US Liberal Politics: Most Popular Articles

Iraq Stats May 1, 2008
Quick-reading key statistics about the Iraq War, taken primarily from data analyzed by various think tanks, including The Brookings Institution's Iraq Index, and from mainstream media sources. Data is presented as of May 1, 2008, except as indicated.

Death Penalty Pros & Cons
Capital punishment (the death peanlty) is the pre-meditated taking of a human life by a government in response to a crime committed by that legally convicted person. The US is sharply divided on the morality of the death penalty. This article sums the arguments for and against the death penalty, and statistics worldwide and in the US. It also discusses felon Stanley Tookie Williams, executed in Dec 2005, who was nominated for both the Nobel Peace and Literature Prizes.

Stem Cell Research Basics
Embryonic stem cell research is not illegal in the US. President Bush banned the use of federal funds to advance such research, but not private and state funding. Most scientists believe that embryonic stem cells hold the key to curing hundreds of diseases. On the other side, staunch pro-lifers believe that it's immoral to destroy a days-old embryo to save existing life.

Illegal Immigration Profits
Illegal immigration into the US is highly profitable for both employers and the US government. In Fall 2005, the US and Mexican governments are silently, and actively, enticing illegal immigrants to enter and work illegally in this country. Poverty-stricken immigrants respond, and then are blamed by US citizenry for being in the US. The purpose of this article is to explain why the federal government can't afford and doesn't plan to to end illegal immigration.

US Senator Barack Obama
Profile and personal data on U.S. Senator Barack Obama, Democrat from Illinois.

Pros/Cons No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 was initially legislated for 5 years, and was then expected to be easily renewed in 2007.But Senate Democrats were divided were divided on reauthorization, while most Senate Republicans heartily despise NCLB.

Profile of Michelle Obama
Candid profile of Michelle Obama in her campaign role as spouse to Barack Obama, 2008 presidential candidate.

Immigration Reform Act 2007
Summarizes major provisions, and the pros and cons of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, which Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced on May 9, 2007. The bill was drafted in cooperation with the White House, and co-authored by a bipartisan group of 12 senators.

Free Trade Pros/Cons
Pros and cons of U.S. free trade agreements, including a brief explanation and history of U.S. free trade pacts, and of presidential fast-track trade authority.

Kyoto Protocol Explained
The Kyoto Protocol became effective on Feb 16, 2005 when it was signed by 141 industrialized countries, including all of Europe. This pact is the first world agreement to fight global warming. Vice President Al Gore was an architect of it and President Clinton signed it in 1997. Despite campaign promises, George Bush withdrew US support for it in 2001, citing that compliance was too costly for US businesses.

Partial Birth Abortion Debate
Partial-birth abortion is a non-medical term used to describe an abortion procedure which is performed after the first trimester of pregnancy, with the goal of delivering a fetus that is not alive. It's also one of the most hotly contested right-to-life political issues in American life today. Most legal battles over banning this procedure relate to the inclusion of exemptions for certain circumstances, most notably to save the life or health of the woman.

CNN's Anderson Cooper
Anderson Cooper is an impassioned journalist and CNN's lead news anchor. With his taste for covering disasters and wars, Cooper embodies a new style of advocacy journalism. Cooper is the son of heiress Gloria Vanderbilt and her 4th husband, writer Wyatt Cooper.

Who Voted NO in 2002 on War
It's time we honor Congress members who voted in 2002 to stop the Bush Administration's hasty rush into the unprovoked attack and occupation of Iraq. The much-debated vote on Joint Resolution 114 was taken on October 11, 2002. It passed the Senate by a vote of 77 to 23, and the House by 296 to 133. In the end, 156 members of Congress from 36 states had the information and wisdom to make the correct decision for our nation. These discerning leaders should be reelected in 2006 and beyond.

2002 - Obama on Iraq War
Senator Barack Obama (D-Il) delivered these passionate remarks opposing the Iraq War, in October 2002 at the Federal Plaza in Chicago...

Obama's Famed '04 Speech
On the evening of July 27, 2004, Barack Obama, then candidate for US Senator from Illinois, delivered an electrifying speech to the 2004 Democratic Convention. As the result of the now-legendary speech (presented below), Obama rose to national prominence,and his speech is regarded as one of the great political statements.

Obama on Faith & Politics
In June 2006, Barack Obama delivered a controversial speech on religion and politics to a conference sponsored by Sojourners. His remarks set off a firestorm among liberals as he stated that they must put aside their religious biases, and reach out to others, including evangelical Christians, as an reconciling essential in a democracy. The following is an easier-reading, edited version of his remarks.

Iraq War Info Center
This Information Center chronicles the Iraq War, and the U.S. occupation of Iraq, via the most-read and most searched-for articles, columns and posts on statistics, vital information, news and views.

Voting Rights & Ohio 2004
The 2000 and 2004 US presidential elections were tainted with thousands of verified violations of citizens' sacred rights to vote. Millions were denied the ability to freely and fairly cast votes for their choices. As an example of US democracy willfully derailed, this article summarizes Congressional findings of the 2004 Ohio election for three main areas of voting rights: access to voting, accurate recording of votes, and accurate counting of votes.

US Senator Hillary Clinton
Sen. Clinton is a strong, outspoken leader with sharp intelligence, political sensibilities, predilection for working hard, and persistence in pursuing her agenda. She touts herself as an aggressive fighter, and openly savors the tough thrust and parry of political campaigning. In private...

Edwards Fundraising Stats
The following fundraising statistics and key contributor data for the John Edwards for President campaign were taken from the most recent Federal Election Commission report.

Pros/Cons Gun Control Laws
About 80 million Americans, representing half of U.S. homes, own more than 223 million guns. And yet, 60% of Democrats and 30% of Republicans favor stronger gun ownership laws. This article presents an overview of the pros/cons and the politics of U.S. gun ownership and use laws.

Obama on Israel, Iran, Iraq
Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) delivered these remarks on Israel, Iran, Iraq and the Middle East to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Forum held on March 2, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois.

Who Was Cesar Chavez?
Cesar Chavez, admired by world leaders, never owned a home. Never earned more than $6000 in a year. He was a California migrant worker all his life who did much to secure better wages, health care and working conditons for Latino migrant workers. He was awarded the Prsidential Medal of Freedom by Bill Clinton. His 1993 funeral, attended by 50,000, was presided over by Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahoney.

Profile of Elizabeth Edwards
Candid profile of Elizabeth Edwards in her campaign role as spouse to John Edwards, 2008 presidential candidate.

CNN's Christiane Amanpour
Christiane Amanpour is CNN's Chief International Correspondent and one of the most distinguished and honored TV correspondents in the US. She's also said to be the highest-paid correspondent in the world, and is globally respected. She is commonly given entree to situations and events where other journalists are neither welcomed nor allowed. She's considered an authority on Islam.

Obama in 2008 Race
On Feb 10, 2007, Sen. Barack Obama declared that he's a candidate for the 2008 presidential race. This is a directory to top articles and profiles about, and speeches by, Barack Obama, at About.com Liberal Politics.

Mandatory Health Insurance
In April 2006, MA Governor Mitt Romney signed into law a broad new program requiring all citizens to obtain health insurance. The state legislatures both strongly approved this landmark legislation on a bipartisan basis. The program's ambitious aim is to cover 95% of the state's 500,000 uninsured within three years. There are both pros and cons to this radical reform plan.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of KS
Democrat Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius was elected the 44th Governor of red-state Kansas in 2002, and reelected by wide margin in 2006. A popular moderate with pro-business, pro-military leanings, she served in 2007 as President of the Democratic Governors Association, which is often a launching pad for national political plans.

Gov. Janet Napolitano of AZ
Janet Napolitano was elected as Arizona Governor in 2002, and reelected in 2006. In November 2005, Time magazine named her one of the top five U.S. governors. A little know fact about her: In 1991, Janet Napolitano served as the attorney for law professor Anita Hill when Hill testified against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas...

Obama on Education, NCLB
Sen. Barack Obama takes a strongly progressive stance for public education and for teachers, and against the use of publicly-funded vouchers to pay for private school education. His remarks include a number of controversial proposals and statements, including across-the-board pay raises for teachers, and redesign of standardized tests to support learning, not punishment of teachers

Profile of Barbara Richardson
Candid profile of Barbara Richardson in her campaign role as spouse to Bill Richardson, 2008 presidential candidate.

Obama-Universal Health
Delivered by Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, a candidate for the 2008 Democratic nomination for the presidency: THE TIME HAS COME FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE on Thursday, January 25, 2007 at the Families USA Conference, Washington, DC.

Obama on Immigration
Sen. Barack Obama delivered these courageous, wise words on June 6, 2007 on the U.S. Senate floor when introducing a controversial amendment to the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007.

HR 810 - Stem Cell Act
The House passed H.R. 810, Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, on May 24, 2005, by a vote of 238 to 194, and was passed by the Senate on July 18, 2006 by a vote of 63 to 37. Despite overhwhelming public support for it, President Bush vetoed the bill on ideological grounds supported by the religious right.

Obama Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates Sen. Barack Obama in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

Obama or Clinton?
The lively and frank, most-read articles at About.com Liberal Politics dissecting the too-close-to-call race between these two outstanding presidential candidates.

Obama Fundraising Stats
The following fundraising statistics and key contributor info for the Obama for America campaign were taken from the most recent Federal Election Commission report.

Bush Education Cuts
George Bush's education budget cuts of $2 billion for fiscal 2006 actually provide more funds for wealthier students, while taking educational opportunities and assistance away from poor, disabled and immigrant students. Meanwhile, Donald Rumsfeld has an additional $20 billion to spend on bombs, battleships and even spiffy new Army uniforms.

Gov Bill Richardson Profile
Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico was elected in 2002 and reelected in 2006. On May 21, 2007, he declared his candidacy for the 2008 presidency, and was on John Kerry's 2004 VP short list. He was a Congressman for 14 years, UN Ambassador from 1997-98 and Energy Secretary from 1998-01.

2008 Dems on Free Trade
Free trade has evolved into a divisive issue among the top Democratic candidates in the 2008 presidential race. This is a brief summary of the top candidates' stances on U.S. free trade.

Hillary-Ending Iraq War
This is a quick-reading summary of Hillary Clinton's speech on July 10, 2007 in Iowa in which she laid out a detailed plan for the deployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, and to bring stability to Iraq and the region. This plan is a major departure from Sen. Clinton's past stances on the Iraq War, when she refused to commit to draw U.S. troops out of Iraq.

Obama on Martin Luther King
The complete text of the inspiring remarks of U.S. Senator Barack Obama delivered at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony on November 13, 2006.

US Senator Maria Cantwell
Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington was first elected to the Senate in 2000, and reelected in 2006. Cantwell is best known for her pro-environment stances and leadership in developing alternative energy sources.

Politics of George Clooney
"I'm a liberal. I'm confused when that became a bad word...." actor George Clooney told CNN's Larry King on February 16,2006. "...the liberal movement morally, you know, has stood on the right side of an awful lot of issues. We thought that blacks should be allowed to sit at the front of the bus and women should be able to vote, McCarthy was wrong, Vietnam was a mistake."

NCLB Info Center Hub
This Information Center reports and describes the status, politics and pros/cons of the controversial Child Left Behind Act, via the most-read and most searched-for articles and columns at About.com's Guide to Liberal Politics.

US Senator Harry Reid
Profile and biographical sketch of US Senator Harry Reid, Democrat from Nevada. Senator Reid was elected the new Senate Democratic leader in November 2004, succeeding Tom Daschle of South Dakota. Senator Reid seems an unlikely candidate to be a Democratic leader, as he opposes abortion rights and gun control.

Pell Grants Updated for 2006
Description and current status of Pell Grants, including 2004 eligibility changes that caused 90,000 students to lose their grants and a million more students to have their grants greatly reduced.

Profile of Sen. Jim Webb
James H. "Jim" Webb was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 7, 2006, in a surprise defeat of incumbent Republican Senator George Allen. Webb's margin of victory was less than one-half of 1% of the vote. Webb is a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and the former Secretary of Navy under President Reagan. Webb is also the author of 6 acclaimed Vietnam-based novels, and an award-winning filmmaker.

Clinton Fundraising Stats
The following fundraising statistics and key contributor info for the Hillary Clinton for President Exploratory Committee were taken from the most recent Federal Election Commission report.

Obama Announcement
Full text of Senator Barack Obama's announcement for the 2008 presidential race on February 10, 2007 in Springfield, Illinois.

Elizabeth Vargas of ABC News
In January 2006, Elizabeth Vargas, a respected 20-year broadcast journalist, began as co-anchor of ABC's World News Tonight. Of Hispanic heritage, Vargas exudes an cool air of thoughtful authority that viewers find reassuring, and has a penchant for social and religious issues. In May 2006, she resigned from World News Tonight, and was named co-anchor of ABC's 20/20.

Profile of Bill Clinton
Candid profile of Bill Clinton in his campaign role as spouse to Hillary Clinton, 2008 presidential candidate.

Iraq-Nat'l Security Statistics
This statistical data on National Security (Iraq, the US military, North Korea, DArfur, oil politics, aid) was taken from multiple sources, including the Department of Defense reports, Congressional hearings, United Nations reports, Brookings Institute, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and more than a dozen of the top national newspapers. This information was compiled by the Democratic Policy Committee, the research arm of the Senate Democratic Leadership, and released on September 6, 2005.

Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker
Profile of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Democrat from San Francisco, California. In January 2007, Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House, and thus, become the most politically powerful woman in U.S. history.

Jon Stewart, Serious Comedian
With his fearlessly brilliant and biting politically-laced humor, comedian Jon Stewart gives a clear voice to widespread American frustration over Bush administration missteps and hypocrisies, and to all of today's politicians and political climate. His four-night weekly Comedy Central cable program The Daily Show is a must-watch program among the young, liberals and political-insiders.

Chris Matthews of MSNBC
Chris Matthews is the feisty, outspoken host of MSNBC's Hardball, a top-rated program devoted to poltical news. Matthews is known for his "hardball" grilling of interviewees, and for his in-depth knowledge and deep love of politics.

US Senator Debbie Stabenow
Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan was first elected to the US Senate in 2000 in a bitter contest with the incumbent Republican. She was reelected in 2006. Sen. Stabenow is a skilled legislator, tenacious advocate for her causes, and was one of 23 senators to vote against the Iraq War in 2002.

Obama on AIDS & Faith
The following is the text of Senator Barack Obama's courageous, savvy speech on AIDS, faith and politics he delivered on Dec 1, 2006 at the Global Summit on AIDS at Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church.

Tom Udall, Senate Candidate
Rep. Tom Udall is a five-term Congressman from New Mexico. He hails from a family famed for strong support of the environment, and is a champion of all pro-environmentalism issues. Udall voted against the Iraq War in 2002, and urges withdrawal of U.S. troops as soon as practicable.

Clinton Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates Sen. Hillary Clinton in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

Obama Education Plan
In late November 2007, Sen. Barack Obama presented a thoughtful, fully-detailed plan to reform public schools, reward and support teachers, and correct the excesses/errors of No Child Left Behind Act. This article includes a brief summary of Sen. Obama's plan, the text of his interesting remarks, and a link to his complete plan.

Martin Luther King ,Jr Words
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968), a Baptist minister, was the best-known leader of the US civil rights movement. The crowning achievements of Dr. King's drive for equality for all Americans were the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The inspiring words selected for this article are taken mainly from "The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr," published in 1984.

Social Security Facts
Seventeen facts about why most Americans correctly believe that Social Security should NOT be privatized.

Profile of Judge John Roberts
The President nominated federal appeals court Judge John Roberts in July 2005 to fill the Supreme Court vacancy. Described as smart, cautious and fair-minded, Roberts is a conservative Washington insider who has worked at the White House, the Justice Department and in private practice. In his 2 years as judge, Roberts authored 40 opinions, only 3 of which drew any dissent. He won 25 of 39 cases he argued in front of the Supreme Court. Roberts' wife is also an accompished attorney.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer of New York
Democrat Eliot Spitzer was elected in 1998 and 2002 as New York state Attorney General. In November 2006, Spitzer was elected to a 4-year term as Governor of New York state, but was forced to resign from office in March 2008 due to charges of his involvement in prostitution.

Army Recruiting of Teenagers
Buried in Bush's No Child Left Behind Act was a requirement that all high schools receiving federal funds must provide access to students' names, addresses and phone numbers to military recruiters. It also requires a high school to allow military recruiters the same campus access to students as granted to college recruiters. And in June 2005, the Pentagon began working with an outsourced direct marketing company to develop a database of personal information about every American age 16 to 18.

Oprah Winfrey, Activist
Oprah Gail Winfrey is considered by many to be the most influential woman in the world. Oprah believes that the causes and candidate she champions transcend liberal or conservative labels. Some detractors charge that her top-rated show has a liberal slant.

Obama Rejects Torture Bill
Senator Barack Obama delivered this speech on the floor of the US Senate, in reaction to Senate passage of S. 3930, Military Commissions Act of 2006, which approved US torture of detainees and strips Constitutional rights away from detainees. Senator Obama decries the placement of politics over human rights, and condemns S. 3930. He states, "This is not how a serious Administration would approach the problem of terrorism."

Profile of Harold Ford, Jr.
Ford, a 5-term Congressman, was Tennessee's 2006 Senate Democratic nominee. In January 2006, he became leader of the Democratic Leadership Council. He's a young, attractive African-American, born to a wealthy, scandal-ridden Memphis family.

Senate Committee Chairs
On November 15, 2006, the new Senate Democratic leadership team announced the slate of Democrats who will serve as Chairs of the various Senate Committees for the 110th Congress, from 2007-08. Committee chairs are highly sought after, and are determined by party leadership based on seniority, expertise and proven interest. The US Senate's 20 committees will be chaired in the 110th Congress by the following long-serving Democratic senators...

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Antonio Villaraigosa was firmly catapulted onto the national stage as a leading Latino Democratic superstar with his election in May 2005 as Mayor of Los Angeles, his birthplace. He's a dynamic speaker, tireless campaigner and shrewd politican with an optimistic spirit and restless energy. His story is one of a hardscrabble and troubled youth, the education and redemption followed by leadership and occasional stumbles.

Journalist Jeff
The tawdry and mysterious tale of Bush White House pseudo-reporter Jeff Gannon, aka James Guckert, would be amusingly juicy if it wasn't so scary and slimy.

NAY Votes in 2002 on Iraq War
It's time we honored Congress members who voted in 2002 to prevent the Bush Administration's hasty rush to attack and occupy Iraq. The vote was taken on October 11, 2002. It passed the Senate by a vote of 77 to 23 and the House by a vote of 296 to 133. Here are the names of the 156 members of Congress with the wisdom and foresight to make the correct decision for our nation.

Wesley Clark in 2008
A guide to Wesley Clark at About.com Liberal Politics, including the most-read articles, profiles and links to books authored by the general.

US Senator Joseph Biden
Six-term Sen. Joseph Biden is he's one of the most charismatic and articulate members of the US Senate. In the 110th Congress, Biden is the powerful Chair of the Senate foreign Relation Committee. He briefly ran as a presidential candidate in the 2008 race.

Brad Pitt, Activist
As film star Brad Pitt has aged, the more publicly active he's become in supporting Democratic candidates and causes, including John Kerry in 2004, environmentalism, alternative fuels and energy-efficient cars, and global issues of trade, poverty and AIDS. And like close pal George Clooney, Pitt, is increasingly using his film skills and connections to bring political issues to the Hollywood silver screen.

House Committee Chairs
In December 2006, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the chairs of House Committees for the 110th Congress, which is in session from January 2007 to December 2008. House Committee chairs are powerful and highly sought after, and are determined based on expertise, leadership on the issue and seniority. The US House of Representatives committee chars in the 110th Congress are...

US Army General Wesley Clark
General Wesley Clark is a retired four-star US Army general. He led the NATO's Kosovo operation from 1997 to 2000 as Supreme Allied Commander. He served in the Army for 32 years.

Profile of Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott King is the widow of civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Martin Luther King, Jr, assassinated in 1968. In her own right, Mrs. King is a tireless, effective advocate for human rights. For 27 years, she was CEO of the King Center she founded to continue her husband's principles of nonviolent social change. On August 16, 2005, Mrs. King suffered a major stroke that caused paralysis and left her unable to walk or speak.

Edwards Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates John Edwards in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

US Senator Joe Lieberman
"Democrats are losing patience with Joe Lieberman" writes the SmirkingChimp.com blog. DemocraticWings.com nominated Joe Lieberman to the Democratic Hall of Shame.There's even a "DumpJoe" Yahoo user group that asks, "Had enough of Joe Lieberman playing both sides of the aisle? Sucking up to Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly on FoxNews?" Bluntly, US Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) is up for reelection in 2006, and he has a problem.

US Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is an astute liberal voice of authority and reasoned moderation and an effective, prolific legislator with a passion for preserving the environment. Feinstein catapulted to prominence in 1978 when San Francisco Mayor Moscone was assassinated.

Bono's Prayer Breakfast Speech
This speech, dubbed a sermon by many, was delivered on February 2, 2006 at the Washington DC Hilton, by activist and rock star Bono, to the 51st annual National Prayer Breakfast, attended by President George Bush and hundreds of national leaders. Bono is an energetic, non-partisan AIDS and anti-poverty activist who focuses his crusade on Africa. His remarks at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast have been widely acclaimed as a uniquely powerful blend of faith and the mission of governments.

US Senator Jeff Bingaman
Sen. Jeff Bingaman, five-term senator from New Mexico, is an intelligent, low-key senator dubbed by his home state newspapers as the "education" senator, and is a passionate advocate of energy conservation.

MLK I Have a Dream speech
Presents the text of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Historians consider one of the greatest of American political speeches.

Obama's Iowa Win Speech
Sen. Barack Obama delivered this eloquent, soaring speech to thunderous ovation and public accolade after he won the Iowa Democratic caucus on January 3, 2008. His words were strongly reminiscent of Obama's inspiring 2004 Democratic convention speech.

2008 Race: Mark Warner
In Sept 2007, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner announced that he will run in 2008 for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. John Warner. Warner was a popular governor due to his record of bipartisan successes, centrist stances and management skills.

Rosie O'Donnell, Activist
Rosie O'Donnell assumed the moderator role in September 2006 on popular ABC talk show "The View," where she was the outspoken liberal foil to conservative co-host, Elisabeth Hasselbeck. After a heated May 23, 2007 argument with Hasselbeck over the Iraq War, Rosie was granted her request to not return to "The View."

US Senator Barbara Boxer
Profile and brief biographical sketch of US Senator Barbara Boxer, Democrat from California.

Obama-Iraq War Lessons
The eloquent and wise remarks of Senator Barack Obama on the lessons of the Iraq War, delivered on Wednesday, March 21, 2007.

Sen Sherrod Brown of Ohio
Sherrod Brown, a 7-term member of the House of Representatives, was elected to the US Senate in November 2006, defeating the Republican incumbent. Brown is a passionate progressive, and critic of US free trade policies. He voted against the Iraq War in 2002. [p]

US Senator Russ Feingold
Profile of Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, who has the distinction of being the only Senator to vote against the US Patriot Act in 2001. When he did so, many thought it spelled the end of his career. He's now seen as visionary by many. He also voted against the Iraq War in 2002, and was the first senator to call for a specific timetable for US tropps to exit Iraq. He's a maverick who has passion for civil rights, education and especially, fiscal ethics and responsibility.

Al Franken - 2008 Senate Race
In Feb 2007, author/comedian Al Franken announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat from Minnesota. Franken holds strongly progressive beliefs, and is a bright, serious intellectual. Franken was a writer/actor on Saturday Night Live for 15 years, for which he won 3 Emmy awards for writing.

Funding Faith-Based Services
Discusses the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the $1 billion in federal funds given to faith-based gorups in 2003. The White House initiative allows faith-based groups to discriminate in employment for any reason when using federal funds, and to disregard federal employment discrimination laws. In February 2004, the President earmarked another $3.7 billion for faith-based service providers.

Richardson Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates Gov. Bill Richardson in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

Bush Budget Slashes Education
In his fiscal budget plan for the federal 2006-2007 year that commences on October 1, 2006, President Bush proposes to end 42 US Department of Education programs and significantly reduce spending for four other Education programs, for total budget cuts of $4.279 trillion. This article is a complete listing of those 46 programs, along with program descriptions per the US Department of Education website.

Dodd Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates Sen. Chris Dodd in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

Democratic Agenda in '07
The Democratic Party's agenda, as it takes control in January 2007 of both houses of Congress, is set forth in its report, A New Direction for America[/link], which was initially published 100 days before the November elections. The following is a summary of that Democratic six-point priority plan.

Sen Sheldon Whitehouse of RI
Sheldon Whitehouse, former Attorney General of Rhode Island, was elected US Senator in November 2006, defeating the incumbent Republican. Whitehouse is a classic New England liberal with a heart for public service who believes that fixing health care is a top priority.

Clinton in 2008 Race
On January 20, 2007, Senator Hillary Clinton of New York declared that she's establishing an "exploratory committee" to investigate a run for the 2008 presidential race. Such a committee is a precursor to running for the White House. This is a directory to Hillary at About.com Liberal Politics, including articles and profiles about her, and books authored by the senator.

Richardson Fundraising Stats
The following fundraising statistics and key contributor data for the Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee were taken from the most recent Federal Election Commission report.

Bush Kills Kids Health Care
Explanation and a timeline of the Bush administration's drive to cripple the bipartisan Congressional bill to expand the SCHIP program, which provides federal funds to states to give health care services to uninsured children from lower-income families.

Dodd Fundraising Stats
The following fundraising statistics and key contributor data for the Chris Dodd for President campaign were taken from the most recent Federal Election Commission report.

Permanent US Bases in Iraq
Here is info published by the world's leading news media sources about the new US Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone. It is/has the largest embassy in world history; the only building project in Iraq on-time and on-budget; a bomb-proof super-bunker; 21 buildings on 104 acres, the size of 80 football fields; and wired for state-of-the-art communications and surveillance. Congress was told that the cost is $592 million.....

Ten Films with social Message
A Great Film uplifts while sending a profound message. And a Great Film also superbly entertains, with an interesting story and appealing actors. This is a list of some of my favorite Top Ten Classic Films with a Social Message. My choices include classics released from 1940 to 2006.

US Senator Bill Nelson
Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida was first elected to the US Senate in 2000, and reelected in 2006. Nelson, a politician for 30 years and an Army veteran, is a moderate Democrat and a member of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council.

Gravel Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates Mike Gravel in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

Biden Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates Sen. Joe Biden in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

Convention Delegate Diary
I was elected in January 2007 to be a voting delegate for both the 2007 and 2008 California Democratic Party Conventions. I blogged an online diary to be able to share the experience as delegate with readers. This I can tell you: I found the experience of being a convention delegate to be more rewarding and eye-opening than I ever imagined. And much more fun than anyone told me...

Dems to End 95% of Abortions
Democratic members of Congress joined Democrats for Life of America (DFLA) in April 2005 to kick-off the organization's "95-10 Initiative," which consists of 17 programs designed to reduce US abortions by 95% within 10 years. At a press conference at DNC offices, Congressmen Tim Ryan (D-OH), Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Lincoln Davis (D-TN) jointly appeared to unveil the abortion-reduction plan. Ryan will be introducing the 95-10 Initiative soon in Congress.

Senate Dem Leaders 2007-08
On Nov 14, 2006, incoming Senate Majortiy Leader Harry Reid announced the Senate Democratic leadership team for 2007-2008, which includes 10 seasoned leaders: 5 men and 5 women...

Greenspan-Ayn Rand Loyalist?
Alan Greenspan is "one of the biggest political hacks in Washington" declared four-term Senator Harry Reid. Princeton economist Paul Krugman said Greenspan "betrayed the trust placed in the Fed chairman." What has the leading US economist of the 1980s and 1990s doe to inspire such anger? The answer may be found in his political loyalties to Geroge Bush. Or they may be in his 20-year association with Ayn Rand, famed atheist Social Darwinist.

More Than Two Moral Values
Jim Wallis, bestselling author of "God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It" is barnstorming the country, preaching his message of connecting public policies with biblical teachings. "When did God become pro-war, pro-rich and only pro-american" he asks. He's a captivting speaker who loves the stage. He has a infectious smile, loads of energy and plenty of polish.

Medicaid Made Simple
President Bush and the Republican-led House want to radically slash Medicaid by up to $20 billion over five years. Medicaid provides health care to 50 million Americans, including 1 of 4 children in the US and 7 million blind and disabled persons. The Senate, in a bipartisan blow to the President, rejected the Bush Medicaid cuts. I simplify and explain Medicaid so you can be part of the conversation.

Iraq's 18 Benchmarks
A listing of the 18 benchmarks for "success in Iraq." The benchmarks were drafted by Iraqi leaders, and inserted into U.S. Congressional bill H.R. 2206, a supplemental Iraq War funding legislation which was passed by Congress in late May 2007.

Richardson in 2008 Race
On May 21, 2007, Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico and the nation's only Latino governor, declared his candidacy for the 2008 presidential race. The following is a directory to Bill Richardson at About.com Liberal Politics, including articles, profiles and books authored by the governor.

Top 10 Books by Dem Senators
The following is my personal holiday season 2006 list of the Top Ten Books by Democratic US Senators. It's a varied list that includes serious tomes, two touching memoirs, an enchanting book for children, two abosrbing novels, and two delineating the newly influential Democratic economic populism.

Obama Speech on Race
Courageous remarks entitled "A More Perfect Union" by Sen. Barack Obama on March 18th, 2008 in Philadelphia.

Churches Slam Bush Budget
This statement (Ecumenical statement on Bush's 2006 federal budget) was released jointly in March 2005 by 5 leading US Christian denominations: The Episcopal church, USA; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Presbyterian church (USA); United Church of Christ; and United Methodist Church. Leaders of these denominations sent a letter to President George W. Bush in early December 2005, reiterating this joint statement.

2008 Presidential Debates
The dates, locations and formats of the three debates between the 2008 presidential candidates and one debate between the vice-presidential candidates. Also lists the eligibility qualifications to be included in 2008 debates.

Estate Tax Pros & Cons
President Bush wants to entirely end the federal estate tax. To do so would cut taxes of $745 billion of the wealthiest taxpayers over 10 years exactly when Social Security solvency becomes an immediate concern. In reality, this is a "back-door" way for Bush to accomplish two cherished Republican goals: to give even more tax breaks to wealthy families like the Bushes and Cheneys, and to erode or end Social Security benefits.

DLC's American Dream Plan
In July 2006, the DLC released its radical new initiative report, "Saving the American Dream: Bold Ideas for America's Future," which was chaired and authored by Senator Hillary Clinton. The new DLC agenda is a major change for this centrist group because it espouses help for middle-class Americans in five specific areas: college education, health insurance, retirement security, job security and home ownership.

Blue Dog Democrats
The Blue Dog Coalition was founded in 1994 to provide a unified voice for moderate members of the Democratic Party in the US House of Representatives, particuarly on economic issues. Although views of the 43 Blue Dogs of the 110th Congress (2007-07) range from conservative on social issues to populist on trade, Blue Dogs are strongly united on fiscal responsibility and budgetary matters.

Murtha Plan for Iraq Pull-Out
This presents the complete text of "War in Iraq," released on Nov 17, 2005 by Rep. John P. Murtha (D-PA), a moderate Democrat and long-time war hawk who has dedicated his life to serving his country. Rep. Murtha had a long and distinguished 37-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990; and he has been serving in Congress since 1974, one of only 131 people in US history to have served more than 30 years in the House of Representatives.

Sen Bob Casey, Jr. of PA
Bob Casey, Jr., former State Treasurer of Pennsylvania, was elected as US Senator, defeating Republican incumbent Rick Santorum. Casey will be up for reelection on November 8, 2012. Casey is a firm believer in fiscal discipline. As state Auditor General, he compiled an impressive record of fighting wasteful spending and bureaucratic inefficiencies and errors. A devout Catholic, Casey does not support abortion and holds pro-life views, which is at odds with Democratic Party stances.

Liberalism 101 Hub
In 2006, the Democratic Party promised to address six important areas in Congress. This guide links to articles explaining the Democratic Party Agenda for these areas and issues.

Majority Whip James Clyburn
As House Majority Whip in the 110th Congress, Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) is the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, and the most powerful Democrat in his home state. Clyburn's annual Fish Fry is the Democratic political event of the year in South Carolina.

Democrats on Natl Security
The following is the Democratic Party agenda on national security. ""We will protect Americans at home and lead the world by telling the truth to our troops, our citizens and our allies... "

John Kerry on Vietnam
"How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?" This article presents, in full, the famed testimony that John Kerry, then a decorated, 27 year old Navy veteran of Vietnam, made before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on April 23, 1971 about the Vietnam War.

US Senator Kent Conrad
Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota was first elected to the US Senate in 1986, and was reelected in 2006. Conrad is the most fiscally astute of Senate Democrats, and is Chairman of the Budget Committee in the 110th Congress. He's known as driven and honorable, and holds no political ambitions beyond the Senate.

Sen Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
Amy Klobuchar was elected in November 2006 as US Senator from Minnesota. She's up for reelection on November 8, 2012. [p] Klobuchar was previously the County Attorney of Hennepin County, where she earned a reputation as a tough, bright prosecutor. She also served as legal advisor to former Vice President Walter Mondale. She cares most about concerns of the middle class, including jobs, public education and health, college tuition and opposes Social Security privatization.

Bush Approval at Record Low
This article reports extracts from a CBS News poll which was conducted on October 3-5, 2005. President Bush's overall job approval rating has reached the lowest ever measured in this poll, and evaluations of his handling of Iraq, the economy and even his signature issue, terrorism, are also at all-time lows. More Americans than at any time since he took office think he does not share their priorities. 69% of Americans say things in the United States are pretty seriously off on the wrong track.

Clinton Plan for New Orleans
Sen. Hillary Clinton laid out a remarkably comprehensive disaster recovery agenda for the Gulf Coast ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in her May 18, 2007 speech to a crowd of New Orleans' community leaders

2008 Race: Social Security
The 2008 Democratic candidates on three questions: 1. Do they pledge to not cut Social Security benefits? 2. Do they pledge to not privatize Social Security accounts? 3. Do they pledge to take steps to achieve long-term solvency?

Senator Mary Landrieu
US Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana was first elected in 1996 by a margin of less than 6,000 votes. She was reelected in 2002 in a hotly-contested election full of mud-slinging. Landrieu is a moderate Democrat who boasted in her 2002 campaign that she "voted with President Bush 74% of the time." She is a member of the "Gang of 14" moderate senators who crafted a 2005 compromise to the threatened filibuster of judicial nominees.

Bush Moves to Privatize Amtrak
The Bush budget for 2006 proposes ending federal support of Amtrak, the only US national passenger rail service. Eliminating federal support will force Amtrak into bankruptcy and will cause it to shut operations. This move will push more riders into gas-guzzling, polluting cars and planes. Some claim that the Bush Administration has sold the railroads out to oil, airline and automotive interests. Even Senator Rick Santorum said "It's not acceptable to me."

Closing Public Libraries
The Salinas, California public library, home to the archives of Nobel Prize winning writer and resident John Steinbeck, will close its doors at the end of 2005,unless private donors soon contribute $3.2 million to replace funds taken by state government from city revenues. Salinas is not alone. Over the past few years, our worsening economy and Bush Administration budget cuts have caused massive waves of cutbacks at libraries nationwide.

Rating the 2008 Candidates
At the Democratic National Committee's Winter 2007 meeting, held February 1-3, 2007, 10 candidates for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination made their pitches to the party faithful in attendance, and to live C-SPAN cameras. The following are my brief comments about their presentations, and about their candidacies thusfar, 21 months before the November 4, 2008 elections.

US Snubs 9/11 Commission
On December 5, 2005, the 9/11 Commission, composed of four Republicans and four Democrats, issued its final report, accompanied by a summarized report card, on the status federal government implementation of its 41 basic recommendations to deter another catastrophic attack on the US homeland. This article presents that "Final Report Card on 9/11 Commission Recommendations" issued by the 9/11 Commisssion.

Obama's Plan for Iraq
Barack Obama's realistic, visionary plan for peace in Iraq, outlined in an important speech delivered on September 12, 2007 in Clinton, Iowa.

\$82 Billion More for Iraq
Secretary of State Rice recently presented a Bush spending request for $82 billion for a third year of US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Included in the plan is $658 million for a fortress-like embassy and fourteen "enduring bases" for longterm encampment of US soldiers. Despite the lavish request, the Bush plan requests nothing for veterans of the Iraq and Afghan conflicts.

Obama - Financial Security
On Nov 7, 2007, Sen. Barack Obama delivered an unusual and inspiring campaign speech in which he outlined specific, outside-the-box plans to address the financial hardships facing middle-class Americans. Among the specific interesting points in Sen. Obama's "Agenda to Reclaim the American Dream" were...

Democrats on Energy
The following is the Democratic Party agenda on energy independence. "We will create a cleaner, greener and stronger America by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, eliminating billions in subsidies for oil and gas companies... "

Taxes to Match US Values
John Edwards, 2004 Democratic vice presidential candidate, outlined his ideas for a radical overhaul of the US tax system to reflect the Constitutional and faith-based values of equality and hard work. His progressive proposals include taking away the biggest tax shelter, eliminate sweetheart tax deals for lobbyists, end corporate tax incentives to move jobs overseas and and curtail CEO salary abuse.

Democrats on Education
The following is the Democratic Party agenda on education and prosperity. "We will create jobs that stay in America and restore opportunity for all Americans, starting with raising the minimum wage, expanding Pell grants and making college tuition... "

Kucinich Debate Scorecard
Dissects and rates Rep. Dennis Kucinich in each of the Democratic 2008 debates and at certain conventions and conferences at which the Democratic candidates spoke.

ISG's 79 Recommendations
On December 6, 2006, the Iraq Study Group, co-chaired by James A. Baker III, former Secretary of State, and Lee H. Hamilton, a 34-year Congressman and 9/11 Commission member, issued its report, which included 79 specific recommendations. The following is the full text of ISG's 79 recommendations...

Sen Clinton on Privacy
On June 16, 2006, Senator Hillary Clinton gave a lengthy, nuanced speech on US privacy rights to the American Constitution Society, a respected progressive organization. Clinton's speech was significant, as it was the first major policy speech by a Democratic leader to propose a Privacy Bill of Rights and federal privacy czar. This article presents significant passages of Clinton's speech.

Biden Fundraising Stats
The following fundraising statistics and key contributor data for the Biden for President campaign were taken from the most recent Federal Election Commission report.

DNC Chair Howard Dean
Profile of Howard Dean, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, former governor of Vermont, and candidate for the 2004 Democratic nomination for the presidency.