Barack Obama and Korihor

I've mentioned before, ad nauseum, that Barack Obama is charming the American people into giving up their Constitutional rights and freedoms. As my mother and I discussed his candidacy and intentions of ridding America of her democracy and chaining her people with socialism, a clear and concise comparison came to me.

Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, mentioned in a speech a week or two ago that she was "proud of her country" for the first time in her adult life. Her words sickened me as I considered all the men and women, since the bid for freedom in America, who have given their hearts, souls and lives to defend freedom and the God-given rights granted to us by a loving God and reiterated in the Constitution of the United States of America. I have no doubt that Barack, although he wasn't stupid enough to say it, believes the same. I am ashamed that the world is looking at these two Americans and believing this is what America is about.

Barack Obama is a black man running for the Presidency of the United States of America. That's a wonderful thing. I am not immune to the great moment in history this has become. What saddens me is he's the wrong black man. Let me explain.

Barack wants change. What change does he want?

He denigrates our past, our history and those who sacrificed their lives so he could spout the idiotic and anti-American rhetoric coming out of his mouth now.

People are not swayed by his politics, nor do they even want to know what they are, they are swayed by his smile and his wicked and deceitful charm. They are swayed by the moment. They are swayed by the history they decry. No, they have no idea that they are throwing their lot in with the most liberal senator in the U.S. Senate.

He compliments John McCain, a decorated war veteran, while ridiculing those things he's done in defense of this nation. Hey, I don't like McCain either, but I state it straight out, I don't hide behind words.

He states loudly and clearly that we have nothing to fear from terrorists if we'll only bring our troops home.

He promises hope, dreams and success and all it will cost is your freedom.

In the Book of Mormon there is a man named Korihor (Alma 30:12-60.)

Korihor was labeled as an Anti-Christ because he went about the land drawing people away with flatteries and smooth lies, leading them away from Christ and into sure condemnation. Some people were highly receptive and cast off the traditions of their fathers for this smooth conman. Others were more firmly rooted in their knowledge, beliefs and testimonies of Jesus Christ and therefore could not be led away. Still others captured him and took him before the Chief Judge where Korihor continued to coax, demand, scoff and mock in turn as he defended his words.

When the day finally came that Korihor demanded a sign of God, Alma surely delivered it as the Lord requested. Korihor was struck dumb. Oh, the blessed silence. The lies had ceased. The flatteries were gone and only truth remained.

Korihor wrote to Alma:

52 And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the ^apower of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always ^bknew that there was a God.

53 But behold, the devil hath ^adeceived me; for he ^bappeared unto me in the ^cform of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is ^dno God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the ^ecarnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great ^fcurse upon me.

54 Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma should pray unto God, that the ^acurse might be taken from him. (Alma 30:52-54)

And when the day comes that Barack Hussein Obama has succeeded in destroying this proud nation, making her people completely dependent on the government for existence, all freedoms established by the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights completely gone . . . then what will he say. Will he say he was deceived or will he proudly stand and continue to let the honeyed lies, the smooth tales and the vicious targeting of America as she has stood for over 200 years pour from his lips as he destroys the land of freedom God established.

You think I exaggerate . . . oh no, I do not. Look at his voting record, his votes are so heinous I don't even know where to start. Even a good vote is simply a precursor to the bad vote he was shooting for at the time:

Click here for 12 full quotes on Abortion OR background on Abortion.

• Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
• Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases. (Aug 2007)
• Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion. (Apr 2007)
• Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters. (Oct 2006)
• Constitution is a living document; no strict constructionism. (Oct 2006)
• Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill. (Jun 2004)
• Protect a woman's right to choose. (May 2004)
• Supports Roe v. Wade. (Jul 1998)
• Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
• Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
• Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
• Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)

Click here for 8 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.

• Bush & GOP dug budget hole; need 1 or 2 years to dig out. (Dec 2007)
• Take China "to the mat" about currency manipulation. (Dec 2007)
• Regulate financial instruments to protect home mortgages. (Aug 2007)
• Return to PayGo: compensate for all new spending. (Oct 2006)
• Bush's economic policies are not working. (May 2004)
• Supports federal programs to protect rural economy. (May 2004)
• Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)

Click here for 31 full quotes on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.

• Being gay or lesbian is not a choice. (Nov 2007)
• The politics of fear undermines basic civil liberties. (Oct 2007)
• Ok to expose 6-year-olds to gay couples; they know already. (Sep 2007)
• Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act. (Aug 2007)
• Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Aug 2007)
• Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands? (Aug 2007)
• We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions. (Aug 2007)
• Legal rights for gays are conferred by state, not by church. (Aug 2007)
• Disentangle gay rights from the word "marriage". (Aug 2007)
• Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights. (Aug 2007)
• Gay rights movement is somewhat like civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
• Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage. (Jul 2007)
• Racial equality good for America as a whole. (Jun 2007)
• Put the Confederate flag in a museum, not the state house. (Apr 2007)
• Supports health benefits for gay civil partners. (Oct 2006)
• Muslim heritage gives Obama unique influence in Muslim world. (Oct 2006)
• Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
• No black or white America--just United States of America. (Oct 2006)
• Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
• African-Americans vote Democratic because of issue stances. (Jul 2004)
• Forthright on racial issues and on his civil rights history. (Jul 2004)
• Defend freedom and equality under law. (May 2004)
• Politicians: don't use religion to insulate from criticism. (Apr 2004)
• Supports affirmative action in colleges and government. (Jul 1998)
• Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)
• Miscegenation a felony in 1960 when Obamas practiced it. (Aug 1996)
• The civil rights movement was a success. (Aug 1996)
• Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
• Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
• Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)

Click here for 7 full quotes on Corporations OR background on Corporations.

• End tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas. (Aug 2007)
• Hold corporations responsible for pensions & work conditions. (Aug 2007)
• Tax incentives for corporate responsibility. (Jun 2004)
• Close tax loopholes for US companies relocating abroad. (Jun 2004)
• REAL USA Plan: Reward companies that create domestic jobs. (Jun 2004)
• Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)

Click here for 8 full quotes on Crime OR background on Crime.

• Lack of enforcement sets tone for more hate crimes. (Dec 2007)
• Need justice that is not just us, but is everybody. (Jun 2007)
• Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment. (Oct 2006)
• Videotape all capital punishment interrogations. (Oct 2006)
• Battles legislatively against the death penalty. (Jul 2004)
• Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation. (Jul 1998)
• Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
• Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice. (Dec 2005)

Click here for 6 full quotes on Drugs OR background on Drugs.

• 2001: questions harsh penalties for drug dealing. (Oct 2007)
• Do not lower drinking age from 21 to 18. (Sep 2007)
• Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school. (Feb 2007)
• Admitted marijuana use in high school & college. (Jan 2007)
• Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair. (Oct 2006)
• Understand why youngsters want to use drugs. (Aug 1996)

Click here for 22 full quotes on Education OR background on Education.

• We need a sense of urgency about improving education system. (Sep 2007)
• Nationwide program to reconstruct crumbling school buildings. (Sep 2007)
• STEP UP: summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged. (Aug 2007)
• We left the money behind for No Child Left Behind. (Aug 2007)
• Pay "master teachers" extra, but with buy-in from teachers. (Aug 2007)
• Sends kids to private school; but wants good schools for all. (Jul 2007)
• Supreme Court was wrong on school anti-integration ruling. (Jul 2007)
• Incentives to hire a million teachers over next decade. (Jun 2007)
• Pay teachers more money & treat them like professionals. (Jun 2007)
• Public school system status quo is indefensible. (Oct 2006)
• More teacher pay in exchange for more teacher accountability. (Oct 2006)
• Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education. (Jun 2006)
• Provide decent funding and get rid of anti-intellectualism. (Jul 2004)
• Address the growing achievement gap between students. (May 2004)
• Will add 25,000 teachers in high-need areas. (May 2004)
• Supports charter schools and private investment in schools. (Jul 1998)
• Free public college for any student with B-average. (Jul 1998)

  Voting Record

• First Senate bill: increase Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100. (Aug 2007)
• Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
• Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)

Click here for 25 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.

• Fuel efficiency and Middle East stability help on fuel costs. (Oct 2007)
• Nuclear power ok if we safeguard against waste & terrorism. (Sep 2007)
• Explore nuclear power as part of alternative energy mix. (Jul 2007)
• Cheney met environmentalists once; but Big Oil 40 times. (Jul 2007)
• Cap-and-trade carbon emissions; raise CAFE standard. (Jun 2007)
• Stop sending $800M a day to Mideast dictators for oil. (Mar 2007)
• Wants Detroit to build more hybrids & use more ethanol. (Oct 2006)
• We cannot drill our way out of our addiction to oil. (Oct 2006)
• 3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror. (Jun 2006)
• Conserve, develop alternative fuels, increase efficiencies. (Oct 2004)
• Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency. (Sep 2004)
• 20% nation's power supply from renewable sources by 2020. (Sep 2004)
• 20% renewable energy by 2020. (Jul 2004)
• Invest in alternative energy sources. (Jun 2004)
• Increase CAFE to 40 mpg. (Jun 2004)
• Tradable credits for renewable energy. (Jun 2004)
• Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply. (May 2004)
• Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
• Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)

Click here for 5 full quotes on Environment OR background on Environment.

• Reduce mercury and lead to protect community health. (Aug 2007)
• Protect the Great Lakes & our National Parks and Forests. (Aug 2007)
• Give Katrina contracts to locals, not to Halliburton. (Jun 2007)
• Three months working on minority students recycling. (Aug 1996)
• Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)

Click here for 4 full quotes on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.

• Restore dream of making children's lives better than parents. (Dec 2007)
• All kids should learn about sexual abuse. (Jul 2007)
• FactCheck: 'Sex Ed for Kindergarten' means 'age-appropriate'. (Jul 2007)
• Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line. (Oct 2006)

Click here for 20 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.

• Obama Doctrine: ideology has overridden facts and reality. (Dec 2007)
• China is a competitor but not an enemy. (Dec 2007)
• Willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Kim Jung Il & Hugo Chavez. (Nov 2007)
• Invest in our relationship with Mexico. (Sep 2007)
• Strengthen NATO to face 21st-century threats. (Aug 2007)
• $50B annually to strengthen weak states at risk of collapse. (Aug 2007)
• No "strategic ambiguity" on foreign policy issues. (Aug 2007)
• My critics engineered our biggest foreign policy disaster. (Aug 2007)
• China is a competitor, but not an enemy. (Aug 2007)
• Meet with enemy leaders; it's a disgrace that we have not. (Jul 2007)
• No-fly zone in Darfur; but pay attention more in Africa. (Jun 2007)
• Europe & Japan are allies, but China is a competitor. (Apr 2007)
• Palestinian people suffer-but from not recognizing Israel. (Apr 2007)
• FactCheck: Palestinian suffering from stalled peace effort. (Apr 2007)
• Protested South African apartheid while at college. (Feb 2007)
• Focus on corruption to improve African development. (Oct 2006)
• Supports Israel's self-defense; but distrusted by Israelis. (Oct 2006)
• Visited Africa in 2006; encouraged HIV testing & research. (Oct 2006)
• Never has US had so much power & so little influence to lead. (Jul 2004)
• US policy should promote democracy and human rights. (Jul 2004)

Click here for 24 full quotes on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.

• Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless. (Nov 2007)
• Ok to take $5 donations from drug company employees. (Sep 2007)
• Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)
• Create "Google for Government" to track government spending. (Aug 2007)
• Prayer can't prevent disasters; good policy can handle them. (Aug 2007)
• No "bundled" money from federal-registered lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
• Campaigns last too long & cost too much. (Aug 2007)
• Doesn't take PAC money or federal lobbyists' money. (Jul 2007)
• People know his "bundlers" because he pushed disclosure law. (Jul 2007)
• FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
• Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
• Half of us don't vote; time for taking it back. (Jun 2007)
• First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
• FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
• Hopefund PAC pushes government to honor sacred commitments. (Nov 2006)
• Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
• Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights. (Oct 2006)
• Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money. (Oct 2006)
• People are really ready for a message for change. (Jul 2004)
• Campaign race baiting works in both directions. (Aug 1996)
• Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
• Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
• Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)

Click here for 4 full quotes on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.

• Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
• Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
• Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
• Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)

Click here for 39 full quotes on Health Care OR background on Health Care.

• FactCheck: Reducing obesity would save $18B, not $1T. (Dec 2007)
• Being poor in this country is hazardous to your health. (Dec 2007)
• Problem isn't mandating coverage, but affording it. (Nov 2007)
• FactCheck: Coverage plan might leave 8.5 million uninsured. (Nov 2007)
• Tackle insurance companies on reimbursement system. (Oct 2007)
• Help young people deal with the cost of medical education. (Oct 2007)
• Government healthcare like members of Congress have. (Sep 2007)
• Morally wrong that terminally ill must consider money. (Sep 2007)
• FactCheck: Correct that insurance lobbying cost $1B. (Sep 2007)
• National smoking bans only after trying local bans. (Sep 2007)
• Increase competition in the insurance and drug markets. (Aug 2007)
• National Health Insurance Exchange for private coverage. (Aug 2007)
• Reform failed in '90s because of drug company lobbying. (Jul 2007)
• Health plan cuts typical family's premium by $2,500 a year. (Jun 2007)
• Give people the choice to buy affordable health care. (Jun 2007)
• Take on insurance companies; drive down health care costs. (Jun 2007)
• National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance. (Apr 2007)
• Employers are going to have to pay or play. (Mar 2007)
• Need political will to accomplish universal coverage. (Mar 2007)
• Address minority health needs by more coverage & targeting. (Mar 2007)
• Healthcare system is broken without lifetime employment. (Oct 2006)
• The market alone can't solve our health-care woes. (Oct 2006)
• Health care tied to balancing costs and taxes nation wide. (Jun 2006)
• Allowing seniors to bulk purchase will save taxpayers' money. (Oct 2004)
• Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary. (Oct 2004)
• Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few. (Sep 2004)
• Allow prescription drug re-importation. (May 2004)
• Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported. (May 2004)
• Ensure access to basic care. (Jul 1998)

• AIDS

• We need condom distribution to deal with the scourge of AIDS. (Aug 2007)
• Homophobia prevents talking about HIV/AIDS. (Jun 2007)
• Got tested for AIDS, with wife, in public, in Kenya. (Jun 2007)
• Lead global fight against AIDS. (Jul 2004)

  Voting Record

• No need to mandate coverage; just let people afford it. (Jul 2007)
• Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
• Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
• Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
• Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
• Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)

Click here for 30 full quotes on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.

• Restore habeas corpus to reach Muslims abroad. (Dec 2007)
• Give 18-year-old women opportunity to serve. (Dec 2007)
• Human rights and national security are complementary. (Nov 2007)
• America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions. (Sep 2007)
• Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell. (Aug 2007)
• Support veterans via the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act. (Aug 2007)
• We are no safer now than we were after 9/11. (Aug 2007)
• Register women for draft, but not for combat. (Jul 2007)
• Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus. (Jun 2007)
• Address the deficiencies in the VA system. (Jun 2007)
• The cost of the Iraq war should not shortchange VA benefits. (Jun 2007)
• Make sure the outpatient facilities work for veterans. (Jun 2007)
• Get first responders the healthcare and equipment they need. (Mar 2007)
• Comprehensive plan for our veterans healthcare. (Mar 2007)
• Need to be both strong and smart on national defense. (Oct 2006)
• Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules. (Oct 2006)
• Battling terrorism must go beyond belligerence vs. isolation. (Oct 2006)
• We are currently inspecting 3% of all incoming cargo. (Oct 2004)
• Increase funding to decommission Russian nukes. (Jul 2004)
• Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available. (Jul 2004)
• Balance domestic intelligence reform with civil liberty risk. (Jul 2004)
• Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)

Click here for 20 full quotes on Immigration OR background on Immigration.

• Comprehensive solution includes employers & borders. (Nov 2007)
• Undocumented workers come here to work, not to drive. (Nov 2007)
• Support granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
• FactCheck: Lightning IS likelier than employer prosecution. (Nov 2007)
• Illegal immigrants' lack of ID is a public safety concern. (Oct 2007)
• Immigration system is broken for legal immigrants. (Sep 2007)
• Reform must include more border security, and border wall. (Sep 2007)
• Sanctuary cities show that feds are not enforcing law. (Sep 2007)
• Pathway to citizenship, but people have to earn it. (Aug 2007)
• Let's be a nation of laws AND a nation of immigrants. (Aug 2007)
• Do a better job patrolling the Canadian and Mexican borders. (Jun 2007)
• Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship. (Jun 2007)
• Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants. (Jul 1998)
• Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
• Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
• Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
• Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
• Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

Click here for 18 full quotes on Jobs OR background on Jobs.

• Paying more at Wal-Mart is worth it for having US jobs. (Dec 2007)
• Give public safety officers collective bargaining rights. (Aug 2007)
• Chief co-sponsor of IL ENDA, against gay job discrimination. (Aug 2007)
• Chicago's Soldier Field stadium construction created jobs. (Aug 2007)
• Pres. candidates can afford minimum wage; most folks can't. (Jul 2007)
• Make the minimum wage a living wage. (Jun 2007)
• Burdens of globalization are placed on the backs of workers. (Mar 2007)
• Owes unions who endorsed him; that's why he's in politics. (Oct 2006)
• Working full-time should mean enough to support a family. (Oct 2006)
• Overrode federal overtime rules and raised the minimum wage. (Sep 2004)
• Make sure that African-American men have access to jobs. (Jul 2004)
• Fund Trade Adjustment Assistance for service workers too. (Jun 2004)
• Increase IL minimum wage to $6.50 an hour. (Jun 2004)
• Tax cuts for the rich do not create jobs. (May 2004)
• Obama will strengthen unions and workers' rights. (May 2004)
• Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
• Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)

Click here for 63 full quotes on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.

• Attends church with press, to dispel rumors that he's Muslim. (Dec 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)
• Real estate deal with felon was "boneheaded" but ethical. (Oct 2007)
• Bradley effect: black candidates poll above actual votes. (Oct 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)
• Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
• People have an urgent desire for change in Washington. (Jul 2007)
• Replace partisan bickering with politics of hope. (Feb 2007)
• Assigned RFK's Senate desk; invokes RFK regularly. (Feb 2007)
• Hopefund PAC donated $500K to Democratic Senate candidates. (Nov 2006)
• Convention speech understood country yearns for unity. (Oct 2006)
• Portrayed as a multiplier instead of a divider. (Oct 2006)
• Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values. (Oct 2006)
• Post-1960s politics more about moral attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
• Americans dislike partisanship--not solution like Dems think. (Oct 2006)
• Greatness based on Declaration of Independence, not military. (Jul 2004)
• Unflinching progressive but ok to downstate conservatives. (Jul 2004)
• There's a call to evangelize in politics. (Apr 2004)
• I'm a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
• Be strong or be clever and make peace. (Aug 1996)
• Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
• Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)

  Campaign Themes

• If you join me I promise you we can change America. (Dec 2007)
• Turn the page: invite GOP & independents to join in agenda. (Sep 2007)
• A "hopemonger", having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
• Washington can change if we say: Yes we can. (Mar 2007)
• Source of his book title "Audacity of Hope" was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
• On cover of Time magazine, about his book & presidency. (Oct 2006)
• Progressives should recognize common morality with religion. (Oct 2006)
• "Audacity of Hope" to change politics to reflect common good. (Oct 2006)
• Offer real hope-not blind optimism-to the American people. (Jul 2004)
• I'm living my parents' dreams and the American dream. (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)

  Personal History

• Active in the Trinity faith community. (Aug 2007)
• Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 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)
• Born in Hawaii; lives on Chicago's South Side. (Nov 2006)
• Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him "Barry". (Oct 2006)
• Raised secular, but with working knowledge of world religion. (Oct 2006)
• Baptized as an adult in the Trinity United Church of Christ. (Oct 2006)
• First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
• Ryan quits Senate race amid sex scandal allegations. (Jun 2004)
• Mother attacked for playing with a black girlfriend. (Aug 1996)
• Poverty of political organizers was proof of their integrity. (Aug 1996)
• Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)

  Racism & Race

• Catching a cab, no one questions he's "authentically black". (Jul 2007)
• Candidacy taken seriously despite his race or because of it? (Oct 2006)
• Convention keynote speech highlights party's black targeting. (Jul 2004)
• America's race and class problems are intertwined. (Aug 1996)
• Biracial heritage has caused identity crisis. (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)

  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)
• Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Click here for 9 full quotes on Social Security OR background on Social Security.

• FactCheck: Removing $97,500 cap would be $1.3T tax increase. (Nov 2007)
• Cutting benefits & raising retirement age are wrong answers. (Nov 2007)
• The wealthy should pay a bit more on the payroll tax. (Oct 2007)
• Privatization puts retirement at whim of stock market. (Sep 2007)
• Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security. (Aug 2007)
• No privatization; but consider earning cap over $97,500. (Jul 2007)
• Stock market risk is ok, but not for Social Security. (Oct 2006)
• $2000 tax credit for Working Families Savings Accounts. (Jul 2004)
• Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)

Click here for 13 full quotes on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.

• Restore progressive tax; close loopholes; relief to seniors. (Oct 2007)
• Reduce Bush tax cuts to pay for health care & other programs. (Jun 2007)
• Estate tax only affects the wealthiest 1/2 of 1%. (Oct 2006)
• Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class. (Jun 2004)
• Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore. (Jun 2004)
• Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
• Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
• Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
• Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
• Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)

Click here for 7 full quotes on Technology OR background on Technology.

• Increase funding for math and science research & education. (Oct 2007)
• Airlines got into trouble after deregulation. (Oct 2007)
• JFK inspired with space program; now same with energy R&D. (Sep 2007)
• Increase funding for basic research; expand broadband access. (Aug 2007)
• $42B more in university-based R&D. (Oct 2006)
• Invest on transportation and clean coal technology projects. (Oct 2004)
• Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)

Click here for 54 full quotes on War & Peace OR background on War & Peace.

• Iran: Bush does not let facts get in the way of ideology. (Dec 2007)

  Iraq War

• Surge strategy has made a difference in Iraq but failed. (Nov 2007)
• Clinton has not been consistent on the Iraq War. (Oct 2007)
• Leave troops for protection of Americans & counterterrorism. (Sep 2007)
• Hopes to remove all troops from Iraq by 2013, but no pledge. (Sep 2007)
• Surge has not succeeded because it ignores political issues. (Sep 2007)
• Tell people the truth: quickest is 1-2 brigades per month. (Sep 2007)
• No good options in Iraq--just bad options & worse options. (Aug 2007)
• Be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. (Jul 2007)
• Troops not dying in vain; but we need plans for success. (Jul 2007)
• We live in a more dangerous world because of Bush's actions. (Jun 2007)
• Case for war was weak, but people voted their best judgment. (Jun 2007)
• War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment. (Apr 2007)
• Increase ground forces in Iraq to decrease troop rotations. (Apr 2007)
• Open-ended Iraq occupation must end: no military solution. (Apr 2007)
• Begin withdrawal May 1 2007; finish by March 31 2008. (Apr 2007)
• Open dialogue with both Syria and Iran. (Apr 2007)
• Withdraw gradually and keep some troops in Iraq region. (Mar 2007)
• Iraq 2002: ill-conceived venture; 2007: waste of resources. (Feb 2007)
• Longtime critic of Iraq war. (Nov 2006)
• Saddam did not own and was not providing WMD to terrorists. (Oct 2004)
• Initial military was extraordinarily successful in Iraq. (Oct 2004)
• Invading Iraq was a bad strategic blunder. (Oct 2004)
• We must make sure that Iraq is stable having gone in there. (Oct 2004)
• Advance the training speed and get the reconstruction moving. (Oct 2004)
• Democratizing Iraq will be more difficult than Afghanistan. (Oct 2004)
• Never fudge numbers or shade the truth about war. (Jul 2004)
• Set a new tone to internationalize the Iraqi reconstruction. (Jul 2004)
• Iraq war was sincere but misguided, ideologically driven. (Jul 2004)
• Not opposed to all wars, but opposed to the war in Iraq. (Jul 2004)
• International voice in Iraq in exchange for debt forgiveness. (Jul 2004)

  Mideast/Asia/Afghanistan

• Meet directly for diplomacy with the leadership in Iran. (Nov 2007)
• Committed to Iran not having nuclear weapons. (Oct 2007)
• Iran military resolution sends the region a wrong signal. (Oct 2007)
• Deal with al Qaeda on Pakistan border, but not with nukes. (Aug 2007)
• Get al Qaeda hiding in hills between Afghanistan & Pakistan. (Aug 2007)
• Military action in Pakistan if we have actionable intel. (Aug 2007)
• FactCheck: Yes, Obama said invade Pakistan to get al Qaeda. (Aug 2007)
• Focus on battle in Afghanistan and root out al Qaeda. (Jun 2007)
• Bush cracked down on some terrorists' financial networks. (Jun 2007)
• Iraq has distracted us from Taliban in Afghanistan. (Apr 2007)
• Iran with nuclear weapons is a profound security threat. (Apr 2007)
• We are playing to Osama's plan for winning a war from a cave. (Oct 2006)
• Terrorists are in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran. (Oct 2004)
• Problems with current Israeli policy. (Jul 2004)
• Engage North Korea in 6-party talks. (Jul 2004)
• Use moral authority to work towards Middle East peace. (Jul 2004)

  Voting Record

• Voted to fund war until 2006; now wants no blank check. (Nov 2007)
• Late to vote against war is not late to oppose war. (Jun 2007)
• Spending on the Cold War relics should be for the veterans. (Jun 2007)
• Would have voted no to authorize the President to go to war. (Jul 2004)
• Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)

Click here for 8 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty OR background on Welfare & Poverty.

• Stop Fraud Act: full disclosure in subprime lending. (Sep 2007)
• Engages people of faith on all aspects of his public service. (Aug 2007)
• Community organizer on Chicago's South Side. (Feb 2007)
• Black churches minister to social needs out of necessity. (Oct 2006)
• Welfare receipts know how to become successful but need help. (Jul 2004)
• $100M increase in IL Earned Income Tax Credit. (Jun 2004)
• Inner city problems are the painful truths. (Aug 1996)
• Exorcise the ghostly figure that haunts black dreams. (Aug 1996)

VoteMatch Responses (Click here for VoteMatch quiz)
VoteMatch Question & Answer (Click on question for explanation and background)	Based on these stances: (Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
Strongly Favors topic 1: Abortion is a woman's right (+5 points on Social scale)	Voted against banning partial birth abortion: Favors topic 1 Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases: Favors topic 1 Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion: Strongly Favors topic 1 Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters: Favors topic 1 Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill: Favors topic 1 Protect a woman's right to choose: Strongly Favors topic 1 Supports Roe v. Wade: Strongly Favors topic 1 Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance: Strongly Favors topic 1 YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives: Favors topic 1 NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions: Favors topic 1 YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Favors topic 1
Strongly Favors topic 2: Require hiring more women & minorities (-5 points on Economic scale)	Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act: Strongly Favors topic 2 Racial equality good for America as a whole: Favors topic 2 Supports affirmative action in colleges and government: Strongly Favors topic 2 America's race and class problems are intertwined: Favors topic 2 Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance: Strongly Favors topic 2
Strongly Favors topic 3: Same-sex domestic partnership benefits (+5 points on Social scale)	We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions: Favors topic 3 Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality: Favors topic 3 Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is: Favors topic 3 Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws: Favors topic 3 Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance: Strongly Favors topic 3 NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3
Opposes topic 4: Teacher-led prayer in public schools (+2 points on Social scale)	Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line: Favors topic 4 Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values: Opposes topic 4 Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation: Strongly Opposes topic 4 NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration: Opposes topic 4
Favors topic 5: More federal funding for health coverage (-3 points on Economic scale)	Increase competition in the insurance and drug markets: Opposes topic 5 National Health Insurance Exchange for private coverage: Opposes topic 5 National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance: Strongly Favors topic 5 The market alone can't solve our health-care woes: Favors topic 5 Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary: Strongly Favors topic 5 Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few: Favors topic 5 Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported: Favors topic 5 Ensure access to basic care: Favors topic 5 YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics: Favors topic 5 YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug: Strongly Favors topic 5 YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D: Favors topic 5 YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D: Favors topic 5
Strongly Opposes topic 6: Privatize Social Security (-5 points on Economic scale)	Privatization puts retirement at whim of stock market: Strongly Opposes topic 6 Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security: Strongly Opposes topic 6 No privatization; but consider earning cap over $97,500: Strongly Opposes topic 6 Stock market risk is ok, but not for Social Security: Strongly Opposes topic 6 $2000 tax credit for Working Families Savings Accounts: Opposes topic 6 NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security: Opposes topic 6
Opposes topic 7: Parents choose schools via vouchers (-3 points on Economic scale)	Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education: Opposes topic 7 Supports charter schools and private investment in schools: Favors topic 7 YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies: Opposes topic 7
Opposes topic 8: Death Penalty (+2 points on Social scale)	Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment: Favors topic 8 Videotape all capital punishment interrogations: Opposes topic 8 Battles legislatively against the death penalty: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Opposes topic 9: Mandatory Three Strikes sentencing laws (+2 points on Social scale)	Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation: Strongly Opposes topic 9 Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice: Neutral on topic 9 YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program: Opposes topic 9
Strongly Opposes topic 10: Absolute right to gun ownership (-5 points on Economic scale)	Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality: Strongly Opposes topic 10 Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions: Strongly Opposes topic 10 NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: Strongly Opposes topic 10
Strongly Favors topic 11: Repeal tax cuts on wealthy (-5 points on Economic scale)	Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class: Strongly Favors topic 11 Tax cuts for the rich do not create jobs: Favors topic 11 Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11 YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut: Favors topic 11 NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax: Strongly Favors topic 11
Favors topic 12: Illegal immigrants earn citizenship (+2 points on Social scale)	Support granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants: Favors topic 12 Reform must include more border security, and border wall: Opposes topic 12 Pathway to citizenship, but people have to earn it: Favors topic 12 Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship: Favors topic 12 Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants: Favors topic 12 Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on establishing a Guest Worker program: Favors topic 12 YES on building a fence along the Mexican border: Strongly Opposes topic 12 NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on comprehensive immigration reform: Strongly Favors topic 12
Opposes topic 13: Support & expand free trade (-3 points on Economic scale)	Stand firm against CAFTA for labor & environmental standards: Strongly Opposes topic 13 People don't want cheaper T-shirts if it costs their job: Opposes topic 13 Amend NAFTA to add labor agreements: Opposes topic 13 Fair trade should have tangible benefits for US: Strongly Opposes topic 13 Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore: Opposes topic 13 NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade: Strongly Opposes topic 13 YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly Favors topic 13
Strongly Favors topic 14: The Patriot Act harms civil liberties (+5 points on Social scale)	The politics of fear undermines basic civil liberties: Strongly Favors topic 14 America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions: Strongly Favors topic 14 Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus: Strongly Favors topic 14 NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision: Strongly Favors topic 14 YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act: Opposes topic 14 YES on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees: Strongly Favors topic 14 YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods: Strongly Favors topic 14 NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad: Strongly Favors topic 14
Favors topic 15: Expand the armed forces (-3 points on Social scale)	Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules: Favors topic 15 Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available: Favors topic 15 YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months: Opposes topic 15
Strongly Favors topic 16: Stricter limits on political campaign funds (-5 points on Economic scale)	Public campaign financing with free television & radio time: Strongly Favors topic 16 No "bundled" money from federal-registered lobbyists: Favors topic 16 People know his "bundlers" because he pushed disclosure law: Favors topic 16 First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform: Strongly Favors topic 16 Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money: Favors topic 16 YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity: Favors topic 16 NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress: Strongly Favors topic 16
Favors topic 17: US out of Iraq (+2 points on Social scale)	US policy should promote democracy and human rights: Favors topic 17 War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment: Strongly Favors topic 17 We are playing to Osama's plan for winning a war from a cave: Strongly Favors topic 17 NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007: Strongly Opposes topic 17 YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008: Strongly Favors topic 17
Strongly Favors topic 18: Replace coal & oil with alternatives (-5 points on Economic scale)	3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror: Strongly Favors topic 18 Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency: Favors topic 18 20% renewable energy by 2020: Strongly Favors topic 18 Invest in alternative energy sources: Favors topic 18 Increase CAFE to 40 mpg: Strongly Favors topic 18 Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply: Strongly Favors topic 18 Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence: Favors topic 18 YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%): Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Favors topic 18 YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning: Favors topic 18 YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies: Strongly Favors topic 18
No opinion on topic 19: Drug use is immoral: enforce laws against it (0 points on Social scale)	2001: questions harsh penalties for drug dealing: Opposes topic 19 Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school: Favors topic 19 Admitted marijuana use in high school & college: Favors topic 19 Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair: Opposes topic 19
Favors topic 20: Allow churches to provide welfare services (+2 points on Economic scale)	Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square: Favors topic 20 Engages people of faith on all aspects of his public service: Favors topic 20 Black churches minister to social needs out of necessity: Favors topic 20

Barack Hussein Obama doesn't like people focusing on his middle name. How about we solve that and change it to Korihor?