Sirota on the upcoming Congress--mentions JK

[ginnyinWI]

He's sorting them out according to how populist each of them is:

The fact that our nation's politics is divided not between Democrats and Republicans but between the People Party and the Money Party is obvious to anyone who looks at the political system honestly (which is to say, not most journalists or Washington political hacks). Calls for "bipartisanship" and faux "centrism" that has nothing to do with the actual center of American public opinion are most often moves to prevent the political debate from analyzing the People vs. Money divide that actually fuels our politics. We already have plenty of "bipartisanship" -- Republicans and a faction of Democrats who regularly join hands to screw over the vast majority of Americans.

Many people ask me who? Who are the leading members of both sides of the actual divide? The answer is that there is no official list because no one is forced to formally declare their allegiance to the People Party or the Money Party. But it is fairly obvious which lawmakers in the new majority have specifically defined themselves on economic justice issues.

Though this is by no means a comprehensive list, here are the ones to watch in the coming Congress:


snip


Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) -- Leans People Party: Throughout his career, Kerry has defined himself on issues other than kitchen table economic issues, such as international terrorism. But last year he made a very bold move in sponsoring legislation to give workers the same rights as corporations in international trade deals. That said, this year he voted for the Oman Free Trade Agreement, over the strong objections of labor, human rights and environmental groups. Kerry's overall record -- especially recently -- suggests he strongly leans toward the People Party, and my guess is he will go toward this direction if he runs for President.

link: http://www.alternet.org/stories/45066

[wisteria]

1. That is a very informative list, although, I think he is going easy on

Obama. Personally, I think Obama leans Money. He just uses the people persona to achieve credibility with the people.

[Mass]

2. Why? On these issues, Kerry and Obama's record are basically

identical. (except for the Tort reform, that Obama supported, and I am sure I can find one vote leaning the other way).

I have my questions about him, sure, but I do not see any clear indication that Obama is more leaning money that Kerry. I would say it is basically the same (same pragmatic approach of getting things done whether this means some level of compromise on details, rather than pure ideological decisions to the detriment of results). It is really what endears them to me, even if I favour Kerry's experience.

I heard Obama explain how he made decisions to vote for or against a bill that contains both positive and not so positive parts. It was interesting because I think that Kerry would agree with him a lot (and do not forget Obama has experience in making decisions on how to vote, because he spent years in the Illinois Senate).

Of course, you may have other information that make you think differently, but, from what I have, I do not see it, that is all.

[ProSense]

3. He's being scrutinized

http://www.harpers.org/sb-a-little-bit-more-on-obama-1161881683.html

http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/126708,CST-NWS-sweet07.article

http://www.firedoglake.com/2006/11/13/more-ethics-problems-for-democrats

The question I had about the article, which is more about being a populist than a liberal, is Dorgan. It seems he's more tied to lobbyist than some of the others. It would have been great if Sirota had mentioned Kerry's campaign finance reform efforts.

[wisteria]

4. Vote wise yes they are similar, but some recent comments from Obama

his positioning on some controversial issues and that real estate deal he made, have put doubts in my mind about his true sincerity. I am concerned he may be talking and saying the "right" things, but only for his own self interest.

[blm]

5. He reminds me of Clinton who sold Money's positions using Populist language.

That is the exact opposite of Kerry who used moderate language to sell his more left positions.

[ginnyinWI]

6. I think we need a lot more info on Obama

He just hasn't been around long enough to create a record. Maybe that's better for running a campaign, but not for those of us who want evidence.