Then there's Kansas Republican Senator Sam Brownback, the former presidential candidate, pushing McCain's new theme on a campaign conference call yesterday. (BROWNBACK): I think the biggest thing really I've seen of Barack Obama is a willingness and aggressiveness to talk bipartisan, and yet to vote and be hard left, the most liberal member in the United States Senate. (OLBERMANN): Obama talks bipartisan but when it comes down to it, he votes hard left? From Obama.senate.gov, December 16, 2005: 'Obama, Brownback, Durbin and DeWine [DeWine is another Republican] Introduce Comprehensive Legislation on the Congo.' From Brownback.senate.gov, May 3rd, 2006: 'Brownback worked with Senators Robert Menendez and Barack Obama to pass the amendment.' And October 26th, 2007, 'Senator Brownback and Senator Barack Obama introduced the Iranian Sanctions Enabling Act.' 'USA Today,' May 18, last year: 'Obama and Brownback together on another issue.' The 'Washington Post,' December 27, 2005, [headline on Darfur policy], 'By Barack Obama and Sam Brownback.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Obama disputes claims that he votes hard left despite talking bipartisan, citing specific legislative collaborations.
- In plain terms
- He points to joint bills with Republicans to show he is not strictly partisan.
- What can you take from it?
- Legislative history provides concrete evidence of voting patterns.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you measure true bipartisanship?
- Does rhetoric match voting behavior?
Another view
Talking bipartisan does not guarantee consistent voting across all issues.
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