Principles & Values: 2008 contenders' views

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A Woman in Charge, by Carl Bernstein

The Contenders, by Laura Flanders et al.

Obama: From Promise to Power, by David Mendell

Turnaround: Crisis, Leadership, and the Olympic Games

Living History, by Hillary Rodhan Clinton

Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson

Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values and His Vision, by Lisa Ray Turner and Kimberly Field

Her Way, by Jeff Gerth & Don Van Natta

A Bound Man, by Shelby Steele

God and Hillary Clinton: A Spiritual Life, by Paul Kengor

Change We Can Believe In

Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics, by Joe Biden

For Love of Politics: Bill and Hillary Clinton: The White House Years, by Sally Bedell Smith

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

Why Courage Matters, by John McCain

Madame Hillary, by R. Emmett Tyrell of The American Spectator

Hopes and Dreams: The Story of Barack Obama, by Steve Dougherty

Faith of My Fathers, by John McCain

Condi vs. Hillary: The Next Great Presidential Race

The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates

The Myth of a Maverick, by Matt Welch

Four Trials

The Extreme Makeover of Hillary (Rodham) Clinton, by Bay Buchanan

Character Makes a Difference, by Mike Huckabee

Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"

Worth the Fighting For, by John McCain

Inventing Al Gore, by Bill Turque

Hillary Clinton: The Inside Story, by Judith Warner

Hillary's Choice, by Gail Sheehy

Citizen McCain, by Elizabeth Drew

A Call to Service

Living Beyond Your Lifetime: How to be Intentional about the Legacy You Leave, by Mike Huckabee

Lessons Learned the Hard Way, by Newt Gingrich

Should Barack Obama Be President? by Fred Zimmerman, published Oct. 2006

Rediscovering God in America, by Newt Gingrich

In Mortal Danger, by Tom Tancredo

A Mormon in the White House, by Hugh Hewitt

An American Odyssey, by Robert Timberg

The Final Days, by Barbara Olsen, published Sept. 2003

2008 VA Senate Debate between Jim Gilmore and Mark Warner, July 19th, 2008

A Time to Lead: For Duty, Honor and Country, by Wesley Clark & Tom Carhart

To Renew America, by Newt Gingrich

Barack Obama in His Own Words, by Barack Obama, edited by Lisa Rogak

Man of the People, by Paul Alexander

Leadership, autobiography by Rudolph Giuliani

Friends in High Places, by Webb Hubbell

Building a Healthy Culture, Don Eberly, ed.

Between Worlds, by Bill Richardson

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 campaign ads

Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy, by Amanda Carpenter

The Unique Voice of Hillary Clinton

The Revolution: A Manifesto, by Ron Paul, published April 2008

Profiles in Character, by Jeb Bush & B.Yablonski, published January 1996

Leading by Example, by Bill Richardson

From Hope to Higher Ground, by Gov. Mike Huckabee

Hard Call, by John McCain & Mark Salter

The Courage to Survive, by Dennis Kucinich

State of Denial, by Bob Woodward

A Prayer for America

From Power to Purpose: A Remarkable Journey of Faith and Compassion, by Sam Brownback

Kerry: The Complete Biography By the Boston Globe

An Inconvenient Truth, by Al Gore

Freedom Under Siege, by Ron Paul

A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship

Giuliani: Flawed or Flawless?

Earth in the Balance, by Al Gore

The American Prospect, columns by Robert Reich

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 campaign ads

(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates about Principles & Values)

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Joe Biden on Principles & Values

Democratic Sr Senator (DE); Vice President-Elect

Click here for 37 full quotes by Joe Biden OR click here for Joe Biden on other issues.

As VP, I�ll be point person in Congress. (Oct 2008)
Cheney has been most dangerous VP in history. (Oct 2008)
Models his role on LBJ�s vice presidency. (Oct 2008)
Favorite movie: �Chariots of Fire�, for real heroism. (Oct 2008)
35-year track record of accomplishments. (Oct 2008)
McCain no maverick on education, health care, and debt. (Oct 2008)
Failure is at times inevitable but giving up is unforgivable. (Aug 2008)
Everyone is your equal, and everyone is equal to you. (Aug 2008)
We need a wise leader like Obama, not just a good soldier. (Aug 2008)
We should embrace change just like the previous generations. (Aug 2008)
Focus on Iraq, ending torture, healthcare, and education. (Dec 2007)
Insulted Indian-Americans in attempt to compliment vibrancy. (Nov 2007)
Giuliani is truly not qualified to be president. (Oct 2007)
MoveOn.org has not changed politics. (Sep 2007)
Prayer gives you strength, but doesn�t prevent crises. (Aug 2007)
Most decisive moment: engaging in civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
Next president has no margin of error, post-Bush. (Aug 2007)
Politics is a noble calling. (Jul 2007)
Childhood stuttering strengthened me. (Jul 2007)
1970: won first election, to County Council, in GOP district. (Jul 2007)
1972: beat GOP incumbent; 2nd youngest Senator ever elected. (Jul 2007)
1972: Wife & child killed in pre-inauguration auto accident. (Jul 2007)
Remarried in 1977, willing to give up Senate for Jill. (Jul 2007)
1988: Presidential run intended as base-building for 1992. (Jul 2007)
1988: plagiarized law school paper, but not malevolently. (Jul 2007)
1988: suffered aneurysm requiring brain surgery. (Jul 2007)
Religion informs my values; my reason dictates outcomes. (Jul 2007)
His book �Promises to Keep� written before presidential race. (Jul 2007)
Apologized for saying Barack Obama was clean and articulate. (Apr 2007)
Embellishment forced withdrawal from 1988 presidential race. (Apr 2007)
Biggest mistake was thinking he could work with George Bush. (Apr 2007)
Knocked out of 1988 race due to plagiarizing a speech. (Oct 2005)
Plans to seek presidential nomination in 2008. (Jun 2005)
Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Hillary Clinton on Principles & Values

Democratic Jr Senator (NY); Secretary of State-Designee

Click here for 157 full quotes by Hillary Clinton OR click here for 20 older headlines OR click here for Hillary Clinton on other issues.

Confidence and optimism enable us to meet our challenges. (Aug 2008)
McCain and Bush are awfully hard to tell apart these days. (Aug 2008)
GovWatch: Maybe won popular vote, but only delegates count. (Jun 2008)
Visited Bosnian war zone, but mistake to call it sniper fire. (Apr 2008)
My own crises are nothing compared to what people often face. (Feb 2008)
Michigan and Florida primary ballots should count. (Feb 2008)
I�ve been vetted; disinformation has all been recycled. (Feb 2008)
Democrats much more in step with America than GOP. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Ranked 16th most liberal in Senate. (Feb 2008)
America needs election debate about country�s direction. (Feb 2008)
Being the president is much more than being a CEO. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Obama, Bill, & Hillary all praised Ronald Reagan. (Jan 2008)
AdWatch: �Hillary: The Movie� counts as campaign ad. (Jan 2008)
Focus on foreign policy and revising executive orders. (Dec 2007)
Owes opportunity for presidency to generations of women. (Aug 2007)
Strong identification with Eleanor Roosevelt. (Jul 2007)
1963: called Saul Alinsky �great seducer� of young minds. (Jul 2007)
DC home, �Whitehaven�, became center of �Hillaryland�. (Jun 2007)
1974: Studied Nixon�s White House for impeachment committee. (Jun 2007)
Despite critics, fervent believer in public service. (Jun 2007)
Vince Foster suicide due to public bashing in editorial. (Jun 2007)
Reaches out to conservatives but voting record is liberal. (May 2007)
Prefers role as knowledgeable expert to role of visionary. (May 2007)
At her core, Hillary is an idealistic activist. (May 2007)
Biggest mistakes: mishandling healthcare; believing in WMDs. (Apr 2007)
OpEd: Hillary is emblematic of extreme leftist ideals. (Feb 2004)
Chair of powerful Steering and Coordinating Committee. (Feb 2004)
$8M book advance not vetted by Senate ethics panel. (Sep 2003)
Claimed no role in Travelgate firings. (Sep 2003)
NYC offices costs taxpayers $514,000 per year. (Sep 2003)
Accused of failing to disclose gifts as First Lady. (Sep 2003)
Supported teacher tests & China women despite unpopularity. (Oct 2000)
Not aggressive, but never intimidated by anyone. (Nov 1997)
1969: Humanness goes beyond acquisitiveness. (May 1969)
Opposed numerous Bush cabinet & court appointees. (Oct 2006)
Decried 1980s materialism & excesses of corporate America. (Dec 1999)
Bill Clinton
Bill�s role includes sounding board; but I make decisions. (Feb 2008)
Bill would be her adviser, and represent US around the world. (Feb 2008)
Key to Bill & Hillary�s marriage is shared love of politics. (Oct 2007)
Hillary and Bill made joint decisions during presidency. (Oct 2007)
I thought Bill was a pretty good president; now I�m running. (Sep 2007)
Bill & I started a conversation 36 years ago & never stopped. (Sep 2007)
Judge me on my merits, not as Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. (Jul 2007)
Endured Monicagate through faith and inward spirituality. (Jul 2007)
Secret �20-Year Project� with Bill to revolutionize Dems. (Jun 2007)
1986: Attacked for accepting state fee with Bill as governor. (Jun 2007)
1998: �Conspiracy� infuriated Starr; resonated with public. (Jun 2007)
Whitewater deal: the only �stupid dumb thing we ever did�. (Jun 2007)
Changed name from Rodham because many were offended. (Jun 2007)
1978: �Name issue� of Rodham raised in Bill�s first race. (Jun 2007)
1980: Synthesized basic principles into �New Dem� concept. (Jun 2007)
1982 campaign: served as Bill�s de facto campaign director. (Jun 2007)
Whitewater deal: maybe conflict-of-interest; but not illegal. (Jun 2007)
In Arkansas and Washington, subject to unprecedented vitriol. (Jun 2007)
1992: Attacks as radical feminist backfired into sympathy. (Jun 2007)
Travelgate: Office WAS sloppy; firings looked like cronyism. (Jun 2007)
Could have weakened right wing conspiracy by honest answers. (Jun 2007)
Like Eleanor Roosevelt, pushed boundaries of First Lady role. (Jun 2007)
Replay of �2 for price of 1� has big pluses & big minuses. (May 2007)
Proud of Bill Clinton�s record as president. (Feb 2007)
Role in Nixon�s impeachment prepared her for Bill�s ordeal. (Feb 2004)
Case for Bill�s impeachment was unjustified constitutionally. (Nov 2003)
Monica investigation abused process to undermine presidency. (Nov 2003)
Loves Bill despite affairs; not just �Stand By Your Man�. (Nov 2003)
1992: Meant �active partner� with �buy one get one free�. (Nov 2003)
Meant �women work conflict� with �stay home & bake cookies�. (Nov 2003)
Hillaryland meant active & influential First Lady staff. (Nov 2003)
Vince Foster�s suicide spurred conspiracy theories galore. (Nov 2003)
Not involved in pardons, neither with husband nor brother. (Feb 2001)
�Vast right wing conspiracy�. (Dec 1999)
Stands by her man despite �pain in marriage�. (Dec 1999)
Hillary�s choice: Co-president or White House wife? (Dec 1999)
Never left Bill because they were a team. (Dec 1999)
1992 RNC Convention was hate-fest against Hillary. (Aug 1999)
Not some little woman standing by her man. (Jul 1992)
Campaign Themes
I have the experience to be commander in chief. (Feb 2008)
Words matter, but actions speak louder than words. (Feb 2008)
The next president faces a stack of problems on day one. (Jan 2008)
Campaigning on the legacy that King stood for. (Jan 2008)
Right has no sex and truth has no color. (Jan 2008)
Running to continue work I�ve done for 35 years. (Dec 2007)
Cultivates grassroots groups & �grass-top� leaders. (Nov 2007)
Bring your brooms & vacuum cleaners; we got to clean up DC. (Aug 2007)
If you want a winner to take on right wing, I�m your girl. (Aug 2007)
After 35 years of experience, ready to lead on day one. (Jul 2007)
I consider myself a modern American progressive. (Jul 2007)
Maybe, finally, break that hardest of all glass ceilings. (Jul 2007)
The politics of meaning: individuality is part of society. (Jul 2007)
Amalgam politics: make labels irrelevant. (Jul 2007)
New progressive vision for the 21st century. (Jun 2007)
A mind conservative and a heart liberal. (Jun 2007)
Already made change and will continue to make change. (Jan 2006)
Message of candidacy: hardworking experienced collaborator. (Oct 2005)
OpEd: Alinsky�s rule: tactics over principles. (Feb 2004)
OpEd: Hillary has mastered politics of self victimization. (Feb 2004)
New Democrat: individual responsibility and community. (Apr 2000)
Past Elections
1998: Unforeseen turning point when Moynihan resigned. (Oct 2007)
Stumble of �baking cookies� was moment of authenticity. (Oct 2007)
Rove is obsessed with me because I take them on & beat them. (Aug 2007)
2000: campaigned heavily in African-American churches. (Jul 2007)
1996: Enthusiastic crowd at DNC got her �bitten by the bug�. (Jun 2007)
Critics call it �extreme makeover� but admit its success. (May 2007)
HILLPAC donated to 30 Senate & Governor candidates. (Nov 2006)
HILLPAC focus: electing Congressional Democratic majority. (Nov 2006)
Fined $35,000 for under-reporting expenses in 2000. (Oct 2006)
House of Representatives has been run like a plantation. (Jan 2006)
Timing was paramount to the Clintons� success in �92. (Feb 2004)
Experience and choices as a woman will make me good senator. (Oct 2000)
National experience & ability to get along will serve NY. (Feb 2000)
End divisional politics. (Feb 2000)
Hillary�s feminism a liability for Bill�s gubernatorial race. (Aug 1999)
1989 speculation: Hillary would run for Arkansas governor. (Aug 1999)
Personal Background
An anti-agitator; never sought changing system from outside. (Nov 2007)
Early character development: standing up to a bully. (Jul 2007)
Pre-Wellesley, confident her conservatism wouldn�t change. (Jun 2007)
1969: Entered law school as �vehicle for social change�. (Jun 2007)
As Goldwater Girl in 1960s, canvassed Chicago slums. (Jun 2007)
Childhood of parsimonious parents; favored equal opportunity. (Jun 2007)
Father a rock-ribbed Republican but ran for office as Dem. (Jun 2007)
Staff attorney on Watergate/Nixon impeachment investigation. (Jun 2007)
Taught at AR Law School using �all business� style. (Jun 2007)
Suffers from endometriosis; Chelsea�s conception difficult. (Jun 2007)
Family myth: named after Everest�s Sir Edmund Hillary. (May 2007)
At age 27, tried to enlist in Marines. (Feb 2004)
My mom could not live my life; father could not imagine it. (Nov 2003)
Mother, Dorothy, offended by mistreatment of any human being. (Nov 2003)
Father, Hugh, focused on self-reliance & personal initiative. (Nov 2003)
AuH2O: Supported Goldwater on basis of individual rights. (Nov 2003)
1976: Organized Indiana for Carter-Mondale campaign. (Nov 2003)
1980: Bill practiced Lamaze, but Chelsea delivered Caesarian. (Nov 2003)
Hillary bred in conservative community. (Aug 1999)
Began college career as a conservative. (Aug 1999)
1976: Got Rose Law firm job via Vince Foster. (Nov 1997)
1977: At Rose Law, her strength was one-on-one discussion. (Nov 1997)
Religion
Have faith in God, in our country, and in each other. (Aug 2008)
Faith is not just something to cling to in hard times. (Apr 2008)
Faith sustains us in bitter times; faith isn�t bitterness. (Apr 2008)
I have always felt the presence of God in my life. (Apr 2008)
Favorite Bible story: Purim story of Esther. (Apr 2008)
Called by my faith & upbringing to serve others at young age. (Feb 2008)
Gives guest church sermon: �What It Means to be a Methodist�. (Oct 2007)
I believe in prayer; I�m dependent on my faith. (Aug 2007)
Sought pastoral guidance on doubts about capital punishment. (Jul 2007)
Dealt with Bill�s infidelity via counseling & Book of Psalms. (Jul 2007)
Sincere Christian & lifelong member of religious left. (Jul 2007)
Old-fashioned Methodist; reads Book of Resolutions & Bible. (Jul 2007)
Tolerating Bill�s foibles echoes mom�s Methodist forgiveness. (Jun 2007)
Turned to prayer when father dying, & anytime under duress. (Jun 2007)
Has one Jewish step-grandfather. (Oct 2005)
Early family life steeped in Methodism. (Feb 2004)
Voting Record
Voted with Democratic Party 96.7% of 304 votes. (Sep 2007)
Hillary�s paradox: she�s not as liberal as people think. (May 2006)
Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Supports Hyde Park Declaration of "Third Way" centrism. (Aug 2000)
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)
Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2007)

Tom Daschle on Principles & Values

Former Democratic Senator (SD); Secretary of H.H.S.-Designee

Click here for 5 full quotes by Tom Daschle OR click here for Tom Daschle on other issues.

New Leadership for America PAC supports 3 candidates. (Dec 2006)
A union as strong as the American people. (Jan 2004)
Shift away from Bush priorities will follow shift in Senate. (May 2001)
Gore ahead by 9 votes, if all current recounts are counted. (Nov 2000)
Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)

Rahm Emanuel on Principles & Values

Democratic Rep. (IL-5); Chief of Staff-Designee

Click here for 3 full quotes by Rahm Emanuel OR click here for Rahm Emanuel on other issues.

Supports Hyde Park Declaration of "Third Way" centrism. (Aug 2000)
Rated 92% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)
Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2007)

Robert Gates on Principles & Values

Secretary of Defense-Designee

Click here for Robert Gates on other issues.

No stance on record.

Timothy Geithner on Principles & Values

Secretary of Treasury-Designee

Click here for the full quote by Timothy Geithner OR click here for Timothy Geithner on other issues.

Served in Treasury Department in three administrations. (Jul 2007)

Eric Holder on Principles & Values

Attorney General-Designee

Click here for the full quote by Eric Holder OR click here for Eric Holder on other issues.

US Attorney for Washington DC; past trial lawyer. (Nov 2008)

John McCain on Principles & Values

Republican nominee for President; Senior Senator (AZ)

Click here for 100 full quotes by John McCain OR click here for 16 older headlines OR click here for John McCain on other issues.

I am not President Bush; so don�t run against him!. (Oct 2008)
People should know about Obama connection to ACORN & Ayers. (Oct 2008)
Governors Clinton & Reagan were underestimated too. (Sep 2008)
America is an idea and a cause worth fighting for. (Sep 2008)
I�m running for president because my country saved me. (Sep 2008)
Serve a cause greater than yourself. (Sep 2008)
I�m a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. (Sep 2008)
Palin has governed our largest state & 20% of US�s energy. (Sep 2008)
Obama lacks judgment, not experience; Palin has judgment. (Sep 2008)
Reform, prosperity, and peace. (Aug 2008)
My most basic conservative principle: liberty comes from God. (Feb 2008)
Disagrees with his mom; he can unite the party. (Feb 2008)
Anticipates spirited debate on differences with Democrats. (Feb 2008)
Proud of Justice O�Connor; favor Roberts and Alito. (Jan 2008)
Reagan knows that I stick with my principles. (Jan 2008)
GovWatch: No, Constitution says we�re not a Christian nation. (Jan 2008)
Able to work with others with own set of principles. (Dec 2007)
Op-Ed: Unexamined as both straight-talker and as maverick. (Oct 2007)
Most important part of decision-making is self-awareness. (Aug 2007)
If I lose capacity for anger, I lose capacity to serve. (Apr 2007)
Needs independents to win �08 primary; but GOP dislikes them. (Oct 2005)
Courage is the capacity for action despite our fears. (Apr 2004)
Humility from surviving veterans is remarkable. (Apr 2004)
Just government is derived from the consent of the governed. (Apr 2004)
We need moral courage to be honest all the time. (Apr 2004)
Do the thing you think you cannot do. (Apr 2004)
The allure of pride affects adults like it affects children. (Apr 2004)
We are indebted to those who shed blood for us. (Apr 2004)
It�s love that makes courage necessary. (Apr 2004)
Political style is to be straightforward. (Sep 2002)
Principles are more important than personal happiness. (Sep 2002)
Temper is same as other senators--he�s just more famous. (May 2002)
Keep tight reign on emotions--not to high nor too depressed. (May 2002)
Fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. (Sep 2008)
Faith bridges unbridgeable gaps in humanity. (Feb 2000)
Calls himself conservative who attracts political center. (Feb 2000)
Foreign policy should not be shaped by photo-ops & polls. (Jan 2000)
Restore, renew, reform, & reinvigorate government. (Sep 1999)
�New Patriotic Challenge�: stand against cynicism. (Sep 1999)
Public officials have failed to set example for society. (Aug 1999)
Campaign Themes
Palin is a reformer and a role model. (Oct 2008)
I fight for Americans; I fight for you. (Sep 2008)
Warning to Washington crowd: Change is coming. (Sep 2008)
Fight for what�s right for our country. (Sep 2008)
I�m a mainstream conservative; judge my record as a whole. (Feb 2008)
This 2008 election is about hugely consequential things. (Feb 2008)
The vision, knowledge, and background to be president. (Jan 2008)
People want the truth, even if they disagree. (Jan 2008)
I didn�t manage for profit, I led for patriotism. (Oct 2007)
Philosophy of worthy sacrifice from For Whom the Bell Tolls. (Oct 2007)
Hard Calls: consider stakes; time; preparedness; confidence. (Aug 2007)
Reform gov�t, fight Islamic extremism; & restore integrity. (Apr 2007)
I am here to serve, but not necessarily as president. (Apr 2007)
Looks to Reagan, Teddy Roosevelt, & Eisenhower as models. (Apr 2007)
Loyalty is important, but performance should come first. (Apr 2007)
Man of the People: happy to be a Republican and a Reaganite. (Jan 2004)
Straight Talk focuses on appeal via authenticity. (May 2002)
Iraq War
Obama broke his word on public campaign financing. (Oct 2008)
Past Campaigns
GovWatch: 2002: Religious Right are �agents of intolerance�. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Won NH & SC via independents, but lost GOP vote. (Jan 2008)
1983: Claiming Hanoi residency ended carpetbagger accusation. (Oct 2007)
Keating Five scandal converted him to champion of reform. (Oct 2007)
Keating Five: investigated during 90s Savings & Loan scandal. (Oct 2007)
Absent from Values Voter Presidential Debate. (Sep 2007)
GOP lost 2006 due to corrupt spending, spending, spending. (Jun 2007)
Straight Talk America PAC endorses 60 House candidates. (Dec 2006)
McCain�s PAC endorses 19 Senate & 17 governor candidates. (Dec 2006)
Denounces �Swift Boat Vets� ads as dishonest. (Aug 2004)
2000 race: More grass-roots populism than Republicanism. (Jan 2004)
2000 race: Maverick positions became threat to GOP. (Jan 2004)
Residual bitterness at Bush from 2000 campaign. (May 2002)
Time for closure on a bizarre situation. (Nov 2000)
Suspends campaign, citing Republican preference for Bush. (Mar 2000)
Will take reform crusade back to the Senate. (Mar 2000)
Leaves race, urging service to country. (Mar 2000)
Reagan Republican: simplify taxes, stop waste, pay down debt. (Mar 2000)
Support conservative issues, not far-right leaders. (Mar 2000)
The GOP should be inclusive. (Feb 2000)
Campaigning to return government to the people. (Sep 1999)
Personal History
Favorite movie: �Viva Zapata�, a heroic tale of sacrifice. (Sep 2008)
Inspired by Reagan while in the North Vietnam prison camps. (Jan 2008)
Spent 10 years �doing everything I can to control my temper�. (Oct 2007)
As teenager, inherited obligation to attend Annapolis. (Sep 2007)
Admiral Slew McCain set John�s standard for grit & courage. (Sep 2007)
Born at a Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone. (Sep 2007)
Relationship with father was one of respect, more than love. (Sep 2007)
Not youngest candidate, but certainly the most prepared. (May 2007)
Admiral McCain�s health failed after retiring from the Navy. (Sep 2002)
Spent nearly 23 years on active duty in the Navy. (Sep 2002)
Survived as POW by faith to a higher cause. (Nov 1999)
Refused release to hurt Vietnamese & remain loyal to POWs. (Nov 1999)
Graduated 5th from bottom of Naval Academy class. (Nov 1999)
�Profligate rake� during Academy and Junior Officer years. (Nov 1999)
Voting Record
Voted with Republican Party 87.3% of 165 votes. (Sep 2007)
Vote based on character, not issues. (Jan 2000)
Voted YES on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted YES on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Religious affiliation: Episcopalian. (Nov 2000)
Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
Rated 33% by the AU, a mixed record on church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Janet Napolitano on Principles & Values

Democratic AZ Governor; Designee for Secretary of Homeland Security

Click here for Janet Napolitano on other issues.

No stance on record.

Barack Obama on Principles & Values

Junior Senator (IL); President-Elect

Click here for 163 full quotes by Barack Obama OR click here for 17 older headlines OR click here for Barack Obama on other issues.

Bill Ayers is not & will not be involved with my campaign. (Oct 2008)
FactCheck: Spoke at ACORN events, as well as court case. (Oct 2008)
My associates are Warren Buffet, Paul Volcker, & Sen. Lugar. (Oct 2008)
Biden has knowledge, long career, and cares. (Oct 2008)
Ordinary people found the courage to keep the promise alive. (Aug 2008)
The Ownership Society really means �you�re on your own�. (Aug 2008)
Measure progress by observing how ordinary people are doing. (Aug 2008)
Our government must keep the promise of America. (Aug 2008)
Fulfilling America�s promise means individual participation. (Aug 2008)
To John McCain: We all put our country first. (Aug 2008)
The Republicans make a big election about small things. (Aug 2008)
The American promise is our greatest inheritance. (Aug 2008)
We have to demand more from ourselves. (Jul 2008)
I revere the American flag; I don�t refuse to wear flag pins. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, refused to wear a flag pin, last year. (Apr 2008)
Actions can be seen in 20 years of my public service. (Feb 2008)
Wouldn�t be running if I didn�t think I was prepared. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Ranked most liberal in Senate, based on 99 votes. (Feb 2008)
The Clinton years were undeniably better than the Bush years. (Jan 2008)
Turn the page on the failed politics & policies of the past. (Jan 2008)
Made the right decisions that were not politically popular. (Jan 2008)
Gave away all Rezko �boneheaded� donations to charity. (Nov 2007)
2 years older than JFK when JFK ran for president. (Nov 2007)
On �inexperience�: he wrote policy books that media ignores. (Oct 2007)
Don�t know if life beyond earth; focus on life here on earth. (Oct 2007)
Criticizes voter cynicism from decades of disappointment. (Oct 2007)
Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
The Plan: Raise Obama�s profile, including African adventure. (Aug 2007)
Assigned RFK�s Senate desk; invokes RFK regularly. (Feb 2007)
Convention speech understood country yearns for unity. (Oct 2006)
Post-1960s politics more about moral attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
Americans dislike partisanship--not solution like Dems think. (Oct 2006)
Enlist the American people in the process of self-government. (Jan 2006)
Be strong or be clever and make peace. (Aug 1996)
Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Themes
We�re more decent & compassionate than last 8 years. (Aug 2008)
The destiny of all Americans is inextricably linked. (Aug 2008)
¡Sí, se puede! Yes, we can!. (Jun 2008)
Key issue is McCain following Bush on war & economy. (Jun 2008)
This union may never be perfect, but can always be perfected. (Mar 2008)
Go beyond the divisions so that the government can work. (Feb 2008)
Life experiences taught me how to bring people together. (Feb 2008)
People understand we must bring the country together. (Feb 2008)
I have shown the right judgment to lead. (Feb 2008)
Labels like �most liberal� prevent problem-solving. (Feb 2008)
Overcome politics of demonizing opponents. (Jan 2008)
End politics of division; make it about addition. (Jan 2008)
We are choosing hope over fear. (Jan 2008)
Hope is the bedrock of this nation. (Jan 2008)
If you join me I promise you we can change America. (Dec 2007)
Resounds with American theme of overcoming burden of history. (Nov 2007)
Cultivates comparison to Jack Kennedy. (Nov 2007)
Campaigns assiduously in black churches. (Nov 2007)
Viral video �I Got a Crush on Obama� by Obama Girl. (Nov 2007)
Community politics: merges Alinsky & political activism. (Oct 2007)
Apply lessons from both Goldwater and McGovern. (Oct 2007)
Invites supporters to join him on �This Improbable Quest�. (Oct 2007)
Resolve �most electable� vs.�most progressive� by being both. (Oct 2007)
Turn the page: invite GOP & independents to join in agenda. (Sep 2007)
Seen as both critical outsider and establishment insider. (Aug 2007)
People have an urgent desire for change in Washington. (Jul 2007)
A �hopemonger�, having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
Washington can change if we say: Yes we can. (Mar 2007)
Replace partisan bickering with politics of hope. (Feb 2007)
I�ve been in DC long enough to know that it must change. (Feb 2007)
Portrayed as a multiplier instead of a divider. (Oct 2006)
Progressives should recognize common morality with religion. (Oct 2006)
�Audacity of Hope� to change politics to reflect common good. (Oct 2006)
Seek common ground, not a moral crusade. (Oct 2004)
Offer real hope-not blind optimism-to the American people. (Jul 2004)
I�m living my parents� dreams and the American dream. (Jul 2004)
Greatness based on Declaration of Independence, not military. (Jul 2004)
We are one people all defending the United States of America. (Jul 2004)
Want common-sense solutions, not liberal-conservative labels. (Jul 2004)
Past Campaigns
Campaigning on change from the bottom up that King stood for. (Jan 2008)
Ran for Congress in 2000 & lost. (Nov 2007)
1990: Elected Law Review president with conservative support. (Aug 2007)
State Senate opponents disqualified on technicality. (Aug 2007)
Senate 2004 campaign theme: �Yes we can�. (Aug 2007)
2004: Won Senate seat against Alan Keyes, 70%-29%. (Aug 2007)
Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)
Personal History
Favorite movie: �The Godfather�, for respect & family. (Sep 2008)
GovWatch: �Worked his way thru college� meant 2 summer jobs. (Jul 2008)
In no other country is my story even possible. (Mar 2008)
FactCheck: Took Rezko�s donations, but never represented him. (Jan 2008)
�Dreams From My Father� is an archetypal search. (Dec 2007)
Obama REPRESENTS something; doesn�t have to DO anything. (Dec 2007)
Won Grammy for recording �Dreams from My Father�. (Nov 2007)
Real estate deal with felon was �boneheaded� but ethical. (Oct 2007)
First major politician of the post-Baby Boom generation. (Oct 2007)
Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 2007)
High school jock--played football as defensive lineman. (Aug 2007)
Goal as youth: Leave the world a better place. (Aug 2007)
Planned on presidency since well before 2004 Convention. (Aug 2007)
Dreams from My Father originally about Harvard Law Review. (Aug 2007)
Favorite authors: E. L. Doctorow & Shakespeare. (Aug 2007)
To understand Obama, understand Hawaii�s cultural mix. (Aug 2007)
Father was first African exchange student at U. Hawaii. (Aug 2007)
Met Michelle Robinson at law firm; married in 1990. (Aug 2007)
A reformed smoker but occasionally burns one. (Mar 2007)
Traces ancestry to Jefferson Davis, President of Confederacy. (Feb 2007)
Personal story is basis of political desire to unite. (Feb 2007)
Greeted as hero on visit to ancestral Kenya. (Feb 2007)
Father died in car crash before Barack got to know him. (Feb 2007)
Moved to Illinois as community organizer, for $13,000 a year. (Feb 2007)
Born in Hawaii; lives on Chicago�s South Side. (Nov 2006)
Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him �Barry�. (Oct 2006)
First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
Poverty of political organizers was proof of their integrity. (Aug 1996)
Racism & Race
Taking a black candidate for granted is measure of progress. (Jun 2008)
Rev. Wright and flag pins re distractions from real issues. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: William Ayres never killed anyone with bombs. (Apr 2008)
This candidacy is not just an exercise in affirmative action. (Mar 2008)
We�ve never really worked through complexities of race. (Mar 2008)
Working together we can move beyond some old racial wounds. (Mar 2008)
Intertwined search for father and racial identity. (Dec 2007)
A Bound Man: inner turmoil of 1960s black nationalism. (Dec 2007)
Rooted in African-American community but also more than that. (Dec 2007)
Embodies smothering racial power in individual democracy. (Dec 2007)
More influenced by his race than public perceives. (Dec 2007)
In college, rejected multiracialism for black identity. (Dec 2007)
Whites sense that Barack grants them �benefit of the doubt�. (Dec 2007)
Fans see Obama as opportunity to vote for redemption. (Dec 2007)
Bradley effect: black candidates poll above actual votes. (Oct 2007)
Veiled racism in dismissing Obama as �unqualified�. (Oct 2007)
Catching a cab, no one questions he�s �authentically black�. (Jul 2007)
Issue of race has given Senate a black eye. (Mar 2007)
Convention keynote speech highlights party�s black targeting. (Jul 2004)
America�s race and class problems are intertwined. (Aug 1996)
There is some hope of eventual reconciliation between races. (Aug 1996)
Racism wasn�t merely the cruelty involved, but arrogance too. (Aug 1996)
Religion
FactCheck: Did not say �I will stand with the Muslims�. (Aug 2008)
GovWatch: never a Muslim, but school listed him as Muslim. (Jun 2008)
I joined church to commit to Christ, not to Rev. Wright. (May 2008)
In hard times, people take refuge in traditions, God & guns. (Apr 2008)
I am a person of faith; and I reach out to people of faith. (Apr 2008)
Blacks are angry; but I dissociate myself from Rev. Wright. (Apr 2008)
Religion is foundational; not clinging nor elitist. (Apr 2008)
Rev. Jeremiah Wright helped bring me to Christianity. (Apr 2008)
Exposure to Islam taught me that Muslims can partner with us. (Apr 2008)
I am a proud Christian who believes deeply in Jesus Christ. (Jan 2008)
Despite attack email, pledges Allegiance & uses Bible. (Jan 2008)
Attends church with press, to dispel rumors that he�s Muslim. (Dec 2007)
Joined church that emphasized a �Black Value System�. (Dec 2007)
Madrassa myth perpetuated by false email & fabricated story. (Oct 2007)
Uses prayer to take stock of his moral compass. (Oct 2007)
Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square. (Sep 2007)
Active in the Trinity faith community. (Aug 2007)
Carries Bible on campaign trail, & refers to it weekly. (Aug 2007)
Embrace Christ as an ally. (Mar 2007)
Source of his book title �Audacity of Hope� was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
Raised secular, but with working knowledge of world religion. (Oct 2006)
Baptized as an adult in the Trinity United Church of Christ. (Oct 2006)
Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values. (Oct 2006)
There�s a call to evangelize in politics. (Apr 2004)
I�m a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)
Voting Record
Biggest mistake was intruding in Terri Schiavo case. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Sarah Palin on Principles & Values

Republican Governor (AK); ; nominee for Vice President

Click here for 48 full quotes by Sarah Palin OR click here for Sarah Palin on other issues.

By working with all parties, never had to compromise. (Oct 2008)
Admires Geraldine Ferraro & George Bush Sr. (Oct 2008)
Favorite movie: �Hoosiers�, for underdog tenacity. (Oct 2008)
Shares McCain world view of US as shining city on the hill. (Oct 2008)
Officiated a marriage in the aisle of Wal-Mart. (Sep 2008)
OpEd: Vetting process for V.P. included no one in Alaska. (Sep 2008)
Proud of being a Washington outsider. (Sep 2008)
Good-old-boy networks are created by both parties. (Sep 2008)
Americans are just getting sick & tired of politics as usual. (Sep 2008)
When I hear our National Anthem, I get a lump in my throat. (Sep 2008)
Came of age in the era of Reagan; thinks about him daily. (Sep 2008)
There is a plan for this world and that plan is for good. (Sep 2008)
Small towns produced Harry Truman as V.P.; and produced me. (Sep 2008)
OpEd: shores up McCain as a conservative AND as a maverick. (Sep 2008)
Before selection, questioned role of vice president. (Sep 2008)
Gained political prominence as a whistleblower. (Aug 2008)
Shatter that glass ceiling once and for all. (Aug 2008)
Leadership is a responsibility to prepare for tomorrow. (Jan 2008)
Top priorities for AK include ethics & balanced budget. (Mar 2007)
Decries �politics as usual� of attacking opponents. (Nov 2006)
Endorsed by Sen. Ted Stevens. (Oct 2006)
Endorsed by United Fishermen of Alaska (commercial group). (Oct 2006)
Mayorship & Governorship
Known to Wasilla residents as personable multi-tasker. (Sep 2008)
Embraced �City of Character� religious program as mayor. (Sep 2008)
Signed up for PTA; then ran for City Council; then Mayor. (Sep 2008)
Trounced incumbent governor in 2006 on platform of reform. (Aug 2008)
Personal History
Miss Congeniality in statewide beauty pageant in 1984. (Aug 2008)
Star high school athlete in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. (Aug 2008)
Voted �Miss Wasilla� in local beauty contest; eloped at 24. (Aug 2008)
Husband left oil job to avoid conflict; now works for BP. (Aug 2008)
Husband is part Eskimo; won Iron Dog snowmobile races. (Aug 2008)
Raises kids with network of relatives, plus Todd as Mr. Mom. (Aug 2008)
Had 6 months to adapt & prepare for Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008)
Studied journalism; ran for office to make a difference. (Aug 2008)
Religion
OpEd: Core values defined by political ambition plus church. (Sep 2008)
I�m one of those bitter people clinging to guns & religion. (Sep 2008)
Religion: non-denominational Bible-believing Christian. (Aug 2008)
Declare a National Day of Prayer in Alaska. (Apr 2008)
The Bible has profoundly influenced America. (Oct 2007)
Recognize America�s historic and founding Christian heritage. (Sep 2007)
Fight for freedom of religion and freedom of expression. (Oct 2006)
Troopergate
OpEd: Popularity hurt by Troopergate and at-home per-diem. (Sep 2008)
Troopergate: brother-in-law tasered child, but still trooper. (Sep 2008)
Fired controversial state trooper for threatening family. (Aug 2008)
Investigated for firing ex-brother-in-law in custody battle. (Aug 2008)
Independent prosecutor probing Cabinet firing. (Jul 2008)
Replaced Public Safety commissioner based on lack of results. (Jul 2008)
Denies all allegations in Department of Public Safety affair. (Jul 2008)

Bill Richardson on Principles & Values

Democratic Governor (NM); Secretary of Commerce-Designee

Click here for 18 full quotes by Bill Richardson OR click here for Bill Richardson on other issues.

Giuliani left Iraq Study Group; uninterested in war deaths. (Nov 2007)
Predicts a win in New Hampshire primary. (Nov 2007)
Well-off childhood in Mexico as son of Citibank executive. (Nov 2007)
Lead by example by climate negotiations with the world. (Oct 2007)
The New Realism: end policy based on unilateralist illusions. (Oct 2007)
Would not leave NM governorship to be vice president. (Sep 2007)
With me, you get both change AND experience. (Aug 2007)
My sense of social justice comes from being a Roman Catholic. (Aug 2007)
Decisive political moment: wife agreeing to marry him. (Aug 2007)
I have the most experience and I represent change. (Aug 2007)
Running on resume & record, to be president of middle class. (May 2007)
Offered MLB contract, but mistakenly called that drafted. (May 2007)
Biggest mistake is impatience, like pushing minimum wage. (Apr 2007)
I can bring people together. (Apr 2007)
Pledges to not engage in negative campaigning on Dems. (Feb 2007)
Richardson�s Rules for negotiating. (Nov 2005)
New Progressivism: combine opportunity with accountability. (Nov 2005)
In Guinness Book of World Records for most handshakes. (Nov 2005)

Eric Shinseki on Principles & Values

Secretary of Veterans Affairs-Designee

Click here for Eric Shinseki on other issues.

No stance on record.

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Bill Clinton

Campaign Themes

Past Elections

Personal Background

Religion

Voting Record

Campaign Themes

Iraq War

Past Campaigns

Personal History

Voting Record

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Past Campaigns

Personal History

Racism & Race

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Religion

Troopergate

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