Comparing the top 2008 Democratic candidates on their voting record

From data collected by Michael Conrad

Kerry - Feingold

The Kerry - Feingold amendment was one of two amendments that that were voted in 2006. Kerry-Feingold set a timetable for withdrawal. The other amendment was Reed (RI) - Levin, which did not set a timetable for withdrawal. Clinton and Obama both voted no on Kerry-Feingold. When asked about this amendment and Reed-Levin, John Edwards said, "I support both amendments."

 

Clinton - Voted No.

Obama - Voted No.

Edwards - Supported

 

Lieberman vs. Lamont

This was the a choice between a Conservative, Warmonger "Democrat", and a progressive Democrat who opposed the war.

 

Clinton - Endorsed Lieberman in the primary. Did not campaign for Lamont

Obama - Endorsed Lieberman in the primary. Did not campaign for Lamont.

Edwards - Did not endorse Lieberman in the primary. Was first major Democrat to campaign for Lamont.

 

The Gregg Amendment

This was seen by most as a pledge not to cut off funds to end the war in Iraq, no matter what.  

 

Clinton - Voted Yes

Obama - Voted Yes.

 

Cutting off Funds to Stop the Escalation of the War

 

Clinton - Stopped short of supporting it.

Obama - Stopped short of supporting it.

Edwards - Supported and vocally called for it.

 

Jim Webb's Iran legislation

 

Clinton - Not on the record.

Obama - Not on the record.

Edwards - Immediately released a statement supporting it.

 

Feingold - Reid (NV)

 

Clinton - Had to be prodded into supporting it.

Obama - Had to be prodded into supporting it.

Edwards - Supported it as a first step, but wanted to go further.

 

Capitulation Bill #1

 

Clinton - Was silent about how she would vote until the vote. Was among the last to vote.

Obama - Was silent about how he would vote until the vote. Was among the last to vote.

Edwards - Clearly and repeatedly opposed the bill from the start.

 

Capitulation Bill #2

 

Edwards stepped up his already vocal opposition to any timetable without withdrawal. He made "No timetable, funding. No excuses." a theme of his campaign.

 

A few weeks later Obama said that he would also oppose a any bill without a timetable for withdrawal.

 

Weeks later, Clinton also took that position.

 

Lieberman - Kyl

This was seen by many as something President Bush could someday use as the basis for one of his "Unitary executive"arguments that he had the authority to attack Iran. At the very least it was a significant step in the wrong direction.

 

Clinton - Voted Yes

Obama - Missed Vote

Edwards - Opposed

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