I often discuss candidates based on their past voting record, because let's face it, we want to know where candidates REALLY stand, not just what they say. I have previously exposed John McCain's right wing extremist voting record, including his consistently anti-choice, anti-Veteran, anti-farmer and anti-labor votes. Whatever McCain CLAIMS, his voting record shows he is not in touch with the mainstream of Americans. The National Jewish Democratic Council also compares McCain's extremist stands with Obama's moderate, mainstream stands. And the Sierra Club slams McCain on the environment. Even George Bush's own Pastor slams McCain's character and morals and endorses Obama.

What about Joe Biden, our next Vice President? I remember Biden from his 1988 run for President where he was impressive on paper, but uninspiring on the campaign trail. That was 20 years ago and I hear Biden has improved his style, and his experience in government is certainly impressive. But what about his voting record? How does his voting record compare with McCain's anti-choice, anti-Veteran, anti-farmer and anti-labor voting record? (data from Project Vote Smart)

On Veterans issues:

Senator Biden supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 75 percent in 2006, 92 percent in 2005, 100 percent in 2004. In 2006 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Senator Biden a grade of B+ (well above the D-C average for Republicans). Senator Biden supported the interests of the Non Commissioned Officers Association 100 percent in 2003 and 100 percent in 2002 (the most recent ratings I could find from this organization).

Senior and Social Security Issues:

Senator Biden supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2007,100 percent in 2006, 80 percent in 2005 and 100 percent in 2004.

Labor Issues:

Senator Biden supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 100 percent in 2007, 93 percent in 2006 and 100 percent in 2005. In 2007 International Brotherhood of Boilermakers gave Senator Biden a grade of 75, 80 percent in 2006 and 100 percent in 2005. Senator Biden supported the interests of the Service Employees International Union 83 percent in 2007, 93 percent in 2006 and 92 percent in 2005. Senator Biden supported the interests of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 87 percent in 2006 and 100 percent in 2005. Senator Biden supported the interests of the United Auto Workers 92 percent in 2006 and 93 percent in 2005.

Farmers:

Senator Biden supported the interests of the National Farmers Union 100 percent in 2005-2006 and 89 percent in 2003-2004. Senator Biden supported the interests of the National Council of Agricultural Employers 100 percent in 2005.

Social Issues:

In 2007 Drum Major Institute for Public Policy gave Senator Biden a grade of A+ and 88 percent in 2005 (I guess they changed their rating system between 2005 and 2006).

Women's Choice:

In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator Biden a grade of 75 and 100 percent in 2006. Senator Biden supported the interests of the Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2006. Senator Biden supported the interests of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association 93 percent in 2005-2006.

Biden's extensive experience and good voting record indicate he would be an excellent VP or even President. What remains to be seen is if he can be a better VP candidate than he was a Presidential candidate in 1988 and this year.