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Hillarack Oblinton
Jan 9th 2008 9:25AM
Filed Under:eHillary Clinton, Democrats, Barack Obama, Featured Stories
Now that the Democratic race for the nomination has, for all practical purposes, been winnowed down to two candidates--Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama--it is time to get out the fine-toothed combs and decide which of these Senators is more deserving to be the nominee. The central distinguishing proposition of the race thus far has been that of Experience (Clinton) vs. Change (Obama). At the same time, however, I've heard more than a few Clinton supporters say that, when it comes to the issues before the Senate, Hillary and Barack have overwhelmingly voted in the same fashion. A look at GovTrack.us sheds some light on the legislative priorities and accomplishments of each would-be president. You can learn a lot about a candidate by seeing what kinds of laws he or she wants passed. So let's have a gander.
In 2007, Hillary sponsored or co-sponsored 100 pieces of legislation. Some practical and important--such as S. Res. 649, a bill that requires an independent safety inspection for New York's Indian Point Nuclear plant--and some symbolic--such as S. Con. Res. 10 which recognizes and praises the NAACP on its 98th birthday.
Of the 100 bills brought to the floor by Clinton this year, 6 have been enacted into law:
1. support for the goals and ideals of "National Purple Heart Recognition Day"
2. a concurrent resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart
3.a bill to recognize the goals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
4. a bill to urge a international organization to allow access to Holocaust archives
5. a resolution calling for Hamas and Hezbollah to release Israeli soldiers held captive
6. recognition of the uncommon valor of Wesley Autrey, the man who jumped on to the subway tracks and saved a man's life
Over to Obama's year in the Senate. The Illinois Senator sponsored or co-sponsored 63 bills this year. As with Hillary, some of them would have immediate practical effect--such as S. 1306, the Lead Free Toys Act of 2007-- and some are less urgent--such as S. Con. Res. 5 which honors the life of Percy Lavon Julian, the first African American to be inducted into the Academy of Sciences.
Of Obama's proposed legislation, 3 bills passed in 2007.
1. a resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.
2. the designation of July 12, 2007 as "National Summer Learning Day."
3. a condemnation of Zimbabwe's governmental oppression of its citizens.
The takeaway from all of this? It's much easier to pass non-binding, symbolic laws than ones that actually do much to change the world. Congress is a team sport, after all. One could do a similar treatment of John McCain's past year, too. What' is really instructive about all of this is the list of items each Senator sponsored. Both Clinton and Obama are very progressive. Both have introduced bills to protect the middle class, aid veterans, and increase public safety oversight.
So, what of their differences? While it is statistically true to say that Obama and Clinton have voted together over 90 percent of the time, during their overlapping time in the Senate, they have also voted differently 40 times. The important issues, nicely outlined by the Washington Post, have largely to do with energy.
Clinton voted against an amendment in the Energy Bill establishing an ethanol mandate for refineries.
Obama voted for the amendment, which became law.
Clinton voted to expand oil production in the Gulf of Mexico.
Obama opposed the expansion.
Obama voted for an increase in fuel-efficiency standards
Hillary voted against the idea.
Obama voted against funding for pet projects (this one's tricky)
Hillary voted against.
Clinton voted to keep funding TV Marti, the American anti-Cuban station
Obama voted against
Clinton voted in favor of a measure that allowed confiscation of legally-owned hand guns during natural disasters
Obama voted against
So there you have look at the issues. The similarities and the differences. Govtrack considers Clinton the more liberal of the two contenders, but both push the needle toward the blue end of the binary color-spectrum.
Recent Comments
(Page 2 of 13)Denise Murdock12:08PMJan 9th 2008
I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTEN ALOT ABOUT THE CLINTONS AND I THINK HILLERY SHOULD HAVE GONE TO JAIL WITH HER OTHER LAWYER FRINDS. WE IMPEACHED BILL AND YET YOU PEOPLE WANT TO PUT THEM BACK IN SO THEY CAN STEAL SOME MORE MAKE MORE WHILE AMERICA GOES DOWN THE DRAIN WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU CLINTON LOVERS.
Denise Murdock12:23PMJan 9th 2008
ONE DAY THERE WILL BE A WOMAN PRESIDENT AND THERE WILL BE A BLACK PRESIDENT BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT YOU NEED TO BASE YOUR VOTE ON.THERE IS TO MUCH HYPE ABOUT THIS. PEOPLE THERE ARE REAL ISSUES OUT THERE.SO I ASK YOU TO LOOK BEOND THE FACT THAT THERE IS A WOMAN RUNNING FOR THE FIRST AND A BLACK MAN RUNNING FOR THE FIRST TIME.THAT IS NOT WHAT MATTERS WHAT MATTERS IS AMERICA IS IN A MESS.AND WE ARE GOING DOWN FAST. WE NEED SOME ONE WHO CAN FIX THIS MESS AND I DON'T HILLERY WHO IS OUT FOR HER SELF AND OBAMA WHO WANTS TO BE THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT,IS IT LOOK AT EDWARDS HE SEEMS TO BE SMART. AND HE HAS SOME GOOD IDEAS.
fattie12:24PMJan 9th 2008
WAS THE WOMAN WHO ASKED THE QUESTION THAT BROUGHT "TEARS" ONE OF THE MANY PEOPLE BUSED IN TO FILL UP HER RALLIES. ISN'T THIS THE SAME WOMAN WHO SCREECHED AT HER DRIVER FOR TELLING HER GOOD MORNING. SHE TOLD HIM TO SHUT UP, STAY 10 FEET AWAY FROM HER AND HE WAS THERE TO DRIVE. CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHO SHE IS GOING TO BE IN SC.
Carmelo12:28PMJan 9th 2008
My predictions is that Billary Clinton will be nominated by the Democrat Party and that she will run against the republican Rudy(gay rights, abortion rights) Giuliani. Billary will beat Giuliani to become the first woman president of The United States. Barrack(Black muslin) Obama will become the first black American muslin vice president. The cost of regular gasoline will go down to 2.75 a gallon just to go back up to $4.00 a gallon by the end of 2009. Condi Rice will go for the governorship of California becoming the first black lesbian woman in that position. Jeb Bush will beat Billary in 2012 becoming the second catholic to reach the presidency of the United States. Just wait and see!
EXPECT TO SEE HILLARY CLINTON CRY A LOT IN THE NEXT WEEKS.
Gloria12:29PMJan 9th 2008
I agree,keep Obama out. What is wrong with the world today - haven't we been through enough with mid-easterns! I wouldn't trust anyone. Once in the White House, the U.S. is doomed. Let's get with it, and you woman of the world, let's get a woman who will do something in the White House.
We all know when we are deeply disheartened, we would all show a little emotion. That makes us human. She is human and a WOMAN. Her husband was a good President and did good things except for his indescretions,but look at the Kennedy's. A great man will always have some indescretions and every man running has one. Believe me. Better think twice about having a black man in the White House. Look what happens when they get some power, they think only of their own kind and all their prejudices come out. I have many friends that are black and I love them dearly but they always carry a weight on their shoulder. They have endured too much over the years and can not put the past behind them.
HILLARY FOR 2008! We need to let a woman handle the White House. Too long has it been in a man's hand.
Tom Robinson12:34PMJan 9th 2008
Specifically to Sara R. Henry:
While I respect your rights to choose for yourself in this matter I can't help but disagree on the issues. First I would like to say that while Hillary is a fine human being she is in far to deep with corporation that are taking in record profits and hurting the american people with their outsourcing. Hillary owes to much to these corporations, that is why she defends them so much. what do you think is going to change if she is elected...Nothing, they will continue to ship our jobs overseas to line their pockets and the rich will continue to line their pockets on the backs of the middle class. She also claims to have 35 years of experience. doing whay I must ask... This country is in a sorry state with all that is going on, I wouldn't want to take credit for that. She has shown over and over again that she will do whatever is necessary to get elected, including shedding a few crocodile tears. Obama, on the other hand comes with the support of the entire world, friends and enemies alike because they too see hope that he will change things for the better for all of us. Give peace a chance...
Denise Murdock12:36PMJan 9th 2008
HILLERY HAS NOT WON SH.. YOU ARE PROBLEY RIGHT SHE PAID FOR NH I WONDER HOW MUCH IT COST HER MORE IMPORTANT IS WHAT WILL IT COST US. MORE THAN WE CAN AFFORD. WE NEED TO REALLY THINK TWICE BEFOR WE VOTE. HILLERY AND BILL HAD THERE CHANCE AND IF BILL WASEN'T PRESIDENT WHEN HE WAS HILLERY WOULD BE IN JAIL WE SHOULD HAVE IMPEACHED HIM SOONER
smallnrg2512:38PMJan 9th 2008
You people need to stop focusing on the crying. She is not the first or last political person to show emotions. It's damn if you do and damn if you don't. Make up your minds, let her be, she's human after all. Whatever Hillary does whether good or bad its always wrong in your eyes. You people are all petty and really think about which candidate is going to the best they can while in the White House.
proudhilarysupporter12:38PMJan 9th 2008
When she sticks to her guns and shows stony resolve, Hilary is deemed "unlikeable" by her detratctors. When her eyes water (for the record, Hilary Clinton NEVER cried on camera nor during a debate--try reading the news redneckchick), she's criticized for being too soft. The bottom line is most of those who dislike Hilary have a problem with women. Even some women have a problem with a powerful woman running the country. How can Pakistan, India, Israel, England and Germany be ready for women leaders and the U.S. still lag behind? And what's so bloody awful about being ambitious? Hilary is the best-qualified candidate from either party. She is bright, hard-working, committed and determined to get things done, plus she is savvy enough to realize that getting things done in DC requires compromise. Forget about all that trash talk from the folks who believe women aren't good enough. They are, and Hilary is at the top of the heap.
smallnrg2512:45PMJan 9th 2008
Who should get impeached is Bush for being a liar and putting this country in this horrendous state of recession and unemployment and the worst part of all for putting our troops in Iraq and dying in vain in order for him to profit from the oil.
Pat12:45PMJan 9th 2008
Real men cry too. That has nothing to do with whether or not a person is appropriate for office.
Hillary is a fighter, who consistently has shown a passion for helping children and families. She is also more respected by more world leaders than Obama. If we don't put someone in the White House who can repair the damage that GW Bush has done to our position in the world community, we will never have the ability, OR MONEY, to address the problems at home.
GO HILLARY!!!!!!
cooley12:54PMJan 9th 2008
i am starting to think that you should have to pass an IQ test to vote. how did the overblown and often media exaggeration of the clintons in their own words "mistakingly" packing up some things from the white house or the media's words "stealing" some things from the white house affect your situation. did you lose or get a job because of it. did your insurance premiums go up or down. did the you receive a real estate tax rebate because they found some ashtrays or whatever missing. i am so tired of having to live with "the american peoples" choices because of statements like this. You want to vote because someone's clever slogan is "vote for change". list the changes that obama is going to make with the support of the congress. At least you know for sure that Hilary tried to do something about health care as a first lady. And so it didn't pass, but at least she jumped in the fire and tried to stir it up a little. You know i really do think bill clinton did have "sex" with that woman but you know what. i also know that this country was the most PROSPEROUS and FINANCIALLY SOUND it had ever been in 20 years under the Clinton Administration and for US, "THE AMERICAN PEOPLE", those are the things that should matter because those are the only things that affect OUR lives. I don't care about electing the "first black president" although i would like to see that happen in my lifetime (being an african american female) but i also believe that obama got caught up in his own hype and jumped out there way too soon as a candidate. so the real question becomes can a black democrat with little experience really beat the republican candidate. or will it be 4 more years of republican politics because once again the democrats are divided on issues created by the republican controlled media that mean nothing to the burden of issues that plague this country right now. I am going to vote for hilary because i believe she is the only one who can beat the republicans and if she breaks down and sheds a tear every now and price of kleenex goes up then so be it, but at least hopefully we will have a body in the white house who represents the democratic ideology. I think obama has some great characteristics that could serve this country well one day, but i don't want him learning on my watch (or paycheck) there is way too much at stake right now.
bronxgirl12:56PMJan 9th 2008
This country is not ready for a black president or a woman!!!! We need Mitt Romney in the White House or this country will go to pieces very quickly.
EMERSON12:59PMJan 9th 2008
IS IT NOT THE TIME FOR AMERICAN TO REALLY WAKE UP AND TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE CANIDATES RUNNING FOR OFFICE. WHERE ARE THE GOOD CANIDATES? NOTHING IS DIFFERENT, BUT THE SAME OLD REHTORIC PHASES AND SOUND BYTES. WE ALREADY FOR MANY YEARS HAVE A DO NOTHING CONGRESS,BUT YET WE CONTINUE TO RE-ELECT THE SAME PEOPLE OVER AND OVER. IS IT NOT FOR TIME LIMITS FOR ALL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES? WE PAY EACH YEAR DEARLY FOR THE "DO NOTHING PEOPLE" WE HAVE NOW. TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE BILLS SENATORS HAVE CONSTRUCTED. MOST OF THEM ARE COMPELTELY MEANINGLESS. LETS GET DOWN AND FINE SOME REAL TALENTED PEOPLE TO RUN FOR OFFICE, AND NOT JUST FULL TIME POLITIANS, WHO ONLY CARE ABOUT BEING RE-ELECTED. AMERICA IS THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, BUT WE NEED MORE TALENTED PEOPLE IN OFICE.
Regina1:01PMJan 9th 2008
TO ALL VOTERS!!!I just want everyone to see how important it is to do
the "right decision". This country and all other countries suffered
for the last years because the US has and always will be "the
target". When our present won, I cried because something was telling
me that a horrible tragery was about to happen, and we all saw what
happened. I know this is just my opinion but is from my heart which I
pray to God to make the american people see the light. Of course no
one is perfect but if you all wants to see this nation grow, please
re-think your vote and Hillary is the way out. It will be a big
challenge and not easy for her, but God is calling her, this has
nothing to do of being a man or a woman, this about love for this
country and to all of us (that is the reason that she was emotional).
Please, its still time to "vote right" because this country cannot
afford no more mistakes. All of the other candidates has their
reasons to run, bu I know that this is inside her heart to make this
country what it used to be.
VERY SIMPLE: IF HILLARY WINS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SEE A LIGHT AT THE
END OF THE TUNEL AND SHE WILL DO EVERYTHING TO MAKE IT BRIGHTER
EVERYDAY.
BUT IF ANY OF THE OTHER CANDIDATES WINS: MY BROTHER's AMERICANS, SAY
GOODBYE IN ONE DAY SEE THIS COUNTRY THE SAME WAY THAT USED TO BE.
Please, think about it. This is not about gender or color, this is
our future and our kids/grandchildren's future.
JOHN1:03PMJan 9th 2008
Obama will be the better President
We needs change and change from the old dynasty Clinton - Clinton Bush - Bush Enough is Enough
Obama represent a new direction Change from the old system to the new system
Hiliary cannot cry and look for sympathy everytime she realized she is going to loose the primary
President USA needs to be strong This is not what America is looking for OBAMA always with change
Enough for the Clintons and Bush dynasty
Barbara Allen1:03PMJan 9th 2008
The only reason Hillary teared up is because she was emotionally exhausted from losing in Iowa. Also, has she only now "found her voice" after talking with people for over 35? years. Wow, it sure took losing to find herself. She is such a phony.
Annie1:03PMJan 9th 2008
Reading these comments almost make me laugh out loud – if it weren’t so sad that the rest of the world reads these blogs and think “Those poor Americans have nothing better to argue about”. What makes men (and especially some women) think that a few tears are a sign of weakness. Our current male president cried tears in public, then got us into a war under false pretenses and alienated the world. What makes you think a tearful Hillary couldn’t be tougher or wiser than Bush. A female can use her finger to wipe a tear off her cheek then turn around and use that same finger to push the proverbial red button and wipe an enemy country off the planet. Hopefully, female or male, the next president will think first, then talk, then think again, then act appropriately. I know big tough men cry. I guarantee all the male candidates – democrat or republican – have cried rivers. I confess that even I have cried and sobbed on many tough occasions. But believe you me, if someone threatened me or mine, I wouldn’t hesitate a split second from doing everything in my power to find my own immediate justice. Women have been silently strong for thousands of years, having babies, growing families, paying bills without enough money – all the while saying “Yes dear. You’re right dear. You’re the greatest dear” to their men as the guys cried in rage or disappointment behind closed doors. Margaret Thatcher cried, and went to war. Benazir Bhutto cried, and died for her beliefs. What makes you think Hilary couldn’t do the same. Hilary’s strength is that she’s been there, knows how the “Washington system” works, has gained some markers she can pull in when she needs them – and has the best counselor for the job in Bill Clinton, who has experience in how to do the job right, wrong and otherwise (hindsight is a great teacher). She’s not the same naïve woman who barely got unpacked at the White House before she came out fighting for her idea of how to fix the health insurance problem. She got her ass handed to her by the men on the hill because she had the gall to think that as first lady she could bully the changes through. Now she shows a little emotion and the wolves are at her door. Tears or no tears, cold steel maiden or warm fuzzy mom – I think Hilary can take care of herself and the country, if the unaccounted Liberals vote her way.
BRS1:05PMJan 9th 2008
Hillary!!!! Obama can be her VP. He is not ready to be Pres. yet!!!
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CRHunt12:00PMJan 9th 2008
Go Hillary!! This country needs you.