Factcheck.org: Clinton and Obama's GOP Crossfire

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Interest groups score the two identically, or nearly so. In 2006 the AFL-CIO gave both of them a 93 percent pro-labor vote rating, and the liberal Americans for Democratic Action gave each a 95 percent score. The American Conservative Union gave each an 8 percent rating. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave Clinton a somewhat higher pro-business score, 67 percent, than it gave to Obama, who received a 55 percent score.

The news organization Congressional Quarterly scored Obama's party unity record (that is, the extent to which he voted with Democrats on votes in which majorities of each party took opposite sides) at 97 percent in 2005 and 98 percent in 2006. Clinton's scores: 96 in 2005 and 93 in 2006. Similarly, CQ found that Clinton supported President Bush's position 50 percent of the time in 2006, while Obama supported Bush 49 percent of the time that year.

The simple fact is, Clinton and Obama champion similar policies and have nearly identical voting records. There are real differences between the two, but by accusing each other of crypto-Republicanism, Clinton and Obama are writing scripts for The Theater of the Absurd.

Sources
Congressional Quarterly, Sen. Barack Obama (D–Ill.) Interest Group Ratings, April 2007.

Congressional Quarterly, Sen. Barack Obama (D–Ill.) CQ Voting Studies, Jan. 2007.

Congressional Quarterly, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D–N.Y.) Interest Group Ratings, April 2007.

Congressional Quarterly, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D–N.Y.) CQ Voting Studies, Jan 2007.

Jensen, Kristin and Mark Drajem. "Clinton Breaks With Husband's Legacy on Nafta Pact, China Trade." Bloomberg News. 30 Mar. 2007. 31 Oct. 2007.

Murray, Shailagh. "Clinton-Obama Differences Clear In Senate Votes." The Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2007.

Obama, Barack. Afternoon with Barack Obama, video by James Ball. 14 Jan. 2008.

Project Vote Smart. Senator Barack H. Obama, Jr. January 2008. 24 Jan. 2008.

Project Vote Smart. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. January 2008. 24 Jan. 2008.

Tumulty, Karen. "Hillary: 'I Have to Earn Every Vote'." Time, 1 Feb. 2007.

Zelney, Jeff. "Clinton Goes Negative in South Carolina Radio Ad." The New York Times, 23 Jan. 2008.

Reprinted with permission from Factcheck.org.

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Posted By: LMeyer @ 02/26/2008 10:12:15 PM

As an Illinois native, I can easily say Obama's "present" vote percentages don't include his more than 100 absent votes while serving for the Senate; I find it deplorable and questionable that in all of the debates there has not been more question about his voting habits. Why would you be absent for votes that are supposedly about the very committees he serves? Specifically the Armed Services committee. He has also failed to vote whatsoever about any legislation that could potentially assist the failing farming industry in America.

I wish the media would use its voice for good reason and do the very thing that Obama is encouraging -- QUESTION OUR GOVERNMENT.
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Posted By: LMeyer @ 02/26/2008 10:03:23 PM

Obama has had a price tag on his head since his "senator days" in Illinois. They buried a story about Obama's "experience" on TV last night. His experience is questionable. Big draw with Obama -- he has raised millions for his campaign. And I find it strange that McCain is being scrutinized by the FEC, but no one is checking out Obama's magical millions.

Anyone can review the individual contribution list for his campaign. What I find curious to note is there are several Pakistani surnames contributing via legal firms. Wire transfers from foreign countries? Thought that was illegal. Not to mention that almost 250,000 has been contributed from the Shah family with million dollar ties in Nairobi businesses. Of course, these contributions have also been funneled through the system with other family members' on the contributions.

I find it tragic that the race for the office of President has been reduced to picking candidates who play the "boys' game", are "charismatic" and have big money in their corner. What this presidency should be about is who can effectively run our country, and not lead us further into oblivion like Bush has.
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Posted By: calebp @ 02/06/2008 2:53:42 PM

I agree with forwardthinking the Clinton's had the county in the black fro the first time in years and as soon as bush got in he sent us right back where we where before Clinton's got in. and bush keeps digging us deeper in the hole we need the Clinton's. we would not be going in to a recession if bush had not gone to Iraq but here a idea, by increasing the minimum wage we in turn increase the amount of cash people have to spend. And increasing the amount of income tax refounded in the pore. We also need to set up a fund to help people in foreclosure. And bring the troops home from Iraq in 2009.