225

Mike Huckabee (R) $3,664

Tom Tancredo (R) $250


http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?cycle=2008

[JDPriestly]

39. Be careful. Lawyers & lobbyists is a broad enough category to include me.

I'm a John Edwards supporter and a pretty ordinary person. And before Bush was appointed to the presidency, I thought of myself as a very middle of the road Democrat. I've never considered myself to be extremely left wing. My 90 year old mother and me 30 year old kids all pretty much agree with me about politics. So, I'm not an extremist. The numbers on lawyers and lobbyists include a lot of people.

[Freddie Stubbs]

9. If DU were representative of a cross section of the way Democrats, either Wesley Clark or

Dennis Kucinich would have been our nominee last time.

[hfojvt]

15. I remember Dean being very popular here too. n/t

[mondo joe]

18. I'd still follow Howard Dean anywhere.

First politician that I ever saw as a leader.

[mmonk]

10. There's no way I buy Hillary is best for unions.

The union candidates don't really seem to get unqualified union support. It just tells me impressions, name recognition, and democratic traditions have unions flock to leading candidates without in depth study as to who best represents their interests.

[still_one]

31. But from what I ascertain, she is getting most of the Union endorsements

I am not sure if that correlates to union members also

[mmonk]

41. I know. That's why I made the statement.

I hope union members inform themselves and base their decision on who they feel is best from a pesonal standpoint concerning their issues.

[still_one]

43. I agree /nt

[mondo joe]

11. DU isn't representative of Dems. If you look at the demographics of DUers

we don't even look very much like Dem primary voters.

[JDPriestly]

12. Actually, I heard yesterday that Edwards has most of the union

endorsements. Has there been a change? I can't stand Hillary. I would vote for her, but I will not work for her.

[TahitiNut]

13. Big Pharma: #1 - Clinton, #2 - Obama, #3 - Romney, #4 - Giuliani

Pharmaceuticals/Health Products

Hillary Clinton (D) $273,731

Barack Obama (D) $260,020

Mitt Romney (R) $258,505

Rudolph W. Giuliani (R) $144,550

Christopher J. Dodd (D) $84,400

John McCain (R) $66,175

Bill Richardson (D) $29,350

Ron Paul (R) $19,718

Fred Thompson (R) $18,300

John Edwards (D) $17,020

Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D) $14,425

Sam Brownback (R) $12,975

Dennis J. Kucinich (D) $5,100

Duncan Hunter (R) $4,050

Tom Tancredo (R) $2,700

Mike Huckabee (R) $500

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?Ind=H04

[leftchick]

23. It always coms down to the corporate cash

then it is funneled to the Big Corporate media to manipulate the Corporate polling and Wallah! A Corporate candidate with no regard for the voters.

[TahitiNut]

25. Over the last nine election cycles, Big Pharma has gone 67% GOP.

Things that make me go "Hmmmm.."

When I think of how she torpedoes Single-Payer, it's no wonder. Obama's health care stances aren't much different.

[leftchick]

27. Dennis is the only one with a single payer genuine solution

no wonder the corporate media marginalizes him. This country is extremely fucked up.

[hfojvt]

14. you think "big money" and unions represent "progressives"?

I am not sure how union endorsements work. Does the membership decide who the union endorses or does the union leadership? I did read about one union, in Wisconsin no less, that voted to endorse Hillary, but again, I wonder where the workers are getting their information from. Still, I am not surprised if union workers are not very progressive economically. Their income puts them over the US median, which would tend to make them more economically conservative. Unless they are a wobbly.

[Bitwit1234]

16. Because the most vocal had to be republican plants.

[TahitiNut]

17. Securities & Investment: #1 - Clinton, #2 - Giuliani, #3 - Obama, #4 - Romney

Securities & Investment

Hillary Clinton (D) $4,741,504

Rudolph W. Giuliani (R) $4,434,141

Barack Obama (D) $4,423,203

Mitt Romney (R) $3,521,997

Christopher J. Dodd (D) $2,579,866

John McCain (R) $1,785,734

John Edwards (D) $781,660

Bill Richardson (D) $543,575

Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D) $347,600

Fred Thompson (R) $253,425

Ron Paul (R) $82,301

Mike Huckabee (R) $78,257

Sam Brownback (R) $75,603

Duncan Hunter (R) $8,350

Tom Tancredo (R) $7,870

Dennis J. Kucinich (D) $1,750

Mike Gravel (D) $500

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?Ind=F07

[JDPriestly]

40. Again, that will probably include people who work in that sector

many of whom may be, themselves, quite liberal.

[TahitiNut]

19. Oil & Gas: #1 - Giuliani, #2 - Romney, #3 - Clinton, #4 - McCain

Oil & Gas

Rudolph W. Giuliani (R) $541,308

Mitt Romney (R) $296,033

Hillary Clinton (D) $211,043

John McCain (R) $189,677

Bill Richardson (D) $123,485

Barack Obama (D) $94,278

Fred Thompson (R) $75,350

Sam Brownback (R) $54,869

Christopher J. Dodd (D) $38,550

Ron Paul (R) $29,546

John Edwards (D) $29,398

Mike Huckabee (R) $16,950

Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D) $16,650

Tom Tancredo (R) $7,050

Duncan Hunter (R) $1,900

Dennis J. Kucinich (D) $775

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?Ind=E01

[pberq]

22. And you can add to that the arms industry - backing Hillary all the way

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2176872&mesg_id=2176872

Weapons Industry Dumps Republicans, Backs Hillary

[texastoast]

30. Whose yer mama now??

:rofl:

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

20. I'm content to let the almighty polls decide how politicians vote..

but, I'd rather think for myself.

"Freedom for the supporters of the government only, for the members of one party only - no matter how how big its membership may be - is no freedom at all. Freedom is always for the man who thinks differntly." Rosa Luxemburg

[madrchsod]

21. she`s not going to do jack shit for the unions

her husband sure in the hell did`t and since she has so much "experience" from watching over his shoulder why in the hell would anyone think she is for the great unwashed? it`s election time and they`ll promise the moon for your vote. but it is cash that that gets the job done.

[still_one]

36. That may be, but please correct me if I am wrong. Didn't many union people vote for Reagan

in his first term, then after the break-up of the Controller Union, and union busting activity under Reagan, decide to switch back to the Democrats?

I know when I was growing up in the sixties, the unions went mostly for Democratic, but in the last twenty some years, I have gotten the impression that they started to move toward the republicans.

Incidently, NAFTA was definitely supported by Bill Clinton, but it was started by the republican predecessors

What I am trying to say, if labor, or any group wants things done they need to unite, and make their wishes known as a group

I doubt very much that Rudy or Thompson will try to protect your jobs

[book_worm]

26. DU doesn't truly represent a cross section of Dems. by and large we are mostly strongly to the left

[still_one]

29. That is the sense I am getting to my post. Personally I don't think it is far left

as you express

[cloudbase]

37. Union endorsements are funny things.

I sat on the executive board of the Harris County (Houston, TX) AFL-CIO for a few years, and the council could get downright stupid when it came time to make endorsements. There was way too much time spent worrying about hurt feelings and either an aversion or an inability to flex a bit of labor's muscle.

[Freddie Stubbs]

47. It would appear that the unions supporting Hillary are not afraid to flex a bit of muscle

[JeffR]

38. Lots of us here don't like her much, period.

And we're not pretending to be a true cross section. We just try to think it through for ourselves individually, like anyone else.

Jesus. I just don't care for having her as our candidate. There's nothing more mysterious about it than that. If you want her, I wish you the best.

Enough handwringing and parsing. Let it go. Some of us here don't like your candidate. I'm sure you and she will manage fine. Hoping you'll extend the same good wishes to those of us who don't share your view...

[illinoisprogressive]

42. Her husband has cronies in the executive positions of the unions.

scratch my back....

[CT_Progressive]

44. People love to ignore her ACTUAL voting record. It shatters their ability to bash her.

Hillary Clinton on Abortion
Click here for 20 full quotes on Abortion OR other candidates on Abortion OR background on Abortion.

* Lift ban on stem cell research to cure devastating diseases. (Jun 2007)
* Abortion is a sad, tragic choice to many women. (May 2007)
* Respect Roe v. Wade, but make adoptions easier too. (Nov 2006)
* Alternatives to pro-choice like forced pregnancy in Romania. (Nov 2003)
* Must safeguard constitutional rights, including choice. (Oct 2000)
* Late term abortion only if life or health are at risk. (Oct 2000)
* Remain vigilant on a woman’s right to chose. (Jan 2000)
* Keep abortion safe, legal and rare. (Jan 1999)
* Being pro-choice is not being pro-abortion. (Jan 1999)
* Reach out to teens to reduce teen sex problems. (Jan 1999)
* Supports parental notice & family planning. (Feb 1997)
Voting Record
* Voted liberal line on partial birth & harm to fetus. (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
* Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
* Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
* Voted NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
* Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
* Recommended by EMILY's List of pro-choice women. (Apr 2001)
* Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
* Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)

Hillary Clinton on Budget & Economy
Click here for 14 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other candidates on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.

* Help people facing foreclosure; don't just bail-out banks. (Aug 2007)
* Balanced budget replaced with rising costs & falling wages. (Jun 2007)
* Last six years were challenging; let's try a new direction. (Oct 2006)
* Co-sponsored bills totaling $502B in spending thru 2005. (Oct 2006)
* Use tax dollars to upgrade infrastructure, not for stadium. (Oct 2000)
* Pay down debt & cut taxes within balanced budget. (Sep 2000)
* Stimulate upstate economy by more local decision-making. (Sep 2000)
* Supports Niagara casino, but prefers job creation strategy. (Sep 2000)
* Protect next generation by paying off national debt. (Aug 2000)
* We have outlived the usefulness of Bretton Woods. (Jun 1999)
* The economy creates consumers but cannot create citizens. (Jun 1999)
* Invest in people instead of “smokestack chasing”. (Feb 1997)
* Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
* Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)

Hillary Clinton on Civil Rights
Click here for 28 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.

* Positive about civil unions, with full equality of benefits. (Aug 2007)
* Let states decide gay marriage; they're ahead of feds. (Aug 2007)
* GLBT progress since 2000, when I marched in gay pride parade. (Aug 2007)
* We've come a long way on race, but we have a long way to go. (Jun 2007)
* Developmental thread: tragedy of race must be made right. (Jun 2007)
* Don't ask don't tell was an important transition step. (Jun 2007)
* 2004:defended traditional marriage; 2006:voted for same-sex. (May 2007)
* Pushing for privacy bill of rights. (Jun 2006)
* Gay soldiers need to shoot straight, not be straight. (Nov 2003)
* 1972: Worked with Edelman on school desegregation in South. (Nov 2003)
* Apologize for slavery, but concentrate on civil rights now. (Oct 2000)
* Rebuild trust between police and communities. (Oct 2000)
* End hate crimes and other intolerance. (Sep 2000)
* Gays deserve domestic partnership benefits. (Feb 2000)
* Crack down on sex trafficking of women and girls. (Jan 2000)
* Human rights are women’s rights. (Jan 2000)
* Women’s rights are human rights. (Dec 1999)
* Military service based on conduct, not sexual orientation. (Dec 1999)
* New Yorkers should all just get along. (Dec 1999)
* Don’t punish Brooklyn Museum for Sensation. (Oct 1999)
* Support National Endowment for the Arts. (Feb 1997)
* Sex selection, prostitution & war rape: human rights issues. (Sep 1995)
Voting Record
* Op-ed: Voted no on flag-burning to build centrist credential. (May 2006)
* Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
* Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
* Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
* Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
* Rated 60% by the ACLU, indicating a mixed civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)

Hillary Clinton on Corporations
Click here for 9 full quotes on Corporations OR other candidates on Corporations OR background on Corporations.

* Stop bankruptcies to get rid of pension responsibilities. (Aug 2007)
* Enough with corporate welfare; enough with golden parachutes. (Jun 2007)
* Close lobbyists' revolving door; end no-bid contracts. (Jun 2007)
* Corporate lawyer at Rose Law while Bill was Attorney General. (Jun 2007)
* Corporate elite treat working-class America as invisible. (Apr 2007)
* Companies get rewarded with hard-working people left hanging. (Mar 2007)
* Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
* Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)
* Rated 35% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)

Hillary Clinton on Crime
Click here for 6 full quotes on Crime OR other candidates on Crime OR background on Crime.

* Mandatory sentences have been too widely used. (Jun 2007)
* Tap into churches to avoid more Louima & Diallo cases. (Mar 2000)
* Supports “Three Strikes” and more prison. (Aug 1994)
* Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
* More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)
* Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)

Hillary Clinton on Drugs
Click here for 2 full quotes on Drugs OR other candidates on Drugs OR background on Drugs.

* Divert non-violent drug offenders away from prison. (Jun 2007)
* Address drug problem with treatment and special drug courts. (Oct 2000)

Hillary Clinton on Education
Click here for 49 full quotes on Education OR 4 older headlines OR other candidates on Education OR background on Education.

* Incentive pay for school wide performance. (Aug 2007)
* Universal pre-kindergarten; and make family the best school. (Aug 2007)
* Total change in No Child Left Behind. (Aug 2007)
* Sent Chelsea to public schools in Arkansas, but not DC. (Jul 2007)
* It takes a village; American village has failed our children. (Jun 2007)
* Establish right to education from pre-school thru college. (Jun 2007)
* Transfer tax cuts from rich & corporations to student aid. (Jun 2006)
* Teacher testing only for new teachers. (Oct 2000)
* Testing only new teachers respects professionalism. (Oct 2000)
* Reforms: teacher corps; more federal funding; modernize. (Sep 2000)
* Buffalo teacher’s strike inappropriate; hope for negotiation. (Sep 2000)
* Opposes merit pay for individual teachers. (Apr 2000)
* Supports merit pay for entire schools. (Apr 2000)
* Scholarships for teachers who go to urban schools. (Mar 2000)
* Increase resources to meet increased standards. (Mar 2000)
* Hold kids to high standards, starting at home. (Jul 1999)
* Address teacher shortage with salary increases. (Jul 1999)
* Teachers need more peer consulting & more recognition. (Jul 1999)
* Social promotion cheats our children. (Jul 1999)
* More after-school; smaller classes. (Jul 1999)
* Read to young kids 20-30 minutes daily. (Jul 1999)
* Entire school staff should focus on school safety. (Jul 1999)
* Metal detectors at school are not much of an intrusion. (Jun 1999)
* Arts education is needed in our schools. (Sep 1998)
* Give kids after-school activities to prevent gangs. (Apr 1998)
* Supports structured inner-city schools, with uniforms. (May 1996)
Arkansas Ed Reform
* AR Reform plan pushed mandatory teacher testing. (Nov 2003)
* Arkansas education: improvement against great odds. (Oct 2000)
* Pushed teacher testing in Arkansas. (Dec 1999)
* AR ed reform: mandate kindergarten, no social promotion. (Dec 1999)
* Passing illiterate students is educational fraud. (Sep 1983)
School Choice
* More teachers, smaller classes, no vouchers. (Oct 2000)
* Vouchers would take money from public schools. (Oct 2000)
* Vouchers drain money from public schools. (Sep 2000)
* Fight with Gore for public schools; no voucher “gimmicks”. (Mar 2000)
* Vouchers will not improve our public schools. (Jul 1999)
* Let’s build up our schools-not tear them down. (Jul 1999)
* Charter schools provide choice within public system. (Jul 1999)
* Charters meet needs of failing public school students. (Aug 1998)
* Vouchers siphon off much-needed resources. (Aug 1998)
* Parents can choose, but support public schools. (Feb 1997)
Voting Record
* Solemn vow never to abandon our public schools. (Jul 1999)
* Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
* Voted YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
* Voted YES on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
* Voted YES on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
* Rated 82% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes. (Dec 2003)

Hillary Clinton on Energy & Oil
Click here for 23 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other candidates on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.

* Invest in alternative energy; jobs that won't be outsourced. (Aug 2007)
* End Big Oil tax break; $50 billion for strategic energy fund. (Jul 2007)
* Agnostic about nuclear power until waste & cost issue solved. (Jul 2007)
* FactCheck: There was no Big Oil tax break under Bush-Cheney. (Jul 2007)
* Energy Independence 2020: $50B for Strategic Energy Fund. (Jun 2007)
* Will make big oil fund alternative energy research. (Feb 2007)
* $50B strategic energy fund from taxing oil companies. (Oct 2006)
* Remove energy dependence on countries who would harm us. (Jun 2006)
* Supports oil reserve release & fund conservation. (Oct 2000)
* Ratify Kyoto; more mass tranist. (Sep 2000)
* Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
* Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
* Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
* Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
* Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
* Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
* Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
* Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
* Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
* Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy. (Mar 2004)

Hillary Clinton on Environment
Click here for 10 full quotes on Environment OR other candidates on Environment OR background on Environment.

* Support green-collar job training. (Aug 2007)
* Put someone in charge of Katrina recovery who actually cares. (Aug 2007)
* Overcome almost criminal indifference to Katrina rebuilding. (Jun 2007)
* Stands for clean air and funding the EPA. (Sep 2000)
* Reduce air pollution to improve children’s health. (Jun 1998)
* Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
* Voted NO on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
* Remove PCBs from Hudson River by dredging 200 miles. (Apr 2001)
* Rated 89% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
* EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)

Hillary Clinton on Families & Children
Click here for 27 full quotes on Families & Children OR other candidates on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.

* Support new parents to promote healthy child development. (Sep 2007)
* Struggling families are invisible to Bush administration. (Aug 2007)
* Hillary's "village" criticized as Big Government. (May 2007)
* Leave no child behind; it still takes a village. (Aug 2000)
* Leave politics out of Elian decision. (Apr 2000)
* Caution in treating preschoolers with psychiatric drugs. (Mar 2000)
* Parents’ dedication improves kids’ lives. (Jan 2000)
* Community support is key to valuing families. (Dec 1999)
* Boycott violent media and products. (Aug 1999)
* Send message: It is the job of children to learn. (Jul 1999)
* Society is responsible for alienation that causes violence. (Jun 1999)
* Help “sandwiched” parents care for elderly plus kids. (Jan 1999)
* More funds for after-school programs. (Nov 1998)
* Keep kids busy from 2PM to 8 PM to avoid trouble. (Nov 1998)
* Spend more time with kids to prevent violence. (Apr 1998)
* “It Takes a Village” is about relationships, not geography. (Oct 1996)
* Change what kids see in the media. (Jun 1995)
* Men should be full participants in child-raising. (May 1994)
* No tea and cookies for her, but no insult intended. (Jul 1992)
Child Law
* 1974 article: put abused children into state care. (Nov 2003)
* Governments can’t love child; but it can help families. (Apr 2000)
* Decide Elian’s fate via ongoing INS legal process. (Apr 2000)
* Treat kids as “child citizens” not “minors” under the law. (Dec 1999)
* No dividing line between government vs. parents & children. (Dec 1999)
* Early-warning hotlines for homicidal & suicidal students. (Jul 1999)
* Expand Family and Medical Leave Act. (Aug 1998)
* Rated 0% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-family voting record. (Dec 2003)

Hillary Clinton on Foreign Policy
Click here for 17 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR other candidates on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.

* Should not telegraph our adversaries about preconditions. (Aug 2007)
* Our fiscal responsibility undercuts Chinese power over us. (Aug 2007)
* US support & no-fly zone, but UN troops on ground in Darfur. (Jul 2007)
* Arabic and Muslim countries take women leaders seriously. (Jul 2007)
* Diplomacy yes; propaganda no; when meeting enemy leaders. (Jul 2007)
* NATO-enforced no-fly zone to end Darfur genocide. (Jun 2007)
* Supported Palestine in 1998, before Bill officially did. (May 2007)
* Dems believe in fighting terror with cooperation. (Jun 2006)
* Engage in world affairs, including human rights. (Oct 2000)
* Human rights are central to our objectives abroad. (Oct 2000)
* Keep Cuban embargo; pay UN bills. (Oct 2000)
* Smartest strategic choice is peace. (Nov 1999)
* Puerto Rico: Stop using live ammo at Vieques. (Oct 1999)
* Foreign aid spending is only 1%; lead by remaining engaged. (Feb 1997)
* Supports micro-loans to third-world women. (Sep 1995)
* China: criticized authoritarianism with women & children. (Dec 1999)
* Voted YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe. (May 2002)

Hillary Clinton on Free Trade
Click here for 16 full quotes on Free Trade OR other candidates on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.

* Export from big agribusiness, but also from small farmers. (Aug 2007)
* Smart, pro-American trade: NAFTA has hurt workers. (Aug 2007)
* No fast-track authority for this president. (Aug 2007)
* Better approach: real trade adjustment assistance. (Aug 2007)
* End tax breaks for outsourcing jobs. (Jun 2007)
* Globalization should not substitute for humanization. (Jun 1999)
* Supports MFN for China, despite concerns over human rights. (Oct 2000)
Voting Record
* Voted against CAFTA despite Bill Clinton's pushing NAFTA. (Oct 2005)
* Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
* Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
* Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
* Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
* Voted NO on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
* Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
* Voted YES on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
* Rated 17% by CATO, indicating a pro-fair trade voting record. (Dec 2002)

Hillary Clinton on Government Reform
Click here for 22 full quotes on Government Reform OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.

* Move to public election financing, not banning lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
* End no-bid contracts, end revolving door in government. (Aug 2007)
* Create a public service academy, like military academy. (Jun 2007)
* Count Every Vote Act: end voting discrimination by race. (Jun 2007)
* Cut gov't contractors and end privatization of government. (Feb 2007)
* Verified paper ballot for every electronic voting machines. (Nov 2006)
* $5M in New York state "pork barrel" bills thru 2004. (Oct 2006)
* Called for ban on all soft money in 2000 campaign. (Nov 2003)
* Lazio received $1M donation from housing industry. (Oct 2000)
* Can we trust as a senator someone who broke an agreement? (Oct 2000)
* Whitewater investigation ends; Hillary questions $52M spent. (Sep 2000)
* Agrees to soft-money ban if it includes independent ads. (Sep 2000)
* Soft money ban & independent ad ban for Senate campaign. (Feb 2000)
* New Democrat: Government is not the solution to all problems. (Feb 2000)
* Give big states a big slice of federal pie. (Aug 1999)
* We need strong and efficient governments. (Jun 1999)
* Government should help people, not support bureaucracy. (Feb 1997)
* Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
* Voted NO on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
* Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
* Voted NO on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
* Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)

Hillary Clinton on Gun Control
Click here for 13 full quotes on Gun Control OR other candidates on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.

* Background check system could prevent Virginia Tech massacre. (Apr 2007)
* FactCheck: VA Tech shooter not declared a danger to others. (Apr 2007)
* Congress' failure at Littleton response inspired Senate run. (Nov 2003)
* Keep guns away from people who shouldn’t have them. (Sep 2000)
* Limit access to weapons; look for early warning signs. (Sep 2000)
* License and register all handgun sales. (Jun 2000)
* Tough gun control keeps guns out of wrong hands. (Jul 1999)
* Gun control protects our children. (Jul 1999)
* Don’t water down sensible gun control legislation. (Jul 1999)
* Lock up guns; store ammo separately. (Jun 1999)
* Ban kids’ unsupervised access to guns. (Jun 1999)
* Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
* Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)

Hillary Clinton on Health Care
Click here for 38 full quotes on Health Care OR 8 older headlines OR other candidates on Health Care OR background on Health Care.

* Outcry if AIDS were leading disease of young whites. (Jun 2007)
* FactCheck: Yes, AIDS is leading disease of young black women. (Jun 2007)
* Lower costs and improve quality and cover everybody. (Jun 2007)
* Electronic medical records save $120 billion in health care. (Jun 2007)
* Insurers must fund prevention without preexisting conditions. (Mar 2007)
* Require electronic medical record for all federal healthcare. (Mar 2007)
* Universal health care coverage by the end of my second term. (Feb 2007)
* I have the expertise to achieve universal healthcare for all. (Feb 2007)
* Increase America's commitment against Global AIDS. (Nov 2006)
* We need a uniquely American solution to health care. (Oct 2006)
* Supply more medical needs of families, & insure all children. (Jun 2006)
* Fought for pediatric rule: new drugs tested for child safety. (Oct 2005)
* Health goal is affordable coverage for all. (Oct 2000)
* Fund teaching hospitals federally because market fails. (Sep 2000)
* Regulate tobacco; fine of $3000 for every underage smoker. (Apr 2000)
* Be prepared with defenses against infectious disease. (Oct 1999)
* Medicare should be strengthened today. (Sep 1999)
* Work toward affordable universal health care. (Jun 1998)
* Smaller steps to progress on health care. (Jan 2000)
1990s Hillarycare
* 1990s plan failed after big pharma & insurance worked on it. (Apr 2007)
* 1990s healthcare reforms laid groundwork for today's reforms. (Mar 2007)
* Still scarred from 1990s reform, but now doing it better. (Feb 2007)
* 1990s reform called "secretive" but had 600 in working group. (Nov 2003)
* Learned lessons on health care; but hasn’t given up goal. (Aug 2000)
Voting Record
* Health care initiatives are her first priority in Senate. (Feb 2001)
* Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
* Voted NO on limiting medical liability lawsuits to $250,000. (May 2006)
* Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
* Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
* Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
* Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
* Voted YES on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
* Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
* Voted NO on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
* Invest funds to alleviate the nursing shortage. (Apr 2001)
* Let states make bulk Rx purchases, and other innovations. (May 2003)
* Rated 100% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record. (Dec 2003)
* End government propaganda on Medicare bill. (Mar 2004)

Hillary Clinton on Homeland Security
Click here for 23 full quotes on Homeland Security OR other candidates on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.

* Wants to repeal don't-ask-don't-tell, but not until 2009. (Aug 2007)
* Should have criticized JCC for calling homosexuality immoral. (Aug 2007)
* Opposed to draft, but register women for draft. (Jul 2007)
* Forgive student loans for universal national service. (Jul 2007)
* Administration secrecy shreds the Constitution. (Jun 2007)
* 9/11: Got $20B to rebuild lower Manhattan. (Jun 2007)
* Big disconnect between rhetoric and reality on security. (Apr 2007)
* Fund first responders with extra $1.7 billion. (Mar 2007)
* Change our Secretary of Defense: he's not credible. (Oct 2006)
* Consistently supported tough anti-terrorism measures. (Oct 2005)
* I despise terrorism and the nihilism it represents. (Nov 2003)
* Supports funding research on missile defense. (Oct 2000)
* Nixon should have been impeached for bombing Cambodia. (Dec 1999)
* A safe world needs the nuclear test ban treaty. (Sep 1999)
* Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
* Voted YES on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
* Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
* Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
* Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
* Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
* Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
* Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
* Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 2003)

Hillary Clinton on Immigration
Click here for 10 full quotes on Immigration OR other candidates on Immigration OR background on Immigration.

* Opposes illegal immigration, but doesn't vote to follow up. (Jun 2007)
* Making English official imperils crises needing translators. (Jun 2007)
* Comprehensive reform to get 12 million out of shadows. (Apr 2007)
* Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
* Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
* Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
* Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
* Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
* Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)

Hillary Clinton on Jobs
Click here for 13 full quotes on Jobs OR other candidates on Jobs OR background on Jobs.

* No salary increase for Congress until minimum wage increased. (Jul 2007)
* Would accept minimum wage as president. (Jul 2007)
* Stand up for unions; organize for fair wages. (Jun 2007)
* Get tough with China and bring jobs back home. (Feb 2007)
* Minimum wage should be tied to congressional salaries. (Jun 2006)
* The working poor deserve a living wage. (Oct 1999)
* America can afford to raise the minimum wage. (Sep 1999)
* Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
* Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
* Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
* Voted NO on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001)
* Protect overtime pay protections. (Jun 2003)
* Rated 85% by the AFL-CIO, indicating a pro-union voting record. (Dec 2003)

Hillary Clinton on Principles & Values
Click here for 76 full quotes on Principles & Values OR other candidates on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.

* Rove is obsessed with me because I take them on & beat them. (Aug 2007)
* Owes opportunity for presidency to generations of women. (Aug 2007)
* Bring your brooms & vacuum cleaners; we got to clean up DC. (Aug 2007)
* If you want a winner to take on right wing, I'm your girl. (Aug 2007)
* After 35 years of experience, ready to lead on day one. (Jul 2007)
* I consider myself a modern American progressive. (Jul 2007)
* Maybe, finally, break that hardest of all glass ceilings. (Jul 2007)
* New progressive vision for the 21st century. (Jun 2007)
* Secret "20-Year Project" with Bill to revolutionize Dems. (Jun 2007)
* 1986: Attacked for accepting state fee with Bill as governor. (Jun 2007)
* 1998: "Conspiracy" infuriated Starr; resonated with public. (Jun 2007)
* A mind conservative and a heart liberal. (Jun 2007)
* Critics call it "extreme makeover" but admit its success. (May 2007)
* Reaches out to conservatives but voting record is liberal. (May 2007)
* Prefers role as knowledgeable expert to role of visionary. (May 2007)
* At her core, Hillary is an idealistic activist. (May 2007)
* Replay of "2 for price of 1" has big pluses & big minuses. (May 2007)
* Biggest mistakes: mishandling healthcare; believing in WMDs. (Apr 2007)
* HILLPAC donated to 30 Senate & Governor candidates. (Nov 2006)
* HILLPAC focus: electing Congressional Democratic majority. (Nov 2006)
* Running for re-election with no promise to serve a full term. (Oct 2006)
* Fined $35,000 for under-reporting expenses in 2000. (Oct 2006)
* Opposed numerous Bush cabinet & court appointees. (Oct 2006)
* Poll: support among women 13% higher than among men. (May 2006)
* Early frontrunner based on name recognition and money. (Apr 2006)
* House of Representatives has been run like a plantation. (Jan 2006)
* Campaigning on strong coalition of women & minorities. (Oct 2005)
* Supported teacher tests & China women despite unpopularity. (Oct 2000)
* Get New York a fair share of budget surplus & Medicaid. (Oct 2000)
* New Yorkers are diverse, big dreamers. (Oct 2000)
* Support minimum wage & more teachers, in Senate or out. (May 2000)
* New Democrat: individual responsibility and community. (Apr 2000)
* New to the neighborhood, but not new to NY issues. (Feb 2000)
* End divisional politics. (Feb 2000)
* “Vast right wing conspiracy”. (Dec 1999)
* Humanness goes beyond acquisitiveness. (May 1969)
* Decried 1980s materialism & excesses of corporate America. (Dec 1999)

[terryg11]

45. union endorsements

doesn't always reflect the way individuals in the union feel. Just because a large union comes out for a candidate doesn't mean all those members will be voting for that candidate.

[Freddie Stubbs]

46. True, but how likely is it for a union to endorse a candidate whom

the vast majority of union opposes?

[progressivebydesign]

48. DU has never been about mainstream Democrats.

I've been here since... well almost the beginning, and I've noticed over the past 7 years that it's gone harder and harder to the left. DU represents a small slice of Democrats, and many on DU wouldn't consider themselves Democrats per se. The DU crowd is awesome because they question everything, they bicker, they dig deep, and they're usually funny (when they're not being snarky!).

Hillary is popular with Democrats, and I'm completely inclined to support her. I consider myself a progressive.

One thing that you have to remember about DU is that the demographic is pretty young. Many of the DUers who are so hardcore against Hillary were not of voting age when Clinton was in office, and when Hillary was a positive public figure (before she was trashed in the media constantly). There is not that emotional connection that many of us have with her because she was such a part of the BEST administration in decades and decades. Hey, any woman that can rise above the "pig in a pantsuit" meme that's been thrown at her for a decade or so, and can hold her head up and run for president, is my kind of hero.

[OzarkDem]

49. Corporate leaders aren't Dems

and they certainly don't understand anything about how Dems will vote, only that they want to buy another presidential election.


As for unions, they're doing the same - buying influence. Their interests are fairly narrow. They're not interested in Iraq, Iran deficit spending or health care reform (other than coverage for union workers). Their support of a candidate means money and some volunteers, but it doesn't bring a lot of votes.

[CT_Progressive]

50. Here is the ACTUAL breakdown of the Democratic Party

Liberal Dem : 43.1
Moderate Dem : 38.9
Conservative Dem : 18.0

DU is nowhere NEAR that moderate. We are predominantly left-leaning.