good point lilian @ dartmouth

What makes everyone think Hillary can get the done. Does anyone know why she failed at healthcare reform. She doesn't have the ability to bring people together. Also may someone ask her about her sealed records in the Clinton library. She is full of lies and scandals!!!!

I find it hard to vote for another Clinton when you look what they did to our military and how the rest of the world viewed the US after he lied to all the world about his immoral behavior. We as a country need a clean break and another Clinton in the White House is NOT THE ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think they are trying to set us up for President and Vice?! Really, study their behavior now.. I believe this may even be a topic they have secretlydiscussed.. If one wins, the other may just be a great Vice President..

I would like to vote for Senator Obama, But once again I will ask, "Where's the beef?" in your plans gor change?

"Its been long known that Obama is to the left of the democratic party. "

Well, in fairness the Democratic Party is not very far to the left.

Also, what is the criteria? It's completely subjective. What is considered "liberal"?

Composite Liberal Score. Wow, that sounds really scientific.

Obama is like the pied piper playing his beautiful music. Obama is playing his beautiful song of Change and Hope and people are falling for the music without lyrics. Obama have lulled people in this dreamworld. Hopefully people will wake up to the reality of the many issues that America faces and that we need the leadership that Hillary Clinton can provide. This is a critical time for us. Obama's background is short on managerial and leadership skills. All of his messages in his ads are only about excitement for change, unity, nothing more.

I see nothing wrong with being a liberal, matter of fact, I to am a dirty no good downtroddened sucker for the less fortunate! Remember ,it all comes down on who commissioned the study,Check Mate! Finally, I once read ,it's who writes the History, and which side of the fence, (biased) their on, gets the best publishers. Also not to be redundant, but most authors stay on the fence ,and never jump ,so as to maximize their procured interest!

I wish Obama was the most liberal!!!

i'm tired of "liberal" being a bad word

If only that were true, but it isn't. Some morons still think "Liberal" is a dirty, scary word. But guess what, we are the majority!!! And we're gonna save this country

The most Liberal…. Maybe, He really didn't mean to vote that way. The facts speaks for itself.

If McCain wins, the librals can celibrate. The two Democrat canditates are very far to the left. And for a "Republican," McCain is also VERY FAR to the left.

Don't worry the donkeys will win this year just look at history.

Vote for who you like.

Don't allow the two same families to run the country for 20 YEARS!

I have just finished reading, " Audacity of Hope," by Barack Obama and i got a sense of the man.
Most critical- thinking people reject labels and stereotypes as plain silly.

OBAMA '08

He missed 1/3 of the vote because he was on the campaign trail… he had to get out before Hillary to campaign because she has name recognition. So that explains why he missed 1/3 of the votes… when the study comes out you'll see that the votes he missed where all within the last four months of the year.

Anything negative you find on Obama, what is the count up to now, two?, can't compare to the negatives that Hillary has in her closet. It's CLEAR that Obama is STILL the BEST CHOICE for the democrats.

The economy won't be the major issue in November, it will be Iraq and national Security. Obama wins, HANDS DOWN, on the Iraq issue over Clinton and McCain. And because of his uniting abilities Obama will be MUCH better at national security because he will try policy first and war second, whereas McCain will use War first and Policy second

OBAMA 08!!!!! Woooo HOOOOO!!!

liberal actually has a good meaning in the dictionary

Ditto

'Only in Washington can you get falsely attacked for being like Reagan one week and labeled the most liberal the next. "

Also, has anyone noticed that Bill is packing on pounds? I watched his video today on 911 doubters and his jacket was really tight.
Maybe more time in the gym and less on the campaign trail.

I am becoming very dissapointed to this election because it is all coming down to race and sex and that is what it will be for the democrats just because some one is african american white or a women or man doesnt mean you have to vote for what ever your race or sex is. i am a regular kid who has studied every candidate and could have just as much knowledge of the average.

Could it be that the Hillary camp is resorting to campaign tactics reminiscent of Rove's Whisper Campaign? Being the most liberal-voting Senator is the worst they can get?

Both Hillary and Obama are centrists. The only real liberal, Dennis Kucinich, has left the race. America hasn't had a real left since the New Deal.

I have never seen any one who can represent everyone. I have never liked politics till I see a man name Obama. He represent poor nations and wealthy nations, christians and musiliems, white and black. This is the best president america wish to have for the sake of world peace and prospeity not just in United States. He is the face of Hope and beauty for the new mellenium. I hope america see in him despite all this false accusiation. If Obama elected america will be seen differently around the world. America will change how the world should treat each other.

So perhaps now you know why Kerry and the old liberal Kennedy endorsed Obama.

Dear Watching Carefully

You have no substance and aren't qualified…try something and do some research. Based on your knowledge, chances are you voted for Bush twice, so enjoy supporting Hillary…for the rest of the educated…

OBAMA '08

You go Donna in Michigan. You sumed up what ive been felling. I refer to you.

May I remind everyone that "liberal" indicates a wish for CHANGE and "conservative" indicates acceptance of the STATUS QUO according to their respective definitions. I would argue that there is a time for both, and now is definitely the time for change.

Also, in response to all the people criticizing Obama for his "present" votes, I would argue that it's pretty ridiculous to chastise him for a procedural move that is part of the Illinois Senate. Out of 4,000 votes, a couple of hundred "present" votes seems okay to me, especially when Obama has gained the praise and endorsements of Republican Illinois State Senators as well as Democrats.

As for Obama missing 33 votes while campaigning, if he becomes President, he'll obviously be able to represent his constituency, plus the rest of the country, with far more arrows in his quiver. If he loses and goes back to being a Senator, I'm sure he'll continue to make great progress on issues. Remember that he was responsible for the biggest ethics reform bill in Senate history, and that he made major progress working with Senators of both parties on a wide range of other issues.

It would be nice if readers would stop trying to badger CNN and MSNBC into sprucing coverage for the Clintons and making Obama's coverage more negative. I hope all the squeaky wheels don't get the grease at the expense of accuracy. For those of us with kids, the hope of an improved nation that Obama represents and can deliver is valuable–far more so than four to eight more years of a bitterly divided country.

Goooo Obama!

If Obama gets elected we will have an "Obama-nation"

CNN,
CNN should be independent and neutral on the issues facing the nation and in the candidates running for Presidency. Big names and faces also should not endorse any candidate in the election cycle. Let people decide and come to decision on their own – as that should be basis of democracy as always.

I believe this will just be fodder for republicans if Obama makes it in the General election. I think they fear him more than Clinton. Look at the polls at RealClearPolitics.com shows a closer race between Mccain and Obama then Clinton vs Mccain.

Ah and the reality sets in. Should be an interesting debate tonight.

@Charlottesville, VA Considering Obama has already employed Bush's tactics against Hillary, I don't see any unfairness in her lodging them back. I'm sure she has more intelligent ideas than that however.

CNN is doing the Republcans' homework. By bringing this up, and if Obama wind the nod, the Repubes will have fresh meat to exploit. Oh well.
Obama has not been, though, honest with his record. His "present" votes are very questionable and beg to be answered. However, Obama seems to not even want to talk about why a "no" vote would have been better than just a "I dunno". Already it seems Obama has skeletons and for a man who claims to be of a different league… doesn't quite fit well.

wow..i think we seriously need an Office of Public Integrity. maybe someone should ask hillary in the debate why she voted "no." people need a place where they can anonymously report problems.

Interesting postings today – but for the ultimate skeptics………

1. I think Clinton brought up Resko to Obama during the last debate to show to everyone that he does in fact play the good old boys games of politics and that they started a long time ago.

2. Voting 33% less times than Clinton in the Senate just says to me that he was out getting 'other' experience and not that which would best suit him for the Presidency

3. I would like to hear from anyone just what Obama's plans are…how many jobs is he intending to create and keep here at home and HOW is he going to do that

4. How is he going to facilitate this 'change' that he is talking about?

5. And for all the supporters that he has coming onboard…has it struck anyone yet that these are political figures…perhaps that is what he was gaining experience in vs. voting on important issues to us. It is what he was getting paid for!

6. I will take a hard working Senators experience anyday over that of a person who has less than 2 years of the first term in the Senate.

People need to stop falling for Obama's nonsense. I am so tired of hearing the word change and hope. Can Obama ever talk about the issues? I don't even know what he stands for, because he NEVER talk about the issues. All he says is that we need to come together and have hope. Why are people falling for this? Are Americans that dumb? Come on America; you are smarter that that!

Rob I completely agree with you. Now a days if you say someone is liberal it's just as if you called them a bad word. Hillary says she likes to think of her self as progressive and not liberal and I understand within each party there are "teirs" but to imply being liberal in negative is unfair and downright against what the Democratic Party stands for.

I think Obama apeals to everyone, Deomcrat, Independent, and Republican. How can someone be President leading the White House and the country and not appeal to those he or she has to lead? I myself am I moderate and I am disgusted everytime I hear someone drawing a negative distinction of any political ideaology. This is America we are allowed to be liberal, conservative or independent if we choose to!

BTW, Go Obama/Edwards '08!

The media, as well as the good old boys from the Democratic party cannot stop the tide of angry women. VIVA HILLARY!

Firstly, I see no chance of Obama winning super Tuesday because most of the big blue states seem to be wildly supportive of Clinton. Second, it is things like this that would allow the republicans to eat Obama alive in a general election. The Obama campaign has shown its self to be frustrated within mudslinging within its own party, I hate to see all of the crying done should he win the primary. Obviously I am a Clinton supporter, but I will vote Democratic no matter who our front runner is. I just hope our front runner is able to win.

to Matt Joachim,

What Unity?? We ARE united. Just go to other countries and youll see people of different religion , dont live in the same neighbourhood, dont go to same schools. Your comments are so naive!

People are never going to think alike. NEVER . Thats never gonna happen.

The people preaching UNITY are fooling you.

Hillary 08

America is ready for a woman president, just not Hillary.

Thanks, Clinton News Network. This actually just makes me like him even more. Obama '08!

Did you guys really read the article before jumping to make comments?
This the beef of the matter. According to the article

"Of the 65 votes included in the study that both senators were present for, they only differed twice — on a measure that sought to establish an Office of Public Integrity to handle ethics complaints (Clinton voted no, Obama yes), and on a measure that sought to allow certain immigrants to stay in the united states while renewing their visas (again, Clinton voted no and Obama yes)."

Since Hilary voted no for an office of public integrity and OBAMA VOTES YES then my vote GOES TO OBAMA.

OBAMA 08

After reading the survey its makes me angary for some writers to make this kind of judgement being able to say mccaine did not take enought votes to qualify for the servey .Why wasn't he doing his job like Obama? It doesn't matter how you lable Obama he is the person for the times i sure hope we the people can see this in time.

It all makes sense if you think about the 2006 midterm election. All of the democrats that were elected to the senate were considered conservative democrats–some closer to the Conservative idealogue than to progressive.

It all depends at how you look at a poll; you can say that Clinton won Nevada by 53 percent or you can say 47 of the people voted against her….

Hillary votes, Obama misses votes.
CNN, please no Bill questions during the debate!! Noone wants to hear about that. Stay focused on the issues.

Rather have a liberal anyday than a conservative Big Business goon.

For example how conservatives will vote against the environmental or emissions laws because GOD FORBID big business has to lose a quarter percent earnings.

I am reading these comments and thinking, gosh are there really that many morons on the internet? 90% of you have bought this bullcrap story!! Just because you call a duck a horse, doesn't mean you can saddle it up and ride it home.

JUDICIAL WATCH is a tool of the right wing. Of course they will call any front-runner Dem corrupt. Do any of you truthfully believe that Obama is MORE liberal than Dennis Kucinich?

Its funny how posters are outraged when CNN, who has favored Obama, for months, runs one negative type story and they get upset and call it Clinton Bias. Please, watching CNN today proves a lot. Wolf is surrounded by Obama signs, there are Clinton signs but they are not mixed in on the main spot. CNN has ran every little bit of misleading information about Clinton and no Obama people cried then from the Obama camp. Also, every time CNN goes to comercial, they show either Obama signs, or Obama himself. So yes, maybe its a coincidence, but I think the producer's could do a better job in showcasing both canidates. After all, today is a historical day as this will be the first time we have had a debate of this kind.

C'mon CNN, play fair. Obama has not won the nomination yet. With coverage like this, can we expect a fair debate tonight? I hope so.

Be careful what you refer to as "facts" California Independent, Judicial Watch is an ultra-right wing organization masquerading as a "a conservative, non-partisan educational foundation" which "promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in government, politics and the law." Since it's inception over 90% of funding for Judicial Watch has come from three sources: the Sarah Scaife Foundation, The Carthage Foundation and the John M. Olin Foundation, Inc. The Sarah Scaife and Carthage Foundations were funded by notorious Clinton hater Richard Mellon Scaife, and the Carthage Foundation, by it's own records prior to the disbanding of the foundation, disbursed most of it's $370 Million to "conservative think tanks." Don't put much credence in the conclusions drawn by Judicial Watch, they are paid using the same money that funds the Heritage Foundation and Project for the New American Century (PNAC).

Hola Mi nomber es Martin Chavez:

Quiro comunicarle a mi pueblo Hispano , como mimbro activo en la comunidad de los Angeles…que Feb 5 no podemos apoyar a la senadora Hillary Clinton por estas razones:

Ella mentio cuando un grupo de estudiantes le pregunto porque ella voto en favor de establecer un Muro (Border Fencing) entre estados unidos y Mejico..Ella no supo como contestar al fin dijo que quizas no era sierto, pero si era asi ella a. Bueno un grupo independetista si comfirmo que ell voto en favor de poner un muro entre estado unidos y Mejico……Y mentio varias veces cuando dijo que No respaldo dicho voto. El unico democrata que le dijo no al muro fue Borack Obama…El dice que no podemos manterner alas familias separadas y poner un muro seria una injusticia para el pueblo Hispano…Quiro decirle al publo mejica que tenemos que apoyar a un candidato que nos pueda ayudar de corazon y el seria la persona….

Ademas la senadora voto favor de no permitir a los inmigrates quedarce a aca en los estado unidos mientra dan revicion a su caso de inmigracion indvidual…Esto es otro ejemplo que ella no es la persona adequada para ayudar a nuestro pueblo, Mire aqui lo que se reporto en ingels

Es un a porccion cuando un estudio anuncio que el Senador Borack Obama es si el mimbre del senado mas liberal….Mire los records como son.

But the details of the study suggest the Clinton and Obama's voting records are not as far apart as they appear in the rankings. Of the 65 votes included in the study that both senators were present for, they only differed twice — on a measure that sought to establish an Office of Public Integrity to handle ethics complaints (Clinton voted no, Obama yes), and on a measure that sought to allow certain immigrants to stay in the united states while renewing their visas (again, Clinton voted no and Obama yes).

Bueno…Quiero decirle al publo que nosotros los hispanos somos inteligente y no vamos a permitir que la senadora Clinton diga lo que quiero simplemente ser elegida…Ella nos mintio y aqui tenemos la prueba..

Tenemos que respaldar al senador Obama…Una persona que si en realida se preocupa por todos los hispano…..

I am really surprised NOBAMA has made it this far.
This country has alot of problems and some people are trying to make it worse by NOBAMA. Please Hillary WIN for this country.
I am sorry to say but if Hillary doesn't make it I will be FORCED to vote Republican to keep NOBAMA out.
Does experience and knowledge mean anything to the Obama people?? THINK??

Obama – The only one that can make the word "Liberal" something to be proud of.

JFK:
"…if by a liberal they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people – their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, their civil liberties..if that is what they mean by a "liberal" then I am proud to be a liberal."

Mr. Mooney shame on you and CNN:

I am very disappointed in the treatment Hillary Clinton has received from Media and some notable personalities in this historical election. This is especially ture of Oprah and The Chicago Tribuneand CNN. Tribune’s position is unforgivable. I e-mailed both Oprah and the Chicago Tribune and expressed my opinion about today's editorial in Chicago Tribune telling people that in order to support Senator Clinton, people should forgive them! I reminded them that we should forgive Chicago Tribune for supporting President Bush twice for the past elections – a person who waged an illegal war – and Not Clintons. When it comes to Oprah, I reminded her that we as women supported her for all these years and she should have been at least neutral in public for this election. As a woman, she should let people decide for themselves between a first woman and a first African American. I feel that she has betrayed us. She could have her opinion and vote to whoever she wanted too. But when it comes to this election (choosing between two minorities) she played and is playing a huge role for against Hillary Clinton, as the first serious woman candidate. As an educator, human rights activist and a woman, I urge Now Organization to take an action toward Oprah and unfair media treatment of Senator Clinton and express our frustrations to organizations such as Chicago Tribune, CNN and . . . After all this is about sexism.

With respect

Azar Khounani

Executive Director of Kids Academy

This seems kinda pathetic. He and Hillary voted the same way out of 65 votes except for 2. Why does the media make such a big deal out of this. Do better CNN!!!

AND WHY DID HILLARY VOTE AGAINST HAVING AN OFFICE OF PUBLIC INTEGRITY??? I thought that's what we needed in Congress!

liberal sounds GREAT to me, the "cons" have certainly showed what a mess they can make of things.

get the criminal war profiteers out, and let's get back to having human beings in the white house!

I could care less what the media says, I definitely don't want Hill & Bill in the White House again and I can't stand Republicans lack of social obligation, heck Louisiana is still in shambles to this day so I'd vote for Winnie the Pooh if he was running against Hillary or McCain!

Concerning the missed votes, can we all just step back a second and actually think?

If we tune back to the summer of 2007, Clinton was by far the favorite to be the nominee, and as a consequence, she had no problem a) raising money for her campaign or b) getting identity recognition with voters. Obama, on the other hand, because of his relative anonymity (except for those who saw his speech in 2004) had to spend considerably more time on the campaign trail stumping for both cash and votes. It is not at all surprising then that Clinton would have more time to cast votes in Washington – also some information about exactly which votes Obama missed would be useful.

Also, I can't believe the article doesn't mention John Macain who missed many more votes than both Obama and Clinton (I believe more than half of his votes). He, of course, also had to spend loads of time reviving his left-for-dead campaign over the summer.

How has it become that the party of big business is also the party of the religious in this country?

I don't understand how so many draw their lines around stem cells, gay marriage and guns and quickly hop in bed with the some of the most corrupt people and organizations in the history of the world.

There is willful ignorance going on. If you think Jesus was a conservative, you don't understand the bible.

Love the sinner, not the sin.

Thanks for this "information". I just donated another $20 bucks to the Obama campaign!! More!! The more you put out crap like this, the more we donate! Peace and joy!! One America!!

"Dem of NJ January 31, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Obama is a fake. He pretends he could unite republicans and democrats.
Actually he is ultra liberal. You will have to pay a lot more taxes if he gets elected."

Taken from Obama's website:
"Provide a “Making Work Pay� Tax Cut for America's Working Families"
"Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit"
"Eliminate Income Taxes for Seniors Making Less Than $50,000″
"Expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit"

These are some examples of Obama's goals for the economy. Visit his site and read for elaboration.

You just got shut down. Nice try.

Matt (above) wrote: "Are you serious !! ? these numbers dont matter since he was not present for 33 of the 99 votes.BARACK OBAMA believe it or not is the kind of president that we need now he's the only candidate that can unify the country.

In my wildest dreams, I cannot imagine why someone would say that Barack Obama is the kind of president that we need now — when he missed 1/3 of the Senate votes. As far as unity is concerned — His liberal philosophies are not something I can UNITE behind — Does he plan to CHANGE some of his views to a more moderate stance for the sake of this UNITY he advocates?
From my own PERSONAL research, it appears to me that Senator Obama wants others to CHANGE our views and adopt his way of thinking. So much for Unity . . . . .

Here is a quote to consider: "The ignorance of one voter in a democracy
impairs the security of us all."
John F. Kennedy

Is this an attempt to scare away the independents ?????

Hey Mickey ~ Things have changed quite a bit since the last election, or haven't you noticed? The economy is faultering, inflation is brewing, unemployment is rising and people are concerned about their future. I've stood to the right for so long and I'm sick and tired of the right. Here, shove this down your throat, no, here, shove this down your throat. It's been all about greed with the right. I want it now!! What do you mean I can't have it? Don't you know who I am? I have a checkbook (just no money in the account ~ look at the nearly 3 TRILLION DOLLAR BUDGET DEFICIT). The World hates America. Why? Because we have White House representatives who are smug, arrogant and it's either their way or the highway! I'm not throwing my towel in on Obama. I believe he can well represent our country, experience or no experience! He will learn quickly, and if he doesn't, the people of this Great Nation will let him know.

I didn't realize the country was so divided it needed a unifying president…. This is the most diverse and most tolerant country in the WORLD and guess what : We are not at war with each other… Obama's message of hope and unification is absurd… I am surprised CNN released this article after all their support for Obama and debasing of Clinton… If people actually listened to the issues, he would not even stand a chance for runner-up. Give me a break.
Hillary 08

I think that the coverage balances out. MSNBC has been bashing Hillary for weeks. They actually laughed about the Florida race saying that Obama was right about the 0-0 delegates. Like Florida democrats don't count. Hillary got more support there than anyone….including the republicans! That is an accomplishment!

I think that we need to look at Obama's record. He keeps saying that he didn't vote for the Iran issue with the Iranian guards….but criticezes Hillary. At least she voted, he was too busy campainging. It he really thought it was a vote for war authorization, why didn't he make teh vote. Oh that's right….too busy campaiging in New Hampshire. He culd have made it.

What is wrong with looking at his record? He missed a lot of votes in Illinois, and now we find out that he missed a lot in the Senate. What has he really done. His speeches are uplifting….but what is his record? Yes we can….what does that mean??? Other than voting for him….which I won't….what do I have to do? My question really is….what can he do for me? Bush was the uniter….how has that worked out ?

Hillary was interviewed and explained exactly what she would do the first day in office if electes. Without missing a beat, she rattled off several very good answers. Ted Kennedy (Me. Washington ) claims that he is ready too. How? What will he do? People fall for this?

By the way, Clinton has worked with Republicans on many issues. She has been doing it longer. She has concrete answers…..we need that!

I agree with Rob – what is wrong with being liberal? Clean air, clean water, the weekend, the Bill of Rights, fair housing and employment – the list of things we take for granted came because of liberal points of view. What is the problem? His message is crafted wisely – stop pandering to focus groups and stand up for moral values, the things that UNITE us. The past eight years have eroded so many of our basic rights, and we choose not to notice. Is any candidate perfect? Probably not. But Obama is looking toward a future in which we can find points of reconciliation that bring us together in common cause. The age of division is past, and so is the age of speaking with different tongues depending upon whom we address. His policies ARE clear if you bother to read, but is message is of unifying hope, and that's glorious.

I just watched a CNN sound bite/clip from one of Obama's stump speeches. The bite contatined the following words (not completely verbatim hence single quotes used':

'We're not only going to win the election, we're going to win the general. And we're going to transform this country and transform the world.'

The last 4 words left me awestruck. They denote not only a desire to return 'moral authority' to the United States, but also imply a desire to give 'moral superiority' to the United States.

If anyone in the United States thinks that an American president with this kind of attitued would help to 'restore' America's position in the world, they should seriously reconsider their conclusions.

Unless of course he/she wore a cape and nice crispy leotards outside of his/her bedroom closet.

I guess this is supposed to be dirt. But as the facts stand, he is the only candidate getting votes — and lots of it — from the republican side.

It seems to me that people are missing a lot of important points here. Obama's praise for Reagan was not so much for what Reagan accomplished, but that he was able to accomplish it. Obama is running a campaign based on the concept of change, and regardless of the Reagan's politics, Reagan was also an agent of change. In fact, Reagan was one of very few presidents in a long time to bring about change, meaning that while Obama clearly does not want to follow Reagans actions politically, he certainly wants his goals for change to achieve similar levels of success. Now with regards to the accusations made in this article, what does it matter if he is the most liberal senator? He is a Democrat, which is inherently a liberal party, and if someone wishes to undo the great harm W has done to this country, that person will need to be liberal. Furthermore, liberal should never have been established as a dirty word. Perhaps its become this way because its a political 'extreme' yet no one accuses politicians on the far right on being Conservatives with any malice. This is a severe double standard that must be rectified if democracy will survive in this country. Liberal is not a dirty word in other countries, in fact, one of Canada's main political parties is simply called the Liberal Party.
In regards to the number of votes Obama missed in 2007, i have no defense, as a senator it was his duty to represent the people of Illinois and vote, but I can point out that Obama spent much of 2007 fighting an uphill political battle to gain the support of a great deal of the Democratic voters of the Nation. Unfortunately, such a battle would draw him away from his duties as a senator. Clinton, on the other hand, was able to take more time off of her campaign to attend these votes, as she was already established as the 'front runner'. Now, by no means am I trying to excuse Obama's absence, but to put it in context, and to point out the reason Clinton's attendance record is better.

Vote for the underdog if you want to beat the establishment, as the leader is the establishment

Wow, Barack Obama is a liberal?? But I thought he was a Democrat??

ha.

What a blatant way to stir up a reactionary fuss from conservatives.

Glad to hear that someone realizes that Obama's liberal nature could hurt us all.

Hillary voted to designate the Revilutionay Guard of Iran as a terrorist group. Obama did not. That's what made her less liberal than Obama.

Sound like if you can screw up the country as well as the economy, you are less liberal than others….

These interest groups are acting like a chinese agent in USA. They want to screw up USA so that China or others can become the economic super power…

STOP THIS MADNESS!!!! Go for Obama…

So what Obama is Liberal? We need more Liberal Democrats.

Obama is the man of the year and will win regardless….

GOBAMA!!!

to Matt Joachim, you think it doesn't matter that he wasn't there for 33% of the votes? With so many problems, do we need another vacationing president?

From the record

Senator Clinton has missed 105 votes (23.5%) during the current Congress.

Senator Obama has missed 168 votes (37.7%) during the current Congress.

Senator McCain has missed 251 votes (56.3%) during the current Congress.

"This has to be the most dysfunctional, idiotic "developed nation" ever. A true reflection of the avg. 8th grade education of its citizens."

WELL SAID.

Why do you believe that Ted Kennedy and J Kerry endorsed Obama?

Because Obama is the most liberal.

What about bringing all together?

The republicans are so happy now.

So Obama gives us nothing of substance to judge him on and now the R's have this to sling at him. Can we stop talking about his fake now? He's not qualified – there's no indiciation that he's anything but a fancy speaker with some issues with spinelessness ("present" . . . great).

Clinton '08

Here are a few observations. Just think about it.

Obama is a smart and very intelligent man. He will make a good president. But I think Hillary can get more work done then Obama.

1. When Bill clinton became president, the right wing smear machine went in to full gear. He couldn't form any alliances in washington and dems lost both house and senate to republicans. Same will happen with Obama, unless he works with the republicans, which means making concessions and compromises. When that happens the very same peoplel who are for Obama will start singing a different tunes.

2. Hillary has been there and has seen the attack machine in action, she will be able to take them on, the very first day. She has formed more aliances in senate to get her legislations through.

3. Lastly, Obama is make a lot of promises and he is raising the expectaions to impractical levels. Is he saying that since JFK all the presidents were wrong and did not do any good for the americam people And believe in a 2 year of experince senator to get in the white house and he will get everything done and there will be sunshine 360 days of a year (CHANGE), roads will be lined up with sun flowers (HOPE), people will suddenly work in peace and harmony (UNITY), islamic nations will kiss our hands and be our allies………

If Obama is truly a UNITER as he claimed, why in 2005 he didnt join the “Gang of 14,” a bipartisan group of centrist senators.

Gotcha! Far Left! Ted kennedy and kerry endorsements make sense now! The ship is drowning!

We've being told who Ronald Reagan and John Kennedy support for President. Who does Eleanor Roosevelt support?

Despite the incomprehensible fact that CNN's lead story today is about Britney Spears, THIS stood out to me as the most outrageous headline. Shame on CNN for perpetuating this completely misleading label and supporting the sabotage efforts of the National Journal. Anybody who believes this statement to be true, please google the senate voting records and look for Wisconsin senator Russ Feingold.

I do not believe that there is some inherent evil in liberalism, but it is common knowledge that a large swath of the American population has a knee-jerk repulsion to the term "liberal" itself and anybody who is labeled as such. The National Journal is clearly using the word to dissuade middle of the road voters from choosing Obama. CNN is complicit in their efforts but putting the headline on the homepage.

Too many people count on CNN for quick news to be running stories like this.

Looks like the Republicans are more afraid of Obama by doing this study. Having them against you just means he's on the right track. They'd much rather go against Hillary and use all her baggage to beat her. They need to make more stuff up on Obama to beat him.

Just another reason to vote Obama.

This is the man that people think will draw republicans in the general election?!? Once people look at him closely and news like this is broadly spread he'll be toast in a general election. I personally have nothing against him being a liberal, but he's not going to be electable in a general election.

Hillary is our best bet at the White House in November!

Perhaps the Clinton camp will start calling him a flip-flopper now? I mean, pro-Reagan one week, super-liberal the next. Pick a side, Senator Obama.

In all seriousness, what no one will bother to notice is that Hillary is practically at the bottom on the liberalism scale among Democrats. In 2006, she was 34th! That leaves a paultry 10 Democrats lower than her, and one of those was surely "Democrat" Joe Lieberman. Yes, clearly she is a beacon for Democratic ideals.

With her kind of record, McCain probably would've scored higher were he not so adept at being absent for all the votes.

When did being liberal become a bad thing?

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

liberal
ADJECTIVE: 1a. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry. b. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.

conservative
ADJECTIVE: 1. Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change. 2. Traditional or restrained in style

So, free from bigotry, open to change, tolerant…. I'm proud to be a liberal.

California independent, lets see who was NUMBER ONE most corrupt politician in Washington, none other than Hillary R Clinton

1. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY): In addition to her long and sordid ethics record, Senator Hillary Clinton took a lot of heat in 2007 – and rightly so – for blocking the release her official White House records. Many suspect these records contain a treasure trove of information related to her role in a number of serious Clinton-era scandals. Moreover, in March 2007, Judicial Watch filed an ethics complaint against Senator Clinton for filing false financial disclosure forms with the U.S. Senate (again). And Hillary’s top campaign contributor, Norman Hsu, was exposed as a felon and a fugitive from justice in 2007. Hsu pleaded guilt to one count of grand theft for defrauding investors as part of a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.

Please stop comparing him to Reagan. Obama is terrible and the worst potential leader I have seen in years.

Just go away Obama

Haters keep hating.

If some of his detractors were being fair, they might be worth listening to.

If he had voted too conservative, they would say he's a republican.

They say he didn't vote enough, in order to stay safe.

But the truth of this article is saying he voted for what he believes in and knowingly risked appearing liberal.

When GW is trying to take away our rights, it's a good time to have a liberal on your side who's not afraid.

And yet both Obama & Hillary are known for their bipartisan efforts.

Obama/Sebelius 08

Are you serious !! ? these numbers dont matter since he was not present for 33 of the 99 votes.BARACK OBAMA believe it or not is the kind of president that we need now he's the only candidate that can unify the country.

Liberal? Haha. Real Funny.

Obama will be cannon fodder for Republicans. They're are going to paint him as a slum-lord liberal when all is said and done. Looks like another 4 years with a Republican President.

Now that's FUNNY. Obama, who missed most of his votes, and definitely most of the Contentious and most serious, doesn't get the negative impact. WHAT A SURPRISE. ROFLMAO.

What was it…my on womeans issues, maybe 9 votes, 6 non votes, 3 yes and he's considerered 100 percent positive votes.

Love these non meaning stats.

NEXT!

HILLARY ROCKS!

Bias or mind games–which is it? It is easy to sway the minds of many voters to
get them to lean toward one candidate or another. The important question is
why? What is to be gained?

Hmmm… Obama missed votes because he was campaigning, and Clinton has been campaigning for longer, and she missed more votes…

However, Obama is the only one being attacked for missing votes…Hillary, where do you keep that Kool-Aid!

I wonder if Obama will be able to make a concrete point in tonight's debate or just give us another 2 hours of empty fluff like he has in the past.

I don't think people want to listen to another sermon. He better come loaded with something more than the same "a change for tomorrow" garbage he's thrown out the whole campaign.

This man is hopeless without being fed what to say and what actions to take. Scary to think so many people out there actually don't realize this. Are people really that naive?

I miss Wellstone.

Obama has no experience. Before making a decision he will ask kerry, kennedy, and a whole bunch of washington wolves.

Ever heard of "TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE BROTH"

We'll see another bad 4-8 years and his excuse will be "I did'nt mean to"

This is not a time to experiment people. We ARE loosing our super power status.

Hillary 08

You wouldn't know it from his campaign, unless you are referring to his use of the word "hope" and how many times he mentions that he was against the war from the beginning. He does throw those things around quite liberally. But how can a person who never even mentions an issue be tagged with the label of "most liberal?"

Rob…I agree with your sentiments!!!!

In tonight's one-on-one Clinton vs. Obama debate, I'd like to hear, for the first time, Obama talk on his experience on the issues. For example, no way could he win against McCain on foreign policy. No track record. He would get eaten up in the Fall. He's good at speeches using "change" rhetoric, but nothing of real substance. We need a proven "doer," not someone who merely talks a big game. One more thing, what is up with the media being biased for Obama and all of this fake hatred for the Clintons ever since this guy decided to run (they are taking Bill's statements way, way out context into an entirely made up context all of their own). Under ordinary circumstances Obama may have made a decent President, but after eight years of the Bush / Cheney nightmare, Hillary is definitely more prepared to hit the ground running on day one.

also, consider the source.

Good Post Rob.

What's wrong with being liberal? Repubs fall all over themselves trying to be the 'most Conservative.'

Embrace the liberalism. . I like HRC, but i'm done with her triangulating minions – husband included. Obama '08.

Wow! CNN is doing everything in their power to get Clinton elected. Talk about bias!

Uhhh, isn't the whole point of being Democrat is to be Liberal???? That term "liberal" has been turned into a slur. Why are we trying to make Dems feel bad about being what they are?

The difference is that although Obama may be the most liberal senator, he can work with diverging viewpoints vs. the Bush/Clinton style of "my way or die!"

Before SC, Obama was not black enough…..
Now he's toooo black because other blacks want to vote for him.
Obama is blamed for praising Reagan and conservative policies,
But NOW he is the most 'liberal' senator ever.
Americans praise tolerance on every level, and lecture other countries on democracy and human rights,
But we balk at having a leader that actually resembles 78% of the world's population, and routinely disenfranchise voters that may vote against the majority (white) favored candidate (Florida 2000 & 2004, Ohio 2004).
We still have voter machines that don't work and 'chad' issues.

This has to be the most dysfunctional, idiotic "developed nation" ever. A true reflection of the avg. 8th grade education of its citizens.

Yup, the right wing talking heads all love Obama now, while they are trying to get the Democrat's to believe that they believe he is a moderate.

If he wins the endorsement, then see how quickly it becomes, Obama got endorsed because he was more liberal than Hillary Clinton. Even Ted Kennedy didn't think she was liberal enough.

For those of you who think the Right wing bashes the Clintons, and we need to play it safe and endorse Obama, you haven't seen nothing yet. His numbers will drop like a rock once they get Hillary out of the way.

The latest Bushism:

“There have been times when factual statements were made that were inaccurate.� Senator Obama

Pearls from Obama's mouth:

"They're trying to bamboozle you. It's the same old okie-doke. Y'all know about okie doke, right? … They try to bamboozle you. Hoodwink ya. Try to hoodwink ya. Alright, I'm having too much fun here. … " – Barack Obama

Yes, it does sound familiar…..

"You've been hoodwinked. You've been had. You've been took. You've been led astray, led amok. You’ve been bamboozled." – Malcolm X

Good, that's why I'll vote for him. What the heck have the far right-wing conservatives done for this country in the last 8 years?

When did liberal become a curse word?

Republicans brag about how conservative they are.

I find it entertaining and hypocritical that Hillary raised the Rezko deal when Hillary has about 3 or 4 contributers ( i.e. Norman Hsu, Peter Paul and others) to her campaigns over the last 7 years that have been indicted. Have we all forgotten about the picture of Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton with Tony Rezko which Hillary got busted on about a week ago! Not to mention, the scandals from the 1990s involved many shady contributors to Bill Clinton's campaign in which Hillary was a participant.

It figures that Clinton would not want a government office of Integrity. Oh, and how about her support for immigrants. Great work Senator Clinton.
Obama 08

From being just like Ronald Reagan, to being the most liberal. From my research of the National Journal, it will do whatever it has to do to falsely accuse Obama or Hillary of being unfit for the White House. CNN please report news from here on out.

This is garbage, and as a supposedly credible news organization I can't believe CNN would run this story without proper context. For example, what criteria were used to determine whether a vote is "liberal" or not? Hmmm. Not explained. And were Clinton and Obama's voting records even that different on key issues? Perhaps the people behind this laughable study (and based on the story's slant, corporate media outlets such as CNN) aim to paint Obama as one o' them left-leanin' liberal pinko that hate Uh-mericuh. Please.

What a hit job. Just so happens to be an election year so suddenly, rather than Pat Leahy he's the most liberal? And Kerry was in 2003, an election year? Something stinks and it's the National Journal because it's only good for wrapping fish.

LIZ, don't take everything at face value, research for yourself. California Independent, while you choice is obvious, I commend you for reading more than just the headlines and respect your decision on who to support.

Cheers,
Al

looks like, republicans are very afraid of this guy.. go for Obama…

Finally! An article that is not praising Obama. Named the most liberal Senator in 2007, missed twice as many votes as Hillary, and voted yes on a measure that sought to allow certain immigrants to stay in the United States while renewing their visas (Hillary voted no.) Hope lots of voters take notice.

I am a Hillary supporter, but have a great deal of respect for Obama. Recently, I have been disheartened by Obama and his campaign. He has continued to use the airwaves for his message of "hope" that consistently gives no evidence in how this new message will work in Washington. The "New Yorker" mentioned that Obama has just been using this rhetoric with no real concrete examples of how this can happen. On another note, the idea that the Obama campaign is flying over divisive politics is not quite true. We saw this in the past debate as he discribed Hillary as working on the board of "Walmart." Which is a true statement, but is stemming away from important issues.

Thirdly, Obama states that he is new, but utilizes the "old guard" for support such as Ted Kennedy. This seems strange to me. Lastly, his voting record of being "present" in the Illinois senate is a cause for concern–something that even Edwards pointed out in the last debate. Not voting on issues, but be listed as present makes it more believable that he makes decisions based on political gain, rather than on hope. What do you think?

No matter how much you try to keep obama down, you'll not succeed. He has my confidence as well as that of most others!!

I'm amazed at how biased the media, including CNN, is currently acting. All of the coverage has been about Obama. I think you're trying to persuade the people's minds. It's like a sick mind game. If you're going to report information to the people of the United States, at least report it fairly. It's your duty.

1. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY): In addition to her long and sordid ethics record, Senator Hillary Clinton took a lot of heat in 2007 – and rightly so – for blocking the release her official White House records. Many suspect these records contain a treasure trove of information related to her role in a number of serious Clinton-era scandals. Moreover, in March 2007, Judicial Watch filed an ethics complaint against Senator Clinton for filing false financial disclosure forms with the U.S. Senate (again). And Hillary’s top campaign contributor, Norman Hsu, was exposed as a felon and a fugitive from justice in 2007. Hsu pleaded guilt to one count of grand theft for defrauding investors as part of a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.

# 1 most corrupt, according to Judicial Watch 10 Most Corrupt Politicians 2007.. but I guess California Independant picks and chooses his FACTS

If this story is true (which I doubt- "most liberal" is kind of in the eye of the beholder, not the kind of precise metric which you can call a "fact"), I say more power to him.

We've seen what the NON-liberals presently running the country can do, and it isn't pretty. Saying that Obama is the opposite of Bush and the disastrous, backwards Republican party is one of the highest possible compliments. He has my vote for sure.

And good luck, sputtering soon-to-be-frustrated Republicans- you're going down this year. Big time.

Judicial Watch openly considers itself to be a conservative source. I don't know much about it. It seems from the first few minutes of looking at it to be a legitimate source, because they criticize both sides (or at least Huckabee, Giuliani, and the Bush knuckleheads). However, your arrogance (But I digress… I was using a fact and I sincerely apologize.) makes me think they probably have an extremely partisan readership. Putting Clinton and Obama on that list could have had something to do with it, but I honestly don't know.

Thanks for the info. Please limit the pompousness.

I am shocked and pleasantly surprised that CNN would print California Independents comment's/facts. Maybe, they aren't as biased as I first thought toward Obama.

There is a very good Red Skelton Pledge of Allegiance from a 1969 TV show…

If you're looking for facts, Patrick from Colorado, then don't read this article. CNN isn't biased against Obama, but the National Journal seems to be. It's either that or (like CNN), the National Journal needs to appease the political junkies like us who go online and are disappointed when there is not another political article online. If you need evidence of this, check out the fact that the CNN advertises its "Best Political Team, with campaign coverage 24/7″ in the top right corner of the article. When there's a new article every three or four minutes, a laughable amount of them will invariably be useless hype. Take this with a wagon-full of salt.

They didn't even capitalize United States in the eighth paragraph. They're more concerned with getting "news" out than publishing something with substance.

-I love CNN, by the way.

If he's FALSELY attacked for being like Reagan, doesn't that mean he's NOTHING like Reagan.. so wouldn't that be equal to being extremely liberal?

there is not a liberal America or a conservative America there is the United States of America.

i want to know whats his visionfor the country

Not good news for the Obaminator… the part about being named "most liberal", or the part about missing 1/3 of the votes the study was based on. Trouble lies ahead, as NOBODY this liberal has or ever will be elected President in these United States. This is fodder for everyone… the GOP and Hillary both.

You hear that Obama supporters??? Abandon ship. Move to the center. Vote for Hillary.

I thought Obama was the next Reagan and thats why we needed to oppose him? Now he is too liberal so we need to oppose him?

Hmmmm…. at least I know why I should oppose Clinton, becuase she has 8 years of "experience" in how NOT to be President.

Obama said 'clarity. optimism, dynamism and entrepreneurship' with regard to Reagan. Thats a pretty glowing review! Bill Burton should really pay attention to what his man actually says, instead of trying to spin!

So, how many of the 99 votes do you have to miss to be left out of the study like McCain?

Ryan, this is based on his voting record. How can you not think it's true? Trust me, he could never be compared to Reagan, he was accused for supporting Reagan economics.

Good. It's about time we had a true liberal president. Screw the conservatives. They've mucked up our country long enough.

Not surprising. The shift to the left in this country will be the end of America as we know it.

The Republicans are moderates at best, and the Democrats are far-left liberals.

Bring on Socialism!!

Interesting given the recent attacks on Obama that McCain did not even vote enough times to qualify for the list.

Being tagged the most liberal senator will hurt Obama if he is his party's candidate. Some say that Obama appeals to some Republicans and Independents, but I think that Republicans and Idependents are more likely to vote for a candidate with a more moderate voting record.

He never really has run as a centrist, he's run as someone who could bring people together. As opposed to a triangulator….

The voting present nonsense again, don't you Hillary supporters have a single real criticism to bring up, or are you going to keep coming back to that nonsense?

They act as if being a liberal is a bad thing….

Wake up Latinos, it looks like the person in you corner is Obama not Hillary. Time to look at the issues not the past.

I'm a conservative.

His legislation offered a bridge to moderate republicans from the Senate.

Uniter

Obama 08

Ray, first he votes "present", then he mistakenly votes and now he doesn't show up to vote! Good Lord what are people thinking? This is the man who wants to be President? No substance, no record, no depth and no experience!

Sen. Clinton, we are sooo with you! New Jersey is with you all the way!

He is a democrat…not a centrist…if you are looking for a centrist, you have two choices, McCain and Romney…feel free to vote for either of them.

Hillary is not as liberal as Obama, just because she supported teh Iraq war…. This stupidty is very funny….

interesting story. mccain talks about being the most experienced and the best to lead america yet he did not even vote enough times in 2007 to be counted in the national journal survey. i watched the debate and i must say he has a nasty attitude and is rude

This really shouldn't surprise anyone. If you listen to Obama speak, he lets it be known that he is one of the most liberal politicians in the country. If he wins the election, it will only be a very short walk to socialism. What can the government do for you not what can you do for government. Of course I do hope everyone who votes for him is ready to turn over all or most of their salary to him so he can take care of all of the people who want a free ride. Go McCain!

In the last debate, Hillary said, referring to herself perhaps: "politicians don't always say what they mean, or mean what they say,"

She also said, shortly thereafter in the same debate, referring to her vote in 2001 on a bankruptcy bill: "I voted for the bill, but I really hoped it failed"….

These kinds of disingenuous statements and double-talk remind me of GW and make me question Hillary's integrity and character…..

Gosh, I wonder if he pushed any wrong buttons, like he did in the Il. senate, how can you push the wrong button, yes or no seems pretty simple to me. He did this 5 times. I know 2 yr. old that could do better than that. He needs a lot more experience, we do not need another Bush learning on the job. Pretty words are nice but being able to get the job done is more important. Hillary 08

"Only in Washington can you get falsely attacked for being like Reagan one week and labeled the most liberal the next. "

That's a great line! All I know is that while I'm a democrat, my father is a diehard Republican. My jaw dropped a few weeks ago when he told me he wanted to vote for Obama. Obama has the power to overcome these incorrect labels of conservative and liberal, the same exact way Regan did. Regan was a strict conservative, but had many democrats and independents voting for him. It's no coincidence that, while Obama is labeled "more liberal" by this conservative journal, he also pulls FAR more independents and Republicans than Clinton.

There you go

Obama '08!!!!!

So of the 65 questions the two presidential candidates have in common…..they only disagree on two?

This sounds like a back-handed Clinton attempt to once again distort the truth but the sad thing is that some people who don't comprehend well will actually believe it.

Only True Conservative is Mitt Romney. McCain and Obama are one in the same….both Democrats.

JUST MADE MY FIRST DONATION.

I am on disability living on a fixed income and pretty much live from pay check to pay check. Barack Obama has gave me reason to believe in a better tomorrow. I see a movement in this country and i am convinced that Barack Obama is the right person at the right time , and i was moved to do what i can to do my part. I could only donate $20 , and in my world that's a lot of money.

YES WE CAN !

I would actually vote for Hillary if she would divorce Bill. I terrfied of the thought of Slick Willy in the White House, but this time with absolutely nothing to do. I'm sure there are some concerned White Interns that feel the same way.

To be a libral is not a sin.as long as he have a good ideas on how to help the country it will make the independent and the republican to come together and vote for him in general election.

Clinton voted "No" on ethics reform. How surprising…

Bill Burton Obviously hasn't been paying attention! NO ONE said that Obama was 'being like Reagan'. Obama was only ever quoted as saying (in his own words),

"I think Ronald Reagan changed the trajectory of America in a way that Richard Nixon did not and in a way that Bill Clinton did not. He put us on a fundamentally different path because the country was ready for it. I think they felt like with all the excesses of the 1960s and 1970s and government had grown and grown but there wasn't much sense of accountability in terms of how it was operating. I think people, he just tapped into what people were already feeling, which was we want clarity we want optimism, we want a return to that sense of dynamism and entrepreneurship that had been missing."

By this quote Obama clearly views Reagan's term in office in some sort of possitive light. And unfortunatly for Obama there is no way he can twist, and spin out of it now. His words are as bright as day!

Well, yes, he really sounds like someone who can reach across the aisle, that is if he doesn't turn his back first!

Romney said it best…

why are we sending the same people back to Washington to sit in different seats?

Love it. Is he Reagan or a liberal?

One thing he's not is a Clinton and that's more than enough for this Independent voter who has typically leaned Republican. Only thing worse than a liberal to a conservative Independent? A Clinton. Only thing worse than 1 Clinton as President? Two of them.

United States ought to be capitalized in the last sentence of the eighth paragraph.

yeah, and bill clinton is a big mouth egotist who can't keep his ugly mug out of the spotlight. you go obama!

only in washington do people act like reagan one week, and the most liberal the next. anything to get elected, right?

Who publishes the National Journal? Only the Republican spin machine uses the term "liberal" to attack Dems. Why does CNN call it a study when its only more Republican propaganda?

My question to Barack and his supporters is, "Where is the Beef?" He has alot of "fluff" but where is his substance? I'm a African-American female, registered independent and age range mid-forties and educated. I don't undrstand all of the hype? It is certainly a defining and historic moment in our nation to have either a female or african-american serve as President of US, but c'mon people, he has nothing to show for in his record in Illinois and in the US Senate. Is this a popularity contest or an election based on real issues that matter to most of us the citizens in this country.

Hey Ray, go research how the Illinois legislature works, and then you can find the meaning of present votes!! and Obama you can be just as liberal as you want to, cause you have my vote!!

Obama 08!!

When is being liberal a bad thing?

He is still the most respected senetor till date he have a good way to reachout to independent and the republican,s so together the can get things done.OBAMA 08.

Maybe this is why the Republicans want to run against him as President. ..

study???

what a joke

You think the Republicans know how liberal this guy is. ..

The National Journal is owned by a former Richard Nixon intern.

on a measure that sought to establish an Office of Public Integrity to handle ethics complaints (Clinton voted no, Obama yes), and on a measure that sought to allow certain immigrants to stay in the united states while renewing their visas (again, Clinton voted no and Obama yes).

This does it for me.

Obama08.

Obama is a fake. He pretends he could unite republicans and democrats.
Actually he is ultra liberal. You will have to pay a lot more taxes if he gets elected.

Ray – get to know illinois politics. they all vote 'present' on occasion for strategic purposes.

He's a 1st term senator – obviously his record will be light. Beltway experience is overrated (see FDR, TR, Lincoln)

Obama has vision + leadership qualities that are unmatched in the presidential field and routinely exercises good judgment. He's running for President, not Senator anymore.

Obama '08.

Yeah, this will really help that 50-State strategy. I'm sure the folks in Middle America will love that in November. An anti-war, "Tax and Spend – Ted Kennedy" Liberal versus a P.O.W. War Hero. If he wins the nomination then we (Democrats) will get what we deserve!

Why is attracting independents and republicans?? must be a fairytail!!

Good for Obama! After 7 years of Bushco and its unending lies, evasions, corruptions, illegalities, and inept thinking, a LIBERAL WITH A BRAIN is like a BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

OBAMA IS CHANGE; HILLARY IS CLINTON

Just proves that Hillary is closer to being a Republican.

Who care if is the most lebral of 2007 what matter is if he have a good jurgement. Which he have and that is the reason why he is apeling to people.

On this issue they are both the same. Pot and Kettle.

now the Kerry and Kennedy endorsements make sense

wow again we see obama the show horse. THats a third of the votes he missed. His overal record of missed votes is pretty dismal and shows hillary has a way better work ethic.

By all means, please nominate the most liberal senator in Washington. Once independents have gotten over the novelty of his candidacy they'll realize that he represents the same kind of gridlock that has become characteristic of Washington's inability to accomplish anything for the country. Then they'll look to the other side and see McCain with his proven record of bipartisanship and ability, let alone willingness, to work across the aisle and compromise to generate palatable solutions to America's problems. I mean, seriously, in spite of Obama's (and I'll grant this) compelling rhetoric and oratory, I have a hard time being persuaded by someone who talks about change and unity and whose record, scant as it is thus far, reflects neither, or even an effort towards either goal.

Does this surprise anyone? As soon as the American people put down their big macs and lattes and begin paying attention they'll see he's not what this country needs right now. We have big problems and, while his speaking skills and vocabulary are great, we need more than that. Has anyone else in California seen his new ads? They are all about "hope" and "change" but he doesn't say one thing about what he believes in or what he would do as president. Hope doesn't change healthcare or education or poverty. Hope doesn't pay my rent or car payment. Hope is great, but give me something tangible. In his ads he says "vote with your heart." Interesting that he doesn't say vote with your MIND.

I want a President, not a motivational speaker.

I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. As a moderate I would rather vote for a moderate Democrat, but this might help him pick up some votes from hardcore Democrats, but in the general election this might be somewhat bad. But nothing that Senator Obama can't overcome. Apparently as the "most liberal" senator he still can draw some Republicans to the Democratic side.

HILLARY '08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oops not a good label for a Democrat period.

"…if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal.""
-John F. Kennedy

What does it matter? He is cute and smooth.

Stupid rating system. Clinton and Obama differed only on 2 out of 65 votes and she gets ranked 16th. Huh??

So it begins…again…"Liberal" is dirty word to Americans, yet "Liberty" is what this country is built on.

Having such a tag put on you, is a kiss of death, when it comes to presidential politics. Kerry dodged around but he simply could not brush off the stigma of the liberal tag.

I am only surprised that the press decided to publish this. Normally in their quest to paint Obama in the best possible light, they would have snuffed out this news item.

Lazy voting record. why did he run for the Senate again?

Obama missing votes?? What a surprise.

It is funny the way CNN keeps popping out these stories about OBAMA,
when it was SC primary, they did all the core Democratic issue, and now he
needs independent to help him win and here comes the middle issue,
I DO NOT KNOW WHERE HE REALLY STAND!

Oh no.
Here we go Kerry 2004 all over again.

Is he going to continue to attack Sen. CLinton for showing up to vote?

This is no surprise. Its been long known that Obama is to the left of the democratic party. This bothers me greatly, since his main talking point is that he can work with both parties. Of course, as with everything else the Obama campaign has been questioned about, we will be told this is misleading and we will most likely not get an upfront answer from Barack Obama.

We need a leader of our party who can really work with both parties. Hillary Clinton has a proven record.

I realize Senators can not always be there to vote, however, his missed votes double Clinton and if you look at that along with his state senate record, there is a problem. He needs to address these issues. We have had a President who spent much time "away" from his job. We do not need another. I would think a first tern Senator looking to run for President would have had a better performance record.

Once again, we need real answers to these questions. Obama has avoided many issues and I can not understand why he is not being put to the task like all the other canidates. Or we trying to be PC here??

PRESENT……….OBAMA's favorite vote. Hillary please give us all a present and knock him off his pedestal.

So a vote for Hillary would be the same as a vote for McCain….while she is a flip-flopper…

So which one is it Hillary supporters— either Obama likes Reagan for his 'good' ideas or he's a left-wing liberal.

And you thought Hillary was bad !

Where was future man, when they vote on Iran?
He was out preaching, yes we can, yes we can.

When important issues are at hand,
Where pray tell is future man?

While a senator in the Illinois State Senate,
He voted present and he meant it.

Leave nothing to come back on him,
Just don't vote, the future man.

Now he wants to be our President,
Or merely just the resident.

We deserve more then he will do,
With a let someone else do it attitude.

Feel good words are really nice,
But can we afford to pay the price

Well, that answers the argument that Obama is afraid to take a stance and only plays it safe.

That was a pretty good response by Burton.

Obama much more clearly illustrates the manner in which the country itself is shifting. Moves away from the war and toward economy and infrastructure and energy can characterize how he has voted. Forward thinking, forward looking, and no navel-gazing power-mongering.

I really really really want a Democrat to win this year.

As John Kerry and Al Gore can tell you, experience means nothing to swing voters…likability and honesty do matter.

So Obama is called too liberal and he is also called too conservative and Reagan-loving?

Just like Goldilocks said, one's too hot, one's too cold…this one's just right.

If you don't like Obama, you still have to admit that his favorable/unfavorable numbers are much more impressive than those of our former first lady.

Please support the winnable candidate. Thank you.

What about the fact that Obama missed 33 of these votes when Hillary missed only 16? He was not even PRESENT for a THIRD of these votes. Perhaps this is what he should be asked about.

further left, further from bush

Just like I said in a previous comment. Obama is more liberal than Clinton and that is a scary fact! He is no JFK like other posts have commented on.

"Only in Washington can you get falsely attacked for being like Reagan one week and labeled the most liberal the next. "

I actually laughed out loud, this is so true.

More votes Obama was not around for, are we Suprised? Hey, at least he did not miss vote 5 times like he has in the past or vote present!!

I don't know whether he is one of the most liberal, but he did make the top 10 of the Judicial Watch.

Judicial Watch 10 Most Corrupt Politicians 2007.. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL): A "Dishonorable Mention" last year, Senator Obama moves onto the "ten most wanted" list in 2007. In 2006, it was discovered that Obama was involved in a suspicious real estate deal with an indicted political fundraiser, Antoin "Tony" Rezko. In 2007, more reports surfaced of deeper and suspicious business and political connections It was reported that just two months after he joined the Senate, Obama purchased $50,000 worth of stock in speculative companies whose major investors were his biggest campaign contributors. One of the companies was a biotech concern that benefited from legislation Obama pushed just two weeks after the senator purchased $5,000 of the company's shares. Obama was also nabbed conducting campaign business in his Senate office, a violation of federal law.

But I digress… I was using a fact and I sincerely apologize.

How can he continue to run as a centrist if the facts don't support it? I'm dissapointed by this.

LMAO! are you kidding me CNN?? you guys are trying to keep the man down