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Fox"News" Spin: All Those Democrats Just Elected Are "Conservatives"
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| Fox"News" Spin: All Those Democrats Just Elected Are "Conservatives"
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| Ass Boil |
The latest pathetic spin by Republicans is that all those Democrats elected on Tuesday were actually "conservatives", and this is further proof to them that America is a "conservative" nation....
This begs 2 questions:
1. If those candidates were so "conservative", why were the Republicans fighting so hard to win? Using their own logic, there would be no difference between Dems and Repugs on core issues.
2. When did "conservatives" start wanting to raise minimum wage and provide health care to all americans?
Quote:
Ignoring widespread agreement on core issues, media suggested wins by "conservative Democrats" will cause intraparty strife
Summary: Media figures have attributed Democratic gains in the House and Senate in the midterm elections to the number of wins by conservative or moderate Democratic challengers and have suggested that because the party's victory in the House was purportedly "built on the back of more centrist candidates," the incoming Democratic majority will be sharply divided. However, a Media Matters for America survey of the policy positions of 27 victorious House candidates found that they all agree on a core set of issues, including raising the minimum wage and protecting Social Security.
In the wake of the November 7 midterm elections, numerous media figures have attributed the Democratic gains in the House and Senate to the number of wins by conservative or moderate Democratic challengers. Moreover, the media have suggested that because the party's victory in the House was purportedly "built on the back of more centrist candidates," the incoming Democratic majority will be sharply divided. But a Media Matters for America survey of the policy positions of 27 Democratic House candidates -- those who, as of the morning of November 8, had defeated Republican incumbents or been elected to open seats previously held by Republicans -- found that they all agree on a core set of issues, including raising the minimum wage and protecting Social Security. Further, this incoming crop of Democrats largely agrees on the most contentious social issues of the day: All but two of the 27 challengers support embryonic stem cell research and only five describe themselves as "pro-life" on the issue of abortion.
The effort on the part of conservative media figures to cast a Democratic takeover in Congress as a victory for conservatism began days before the election. Referring to several competitive Senate candidates, including that of Rep. Harold Ford Jr. in Tennessee, Robert Casey Jr. in Pennsylvania, and Jim Webb in Virginia on the October 30 edition of CNN's Larry King Live, radio talk show host Laura Ingraham said, "[A]ll these Democrats are running fairly conservative campaigns." As New York Observer national correspondent Joe Conason noted in a November 6 column, Ingraham appeared to argue that "the defeat of Republican candidates would somehow represent a triumph of her ideology." Indeed, Ingraham even stated that "Ronald Reagan is up there smiling down on us right now saying that, all things considered, conservatism isn't doing so bad."
On the November 6 edition of CNN Newsroom, conservative radio talk show host and CNN political analyst William Bennett echoed Ingraham, asserting that "Democrats have an advantage" because they have recruited candidates in competitive districts "who, except for the 'D,' you would think are conservative Republicans." Bennett went on to predict Democrats would retake the House "with the benefit of some Republican impersonations."
On November 7, Democrats won control of the U.S. House of Representatives with a gain of at least 27 seats. Following news of the Democratic takeover, an array of media figures advanced the theory put forth by Ingraham and Bennett that this result was due to the number of conservative Democratic challengers. Following are several examples:
On the November 8 edition of CBS' The Early Show, CBS News chief Washington correspondent Bob Schieffer asserted: "These Democrats that were elected last night are conservative Democrats. They are not like some of the liberal firebrands that are in the House right now." He further stated: "The problem that [House Democratic Leader] Nancy Pelosi [CA] is going to have is not so much with the Republican White House, but with her own party."
On the November 8 edition of his nationally syndicated radio show, Rush Limbaugh claimed that, because it "could not win this election being liberals," the Democratic Party "nominated a bunch of moderate and conservative Democrats for the express purpose of electing a far-left Democrat [sic] leadership." He added: "[L]iberalism didn't win anything yesterday; Republicanism lost. Conservatism was nowhere to be found other than on the Democrat [sic] side of the aisle."
As blogger Matthew Yglesias noted, in a November 8 post on National Review Online's weblog The Corner, CNBC host Larry Kudlow wrote, "Look at blue dog conservative Dem victories, and look at Northeast liberal GOP defeats. The changeover in the House may well be a conservative victory, not a liberal one."
In a November 8 Washington Post front-page article, staff writers Peter Baker and Jim VandeHei reported that "the Democrats' victory was built on the back of more centrist candidates seizing Republican-leaning districts." They further asserted that the party's "politics will be shaped by the resurgence of 'Blue Dog' Democrats, who come mainly from the South and from rural districts in the Midwest and often vote like Republicans" and that "Democratic divisions could complicate Pelosi's plans."
Elsewhere, media figures echoed Schieffer and the Post's suggestion that the election of these centrist Democrats could "complicate" Pelosi's job if she is elected speaker:
During MSNBC's election night coverage, NBC News chief White House correspondent David Gregory reported that "Nancy Pelosi, Republicans will argue, is also not going to have a liberal coalition of Democrats in the House." Gregory added that she is going to have to "contend" with some "right-of-center Democrats who are winning in red areas around the country" and who "may be more supportive of the administration's point of view."
In a November 8 Associated Press article, staff writer Laurie Kellman reported: "The Democrats' grip on power has its limits, beginning from within their own caucus. Some of the House's longest-serving liberals will be in charge of key committees, putting them at odds, in some respects, with Pelosi and several Democrats elected Tuesday who are ideologically more conservative and could help tug the party to the center."
On the November 8 edition of CNN's American Morning, co-host Miles O'Brien said that the Democrats now have "Nancy Pelosi, very liberal, at the top, and then a lot of conservatives, those so-called 'Blue Dog' Democrats, that won here." He then asked John Mercurio, senior editor of National Journal's The Hotline, "Is it going to be difficult to corral that group?" Mercurio replied: "[Y]ou just put your finger on what I think is going to be the most unique and specific challenge she's going to have going into the Congress."
But the policy positions taken by those Democrats who picked up Republican-held seats on November 7 show that they largely agree on a set of issues central to the Democratic platform. Following are the findings of a Media Matters examination of the positions staked out by the 27 Democratic challengers on their campaign websites, in news reports, and in candidate questionnaires:
All 27 candidates support raising the minimum wage.
All 27 candidates advocate changing course in Iraq.
All 27 candidates oppose efforts to privatize Social Security.
Only two of the 27 candidates do not support embryonic stem cell research.
Only five of the 27 candidates describe themselves as "pro-life."
From the October 30 edition of CNN's Larry King Live:
INGRAHAM: Well, I think one thing we're seeing, Larry, is that the Democrats who are in these interesting races, whether it's Casey in Pennsylvania or Harold Ford Jr. in Tennessee, or even James Webb in Virginia, all these Democrats are running fairly conservative campaigns. I mean, we had Harold Ford Jr. talking about how "I'm the guy who loves Jesus and loves guns," last weekend. You have Casey who is pro-life and Webb, former Reagan administration official.
So, the Democrats who I think are perhaps on the verge of doing something amazing for the Democrat [sic] Party, are actually, you know, looking fairly conservative -- and, I don't know what that says about the future of the Democrat [sic] Party -- but, as a conservative, I think Ronald Reagan is up there smiling down on us right now saying that, all things considered, conservatism isn't doing so bad.
From the November 6 edition of CNN Newsroom:
BENNETT: If you look at the CNN poll, if you read some of these papers, listen to some of this, you would think, "It's not a wave, but a tsunami, and we don't -- we don't stand a chance." What I think is: The Democrats have an advantage; a lot of circumstances; a lot of -- they've run a lot of good campaigns. They have a number of people running in some of these House races who, except for the "D," you would think are conservative Republicans. These are in many of the important districts.
HEIDI COLLINS (co-host): Yeah.
BENNETT: And the poll -- and the polls are favoring. What do I think? I think if the Democrats get the House back, they will do so with the benefit of some Republican impersonations.
From the 11 p.m. ET hour of MSNBC's November 7 special election night coverage:
GREGORY: Republicans have already been saying today, "Look, there's some areas where they can get along. How about immigration reform?" The president's more likely to get a comprehensive immigration reform bill along the lines of what he wants with a Democratic House, rather than a Republican House. Yes, that's the case, because his own party was so far apart with -- from him on the issue of immigration.
Nancy Pelosi, Republicans will argue, is also not going to have a liberal coalition of Democrats in the House. She's going to have some right, right-of-center Democrats who are winning in red areas around the country to contend with, as well. They may be more supportive of the administration's point of view.
From the November 8 edition of CBS' The Early Show:
HANNAH STORM (co-host): What about Nancy Pelosi? What sort of challenges does she face?
SCHIEFFER: You know, I'll tell you.
STORM: She's leading a majority.
SCHIEFFER: I'll tell you, Hannah. The problem that Nancy Pelosi is going to have is not so much with the Republican White House, but with her own party. These Democrats that were elected last night are conservative Democrats. They are not like some of the liberal firebrands that are in -- in the House right now. So, she's got to bring those two groups together, make them be a cohesive force, or else what you're going to see is a Republican president reaching out to the conservative Democrats and forming coalitions. That's what Eisenhower did. That's what often happens when you have a president of one party and a Congress controlled by the other party.
From the November 8 edition of CNN's American Morning:
O'BRIEN: In point of fact, that still is -- it's a pretty narrow margin as far as doing business, and especially when you consider many of the Democrats who won were conservative Democrats.
MERCURIO: Absolutely.
O'BRIEN: The Democratic Party has Nancy Pelosi, very liberal, at the top, and then a lot of conservatives, those so-called "Blue Dog" Democrats, that won here. Is it going to be difficult to corral that group?
MERCURIO: I think that is exactly -- you just put your finger on what I think is going to be the most unique and specific challenge she's going to have going into this Congress. She needs to address the fact that the American public has repudiated the status quo, the Republicans, the Iraq war, a lot of other Bush administration policies. So, she needs to respond to that, but she also -- which you have to do in a sort of partisan way -- but she also has to reach across the aisle with what could be a Republican Senate and deal with these conservative Democrats. So, I really think Nancy Pelosi has a very complicated job ahead of her.
From the November 8 edition of The Rush Limbaugh Show:
LIMBAUGH: [Hoover Institute senior fellow] Thomas Sowell put this very well. He said the latest example of election fraud is actually what the Democrats did; they nominated a bunch of moderate and conservative Democrats for the express purpose of electing a far-left Democrat [sic] leadership.
The Democrats, if you're looking for good [inaudible], Democrats could not win this election being liberals. They could not have won the House being liberals, maybe in some parts of the country, but I mean, all these -- all the Democrats flexing their muscles and feeling good about this have to admit here that liberalism didn't win anything yesterday; Republicanism lost. Conservatism was nowhere to be found other than on the Democrat [sic] side of the aisle.
http://mediamatters.org/items/printable/200611080009
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| mb33139 |
True conservatives abandoned the republicans a while back. What is left over are mostly neocons, cowards and religous zelots each with their own agenda, which is far from conservative.
Funny how they said "if the democrats win, terrorists win". I guess the conservatives support the terrorists too... Self conflicting idiots. |
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| patcracker |
FoxNews ratings have been decling for a couple years now. I guess after the results of the Midterm Elections the ratings will take another dive.
:hw: Hi Bill O'Rielly |
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| Ass Boil |
| Where are some of our resident Bush apologists to explain for us how "conservative" all these Democrats are? |
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| tourette_ticker |
I know you guys love to bash FOX, but what about CNN?
If it walks, talks like a conservative, can it be a Dem?
POSTED: 12:05 a.m. EST, November 11, 2006
From John King
CNN
(CNN) -- Brad Ellsworth opposes abortion and same-sex marriage and is an Indiana sheriff who very much believes in the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
And he's coming to Congress as a Democrat.
story here
sounds conservative to me. |
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| Ass Boil |
Quote: Originally posted by tourette_ticker
I know you guys love to bash FOX, but what about CNN?
If it walks, talks like a conservative, can it be a Dem?
POSTED: 12:05 a.m. EST, November 11, 2006
From John King
CNN
(CNN) -- Brad Ellsworth opposes abortion and same-sex marriage and is an Indiana sheriff who very much believes in the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
And he's coming to Congress as a Democrat.
story here
sounds conservative to me. |
From the article above:
Quote:
the policy positions taken by those Democrats who picked up Republican-held seats on November 7 show that they largely agree on a set of issues central to the Democratic platform. Following are the findings of a Media Matters examination of the positions staked out by the 27 Democratic challengers on their campaign websites, in news reports, and in candidate questionnaires:
All 27 candidates support raising the minimum wage.
All 27 candidates advocate changing course in Iraq.
All 27 candidates oppose efforts to privatize Social Security.
Only two of the 27 candidates do not support embryonic stem cell research.
Only five of the 27 candidates describe themselves as "pro-life." |
The point is that not all Democrats have exactly the same answers on every issue. But on most of the core issues, most of the candidates have similar positions. In rural Indiana I would not expect a liberal to win. Think Ben Nelson of NE... |
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| tourette_ticker |
Quote: Originally posted by Ass Boil
From the article above:
The point is that not all Democrats have exactly the same answers on every issue. But on most of the core issues, most of the candidates have similar positions. In rural Indiana I would not expect a liberal to win. Think Ben Nelson of NE... |
You are correct of course. My point was that this isn't just FOX spin. Much of the news is running something similar. (even if they did just pick it up from R talking points) |
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| Crusader76 |
Is Jim Webb in Virginia you're definition of a "liberal Democrat?"
The point is simple, the Democrats picked up seats running conservative Democrats for office. Most of the the successful ones ran on government reform, reduced spending, ect. There's nothing dishonest about pointing this out, and I think it's a good thing for the Democrat party.
Some are concerned that many of these newly elected reps don't resemble the Democrat party leadership.
But this isn't an example of bias- it's a reasonable observation. These newly elected congressmen are not as radical as Nancy Pelosi or MoveOn.org. |
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| Ass Boil |
Quote: Originally posted by tourette_ticker
You are correct of course. My point was that this isn't just FOX spin. Much of the news is running something similar. (even if they did just pick it up from R talking points) |
But Fox obviously repeats more of the Republican talking points than anyone else, so IMHO they can take more of the blame than anyone else....
Here is the breakdown from the MM survey of candidates:
Quote:
2006 Election Candidates
Summary:
Following the November 7 midterm elections, Media Matters for America examined the policy positions of those Democratic House candidates who, as of the morning of November 8, had defeated Republican incumbents or been elected to open seats previously held by Republicans. This survey of the Democrats' campaign websites, candidate questionnaires, and statements in news reports found that these incoming lawmakers agree on a set of issues central to the Democratic platform, including raising the minimum wage, changing course in Iraq, and protecting Social Security:
All 27 candidates support raising the minimum wage.
All 27 candidates advocate changing course in Iraq.
All 27 candidates oppose efforts to privatize Social Security.
Only two of the 27 candidates do not support embryonic stem cell research.
Only five of the 27 candidates describe themselves as "pro-life."
Following is a list of the 27 candidates and their respective positions:
Harry Mitchell (AZ-05)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-08)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Jerry McNerney (CA-04)
Supports raising the minimum wage [Contra Costa Times, 10/14/06]
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Ed Perlmutter (CO-07)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Chris Murphy (CT-05)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Tim Mahoney (FL-16)
Supports raising the minimum wage [Jupiter Courier, 9/17/06]
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Ron Klein (FL-22)
Supports raising the minimum wage [Palm Beach Post, 11/5/06]
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Joe Donnelly (IN-02)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Brad Ellsworth (IN-08)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Baron Hill (IN-09)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Bruce Braley (IA-01)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Dave Loebsack (IA-02)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Nancy Boyda (KS-02)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
John Yarmuth (KY-03)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Tim Walz (MN-01)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Heath Shuler (NC-11)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Paul Hodes (NH-02)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
John Hall (NY-19)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Michael Arcuri (NY-24)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Zack Space (OH-18)
Supports raising the minimum wage [Jackson County Times-Journal, 11/2/06]
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Jason Altmire (PA-04)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Joe Sestak (PA-07)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Chris Carney (PA-10)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Nick Lampson (TX-22)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Pro-choice
Steve Kagen (WI-08)
Supports raising the minimum wage
Advocates changing course in Iraq
Opposes efforts to privatize Social Security
Supports embryonic stem cell research [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10/27/96]
Pro-choice |
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| tourette_ticker |
| There is no doubt that with the strong Democratic win, much of the liberal agenda will make it to Bush's desk. It will be interesting to see if he suddenly finds his veto pen, or if he will let much of it go through without signature. It will set up an intriguing election in 08. |
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| Ass Boil |
Quote: Originally posted by Crusader76
Is Jim Webb in Virginia you're definition of a "liberal Democrat?"
The point is simple, the Democrats picked up seats running conservative Democrats for office. Most of the the successful ones ran on government reform, reduced spending, ect. There's nothing dishonest about pointing this out, and I think it's a good thing for the Democrat party.
Some are concerned that many of these newly elected reps don't resemble the Democrat party leadership.
But this isn't an example of bias- it's a reasonable observation. These newly elected congressmen are not as radical as Nancy Pelosi or MoveOn.org. |
Can you not read?
No one is claiming that Webb is a "liberal". Republicans are the only ones who want to parse words about this kind of shit. But Jim Webb is most definitely a progressive populist, and those beliefs very clearly lie closer to the Democratic side of the spectrum, than the Republican side.... it is not that hard to comprehend.
Please tell me what about his position is not Democratic:
Quote:
Economic and Social Fairness
This country is splitting into three pieces. As a result of the internationalization of the economy, the people at the top have never had it so good. The middle class is continuing to get squeezed by stagnant wages and rising cost of living. And we are in danger of creating a permanent underclass. We must reexamine our tax and trade policies and reinstitute notions of fairness, and also enforce our existing trade laws so that free trade becomes fair trade.
Education
Education is the only way to level the playing field and provide all Americans with the opportunity to succeed. Jim is a product of public schools. Jim’s children attended public schools. So Jim has first hand knowledge of the wonderful job our teachers do, and the challenges they face. Testing and accountability are a good first step, but they are not enough to ensure a good education for all Americans. It is vital that we take the crucial next steps to improve academic achievement in American schools.
The testing and accountability included in No Child Left Behind are a good first step. Teachers and school districts must have access to the resources that are needed to implement the mandates placed on states by the No Child Left Behind law. It is vital that Congress fully fund the mandates of No Child Left Behind.
Health Care
First by growing up in a military family and then as a consequence of having been wounded in Vietnam Jim has had the privilege of using the military health care system his whole life. The care and service the military provides is top notch. Jim believes that all Americans deserve access to some form of quality health care. Health care legislation should focus on providing people access to health care, not simply on corporate profits.
Reforming the Medicare prescription drug benefit should be a priority. The plan is a step in the right direction, but the benefit is confusing to consumers. By preventing Medicare from negotiating a discount the cost of the program is excessively high.
Infrastructure
The crumbling infrastructure of the country is the direct result of failed leadership at the national level. Jim has often observed that hurricane Katrina did not destroy New Orleans; rather, the damage was the direct result of 15 years of poor leadership and arrogance that prevented necessary improvements to the levee system. This same incompetence threatens Americans of all social and economic backgrounds.
Immigration
The immigration debate is divided into three separate issues. How can we secure our border? What should we do about the 11 million undocumented workers? And, lastly there is the guest worker question. It is necessary to separate out the 3 issues. The primary concern must be securing the border. Immediate action is needed to stem the flow of illegal border crossings. Approaching the issue using an omnibus bill that attempts to solve all three issues simultaneously creates a political stalemate that delays the border security solution. There is a consensus that our border security must be improved and we should act on that consensus as soon as possible. Once the border is secure we can develop a fair solution to other immigration issues.
Israel
Israel and the United States have shared a special relationship founded on common democratic values and ideals. Israel is a crucial ally in the War on Terror providing invaluable expertise on counter-terrorism activities. Threats such as Hamas and Iran have threatened stability in the region by refusing to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, by engaging in terrorist activities, and by developing nuclear weapons. The United States must stand with Israel as she defends herself. We must also facilitate diplomatic solutions to crises facing the region.
Hamas is a terrorist organization bent on the elimination of the State of Israel. The terror they have imposed on Israeli citizens is unacceptable and we must take actions to cease the violence. Specifically, I support U.N. resolution 1701, which increases U.N peacekeeping forces in Lebanon and reaffirms previous resolutions that say Hezbollah must be disarmed and dismantled.
Iran supports violence towards Israel through the funding of Hezbollah and their continued attempts to develop nuclear arms. Our current occupation of Iraq is partially to blame. It was clear before the invasion that the removal of Saddam Hussein would empower and embolden Iran. We need to pressure Iran to cease these activities using a variety of means include leveraging Iranian allies like China and Russia to take a more hard-line posture, while engaging nations like Syria. Syria and Iran are not natural allies; unfortunately, these nations have formed an unnatural alliance through their opposition to Israel and support of Hezbollah. By working to break this unnatural alliance, we can place a wedge between these nations and help contain Iran’s growing influence.
Greatest Challenge Facing America
There are many challenges facing Americans today: an unpopular war, skyrocketing health care costs, a shrinking job market and rising inequality in society. I believe in the strength of American character and the ingenuity of the American people. With the right leaders we can overcome all of these obstacles. America doesn't lack ideas, it lacks leaders willing to stand up and make courageous decisions.
I have fought — and continue to fight — to protect American values. I fought in Vietnam with the hope that the Vietnamese might share the same freedoms we enjoy. I fought as a congressional committee counselor to guarantee our veterans the treatment they deserve. I fought as Secretary of the Navy to maintain the excellence of our military. I fought, pro bono, on behalf of countless veterans and refugees, in order that they might have their voices heard in the vast government bureaucracy. And I will fight in the Senate to give all Americans the chance to achieve their dreams.
Transportation
Virginia needs more money to reduce traffic congestion. Federal funding is crucial to ensure that Virginia can effectively combat its transportation problem. The commonwealth's leaders in Richmond will decide the particular projects that should receive the most resources. As Virginia's junior Senator I will work with Gov. Kaine and the legislature to implement their transportation priorities by fighting for greater federal funding.
Ethics Reform
There are over 30,000 lobbyists in Washington and only 535 legislators. The influence of lobbyists undoubtedly affects the laws passed by Congress. The influence of money in the political system should be eliminated, or at least minimized. As a Senator I will work to reform the political process to reduce the role of money and lobbyists. Reforms are a part of the answer, but cannot be considered a panacea. The only true solution is to elect candidates who are not beholden to moneyed interests. I have never accepted money to lobby. The people of Virginia have drafted me to run for the U.S. Senate. In the Senate I will make their interests, and the interests of all Americans, my priority. |
Quote:
http://home.hamptonroads.com/storie...3676&ran=234027
Comparing U.S. Sen. George F. Allen (R) and challenger James Webb (D)
IN THEIR WORDS
Why should citizens vote for you?
ALLEN: “For more than a decade, I’ve had the distinct honor of serving Virginians as governor and now in the United States Senate. As we move forward, I am advocating three key missions for the future of Virginia and America.
“First and foremost, we must protect our freedoms – that means supporting our troops in the War on Terror, securing our borders, and making America less dependent on foreign sources of energy.
“Second, we must make America a land of opportunity for all – lower taxes, less litigation, less regulation, more personalized health care options, and improved educational opportunities, especially in the areas of science, engineering and technology. I want America to maintain its competitiveness so we can continue to be the world capital of innovation.
“Third, we must preserve our foundational values – ensuring that unelected federal judges who are appointed for life do not disregard the will, the desire and the hope of the American people.”
WEBB: “I decided to run for Senate because in looking at the state of leadership in this country from 9/11 through Katrina, I did not see strong leadership in our government.
“I can bring to the table for the people of Virginia a variety of experiences that will allow me to see issues differently. After I left the Marine Corps, I worked as a committee counsel in the Congress. I worked in the Pentagon for four years in the Reagan administration. I’ve covered two wars as a journalist and I have authored several books.
“I would like to spend the next six years giving every ounce of my energy to helping our national defense become properly focused, helping to ease the divisions in the country by creating more fairness in our economic system, and standing up to an administration that, in my view, has abused its constitutional powers over the past five years.”
WHERE THEY STAND
Iraq and Afghanistan wars
ALLEN: Allen has been a consistent supporter of the Bush administration’s decisions to invade and to continue military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has accused critics of the Iraq war of discouraging American troops and emboldening the enemy. Allen supports building permanent U.S. bases in Iraq, with the idea that they could be handed over to Iraqis. He has moderated his tone in recent weeks acknowledging that “mistakes have been made” in Iraq and faulting the Iraqi government for not taking strides to protect its people and oilfields. “In the war on terror, there is no substitute for victory. Stability and peace in Iraq is crucial for regional security, but more importantly, for the security of America,” he said. “I want our troops to come home. But we want them to come home in victory, not defeat.”
WEBB: Webb has been a strong critic of the war in Iraq, writing in 2002: “Those who are pushing for a unilateral war in Iraq know full well that there is no exit strategy if we invade and stay.” He said the war, which he calls a “strategic blunder,” is a diversion from, not a response to, efforts to quash international terrorism . “We didn’t go into Iraq because there were terrorists. We got terrorists in Iraq because we went there,” he said.
He has objected to “artificial timetables” for leaving the country but wants the U.S. to make clear to Iraqi leaders and nearby countries that it does not plan to have a long-term presence. He opposes building permanent bases in Iraq. For the short term, he proposes eventually moving U.S. troops out of Iraq but keeping them nearby, possibly in Jordan or Kuwait.
He urges U.S. leaders to begin talks with nearby nations that have cultural and historical ties to Iraq to persuade them to become involved in a diplomatic solution to Iraq’s violence .
(Read more: The candidates answer four questions on Iraq.)
Fighting terrorism
ALLEN: Allen said Iraq is a “key front” in “a global war against terrorism.” He said Americans have made many sacrifices in battling terrorism, including the deaths of military personnel and the spending of billions of dollars. In addition, he said, “Americans have willingly adhered to new, more intrusive security procedures .”
Airport security, he said, will never be completely sufficient because terrorists change tactics. He supports pushing for stronger intelligence on terrorist activities and changing airport security when necessary. Allen said government needs to work with ports to develop better methods to screen cargo, using new technologies. In September, he voted for legislation to create a military tribunal system with judicial protections to try inmates held at Guantanamo Bay.
WEBB: Webb is a strong critic of the Bush administration’s handling of national security and the threat of international terrorism. “There is no end in sight to the conflict in Iraq, the Middle East is out of control, al-Qaida is stronger today than five years ago, and homeland security is being neglected,” he said. He contends U.S. leaders have wrongly linked the war against terrorism with the Iraq war.
He said the U.S. needs to do more to improve port security and close porous borders. He also believes airports are safer today than before the Sept. 11 attacks . However, the best defense is a better intelligence network, he said. Webb said Americans have not been asked to do enough to fight terrorism. “In an ideal world,” he would favor universal service, but believes it’s not practical with the size of today’s military.
The military
ALLEN: Allen advocates expanding Tricare benefits for the National Guard and Reserve. He wants a tax credit for employers that pay the salaries of workers who are on active duty in the Guard or Reserve. He said he has supported pay increases for the military, voted “to give our troops the best body armor … and … the most technologically advanced weapons systems.”
Allen said the future of the Fort Monroe property should be decided by Hampton and the state. Future use should consider the impact the fort has had on the local economy, he said, adding that the historic nature of the property will be preserved.
WEBB: Webb wants a lifetime 5 percent federal income tax cut for all veterans and a vast overhaul of the GI Bill to offer greater benefits to those who have been on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. He believes the U.S. needs more leaders who have served in the military and understand the institution.
Regarding Fort Monroe in Hampton, Webb said he doesn’t have a position on commercial development versus protection as a historic site. “One way or another I think the uniqueness of Fort Monroe should be preserved.”
Abortion
ALLEN: Allen opposes abortion except in cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother. He supported legislation as governor to require parental notification for unwed mothers under 18.
He proposed a federal law to prohibit taking minors across state lines for an abortion in order to circumvent parental notification laws and co-sponsored federal legislation limiting “partial-birth” abortions.
WEBB: Webb supports abortion rights as outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe vs. Wade. He said abortion “should be safe, legal and rare. I believe the power of the federal government should end at our front door, absent a compelling reason to come inside.”
Stem cell research
ALLEN: Allen supports it “but not the kind that would destroy a human embryo. I strongly support and will continue to vote to expand stem cell research done by the National Institutes of Health to obtain the same properties of embryonic stem cells without destroying human embryos.”
He voted against legislation to allow federal funding for research on stem cell lines derived from embryos that would otherwise be destroyed.
WEBB: Webb supports it. He would have voted for legislation allowing federally funded research on a stem cell line from embryos. “It does not harm human life. These embryos are already scheduled to be destroyed. ”
Marriage amendment
ALLEN: Allen supports the proposed marriage amendment to the Virginia Constitution that defines a marriage as only a union between a man and a woman. He also favors a federal version of the amendment.
WEBB: He opposes the marriage amendment to the state Constitution. “ I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. … The way that this amendment is structured, it could affect heterosexual and gay relationships.”
Affirmative action
ALLEN: Allen said he supports affirmative action recruitment policies that “ensure that all have the opportunity and tools to compete, regardless of race, gender or ethnic origin.” He said, “I believe in a meritocracy in which all are given a chance to compete and succeed.”
WEBB: Webb supports affirmative action programs for black Americans but doesn’t believe they should be extended to other minority groups. If they are, he contends that poor, underprivileged whites also should be included.
“African Americans are the only ethnic group in this country that have suffered from deliberate discrimination and exclusion by the government over generations. When this program expanded to the present-day diversity programs, where essentially every ethnic group other than Caucasians are included, then that becomes state-sponsored racism. ”
Education
ALLEN: Allen has been a strong supporter of measurable standards. He ushered in Virginia’s Standards of Learning testing program while governor. He supported the federal No Child Left Behind program but also supported waivers for states such as Virginia that can prove they already have higher standards than those required by the federal government. He proposed legislation to allow families a $1,000-per-child refundable tax credit for education expenses, such as tutoring, computers and software.
WEBB: Webb said the testing and accountability included in No Child Left Behind are a good first step. The federal government must help teachers and school districts by providing the money needed to implement the mandates placed on states by the No Child Left Behind law, he said. He favors making college tuition tax-deductible. He also favors restoring the tax deduction for teacher expenses.
Taxation, budget deficit
ALLEN: Allen said the economy is strong. “People are now paying lower taxes. Our economy is resilient and has come back.” He supports giving taxpayers the choice of remaining in the current tax code or opting to pay a flat tax. He also wants to end the “unfair and harmful” inheritance tax.
WEBB: “We need to end perverse tax loopholes which reward companies for sending jobs overseas. We also need to stop giving tax breaks to already wealthy corporations. We need tax cuts that benefit the middle class so that more Americans can afford basic needs.” Webb said he would push for a greater sense of “corporate responsibility.” That starts, he said, with eliminating tax breaks for many larger companies. Webb said he would increase the current estate tax exemption to $5 million.
Health care, Medicare and Social Security
ALLEN: “My approach is, rather than have the government take over the program and ration health care and who gets it, or access to breakthroughs – whether it’s pharmaceuticals or breakthrough medical devices – is to incent individual responsibility,” Allen said. Allen favors the use of health care savings accounts that allow people to set aside money for their future needs.
He has proposed legislation to increase the amount people can contribute. He also favors establishing health plans to assist small business owners in providing health insurance to employees . He said people who are not getting health insurance through a business or their employer ought to be able to deduct 100 percent of their health insurance cost – just as major corporations can do now.
WEBB: Webb doesn’t have a specific proposal for health care reform but considers the rising cost of health care a “hugely overwhelming issue for the average American.” Webb said the country should move toward a system of mandatory health insurance, with a sliding scale of government involvement. The best approach he’s seen is the Massachusetts plan.
“It’s not a perfect one,” he said. Massachusetts will require everyone who can afford health insurance to buy it by July 2007. Coverage may be through an employer, Medicaid, Medicare or new programs intended to help in the purchase of private coverage. People who are too poor to buy insurance will receive state assistance in paying for their coverage . Webb also favors reforming the Medicare prescription drug benefit, saying the new plan is a step in the right direction but is too confusing for consumers.
Economy and business
ALLEN: He said fair trade agreements create jobs and offer new market opportunities for American businesses. When international competition hurts working people, he supports programs that help train and place workers in new jobs and provides extended unemployment benefits for those in training.
He will support an increase in the minimum wage if the legislation include s tax breaks for small businesses to help them pay their workers’ higher wages. He believes America must encourage and support more students going into engineering and sciences in order to compete globally.
WEBB: Webb argues that while America’s corporations have grown wealthier and prosperous, most of the nation’s workers have not gained from economic growth. He wants to enforce existing trade laws, stop giving tax breaks to companies that outsource U.S. jobs, and raise the $5.15-per-hour minimum wage. He supported an unsuccessful effort last summer to raise it to $7.25 an hour. Webb, who supports unions, believes workers need a chance to negotiate for a bigger piece of the economic pie. “We need to have more collective bargaining in this country,” he said.
Immigration, borders
ALLEN: Allen voted against the immigration reform bill that would extend amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. He said his top priority is to secure the borders with more enforcement, Border Patrol personnel, detention center capacity, and actual and virtual fences.
He also supported amendments to improve border security, prevent illegal immigrants from receiving Social Security benefits for work done while they were illegal and to establish English as the official U.S. language. He favors broadening guest worker programs for “seasonal and technology workers” when employers can’t find Americans to apply for the jobs.
WEBB: Webb opposed the immigration reform bill. He wants first to secure the borders before addressing what should be done with the estimated 11 million illegal workers in the U.S. Webb has said he disagrees with the guest worker program because it drives down wages for Americans and hurts the working poor. He has said he favors “tamper-proof” ID cards. He also wants to significantly penalize companies that hire illegal immigrants.
Environment and energy
ALLEN: Allen advocates letting states explore and develop offshore drilling for natural gas or oil. He has proposed that Virginia be allowed to explore for oil and natural gas 50 miles from its coastline and 25 miles from the boundaries of neighboring states, with the state reaping up to 37.5 percent of production revenues. He also supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge . He is a longtime advocate for expanding “clean coal” technology.
WEBB: Webb supports the development of energy sources such as solar and ethanol, as well as nuclear . He opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, arguing that it would make little difference in the nation’s use of foreign oil. He said the environmental costs associated with drilling there outweigh the benefits.
Webb said he wouldn’t oppose giving states the option to drill offshore as long as the legislation includes provisions to reduce the consumption of oil, such as tougher fuel economy standards or a windfall profits tax on oil companies.
He said tax proceeds should be used to develop and deploy renewable energy sources.
Sources: The Virginian-Pilot, The Wall Street Journal , The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch , The (Fredericksburg) Free Lance-Star ; The Roanoke Times ; The New England Journal of Medicine , NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Virginia Bar Association candidate debate, the campaign staffs of Sen. George Allen and James Webb, www.webbforsenate.com, www.georgeallen.com, http://allen.senate.gov/public/
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| acefree |
Quote: Originally posted by Ass Boil
The latest pathetic spin by Republicans is that all those Democrats elected on Tuesday were actually "conservatives", and this is further proof to them that America is a "conservative" nation....
This begs 2 questions:
1. If those candidates were so "conservative", why were the Republicans fighting so hard to win? Using their own logic, there would be no difference between Dems and Repugs on core issues.
2. When did "conservatives" start wanting to raise minimum wage and provide health care to all americans?
:spankin: |
well some of the new dems are conservative on 'some' issues.
the old reps took conservative stances on nothing. they mearly blindly followed bush. thats all they stood for. congress job is advise and consent. they did neither. they did not do thier job, thats why they got voted out. |
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| acefree |
Quote: Originally posted by Crusader76
Is Jim Webb in Virginia you're definition of a "liberal Democrat?"
The point is simple, the Democrats picked up seats running conservative Democrats for office. Most of the the successful ones ran on government reform, reduced spending, ect. There's nothing dishonest about pointing this out, and I think it's a good thing for the Democrat party.
Some are concerned that many of these newly elected reps don't resemble the Democrat party leadership.
But this isn't an example of bias- it's a reasonable observation. These newly elected congressmen are not as radical as Nancy Pelosi or MoveOn.org. |
u ppl are obsessed over meaningless terms. do u think web would be a good senator or not?? that the fuckng question. i dont care if someone is rep dem green or blue. as long as they are smart and make logical decisons based on facts. |
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| patcracker |
| I like how everyone likes to paint "Liberals" with a broad brush. I am Socially Liberal but Fiscally Conservative. Even though I support some social programs doesnt mean I dont want oversight. Take Medicare. There is Billions of dollars of fraud by Doctors, Insurance carriers and Prescription drug companies that I would love to see reigned in. Does that make me Conservative or Liberal? One of the Reasons why the American people sent alot of incumbents packing is because of lack of oversight. Look at New Orleans, Billions of dollars going down there and nothing getting done. Does that make me Liberal becuase I want accountability for these thieving corporations that are stealing money from the reconstruction effort? I would rather have Social welfare and "help" out those who "need" it than Corporate welfare with those who dont. I guess that makes me a Liberal. Remember those who founded this country were not conservative. |
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| ihatecabbie |
| The "liberal" and "conservative" tags don't mean a goddamn thing. |
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| acefree |
Quote: Originally posted by ihatecabbie
The "liberal" and "conservative" tags don't mean a goddamn thing. |
i agree with the cabster for once.
the terms are used to scare dumb ppl not to vote for the opposite party.
each party targets a whacko on the far left or far right and tries to pretend the whole government will be fucked like that if u vote for thier party. |
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