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First off, If your a democrat who Supports John Kerry,
You WILL be offended,
The truth hurts
John Kerry's Flip-flops
Why has flipflopping become the hallmark of John Kerry’s political career?
It is not too hard to figure out. If you change your position at will,
you never have to take a stand. It is called the path of least resistance,
the coward’s survival strategy. How can we trust a candidate who will say
anything to get elected?
Fact:
John Kerry has flip-flopped on his support for higher automobile fuel economy standards and owning an SUV.
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April 22, 2004
At a Houston “Earth Day” rally, John Kerry told his supporters that he truly dislikes gas-guzzling
SUVs because they are poor for the environment. Because
of this, he once proposed a 50-cent gas tax increase. Kerry said that he supports increasing fuel economy standards to 36
miles per gallon by 2015 in order to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. He also said that he has talked to
Ford about making a hybrid car his new “campaign car.”
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April 22, 2004
During a conference call the same day, Kerry was asked whether he owned a Chevrolet Suburban.
He replied, “I don’t own an SUV…the family has it. I don’t have it.” Did they give you a ride
to the Earth Day rally?
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The Last We Heard...
It has been revealed that “the family” also owns a Land Rover Defender, a Jeep
Cherokee, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and an Audi Allroad. What, no Hummer?
Fact:
Flip-Flopped on anti-war activities – caught on camera.
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10/06/71
As a part of an anti-war protest John Kerry allegedly threw several of his medals away. It was later confirmed
on a Washington D.C. News program, WRC-TV’s Viewpoints, he admitted “I gave back, I can’t remember, 6, 7,
8, 9 medals,” which clearly included his own Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Silver Star.
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4/26/04
On several occasions dating back to his 1984 Senate campaign, Kerry has asserted that he
threw ribbons, not medals, over the fence. Recently, on ABC’s Good Morning America Kerry argued, “No, you didn’t
see me throw…Charlie, Charlie, you are wrong. That’s not what happened. I threw my ribbons across…”
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The Last We Heard...
Charlie Gibson ABC’s Good Morning America, “Senator, I was there 33 years
ago, and I saw you throw the medals over the fence…” (4/26/04)
Fact:
Kerry Voted For Authorization To Use Force In Iraq.
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5/4/03
In First Dem Debate, Kerry Strongly Supported President’s Action In Iraq. KERRY: “George, I said
at the time I would have preferred if we had given diplomacy a greater opportunity, but I think it was the right decision
to disarm Saddam Hussein, and when the President made the decision, I supported him, and I support the fact that we did disarm
him.” (ABC News, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/4/03)
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9/2/03
Kerry Later Claimed He Voted “To Threaten” Use Of Force In Iraq. “I voted to threaten the use
of force to make Saddam Hussein comply with the resolutions of the United Nations.” (Sen. John Kerry, Remarks At Announcement
Of Presidential Candidacy, Mount Pleasant, SC, 9/2/03)
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The Last We Heard...
Now, Kerry Says He Is Anti-War Candidate. CHRIS MATTHEWS: “Do you think you belong to that category of candidates
who more or less are unhappy with this war, the way it’s been fought, along with General Clark, along with Howard Dean
and not necessarily in companionship politically on the issue of the war with people like Lieberman, Edwards and Gephardt?
Are you one of the anti-war candidates?” KERRY: “I am -- Yes, in the sense that I don’t believe the president
took us to war as he should have, yes, absolutely.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 1/6/04)
Fact:
Kerry Flip-Flopped On Eliminating Marriage Penalty For Middle Class
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10/23/03
Kerry Said He Will Fight To Keep Tax Relief For Married Couples. “Howard Dean and Gephardt are going to
put the marriage penalty back in place. So if you get married in America, we’re going to charge you more taxes. I do
not want to do that.” (Fox News’ “Special Report,” 10/23/03)
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7/31/03
Said Democrats Fought To End Marriage Penalty Tax. “We fought hard to get rid of the marriage penalty.”
(MSNBC’s “News Live,” 7/31/03)
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The Last We Heard...
But, In 1998, Kerry Voted Against Eliminating Marriage Penalty Relief For Married Taxpayers With Combined Incomes Less
Than $50,000 Per Year, Saving Taxpayers $46 Billion Over 10 Years. (S. 1415, CQ Vote #154: Rejected 48-50: R 5-49; D 43-1,
6/10/98, Kerry Voted Yea)
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On Patriot Act
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10/25/01
Kerry Voted For Patriot Act. The Patriot Act was passed nearly unanimously by the Senate 98-1, and 357-66 in the
House. (H.R. 3162, CQ Vote #313: Passed 98-1: R 49-0; D 48-1; I 1-0, 10/25/01, Kerry Voted Yea)
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8/6/03
Kerry Used To Defend His Vote. “Most of [The Patriot Act] has to do with improving the transfer of information
between CIA and FBI, and it has to do with things that really were quite necessary in the wake of what happened on September
11th.” (Sen. John Kerry, Remarks At Town Hall Meeting, Manchester, NH, 8/6/03)
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The Last We Heard...
Now, Kerry Attacks Patriot Act. “We are a nation of laws and liberties, not of a knock in the night. So it is
time to end the era of John Ashcroft. That starts with replacing the Patriot Act with a new law that protects our people and
our liberties at the same time. I’ve been a District Attorney and I know that what law enforcement needs are real tools
not restrictions on American’s basic rights.” (Sen. John Kerry, Remarks At Iowa State University, Iowa City, IA,
12/1/03)
Fact:
Kerry Took BOTH Sides In First Gulf War In Separate Letters To Same Constituent.
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1/22/91
‘Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition ... to the early use of military force by the US against
Iraq. I share your concerns. On January 11, I voted in favor of a resolution that would have insisted that economic sanctions
be given more time to work and against a resolution giving the president the immediate authority to go to war.’ --letter
from Senator John Kerry to Wallace Carter of Newton Centre, Massachusetts, dated January 22 [1991]
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1/31/91
Thank you very much for contacting me to express your support for the actions of President Bush in response to the
Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. From the outset of the invasion, I have strongly and unequivocally supported President Bush’s
response to the crisis and the policy goals he has established with our military deployment in the Persian Gulf.’ --Senator
Kerry to Wallace Carter, January 31 [1991]”
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The Last We Heard...
He has not written to this constituent since 1991.
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On Gay Marriage Amendment
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7/12/02
In 2002, Kerry Signed Letter “Urging” MA Legislature To Reject Constitutional Amendment Banning Gay
Marriage. “We rarely comment on issues that are wholly within the jurisdiction of the General Court, but there are
occasions when matters pending before you are of such significance to all residents of the Commonwealth that we think it appropriate
for us to express our opinion. One such matter is the proposed Constitutional amendment that would prohibit or seriously
inhibit any legal recognition whatsoever of same-sex relationships. We believe it would be a grave error for Massachusetts
to enshrine in our Constitution a provision which would have such a negative effect on so many of our fellow residents. …
We are therefore united in urging you to reject this Constitutional amendment and avoid stigmatizing so many of our fellow
citizens who do not deserve to be treated in such a manner.” (Sen. John Kerry, et al, Letter To Members Of The Massachusetts
Legislature, 7/12/02)
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2/6/04
Now, In 2004, Kerry Won’t Rule Out Supporting Similar Amendment. “Asked if he
would support a state constitutional amendment barring gay and lesbian marriages, Kerry didn’t rule out the possibility.
‘I’ll have to see what language there is,’ he said.” (Susan Milligan, “Kerry Says GOP May Target
Him On ‘Wedge Issue,’” The Boston Globe, 2/6/04)
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The Last We Heard...
Kerry will not speak out on this subject in the presence of the media.
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On Attacking President During Time Of War
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3/11/03
In March 2003, Kerry Promised Not To Attack President When War Began. “Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts
… said he will cease his complaints once the shooting starts. ‘It’s what you owe the troops,’ said
a statement from Kerry, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. ‘I remember being one of those guys and reading news reports
from home. If America is at war, I won’t speak a word without measuring how it’ll sound to the guys doing the
fighting when they’re listening to their radios in the desert.’” (Glen Johnson, “Democrats On The
Stump Plot Their War Rhetoric,” The Boston Globe, 3/11/03)
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4/3/03
But Weeks Later, With Troops Just Miles From Baghdad, Kerry Broke His Pledge. “‘What
we need now is not just a regime change in Saddam Hussein and Iraq, but we need a regime change in the United States,’
Kerry said in a speech at the Peterborough Town Library. Despite pledging two weeks ago to cool his criticism of the administration
once war began, Kerry unleashed a barrage of criticism as US troops fought within 25 miles of Baghdad.” (Glen Johnson,
“Kerry Says Us Needs Its Own ‘Regime Change,’” The Boston Globe, 4/3/03)
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The Last We Heard...
Kerry called the president and his party the "the most crooked, you know, lying group I have
ever seen". PERSONAL NOTE *** IRONIC ISN'T IT???
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On Death Penalty For Terrorists
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9/16/96
In 1996, Kerry Attacked Governor Bill Weld For Supporting Death Penalty For Terrorists. KERRY: “Your policy
would amount to a terrorist protection policy. Mine would put them in jail.” (1996 Massachusetts Senate Debate, 9/16/96)
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7/3/96
In 1996, Kerry Said, “You Can Change Your Mind On Things, But Not On Life-And-Death
Issues.” (Timothy J. Connolly, “The ‘Snoozer’ Had Some Life,” [Worcester, MA] Telegram & Gazette,
7/3/96)
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The Last We Heard...
But, In 2002, Kerry Said He Supported Death Penalty For Terrorists. KERRY: “The law
of the land is the law of the land, but I have also said that I am for the death penalty for terrorists because terrorists
have declared war on your country.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/1/02)
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On No Child Left Behind
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12/18/01
Kerry Voted For No Child Left Behind Act. (H.R. 1, CQ Vote #371: Adopted 87-10: R 44-3; D 43-6; I 0-1, 12/18/01,
Kerry Voted Yea)
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4/22/03
But Now Kerry Is Attacking No Child Left Behind As “Mockery.” “Between
now and the time I’m sworn in January 2005, I’m going to use every day to make this president accountable for
making a mockery of the words ‘No Child Left Behind.’” (Holly Ramer, “Kerry Wants To Make ‘Environmental
Justice’ A Priority,” The Associated Press, 4/22/03)
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The Last We Heard...
Kerry Trashed NCLB As ‘Unfunded Mandate’ With ‘Laudable’ Goals.
“Kerry referred to [No Child Left Behind] as an ‘unfunded mandate’ with ‘laudable’ goals. ‘Without
the resources, education reform is a sham,’ Kerry said. ‘I can’t wait to crisscross this country and hold
this president accountable for making a mockery of the words “no child left behind.”‘” (Matt Leon,
“Sen. Kerry In Tune With Educators,” The [Quincy, MA] Patriot Ledger, 7/11/03)
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On Affirmative Action
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4/8/92
In 1992, Kerry Called Affirmative Action “Inherently Limited And Divisive.” “[W]hile praising
affirmative action as ‘one kind of progress’ that grew out of civil rights court battles, Kerry said the focus
on a rights-based agenda has ‘inadvertently driven most of our focus in this country not to the issue of what is happening
to the kids who do not get touched by affirmative action, but … toward an inherently limited and divisive program which
is called affirmative action.’ That agenda is limited, he said, because it benefits segments of black and minority populations,
but not all. And it is divisive because it creates a ‘perception and a reality of reverse discrimination that has actually
engendered racism.’” (Lynne Duke, “Senators Seek Serious Dialogue On Race,” The Washington Post,
4/8/92)
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1/30/04
In 2004, Kerry Denied Ever Having Called Affirmative Action “Divisive.” CNN’s
KELLY WALLACE: “We caught up with the Senator, who said he never called affirmative action divisive, and accused Clark
of playing politics.” SEN. KERRY: “That’s not what I said. I said there are people who believe that. And
I said mend it, don’t end it. He’s trying to change what I said, but you can go read the quote. I said very clearly
I have always voted for it. I’ve always supported it. I’ve never, ever condemned it. I did what Jim Clyburn did
and what Bill Clinton did, which is mend it. And Jim Clyburn wouldn’t be supporting it if it were otherwise. So let’s
not have any politics here. Let’s keep the truth.” (CNN’s “Inside Politics,” 1/30/04)
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The Last We Heard...
In 2004, Kerry Denied Ever Having Called Affirmative Action “Divisive.” CNN’s
KELLY WALLACE: “We caught up with the Senator, who said he never called affirmative action divisive, and accused Clark
of playing politics.” SEN. KERRY: “That’s not what I said. I said there are people who believe that. And
I said mend it, don’t end it. He’s trying to change what I said, but you can go read the quote. I said very clearly
I have always voted for it. I’ve always supported it. I’ve never, ever condemned it. I did what Jim Clyburn did
and what Bill Clinton did, which is mend it. And Jim Clyburn wouldn’t be supporting it if it were otherwise. So let’s
not have any politics here. Let’s keep the truth.” (CNN’s “Inside Politics,” 1/30/04)
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On Ethanol
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3/24/93
Kerry Twice Voted Against Tax Breaks For Ethanol. (S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #44: Rejected 48-52: R 11-32; D 37-20,
3/23/93, Kerry Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #68: Motion Agreed To 55-43: R 2-40; D 53-3, 3/24/93, Kerry Voted Yea)
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8/3/94
Kerry Voted Against Ethanol Mandates. (H.R. 4624, CQ Vote #255: Motion Agreed To 51-50: R 19-25; D 31-25, 8/3/94,
Kerry Voted Nay)
Kerry Voted Twice To Increase Liability On Ethanol, Making It Equal To Regular Gasoline. (S. 517, CQ Vote #87: Motion
Agreed To 57-42: R 38-10; D 18-32; I 1-0, 4/25/02 Kerry Voted Nay; S. 14, CQ Vote #208: Rejected 38-57: R 9-40; D 28-17; I
1-0, 6/5/03, Kerry Voted Yea)
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The Last We Heard...
On The Campaign Trail, Though, Kerry Is For Ethanol. KERRY: “I’m for ethanol,
and I think it’s a very important partial ingredient of the overall mix of alternative and renewable fuels we ought
to commit to.” (MSNBC/DNC, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Des Moines, IA, 11/24/03)
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On Cuba Sanctions
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6/20/00
Senator Kerry Has Long Voted Against Stronger Cuba Sanctions. (H.R. 927, CQ Vote #489, Motion Rejected 59-36:
R 50-2; D 9-34, 10/17/95, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 955, CQ Vote #183: Rejected 38-61: R 5-49; D 33-12, 7/17/97, Kerry Voted Yea;
S. 1234, CQ Vote #189, Motion Agreed To 55-43: R 43-10; D 12-33, 6/30/99, Kerry Voted Nay; S. 2549, CQ Vote #137: Motion Agreed
To 59-41: R 52-3; D 7-38, 6/20/00, Kerry Voted Nay)
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8/31/03
Now Kerry Panders To Cuban Vote, Saying He Would Not Lift Embargo Against Cuba. TIM RUSSERT:
“Would you consider lifting sanctions, lifting the embargo against Cuba?” SEN. KERRY: “Not unilaterally,
not now, no.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 8/31/03)
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The Last We Heard...
Kerry Does Not Support “Opening Up The Embargo Wily Nilly.” “Kerry said
he believes in ‘engagement’ with the communist island nation but that does not mean, ‘Open up the dialogue.’
He believes it ‘means travel and perhaps even remittances or cultural exchanges’ but he does not support ‘opening
up the embargo wily nilly.’” (Daniel A. Ricker, “Kerry Says Bush Did Not Build A ‘Legitimate Coalition’
In Iraq,” The Miami Herald, 11/25/03)
Fact:
Flip-Flopped On NAFTA
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11/20/93
Kerry Voted For NAFTA. (H.R. 3450, CQ Vote #395: Passed 61-38: R 34-10; D 27-28, 11/20/93, Kerry Voted Yea)
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8/6/03
Now, Kerry Expresses Doubt About NAFTA. “Kerry, who voted for NAFTA in 1993, expressed
some doubt about the strength of free-trade agreements. ‘If it were before me today, I would vote against it because
it doesn’t have environmental or labor standards in it,’ he said.” (David Lightman, “Democrats Battle
For Labor’s Backing,” Hartford Courant, 8/6/03)
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The Last We Heard...
Now, Kerry Expresses Doubt About NAFTA. “Kerry, who voted for NAFTA in 1993, expressed
some doubt about the strength of free-trade agreements. ‘If it were before me today, I would vote against it because
it doesn’t have environmental or labor standards in it,’ he said.” (David Lightman, “Democrats Battle
For Labor’s Backing,” Hartford Courant, 8/6/03)
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