Sick Transit

Excellent overview in TNR of how Kerry’s liberal record could hurt him in the general election.

Kerry has voted in favor of disability payments for addicts (albeit requiring they they get treatment); against the death penalty, even for terrorists; against mandatory minimum sentences for dealers who sold drugs to minors; in favor or raising gas taxes; against work requirements for welfare; etc.

Kerry generally had a good reason for his vote; most of his positions are ones I agree with. And he’s changed some of his more unpopular positions before running for President. Unfortunately a record that liberal–no matter how principled–is not an asset in the current political climate.

Personally, however, it does make me respect Kerry more.