Nemesis was the Greek goddess of retribution. Her name has come to be used to designate anyone relentless in the pursuit of vengeance.
John O'Neill is John Kerry's nemesis.
O'Neill is the man behind Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which has run a couple of television ads sharply critical of Kerry's military record. John O'Neill was also the commander of Swift Boat PCF 94. The man he succeeded as commander was none other than John Kerry.
O'Neill served in Vietnam for 12 months. When he returned Stateside he was infuriated to learn of his predecessor's antiwar activities. He challenged Kerry to a debate and got his wish in June 1971 on The Dick Cavett Show (he proved a formidable adversary). Now he has coauthored a book, Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry.
It is a pretty klutzy piece of work. The prose is frequently disfigured by irruptions of adjectivitis ("treasonous Jane Fonda"). The chapter headings and subheadings read like the front page of a tabloid - "Kerry's Antiwar Secrets," "The War Crimes Kerry Doesn't Want Investigated." The tone throughout is intemperate. If I were a veteran, especially a Vietnam veteran, probably none of this would matter. But a more measured presentation not only would have proved less grating to the rest of us, but likely would have packed more of a wallop.
The authors have also chosen to start by putting their worst foot forward. The first half of the book is devoted to raising questions about whether or not Kerry deserved the medals he received. After about 20 pages, one feels the need for a scorecard to keep straight who is saying what about when and what. Still, in the midst of all this, they do manage to score a direct hit on Kerry's credibility.
Most of the attention the book has received in the mainstream media has been focused on this part of it. The most telling detail, though, which has been the talk of the blogosphere for weeks, is only now starting to attract notice.
On Oct. 14, 1979, Kerry wrote a piece for the Boston Herald in which he said that "I remember spending Christmas Eve of 1968 five miles across the Cambodian border being shot at by our South Vietnamese allies who were drunk and celebrating Christmas. The absurdity of almost being killed by our own allies in a country in which President Nixon claimed there were no troops was very real."
Obviously, Kerry was ill-served by both his memory and the Herald's copy desk: Nixon didn't take office until a month later. Kerry's memory had improved by March 27, 1986, when he declared on the floor of the Senate that "I remember Christmas of 1968 sitting on a gunboat in Cambodia. I remember what it was like to be shot at by the Vietnamese and Khmer Rouge and Cambodians, and have the President of the United States telling the American people that I was not there; the troops were not in Cambodia. I have that memory which is seared - seared - in me."
The problem, as Unfit for Command gleefully points out, is that a different account of Kerry's 1968 Christmas is given in Tour of Duty: John Kerry and the Vietnam War, the biography by historian Douglas Brinkley that was published earlier this year. His book, Brinkley says, done with Kerry's cooperation, "is based largely on journals and correspondence Kerry kept while on his tours of duty." But by his account, Kerry was in Vietnam during Christmas of 1968, in a town named Sa Dec, about 55 miles from the Cambodian border. In this account, no gunshots are in evidence. Brinkley quotes one of Kerry's letters: "the night soothes everything... . Visions of sugar plums really do dance through your head... . It's Christmas Eve."
Kerry's representatives have since conceded that the candidate was mistaken regarding what had been seared in his memory, but insist that he did indeed eventually make it to Cambodia, though no corroboration has been provided and none of his crewmates can remember being there. Brinkley also says Kerry did go to Cambodia - though not at Christmas in 1968.
The first half of the book notwithstanding, Unfit for Command really isn't about medals, wounds and whereabouts. It's about settling a score, as the second half makes clear. The Swift Boat vets, and a good many other vets as well, deeply resent Kerry's antiwar activities. As they see it, now that he's running for commander in chief, it's payback time.
When Kerry testified before the Senate about American soldiers who "had personally raped, cut off ears, cut off heads... limbs, blown up bodies, randomly shot at civilians, razed villages in a fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan," he was simply repeating what he had heard others testify to at the Winter Soldiers Investigation in Detroit earlier that year. But he repeated it with extraordinary conviction - and without, the authors state, "[verifying] according to any standards of evidence, legal or academic." This continues to rankle a good many veterans.
What stands out in the second part of this book - though the authors don't seem to notice - is not gaps, discrepancies or misrepresentations, but the extent to which Kerry has been consistent in his view of the war and how that has been reflected in his policy decisions. Kerry has regretted the harshness of his language at the time, calling it on one occasion "over the top" and on another the words of "an angry young man." But he clearly continues to believe that Vietnam was the wrong war at the wrong time in the wrong place. So do lots of people. In fact, that's pretty much the conventional wisdom regarding the war.
All this is eminently fair political game, since it is worth pondering whether, should Kerry become president, he would adopt a similar outlook regarding Iraq.
Unfit for Command doesn't come close to settling any of the issues it purports to address. But it does raise some serious questions. After all, 12 of the Swift Boat vets have signed sworn affidavits. Sworn eyewitness testimony may not be conclusive evidence, but it certainly is admissible. Kerry probably should sign a Standard Form 180 authorizing the public release of all of his military records.
And here's another idea: Maybe somebody should take Dick Cavett out of mothballs and have him moderate a rematch between O'Neill and Kerry. It would be a ratings bonanza.
Contact books editor Frank Wilson at 215-854-5616 or fwilson@phillynews.com. Read his recent work at http://go.philly.com/frankwilson.
Still, in the midst of all this, they do manage to score a direct hit on Kerry's credibility....and today a truly direct hit -
(hit).
Had Kerry not made a bid for the presidency, little or none of this would have surfaced. But he insisted on making his 4 months 12+ day and his medals, some specious, the center fold of his campaign and for good reason: he thought no one would question his service and those medals or his testimony, that he would have the same protection he had in 1991. He didn’t figure on the wives, widows, and children of that era and of course the true veterans who served so honorably only to have their efforts and their families trashed for self-gain.
He most probably thought that by focusing on those by gone years no one would look too hard at his voting record while a U.S. Senator. Not even the hefty monies from George Soros or the Hienz wealth can stop the rupture – the man is a proven opportunist and a bogus War Hero; a liberal socialist who would even without the proven fabricated war stories and his anti-American stance, would never be accepted by mainstream Americans as their president, let alone as Commander in Chief. So let us Focus on his Record while in Washington, D.C.
On Key Votes, Kerry Voted 100% Of The Time With Senator Kennedy In 2001, 1999, 1998, 1993, 1992, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, and 1985. Over the course of his Senate career, Kerry has sided with Senator Kennedy 94% of the time for key votes.
As Michael Dukakis’ Lt. Governor From 1983-1985, Kerry Supported Granting Prison Furloughs To Hundreds Of Massachusetts Inmates. Later as a U.S. Senator in 1988, he defended the program: “The furlough program in Massachusetts is tougher than the federal program.” (John King, “Bush Surrogate Gets Ambushed In Dukakis Territory,” The Associated Press, July 6, 1988)
KERRY CLAIMS HE’S FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, BUT VOTES FOR HIGHER TAXES, AND AGAINST TAX CUTS
Kerry Has Voted Against A Balanced Budget Amendment At Least Five Times. Other fiscally irresponsible votes include at least three key votes against lowering overall spending. Kerry Voted Against President Bush’s Tax Cuts, At Least The Tenth Key Anti-Tax Relief Vote Of His Senate Career.
Kerry Voted For The Biggest Tax Increase In American History Under President Clinton.
Kerry Has A Lifetime Rating Of 26% From Citizens Against Government Waste And Is A Long-Time Supporter Of Federal Funding For Boston’s “Big Dig.” Former Senate Government Affairs Chairman John McCain called the project “the biggest, most costly public works project in U.S. history.” The “Big Dig” was estimated to cost $2.6 billion when it was approved in 1985. The cost to date has totaled more than $13.6 billion. (“Congressional Ratings,” Citizens Against Government Waste Website, www.cagw.org, Accessed January 7, 2003; Natalie M. Henry, “Senate Commerce Investigates Overspending On Boston’s ‘Big Dig,’” Environment And Energy Daily, May 3, 2000)
KERRY IS EXTREME ON ABORTION, SUPPORTING FEDERAL FUNDING AND PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTIONS
Kerry Voted At Least Three Times Against Banning Partial-Birth Abortions.
Kerry Voted To Allow Federal Funding Of Abortions And To Provide Abortion Counseling In Federally-Funded Clinics.
KERRY IN DEPTH KERRY: A NORTHEASTERN LIBERAL AND DUKAKIS’S LT. GOV. WHO VOTES LOCKSTEP WITH TED KENNEDYOn Key Votes, Kerry Voted 100% Of The Time With Senator Kennedy In 2001, 1999, 1998, 1993, 1992, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, and 1985. Over the course of his Senate career, Kerry has sided with Senator Kennedy 94% of the time for key votes. (Roll Call Key Votes, http://oncongress.cq.com, December 2001)
Kerry’s Lifetime Liberal Vote Rating From Americans For Democratic Action Is Five Points Higher Than That Of Fellow Massachusetts Liberal Ted Kennedy. While Kennedy only rates an 88 lifetime average, Kerry has a lifetime average of 93. (Americans For Democratic Action Website, www.adaction.org, Accessed December 9, 2002)
Kerry And Kennedy Had Exactly The Same Low Rating From The American Conservative Union In Both 2001 (4%) And 2000 (12%). Kerry’s lifetime rating from the ACU is a shockingly liberal 5%. (American Conservation Union Website, www.acuratings.org, Accessed December 9, 2002)
Kerry Is Against The Death Penalty. “I’m opposed to the death penalty in the criminal justice system because I think it’s applied unfairly . . . .” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” December 1, 2002)
Kerry Is An Extreme Environmentalist Who Voted With The Liberal Activist Group, The League Of Conservation Voters, An Average Of 95% Of The Time In The Last Three Congresses. (League Of Conservation Voters Website, www.lcv.org, Accessed December 9, 2002)
Kerry Has Voted For At Least Seven Major Reductions In Defense And Military Spending Necessary For Our National Security. (S. 1438, Roll Call Vote #286: Motion agreed to 53-47: R 21-28; D 31-19, September 25, 2001; S. 1087, Roll Call Vote #397: Passed 62-35: R 48-4; D 14-31, September 5, 1995; S. 1298, Roll Call Vote #251: Adopted 50-48: R 6-36; D 44-12, September 9, 1993; S. 3114, Roll Call Vote #182: Motion Rejected 43-49: R 34-5; D 9-44, August 7, 1992; S. 2399, Roll Call Vote #56: Motion rejected 50-48: R 3-40; D 47-8, March 26, 1992; H.R. 2707, Roll Call Vote #182: Motion Rejected 28-69 R 3-39; D 25-30, September 10, 1991; S. 1352, Roll Call Vote #148: Motion agreed to 50-47: R 37-6; D 13-41, June 27, 1989)
As Michael Dukakis’ Lt. Governor From 1983-1985, Kerry Supported Granting Prison Furloughs To Hundreds Of Massachusetts Inmates. Later as a U.S. Senator in 1988, he defended the program: “The furlough program in Massachusetts is tougher than the federal program.” (John King, “Bush Surrogate Gets Ambushed In Dukakis Territory,” The Associated Press, July 6, 1988)
KERRY CLAIMS HE’S FOR FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, BUT HAS A HISTORY OF VOTING FOR HIGHER TAXES AND AGAINST TAX CUTS
Kerry Called For “Fiscal Responsibility,” Just Like When He Voted For The 1993 Tax Hike, The Largest In History. “All the Democrats have generally resisted the GOP proposal to make the tax cuts permanent. . . . Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry called for ‘a return to the fiscal responsibility we gave this country in 1993 when we passed the Deficit Reduction Act.’” (Will Lester, “Top Democrats Complain About Bush Economic Plans, But Some Steer Away From Tax Debate,” The Associated Press, October 15, 2002)
In His Senate Career, Kerry Has Voted Against A Balanced Budget Amendment At Least Five Times. Other fiscally irresponsible votes include at least three key votes against lowering overall spending. (S.J. Res. 1, Roll Call Vote #24: Rejected 66-34: R 55-0; D 11-34, March 4, 1997; H.J. Res. 1, Roll Call Vote #158: Rejected 64-35: R 52-1; D 12-34, June 6, 1996; H.J. Res. 1, Roll Call Vote #98: Rejected 65-35: R 51-2; D 14-33, March 2, 1995; S.J. Res. 41, Roll Call Vote #48: Rejected 63-37: R 41-3; D 22-34, March 1, 1994; S.J. Res. 225, Roll Call Vote #45: Rejected 66-34: R 43-10; D 23-24, March 25, 1986)
Kerry Has A Lifetime Rating Of 26% From Citizens Against Government Waste And Is A Long-Time Supporter Of Federal Funding For Boston’s “Big Dig.” Former Senate Government Affairs Chairman John McCain called the project “the biggest, most costly public works project in U.S. history.” The “Big Dig” was estimated to cost $2.6 billion when it was approved in 1985. The cost to date has totaled more than $13.6 billion. (“Congressional Ratings,” Citizens Against Government Waste Website, www.cagw.org, Accessed January 7, 2003; Natalie M. Henry, “Senate Commerce Investigates Overspending On Boston's ‘Big Dig’,” Environment and Energy Daily, May 3, 2000)
Kerry Voted Against President Bush’s Tax Cuts, At Least The Tenth Major Anti-Tax Relief Vote Of His Senate Career. (H.R. 1836, Roll Call Vote #165: Adopted 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, May 23, 2001; H. Con. Res. 83, Roll Call Vote #69: Adopted 53-47: R 4-46; D 49-1, April 4, 2001; S. 1429, Roll Call Vote #247: Passed 57-43: R 52-2; D 4-41; I 1-0, July 30, 1999; H.R. 2646, Roll Call Vote #169: Adopted 59-36: R 51-2; D 8-34, June 24, 1998; H.R. 2646, Roll Call Vote #288: Rejected 56-41: R 54-1; D 2-40, October 30, 1997; H. Con. Res. 84, Roll Call Vote #92: Adopted 78-22: R 41-14; D 37-8, May 23, 1997; S. 1028, Roll Call Vote #72: Adopted 52-46: R 5-46; D 47-0, April 18, 1996; H.R. 2264, Roll Call Vote #190: Passed 50-49: R 0-43; D 49-6, June 25, 1993; H. Con. Res. 64, Roll Call Vote #83: Adopted 54-45: R 0-43; D 54-2, March 25, 1993; H.R. 3628, Roll Call Vote #298: Rejected 51-47 (needed 2/3 majority): R 45-0; D 6-47, November 15, 1989)
In September 2001, Kerry Said We Should Not Raise Taxes In An Economic Downturn. “The first priority is the economy of our nation. And when you have a downturn in the economy, the last thing you do is raise taxes or cut spending. We shouldn’t do either. We need to maintain a course that hopefully will stimulate the economy. . . . No, we should not raise taxes, but we have to put everything on the table to take a look at why we have this structural problem today. . . . you don’t want to raise taxes.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” September 2, 2001)
In April 2002, Kerry Said He Wanted A Larger Tax Cut And Was “Not In Favor Of” A Repeal. CNN’s Tucker Carlson: “Senator Kerry, . . . [many Democrats] [g]et a lot of political mileage out of criticizing [President Bush’s tax cut], but nobody has the courage to say repeal it. Are you for repealing it?” Kerry: “It’s not a question of courage. . . . And it’s not an issue right now. We passed appropriately a tax cut as a stimulus, some $40 billion. Many of us thought it should have even maybe been a little bit larger this last year . . . . [T]he next tax cut doesn’t take effect until 2004. If we can grow the economy enough between now and then, if we have sensible policies in place and make good choices, who knows what our choices will be. So it’s simply not a ripe issue right now. And I’m not in favor of turning around today and repealing it.” (CNN’s “Crossfire,” April 16, 2002)
In December 2002, Kerry Flip-Flopped. NBC’s Tim Russert: “Senator . . . should we freeze or roll back the Bush tax cut?” Kerry: “Well, I wouldn’t take away from people who’ve already been given their tax cut . . . . What I would not do is give any new Bush tax cuts. . . .” Russert: “So the tax cut that’s scheduled to be implemented in the coming years . . . .” Kerry: “No new tax cut under the Bush plan. . . . It doesn’t make economic sense.” Russert: “Now, this is a change, because let me show you what you said in September of 2001 when I asked you the very same question.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” December 1, 2002)
Kerry Voted At Least Five Times To Raid The Social Security Trust Fund. (H.R. 2014, Roll Call Vote #211: Conference Report Agreed To 92-8: R 55-0; D 37-8, July 31, 1997; H.R. 2264, Roll Call Vote #247: Conference Report Agreed To 50-50, With Vice President Gore Voting Yea: R 0-44; D 50-6, August 6, 1993; H.Con.Res. 268, Roll Call Vote #167: Conference Report Agreed To 58-29: R 21-20; D 37-9, June 6, 1988; H.R. 3545, Roll Call Vote #419: Conference Report Agreed To 61-28: R 18-23; D 43-5, December 21, 1987; H.R. 3128, Roll Call Vote #379: Conference Report Agreed To 78-1: R 40-1; D 38-0, December 19, 1985)
KERRY IS EXTREME ON ABORTION, SUPPORTING FEDERAL FUNDING OF ABORTIONS AND PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTIONSKerry Voted At Least Three Times Against Banning Partial-Birth Abortions. (H.R. 1833, Roll Call Vote #596: Adopted 54-44: R 45-8; D 9-36, December 7, 1995; H.R. 1833, Roll Call Vote #301: Veto Override Rejected 57-41: R 45-6; D 12-35, September 26, 1996; H.R. 1122, Roll Call Vote #277: Veto Override Rejected 64-36: R 51-4; D 13-32, September 18, 1998) Kerry Voted To Allow Federal Funding Of Abortions And To Provide Abortion Counseling In Federally-Funded Clinics. (H.R. 2518, Roll Call Vote #290: Rejected 40-59: R 6-38; D 34-21, September 28, 1993; S. 323, Roll Call Vote #254: Passed 73-26: R 20-23; D 53-3, October 1, 1992)
Kerry Has Voted Against Requiring Parental Notification For Minors’ Abortions. (H.R. 5257, Roll Call Vote #266: Motion Rejected 48-48: R 8-34; D 40-14, October 12, 1990)
While Kerry Earns A 0% Rating From The National Right To Life Committee, His National Abortion And Reproductive Rights League Rating Is Consistently 100%. (Vote Smart Interest Group Ratings, www.vote-smart.org, Accessed December 6, 2002)
AT ODDS WITH FELLOW DEMOCRATS On Abortion
Kerry Disagrees With Gephardt On Federal Funding Of Abortions. Kerry voted against a provision to prohibit the use of federal funds for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or threat to the mother’s life, but Gephardt voted in favor of the provision. (H.R. 2518, Senate Roll Call Vote #290: Rejected 40-59: R 6-38; D 34-21, September 28, 1993; Amdt. to H.R. 2518, House Roll Call Vote #309: Adopted 256-171: R 157-16; D 99-154, June 30, 1993)
Kerry Disagrees With Gephardt On Banning Partial-Birth Abortions. Kerry has voted three times against banning partial-birth abortion procedures, while Gephardt supports the ban. (H.R. 1833, Roll Call Vote #596: Adopted 54-44: R 45-8; D 9-36, December 7, 1995; H.R. 1833, Roll Call Vote #301: Veto Override Rejected 57-41: R 45-6; D 12-35, September 26, 1996; H.R. 1122, Roll Call Vote #277: Veto Override Rejected 64-36: R 51-4; D 13-32, September 18, 1998; David Kranz, “Abortion Foes Ask Daschle For Vote,” [Sioux Falls, SD]Argus Leader, August 28, 2002; Jo Mannies, “Gephardt’s Challenger Offers A Clear, And Stark, Choice,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 25, 1998)
On Gay Marriage
Kerry Disagrees With Lieberman And Gephardt On Recognition Of Civil Unions. Kerry voted against the “Defense of Marriage Act,” while Lieberman and Gephardt voted in favor of it. (H.R. 3396, House Roll Call Vote #316: Passed 342-67: R 224-1; D 118-65, July 12, 1996; H.R. 3396, Senate Roll Call Vote #280: Passed 85-14: R 53-0; D 32-14, September 10, 1996)
On The 1991 Gulf WarKerry Disagreed With Lieberman On The 1991 Persian Gulf War. Unlike his Senate colleague, Joe Lieberman, Kerry voted against the Persian Gulf War. (S.J. Res. 2, Roll Call Vote #2: Passed 52-47: R 42-2; D 10-45, January 12, 1991)
On Trade Promotion Authority
Kerry Disagrees With Edwards And Gephardt On Trade Promotion Authority. Kerry voted for trade promotion authority, but Edwards and Gephardt voted against it. (H.R. 3009, Senate Roll Call Vote #207: Adopted (thus cleared for the president) 64-34: R 43-5; D 20-29; I 1-0, August 1, 2002; H.R. 3009, House Roll Call Vote #370: Passed 215-212: R 190-27; D 25-183; I 0-2, July 27, 2002)
On Corporate Responsibility
Kerry Disagrees With Gephardt On Shareholders’ Rights. In 1995, Kerry voted “to make it harder for shareholders to file suits against chief executives,” while Gephardt voted against the legislation and “has supported virtually every effort in recent years to crack down on corporations . . . .” (Jim VandeHei, “Watts Offers Parting Advice To GOP Leaders,” The Washington Post, July 15, 2002)
KERRY’S KEY VOTES 107th Congress, 2001 Senate Votes
Against The Bush Tax Cut: Kerry voted against a $1.35 trillion tax cut package to reduce income-tax rates, alleviate the “marriage penalty” and gradually repeal the estate tax. (H.R. 1836, Roll Call Vote #165: Adopted 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, May 23, 2001)
For Reducing Size Of The Tax Cut: Kerry voted to reduce Bush’s proposed tax cut ceiling by $448 billion over 10 years. (H. Con. Res. 83, Roll Call Vote #69: Adopted 53-47: R 4-46; D 49-1, April 4, 2001)
Against Ashcroft Nomination: Kerry voted against confirming John Ashcroft to be Attorney General.
(Roll Call Vote #8: Confirmed 58-42: R 50-0; D 8-42, February 1, 2001)
106th Congress, 1999-2000 Senate Votes
Against Genetic Privacy: Kerry voted against approving a GOP plan to restrict use of genetic information by health insurers. (Amendment To H.R. 4577, Roll Call Vote #165: Amendment Passed 58-40: R 55-0; D 3-40, June 29, 2000)
For Expanding Hate Crime Protections: Kerry voted to include gender, sexual orientation and disability in federal hate crime protections. (Amendment To S. 2549, Roll Call Vote #136: Amendment Passed 57-42: R 13-41; D 44-1, June 20, 2000)
Against Reducing Taxes: Kerry voted against reducing federal taxes by $792 billion over 10 years. (S. 1429, Roll Call Vote #247: Passed 57-43: R 53-2; D 4-41, July 30, 1999)
105th Congress, 1997-98 Senate Votes
Against Banning Partial-Birth Abortion: Kerry voted against a ban on “partial-birth” abortions. (H.R. 1122, Roll Call Vote #277: Rejected 64-36: R 51-4; D 13-32, September 18, 1998)
Against Banning Cloning: Kerry voted against allowing vote to ban human cloning. (S. 1601, Roll Call Vote #10: Cloture Motion Rejected 42-54: R 42-12; D 0-42, February 11, 1998)
Against Educational Savings Accounts: Kerry voted against allowing a vote to create educational savings accounts. (H.R. 2646, Roll Call Vote #288: Cloture Motion Rejected 56-41: R 54-1; D 2-40, October 30, 1997)
Against Fiscally Responsible Budget: Kerry voted against approving a GOP budget to cut spending and taxes. (H. Con. Res. 84, Roll Call Vote #92: Adopted 78-22: R 41-14; D 37-8, May 23, 1997)
Against Balanced-Budget Amendment: Kerry voted against approving a balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (S.J. Res. 1, Roll Call Vote #24: Rejected 66-34: R 55-0; D 11-34, March 4, 1997)
104th Congress, 1995-96 Senate Votes
Against Balancing The Budget: Kerry voted against a bipartisan plan to balance the budget in seven years. (S. Con. Res. 57, Roll Call Vote #150: Rejected 46-53: R 22-30; D 24-23, May 23, 1996)
Against Tort Reform: Kerry voted against allowing a vote to approve a cap on punitive damages in product liability cases. (H.R. 956, Roll Call Vote #152: Rejected 47-52: R 45-9; D 2-43, May 4, 1995)
103rd Congress, 1993-94 Senate Votes
Against Spending Reductions: Kerry voted to kill an amendment to reduce budget spending by $94 billion. (H.R. 3759, Roll Call Vote #35: Motion To Table Adopted 65-31: R 23-19; D 42-12, February 9, 1994)
For The Largest Tax Increase In American History: Kerry voted to pass Clinton’s budget that raised taxes and cut spending. (H.R. 2264, Roll Call Vote #247: Adopted 51-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, With Vice President Gore Voting “Yea,” August 6, 1993)
102nd Congress, 1991-92 Senate Votes
Against Stopping Missile Defense Spending Cuts: Kerry voted against a motion to kill an amendment that proposed deeper cuts in SDI spending. (S. 3114, Roll Call Vote #182: Motion To Table Rejected 43-49: R 34-5; D 9-44, August 7, 1992)
Against School Choice: Kerry voted against approving a school-choice pilot program. (S. 2, Roll Call Vote #5: Rejected 36-57: R 33-6; D 3-51, January 23, 1992)
Against Thomas Nomination: Kerry voted against confirming Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. (Roll Call Vote #220: Confirmed 52-48: R 41-2; D 11-46, October 15, 1991)
For Defense Spending Reductions: Kerry voted to transfer $3.1 billion to domestic programs from Defense department accounts. (H.R. 2707, Roll Call Vote #182: Motion Rejected 28-69 R 3-39; D 25-30, September 10, 1991)
Against Persian Gulf War: Kerry voted against authorizing the use of force in the Persian Gulf. (S.J. Res. 2, Roll Call Vote #2: Passed 52-47: R 42-2; D 10-45, January 12, 1991)
101st Congress, 1989-90 Senate Votes
Against Flag Burning Amendment: Kerry voted against a constitutional amendment on flag desecration. (S.J. Res. 332, Roll Call Vote #128: Rejected 58-42: R 38-7; D 20-35, June 26, 1990)
Against Parental Notification For Minors’ Abortions: Kerry voted to kill an amendment requiring parental notice for minors’ abortions. (H.R. 5257, Roll Call Vote #266: Motion To Table Rejected 48-48: R 8-34; D 40-14, October 12, 1990)
Against Considering A Capitol Gains Tax Cut: Kerry voted against allowing a vote on a capital gains tax cut. (H.R. 3628, Roll Call Vote #295: Motion To Table Rejected 51-47 (Needed 2/3 Majority): R 45-0; D 6-47, November 14, 1989)
100th Congress, 1987-88 Senate Votes
Against Death Penalty For Drug-Related Murders: Kerry voted against approving the death penalty for drug-related murders. (S. 2455, Roll Call Vote #175: Passed 65-29: R 37-6; D 28-23, June 10, 1988)
Against Bork Nomination: Kerry voted against confirming Supreme Court Nominee Judge Robert H. Bork. (Roll Call Vote #348: Confirmation Rejected 42-58: R 40-6; D 2-52, October 23, 1987)
99th Congress, 1985-86 Senate Votes
Against Rehnquist Nomination: Kerry voted against the confirmation of William Rehnquist to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Roll Call Vote #266: Confirmed 65-33: R 49-2; D 16-31, September 17, 1986)
Why do I get the feeling that nobody is looking at the same book that I read?
