2004 Presidential Scorebook
Grassfire.org
INTRODUCTION
They said it.
They did it.
You weigh it.
With hundreds of millions of dollars being poured into the 2004 Presidential election, at times it can be difficult to sort through the volume of information and digest where the candidates really stand. One could spend all day scouring web sites, reading the newspaper, listening to the radio and watching TV news without getting a clear picture of of candidates President George W. Bush and Senator John F. Kerry.
Then there’s the other extreme – the one-word summaries of the candidates’ positions offered as “Voter Guides.” We’ve all seen them. Abortion? For/Against. Environment? Good/Bad. Military? Supportive/Not Supportive. If only life were that simple!
What they said and what they did:
In concepting this booklet, Grassfire set out to create a definitive, up-to-date resource that cut through the political spin, and gave citizens real insight and understanding into what each candidate said and did on key issues.
That’s why we have chosen this “Quotes And Votes” format. This Scorebook lays out the key issues facing our nation in 2004 and places what George Bush and John Kerry said and did side by side. Quotes and Votes. Since the President does not actually vote on the issues, we have completed these sections with bills the President signed into law, executive orders, and other documented actions of his administration.
You Score It!
There’s something else unique about this guide – it’s a Scorebook, but we don’t score it, you do. Unlike some materials that either go ahead and “score” the outcome or clearly bias the outcome by the wording, this guide is your Scorebook.
At the bottom of each page, you will find a box that says, “Check here if candidate reflects your position.” As you read Quotes & Votes, check the box next to the candidate that reflects your views. Then, at the back of this Scorebook, you can tally your score. You can rate these issues by choosing how important they are to you: 3 very important, 2 for somewhat important, 1 for less important. Then, tally your “score” and head out to the polls!
Can Your Church Distribute this Scorebook?
Yes! Since Quotes & Votes is a non-partisan guide, your church or community group can distribute this booklet as an informational service to your friends and members. We believe this Scorebook provides a valuable service that you can offer to those in your church or community group.
Grassfire’s Disclaimer
Before you proceed, in the interest of full disclosure we would like to issue a disclaimer. Grassfire.org Alliance is unabashedly a grassroots conservative organization. As a non-profit issues advocacy organization, we take an active stand on behalf of our million-strong team in support of what would generally be called social and fiscally conservative issues.
That said, we have crafted this non-partisan Scorebook with the goal of presenting fairly the actual views and actions of President Bush and Senator Kerry.
We selected the issues that consistently show up in the polling data as the most important issues to voters in 2004 – from abortion to taxes and everything in between. These are the issues that the candidates are talking about. These are the issues that have framed the debate. We searched scores of web sites and sources to find the “Quotes and Votes” that give a fair representation of President Bush and Senator Kerry’s positions.
At the end of the day, we think hard-core Bush supporters and hard-core Kerry supporters will equally find information in these pages to support their candidate. Those still trying to decide how to vote (or whether to vote) may find our innovative scoring system helpful in making the important decision of how to cast their vote on November 2.
That is why we confidently call this guide a “non-partisan” Scorebook on the Presidential election. We hope you enjoy!
Steve Elliott, President Grassfire.org Alliance
John Kerry on Abortion
Abortion Quotes———————————————
On when life begins: “My personal belief about what happens in the fertilization process is a human being is first formed and created, and that’s when life begins. Something begins to happen. There’s a transformation. There’s an evolution. Within weeks, you look and see the development of it, but that’s not a person yet, and it’s certainly not what somebody, in my judgment, ought to have the government of the United States intervening in.”
(7/22/04, ABC News)
General: “Abortion should be rare but it should be safe and legal. And the government should stay out of the bedrooms of Americans.” (Washington, D.C., 4/04)
On Roe v. Wade: “The Republicans want to criminalize the right of women to choose, take us back to the days of back alleys, gag doctors and deny families the right to plan and be aware of their choices – we Democrats want to protect the constitutional right of privacy.” (6/7/03, Massachusetts Democratic Convention)
On partial-birth abortion: “President Bush has signed legislation [the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban] that takes a step backwards for women as his stealth agenda to roll back the right to choose is pushed forward.” (News Release, 11/3/03)
Abortion Votes———————————————
Voted NO on Unborn Victims of Violence Act to make it a crime to harm a fetus during the commission of a violent crime (S.1019, 3/04).
Voted NO on conference report on Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act to ban partial-birth abortion (S. 3, 6/03); Voted NO on bill to ban partial-birth abortion (S.1692, 10/99).
Joined Senate in unanimous consent (none objecting) in passage of Born-Alive Infants Protection Act (H.R.2175, 7/18/02).
Voted NO on bill maintaining the ban on abortions at Department of Defense facilities (S.2549, 6/00).
Voted to repeal laws prohibiting abortions at overseas military facilities (S.1059, 5/99).
George Bush on Abortion
Abortion Quotes———————————————
General: “My Administration encourages adoption and supports abstinence education, crisis pregnancy programs, parental notification laws, and other measures to help us continue to build a culture of life.” (1/16/04, Proclamation)
On partial-birth abortion: “America stands for liberty, for the pursuit of happiness and for the unalienable right of life. And the most basic duty of government is to defend the life of the innocent. Every person, however frail or vulnerable, has a place and a purpose in this world. Every person has a special dignity. This right to life cannot be granted or denied by government, because it does not come from government, it comes from the Creator of life.” (11/5/03, White House)
General: “I will lead our nation toward a culture that values life – the life of the elderly and the sick, the life of the young, and the life of the unborn. I know good people disagree on this issue, but surely we can agree on ways to value life by promoting adoption and parental notification, and when Congress sends me a bill against partial-birth abortion, I will sign it into law.” (8/3/00, Republican National Convention)
Abortion Votes———————————————
Signed into law Unborn Victims of Violence Act to make it a crime to harm a fetus during the commission of a violent crime (4/1/04).
Signed into law the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 to ban partial-birth abortion (6/03).
Signed into law Born-Alive Infants Protection Act to protect infants who are born alive, even victims of abortion (8/5/02).
In first week in office reinstated Mexico City Policy by Executive Order. This policy denies taxpayer funds to groups that promote abortion overseas (01/01).
John Kerry on the Economy
Economy Quotes———————————————
Trade policy: “We value an America that exports products, not jobs – American workers should never have to subsidize the loss of their own job. Next, we will trade and compete in the world. But our plan calls for a fair playing field – because if you give the American worker a fair playing field, there’s nobody in the world the American worker can’t compete against.” (Democratic National Convention, 7/29/04)
On outsourcing: “We’re told that outsourcing jobs is good for America. And they say that anyone who thinks otherwise is a pessimist. There is nothing more pessimistic than saying America can’t do better. We can do better and we will.” (Democratic National Convention, 7/29/04)
On Job Creation: “The first thing we have to do is to roll back the Bush tax cut for the wealthiest Americans…. Then we can create jobs and invest in our people. With the right economic plan, we can turn our economy around, invest in people and reduce deficits all at the same time.” (MoveOn.org interview 6/17/03)
Economy Votes———————————————
Voted NO on 2004 Budget Resolution for Tax Cut Cap.
Redirecting tax cuts to put $376 billion toward deficit reduction (S.Con Res. 23, 3/21/03).
Voted NO on Extending a $1K Child Tax Credit until 2013 (S.Con. Res. 23, 3/26/03).
Voted NO on permanently repealing the estate tax (H.R. 8, 6/12/02).
Voted NO on increasing the amount of debt reduction by $75M over five years (S. Con. Res. 101, 4/12/00).
George Bush on the Economy
Economy Quotes———————————————
General: “We should limit the burden of government on this economy by acting as good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars. In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland and meets important domestic needs, while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than four percent. This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending and be wise with the people’s money. By doing so, we can cut the deficit in half over the next five years.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress, 1/20/04)
General: “The role of Government is not to create wealth; the role of our Government is to create an environment in which the entrepreneur can flourish, in which minds can expand, in which technologies can reach new frontiers.” (Campaign website, 2004)
Economy Votes———————————————
Signed into law the Relief for Working Families Tax Act of 2003 (H.R. 1308). Amends 1986 Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief for working families and for other purposes (9/23/04).
Signed into law the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (H.R 2). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to accelerate the increase to the $1,000 child tax credit to include 2003 and 2004. Became Public Law No: 108-27 (5/28/03).
Signed into law the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act, (H.R. 1836). Became Public Law No: 107-16 (6/7/01).
Signed into law the Death Tax Elimination Act, (H.R. 8). Became Public Law No: 107-16 (6/7/01).
John Kerry on Education
Education Quotes———————————————
No Child Left Behind: “The Bush Administration began welshing on its side of the bargain almost before the ink was dry on the bill, undermining education funding as part of a larger strategy of directing every available school dollar toward tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.” (A Call to Service, by John Kerry, 10/03)
Charter schools: “I believe it’s time to stop viewing innovative approaches as anomalies or threats to traditional public schools and begin seeing them as part of the future of public education.”
(A Call to Service, by John Kerry, 10/03)
Vouchers: “I have never supported vouchers…. Public schools need resources and support, and vouchers drain them of both.” (Associated Press policy Q&A, “School Vouchers,” 1/25/04)
Education Votes———————————————
Voted YES on No Child Left Behind Act (H.R. 1, 12/18/01).
Voted YES on spending $448B of tax cut on education and debt reduction (H. Con. Res. 83, 4/4/01). Voted for a reduction in the $1.6 trillion tax cut by $448 billion while increasing education spending by $250 billion and providing an increase of approximately $224 billion for debt reduction over 10 years.
Voted NO on Educational Savings Accounts (S.1134, 2/2/00).
This bill would allow tax-free savings accounts for public or private school tuition or other related educational expenses of up to $2,000 per child annually.
Voted NO on vouchers and charter schools (S. 280, 3/9/99).
This bill would give states the authority to waive federal rules normally required to acquire federal school aid.
George Bush on Education
Education Quotes———————————————
No Child Left Behind: “Testing is the only way to identify and help students who are falling behind. This nation will not go back to the days of simply shuffling children along from grade to grade without them learning the basics. I refuse to give up on any child. And the No Child Left Behind Act is opening the door of opportunity to all of America’s children.” (2004 State of the Union Address, 1/20/04)
Accountability in education: “One thing that’s important about accountability is it lets you determine whether the curriculum you’re using is working. If you’re using a lousy curriculum, you’re going to get lousy results. And it helps schools adjust. It helps teachers understand whether or not the systems they use work. This is a tool, this is a helpful tool. Measurement is good.” (“Focus on Education with President Bush,” 9/27/04)
School choice: “At some point in time, in order to challenge mediocrity where we find mediocrity, parents have to be given other options.” (Speech at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C., 2/14/04)
Education Votes———————————————
Signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act 2001. This law seeks to close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility and choice so that no child is left behind (Public Law No. 107-110, 1/8/02).
John Kerry on Environment
Environment Quotes———————————————
On progressive environmental policies: “For 30 years in public life
I have committed to environmental protection. My commitment is driven by the belief that we can safeguard the environment and grow our economy. I have fought hard to reduce the threat of glo-bal warming by supporting renewable energy and increased funding for climate change research. I have also called on Bush to stop blocking progress and to engage in international efforts to mitigate the threat of climate change.” (MoveOn.org interview, 6/27/03)
Agenda: “As President, I hope to enact a federal budget with strong funding for public health and environmental programs; help the millions of Americans facing environmental injustice; enact an energy policy that will protect the environment and make America more secure.” (League of Conservation Voters, 2003)
General: “On Earth Day 2003, I announced a proposal to resume the battle against environmental injustice, in part by greatly elevating it priority for the EPA and other federal enforcement agencies and in part by creating environmental empowerment zones, in which the impact of federal decisions on the health of low-income and minority citizens would have to be taken into account before they are implemented. … I also called for a measure that will be critical not only in dealing with environmental injustice but also in dealing with environmental health issues generally: establishing a national tracking system for chronic diseases and environmental health hazards.” (A Call to Service, 10/1/03)
Environment Votes———————————————
NOT VOTING on cloture vote on Energy Policy Act of 2003, a bill with goals of conservation and securing U.S. energy supply; bill defeated; opposed by some environmental groups (H.R.6, 11/21/03).
Voted NO to confirm the nomination of Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior (PN 96, 1/30/01).
Voted NO on more funding for forest roads and fish habitat (H.R. 2466, The Bryan Amdt. No. 1588, 9/14/99).
Voted YES on reduced funding for Forestry Service Road Construction (H. Res. 277, H. Res. 181, H.R. 2107; became Public Law No. 105-83, 11/20/97).
George Bush on Environment
Environment Quotes———————————————
General: “I will continue to support and promote efforts based on sound science to clean our air, water, and land.” (Washington Post, 4/18/01)
On conservation: “The federal government has a crucial role to play in conservation – particularly in managing our national forests, our park system, wilderness areas, and national wildlife refuges. … It’s time to build conservation partnerships between the federal government and state governments, local communities and private landowners. In all these efforts, we see the future of conservation. What is the federal role? To provide the scientific and financial resources to help states, local communities, and private landowners preserve land and wildlife.” (Sand Harbor speech, part of “Renewing America’s Purpose,” 6/1/00)
“I will seek an additional tax incentive to encourage private conservation. Incentives already exist in the tax code, but only if the land is given away. Many private landowners want their property to be conserved but are in no position to give it away. Under my proposal, the seller would receive a 50% break on his or her capital gain if the land is sold for conservation purposes.” (Sand Harbor speech, part of “Renewing America’s Purpose,” 6/1/00)
Environment Votes———————————————
Executive Order: Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation (8/26/04).
Signed into law the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (H.R. 1904, S. 1449, 12/3/03).
Executive Order Amending Executive Order 13212: Actions to Expedite Energy-Related Projects (5/16/03).
Signed into law Brownfields Legislation to promote the cleanup and reuse of Brownfields, to provide financial assistance for
Brownfields revitalization (H.R. 2869, 1/11/02).
Executive Order: Actions to Expedite Energy-Related Projects (5/18/01). Executive Order: Actions Concerning Regulations that Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (5/18/01).
John Kerry on Faith
Faith Quotes———————————————
Role of faith: “I don’t wear my own faith on my sleeve. But faith has given me values and hope to live by, from Vietnam to this day.” (Democratic National Convention, 7/29/04)
Separation of church and state: “There is separation of church and state in America. We have prided ourselves on that all of my lifetime.... I fully intend to continue to practice my religion as separately from what I do with respect to my public life, and that’s the way it ought to be in America.” (4/12/04)
Faith and public policy: “I can’t take my Catholic belief, my article of faith, and legislate it on a Protestant or a Jew or an atheist.
We have separation of church and state in the United States of America.” (Iowa speech, 7/04)
Faith-based initiatives: “I know there are some who say that the First Amendment means faith-based organizations can’t help government. I think they are wrong. I want to offer support for your efforts, including financial support, in a way that supports our Constitution and civil rights laws and values the role of faith in inspiring countless acts of justice and mercy across our land.” (AME Convention, 7/6/04)
Faith Votes———————————————
Voted NO on bill to deny funds to any school district that prohibited constitutionally protected prayer (Amdt. 2416 to S. 1513, 7/27/04).
Voted YES on the CARE Act, which provides incentives for charitable donations (S. 476, 4/9/03).
Voted NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer (S. 1513, 7/27/94).
George Bush on Faith
Faith Quotes———————————————
Role of faith: “I welcome faith. I welcome faith to help solve the nation’s deepest problems. I understand ... that government must not and will not endorse a religious creed or directly fund religious worship. That’s obviously not a role of government, and that’s not what we’re talking about here.” (Religious Broadcasters Convention, 2/10/03)
Faith in American history: “Since America’s founding, prayer has reassured us that the hand of God is guiding the affairs of this nation. We have never asserted a special claim on His favor, yet we’ve always believed in God’s presence in our lives.” (National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast, 5/16/02)
Faith-based initiatives: “I believe one of the most effective ways our government can help those in need is to help the charities and community groups that are doing God’s work every day. That’s what I believe government ought to do. I believe government needs to stand on the side of faith-based groups, not against faith-based groups.” (Knights of Columbus speech, 8/04)
“Our goal is to end the unfair discrimination against faith-based charities by the federal government. And we’re making substantial progress.” (Knights of Columbus speech, 8/04)
Faith Votes———————————————
Issued Executive Order (first of Presidency) establishing a White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (1/29/01).
Issued Executive Order ensuring equal treatment for faith-based community groups (12/12/02).
Per Congressional appropriation, created the President’s Compassion Capital Fund to distribute grants to faith-based and community organizations that provide social welfare services. To date, total of $99.5 billion has been appropriated, benefiting 1,700 local organizations.
John Kerry on Gun Issues
Gun Issues Quotes———————————————
General: “I don’t think that we can get elected nationally if we are not prepared to stand up against powerful special interests. Too many die each year from guns.” (Primary Debate, 10/27/03)
Assault weapons ban: “I think the Brady Ban is reasonable, the assault weapons ban is reasonable. It’s reasonable to have some waiting period [on gun purchases]. I’m not for [gun] registration. I’ve never been for gun registration.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7/4/04)
Taxing guns: “I think you ought to tax all ammunition more, personally. I think you ought to tax guns.” (CNN’s Late Edition, 11/7/93).
General: “I don’t think the Democratic Party should be the candidacy of the NRA.” (Primary Debate, 11/5/03)
Gun Issues Votes———————————————
Joined Senate in unanimous consent (none objecting) in passage of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, to amend title 18, United States Code, to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from state laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed handguns (7/7/04).
Voted YES (and co-sponsored) Feinstein Semi-Auto Ban (S. 1805, Vote #24, 3/2/04).
Voted YES on McCain Amendment to S. 1805 “to require criminal background checks on all firearms transactions occurring at events” (Vote #25, 3/2/04).
Voted YES on S. 254 Banning Firearms for Citizens Under 18. (Senate Roll Call 140, 5/20/99); Voted YES on Hatch-Craig Amendment to S. 254, (Vote #118, 5/14/99).
George Bush on Gun Issues
Gun Issues Quotes——————————————— Fighting Gun Violence: “We’re going to reduce gun violence in America, and those who commit crimes with guns will find a determined adversary in my Administration.” (5/14/01)
General: “I believe law-abiding citizens should be allowed to own guns to hunt and to protect themselves.” (“A Charge to Keep,” (12/9/99)
On the Brady Bill: “Law-abiding citizens ought to be allowed to protect their families. We ought to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. That’s why I’m for instant background checks at gun shows. I’m for trigger locks. I think we ought to raise the age at which juveniles can have a gun. I also believe that the best way to make sure that we keep our society safe is to hold people accountable for breaking the law. If we catch somebody illegally selling a gun, there needs to be a consequence. The federal government can help.” (St. Louis debate, 10/17/00)
Gun Issues Votes———————————————
Signed into law consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003. Among other appropriations, prohibits the use of funds in this Act for: (1) the implementation of any tax or fee in connection with the implementation of the national instant criminal background check system for firearms; and (2) any system to implement such background check system that does not require and result in the destruction of any identifying information submitted by or on behalf of any person who has been determined not to be prohibited from owning a firearm (2/24/03).
Signed into Law the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, to amend title 18, United States Code, to exempt qualified current and former law enforcement officers from state laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed handguns (7/22/04).
John Kerry on Health Care
Health Care Quotes———————————————
Health care for all Americans: “When I’m President, America will stop being the only advanced nation which fails to understand that health care is not a privilege for the wealthy, the connected, and the elected – it is a right for all Americans. (Democratic National Convention acceptance speech, 7/29/04)
First priority: (Responding to a question as to what his first action as President would be) “I will send to Congress a health care plan that stops spiraling costs, covers every child in America, and makes it possible for every American to get the same health care as any member of Congress. Making health care a right and not a privilege is something worth fighting for.” (Associated Press Q&A, 1/25/04)
On prescription drug bill for seniors: “I can promise you a drug prescription [bill] that will make us proud. I voted against this prescription bill.” (Iowa Health Forum, 8/14/03)
Health Care Votes———————————————
Voted NO on bill to provide health savings accounts. Three other votes opposing health savings accounts (H.R. 1, 11/24/03).
NOT VOTING on 36 of 38 votes taken in Senate on medicare reform and prescription drug benefits for seniors, including 6/26/03 vote in Senate and final Senate vote.
Voted YES on bill to allow patients to sue HMOs and collect punitive damages (capped at $5 million) (S.1052, 6/29/01).
Voted NO on medical liability reform (S. 812, CQ Vote #197, 7/30/02).
Voted NO on bill providing $70 billion in tax credits for small business purchase of health insurance (H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #830).
George Bush on Health Care
Health Care Quotes———————————————
Healthcare goal: “Our goal is to ensure that Americans can choose and afford private health care coverage that best fits their individual needs. To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs. Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates, so they can cover more workers with health insurance.” (1/20/04)
On nationalized healthcare: “I’m absolutely opposed to a national health care plan. I don’t want the federal government making decisions for consumers or for providers.” (Presidential Debate, 10/17/00)
Savings accounts: “Starting this year, millions of Americans will be able to save money, tax-free, for their medical expenses in a health savings account. I signed this measure proudly, and any attempts to limit the choices of our seniors or to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare will meet my veto.” (State of the Union address, 1/20/04)
On medical liability reform: “Because of excessive litigation, everybody pays more for health care, and many parts of America are losing fine doctors. No one has ever been healed by a frivolous lawsuit. I urge the Congress to pass medical liability reform.” (State of the Union Address, 1/28/03)
Health Care Votes———————————————
Signed into law Medicare-Prescription Drug Improvement Act providing medicare reform and prescription drug benefits to 40 million senior citizens (12/03).
Signed into law bill releasing $100 million in federal funds for state high-risk insurance pools to help high-risk Americans have better access to health insurance (12/02).
As Texas Governor, signed into law bill making Texas the first state to grant patients the right to sue HMOs (Texas Health Care Liability Act, 1997).
John Kerry on Immigration
Immigration Quotes———————————————
On immigration reform: “We need immigration reform. But the president’s plan is really a plan to exploit workers in America. It’s not a real immigration reform plan. What I want to do is have a full immigration reform plan that involves earned legalization, involves the technology and support we need on the border, work with President Fox in order to have a legitimate guest worker program. And finally, we need to crack down on those people in America who hire people illegally and exploit workers in the U.S.” (Democratic 2004 primary debate at USC 2/26/04).
Benefits to legal immigrants: “The 1996 welfare reform law made most legal immigrants, including those already in the United States, ineligible for welfare, health care, and other essential programs.” (Campaign website, JohnKerry.com, “Issues” 3/21/04).
Legalizing undocumented immigrants: “Anyone who has been in this country for five or six years, who has paid their taxes, who has stayed out of trouble, ought to be able to translate into an American citizenship immediately, not waiting.” (Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 9/4/03).
Immigration Votes———————————————
Co-Sponsor of S.1614, called “AGJOBS,” a bill that would grant “adjustment of status to certain foreign agricultural workers” and “better working conditions to more workers.” S. 1614 is currently pending legislation in the U.S. Senate. (Note: Senate has no recorded votes on immigration reform in 108th Congress.)
Voted NO on allowing more foreign workers into the U.S. for farm work (7/98).
Voted NO on visas for skilled workers (5/98).
Voted NO on limiting welfare for immigrants (6/97).
George Bush on Immigration
Immigration Quotes———————————————
Temporary-worker program: “I propose a new temporary-worker program to match willing foreign workers with willing employers when no Americans can be found to fill the job. This reform will be good for our economy, because employers will find needed workers in an honest and orderly system. A temporary-worker program will help protect our homeland, allowing border patrol and law enforcement to focus on true threats to our national security.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress, 1/20/04).
On amnesty: “I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary-worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress 1/20/04).
General: “We will bring to the INS a new standard of service and a culture of respect.’’ (Paul Shepard, Associated Press, in Boston Globe, page A12, 7/6/00).
Immigration Votes———————————————
By Presidential Proclamation, suspended entry into the U.S. by immigrants and non-immigrants “certain persons who have committed, participated in, or are beneficiaries of corruption in the performance of public functions” (Proclamation, 1/12/04).
Increased border patrol by 11% since 9/11/01.
Established Student and Exchanged Visitor Information System to provide monitoring and tracking of student and exchange visitors into the U.S. Over 870,000 students registered.
John Kerry on Iraq/Terror
Iraq/Terror Quotes———————————————
General: “We should not send more American troops [to Iraq]. That would be the worst thing.” (Democratic Primary Debate, Albuquerque New Mexico, 9/4/03)
Threat of Saddam Hussein: “[Hussein] is a man who has used weapons of mass destruction...not only against other people but against his own people. This is a man who tried to assassinate a former president of the United States, a man who lobbed 36 missiles into Israel in order to destabilize the Middle East, a man who is so capable of miscalculation that he even brought this war on himself. This is a man who, if he was left uncaptured, would have continued to be able to organize the Ba’athists. He would have continued to terrorize the people, just in their minds, because of 30 years of terror in Iraq.” (Meet The Press, 1/11/04)
Smarter war on terror: “I will fight a smarter, more effective war on terror. We will deploy every tool in our arsenal: our economic as well as our military might; our principles as well as our firepower.” (Democratic National Convention 7/29/04)
Bush as misleader: “I do not regret my vote [in support of Iraq war]. I regret that we have a president who misled America and broke every promise he made to the U.S. Congress.” (2/26/04) “Misleading our nation into war in Iraq makes [Bush] unfit to lead our country.” (9/3/04)
On voting for the $87 billion: “I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.” (3/17/04)
Iraq/Terror Votes———————————————
Voted YES on authorization of use of force in Iraq War (H.J. Res. 114, 10/11/02).
Voted NO on the $87 billion Emergency Appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan Security and Reconstruction (S. 1689, 10/17/03).
Voted YES on deploying missile defense capable of defending against a limited ballistic missile attack (S. 257, 3/17/99).
Voted NO on similar measure (S. 1873, 9/9/98).
Voted NO on use of force in Gulf War (S. J. Res. 2, 1/12/91).
George Bush on Iraq/Terror
Iraq/Terror Quotes———————————————
On terror: “After the World Trade Center was first attacked in 1993, some of the guilty were indicted and tried and convicted and sent to prison. But the matter was not settled. After September 11, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers. The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the U.S. And war is what they got.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress, 1/20/04)
From Ground Zero: (Responding to workers) “I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked down these buildings will hear all of us soon.” (9/14/01)
Dangers in new era: “We must prepare our nations against the dangers of a new era. The grave threat from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons has not gone away with the Cold War, it has evolved into many separate threats, some of them harder to see and harder to answer, and the adversaries seeking these tools of terror are less predictable, more diverse.” (Speech at Joint Forces Command headquarters, Norfolk, Va., 2/14/01)
Iraq/Terror Votes———————————————
Signed into law Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Bill (H.R.1559). Became Public Law No: 108-11 (04/16/03).
Signed into law Department of Defense Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5011). Military construction, improved family housing, and for other purposes. Became Public Law No: 107-248 (10/23/02).
Executive Order: Critical Infrastructure Protection. To ensure protection of information systems for critical infrastructure, including emergency preparedness communications, and the physical assets that support such systems (10/16/01).
Executive Order: Detention, Treatment, and Trial of Certain Non-Citizens in the War Against Terrorism (11/13/01).
Executive Order: Prescribing Regulations Relating to the Safeguarding of Vessels, Harbors, Ports, and Waterfront Facilities of the United States (8/29/01).
John Kerry on Marriage/Family
Marriage/Family Quotes———————————————
Opposes Federal Marriage Amendment: “Had this amendment reached a final vote, I would have voted against it, because I believe that the American people deserve better than this from their leaders.” (7/14/04)
Framing marriage debate: “I think what ought to condition this debate is not the term ‘marriage’ as much as the rights that people are afforded.... I think the word ‘marriage’ kind of gets in the way of the whole debate, to be honest with you, because marriage, to many people, is obviously what is sanctified by a church.” (National Public Radio, 2/9/04)
Opposes same-sex marriage, opposes DOMA:”I will vote against [Defense of Marriage Act], though I am not for same-sex marriage, because I believe that this debate is fundamentally ugly, and it is fundamentally political, and it is fundamentally flawed.”
(1996 DOMA debate)
Marriage/Family Votes———————————————
NOT PRESENT for vote on Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) to define marriage as the union of “one man and one woman.” FMA defeated (S.J.Res.40, 7/14/04).
Voted NO on Marriage Penalty Act, to eliminate the marriage penalty in the tax code. Vote part of Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (H.R.6, part of vote on H.R. 1836, 5/23/01).
CO-SPONSOR Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would “prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.” According to his Senate website, Kerry, “is an original co-sponsor of ENDA and has sponsored anti-discrimination bills every year that he has been in Congress.”
Voted YES on motion to add “sexual orientation” to the definition of hate crimes categories (Cloture motion on S.625, 6/11/02). Original sponsor of Hate Crimes Prevention bill.
Voted NO on Defense of Marriage Act to define marriage as union of “one man and one woman” and protect states from being forced to honor same-sex marriage from another state (H.R. 3396, 9/10/96).
George Bush on Marriage/Family
Marriage/Family Quotes———————————————
Marriage defined: “I strongly believe that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman. I am troubled by activist judges who are defining marriage.” (White House Remarks, 2/18/04).
Supports Federal Marriage Amendment: “Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society. Government, by recognizing and protecting marriage, serves the interests of all. Today I call upon the Congress to promptly pass, and to send to the states for ratification, an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of man and woman as husband and wife.” (White House Remarks, 2/24/04)
Government’s role: “We’ve got to work on additional welfare reforms to help people find a job, help them have the skills necessary to work, so they realize the dignity that comes from being independent from government, and at the same time, strengthen marriage and the family as part of welfare reforms.” (Knights of Columbus speech, 8/3/04)
On courts’ attacks on marriage: “My Administration is defending the sanctity of marriage against activist courts and local officials who want to redefine marriage forever.” (Southern Baptist Convention Remarks, 6/15/04)
Marriage/Family Votes———————————————
Signed into law Marriage Penalty and Family Tax Relief Act, to eliminate the marriage penalty in the tax code. Part of Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (H.R. 6, part of vote on H.R. 1836, 6/7/01).
Refused to make official proclamation of “Gay Pride Month” during term.
Established “Marriage Protection Week,” stating that “Marriage is a sacred institution, and its protection is essential to the continued strength of our society.” (10/03).
John Kerry on Military/Security
Military Quotes———————————————
General: “I will never hesitate to use force when it is required. Any attack will be met with a swift and certain response.… We need a stronger American military. We will add 40,000 active duty troops to strengthen American forces now overstretched, overextended, and under pressure. We will double our anti-terrorism special forces. We will provide our troops with the newest weapons and technology to save their lives.”(Dem. Ntl. Convention, 7/29/04)
On the National Guard: “We need to make better use of what should be a key asset in homeland defense – our National Guard. … We will make homeland security one of their primary missions, and assign Guard units to a standing national task force on homeland security commanded by a National Guard general.”
(“Our Plan for America,” 8/04)
On funding the military: “I don’t think anyone in the Congress is going to not give our troops ammunition, not give our troops the ability to be able to defend themselves. We’re not going to cut and run and not do the job.” (Face The Nation, 9/14/03)
Military Votes———————————————
Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures (S. 1059, 5/26/99), authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2000 for military activities including military base closings.
Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP (S. 257, 3/17/99). National Missile Defense Act of 1999 declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) deploy as soon as technologically possible a National Missile Defense (NMD) system capable of defending against limited ballistic missile attack while seeking continued reductions in Russian nuclear forces.
Voted NO on deploying missile defense as soon as possible (S. 1873, 9/9/98). Bill was regarding the deployment of a missile defense system capable of defending the territory of the United States against limited ballistic missile attack.
George Bush on Military/Security
Military Quotes———————————————
General: “We must extend our peace by advancing our technology. …We have begun a comprehensive review of the US military, the state of our strategy, the structure of our forces, the priorities of our budget. I have given a broad mandate to challenge the status quo as we design a new architecture for the defense of America. … Our goal is to move beyond marginal improvements to harness new technologies that will support a new strategy.” (Speech at Joint Forces Command headquarters, Norfolk, Va., 2/14/01).
On Homeland security: “We have tripled funding for homeland security and trained half-a-million first responders, because we are determined to protect our homeland. We are transforming our military and reforming and strengthening our intelligence services. We are staying on the offensive, striking terrorists abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. And we are working to advance liberty in the broader Middle East, because freedom will bring a future of hope, and the peace we all want. And we will prevail.” (2004 Republican Convention, 9/2/04).
Military Votes———————————————
Signed in to law USA Patriot Act of 2001 (H.R. 3162), uniting and strengthening America by providing appropriate tools required to intercept and obstruct terrorism. Became Public Law No. 107-56 (10/26/01).
Signed into law The Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 (H.R. 3365), to provide additional tax relief for members of the Armed Forces and their families, and for other purposes. Became Public Law No: 108-121, (11/11/03)
Executive Order: Ordering the Ready Reserve of the Armed Forces to Active Duty And Delegating Certain Authorities to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Transportation (9/14/01).
Executive Order: Establishing the Office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Council (10/8/01).
Executive Order: Establishing the President’s Homeland Security Advisory Council and Senior Advisory Committees for Homeland Security (3/21/02).
John Kerry on Supreme Court
Supreme Court Quotes———————————————
Abortion litmus test: “I am prepared to filibuster, if necessary, any Supreme Court nominee who would turn back the clock on a woman’s right to choose or the constitutional right to privacy.” (6/20/03)
More on litmus test: “I believe that a woman’s right to choose is a constitutional right. I will not appoint anyone to the Supreme Court who will undo that right.” (Statement, 5/20/04)
His appointments: “Any president ought to appoint people to the Supreme Court who understand the Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court. In my judgment, it is and has been settled law that women, Americans, have a defined right of privacy and that the government does not make the decision with respect to choice. Individuals do.” (4/9/03)
On Rehnquist’s nomination: “Justice Rehnquist has consistently – consistently – demonstrated an insensitivity to the rights of minorities, women, children and the poor in our society. He has shown himself to be literally hostile to the principle of racial desegregation and to fundamental constitutional principles such as the separation of church and state. I believe that Justice Rehnquist’s views are so far outside of a mainstream of legal thought that he is irredeemably handicapped in his demonstrated ability to effectively fulfill the essential role of a Chief Justice as a builder of consensus on the court.” (Senate Floor Speech, 9/17/86)
Supreme Court Votes———————————————
Voted NO on allowing a confirmation vote on President Bush Circuit Court nominee Miguel A. Estrada for the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals (CQ Vote #40: 3/6/03).
Voted NO on allowing a confirmation vote for President Bush Circuit Court nominee Priscilla Owen (Vote #144, 5/8/03).
OPPOSED nominations of: William Rehnquist as Chief Justice, Robert Bork, Clarence Thomas. Supported nominations of: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer.
George Bush on Supreme Court
Supreme Court Quotes———————————————
On nomination process: “Every judicial nominee should receive an up-or-down vote in the full Senate, no matter who is President or which party controls the Senate. It is time to move past the partisan politics of the past, and do what is right for the American legal system and the American people.” (Statement, 8/1/03)
Vacancy crisis: “On the Senate side, there is a crucial item of business that has been delayed for too long. We face a vacancy crisis in the federal courts, made worse by senators who block votes on qualified nominees.These delays endanger American justice. Vacant federal benches lead to crowded court dockets, overworked judges, and longer waits for Americans who want their cases heard. Regional appeals courts have a 15 percent vacancy rate, and filings in those courts reached an all time high again last year.” (2/23/03)
On his nominees: “As President, I have the constitutional responsibility to nominate excellent judges. And I take that responsibility seriously. The men and women I have nominated are an historically diverse group, whose character and credentials are impeccable.” (White House, 5/9/03)
On litmus tests: “Voters should assume that I have no litmus test on [abortion] or any other issue. The voters will know I’ll put competent judges on the bench, people who will strictly interpret the Constitution and will not use the bench to write social policy.
I believe in strict constructionists.” (10/3/00)
Supreme Court Votes———————————————
Through July 2004, had offered 225 judicial nominations to the federal circuit and district courts. Ten nominations have been blocked by filibuster in the U.S. Senate.
John Kerry on Taxes
Tax Reform Quotes———————————————
General: “I will cut middle class taxes. I will reduce the tax burden on small business. And I will roll back the tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals who make over $200,000 a year, so we can invest in job creation, health care, and education.” (Democratic National Convention, 7/29/04)
On the President’s tax cuts: “I will roll back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.” (Associated Press, 1/25/04)
On the 10% tax bracket: “The 10% bracket (in the Bush tax plan) wasn’t Bush’s idea. It was our idea. It was in keeping with the spirit of the Democratic Party to try to help the average American get ahead.” (Debate at Pace University in Lower Manhattan, 9/25/03)
Tax Reform Votes———————————————
NOT VOTING on Conference report vote on Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004, (H.R. 1308, 9/23/04); measure passed previously in Senate by voice vote (6/5/03).
Voted NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years (H.R. 2, 5/23/03), but then voted to adopt the conference report on the bill.
Voted NO on bill that would reduce all income tax rates and make other tax cuts (including the estate tax) totaling $1.35 trillion over 11 years (H.R. 1836, 5/23/01).
Voted NO on eliminating the marriage tax penalty in 2001 (H.R.6, part of vote on H.R. 1836, 5/23/01) and 2000 (H.R. 4810, 7/18/00).
Voted NO on across-the-board spending cut (Nickles Amendment #1889; Bill S.1860, 10/6/99). Amendment stated that Congress should adopt an across-the-board cut in all discretionary funding, to protect the Social Security Trust Fund.
Voted NO on $792B tax cuts (Gramm Amendment #1405, S. 1429, 7/29/99). To waive the Congressional Budget Act against the Gramm (R-TX) amendment which would reduce taxes by $792 billion over 10 years by reducing all income tax rates by 10%, effectively eliminating the so-called “marriage penalty.”
George Bush on Taxes
Tax Reform Quotes———————————————
General: “The tax relief you [Congress] passed is working. And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong and growing stronger. You have doubled the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reduced the marriage penalty, begun to phase out the death tax, reduced taxes on capital gains and stock dividends, cut taxes on small businesses, and you have lowered taxes for every American who pays income taxes.
Americans took those dollars and put them to work, driving this economy forward. … Manufacturing activity is increasing, inflation is low, interest rates are low, exports are growing, productivity is high, and jobs are on the rise. These numbers confirm that the American people are using their money far better than government would have, and you were right to return it.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress, 1/20/04)
On making tax cuts permanent: “The tax reductions you (Congress) passed are set to expire…. What the Congress has given, the Congress should not take away. For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent.” (2004 State of the Union address to joint session of Congress, 1/20/04)
Tax Reform Votes———————————————
Signed into law the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004, to extend prior family tax relief provisions (10/6/04).
Signed into law Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act, H.R. 1836. Revises 1986 Internal Revenue Code to include, among other things, repealing the federal estate and gift taxes, expanding the child tax credit, and a reduction in the marriage penalty. Became Public Law No: 107-16 (6/7/01).
Signed into law Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, H.R. 2. Commonly known as the Tax Cut Bill. Became Public Law No: 108-27 (5/28/03).
Signed into law Death Tax Elimination Act, H.R. 8.
Became Public Law No: 107-16 (6/7/01).
