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Mike Gravel
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Libertarian for President; Former Dem. Senator (AK); withdrew from Presidential primary July 2019


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AK Sen.Gravel
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CA Sen.Harris
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Howie Hawkins
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WA Gov.Inslee
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OnTheIssues Books:
Hillary Clinton vs. Jeb Bush on the Issues (2014)
Marco Rubio vs. Jeb Bush on the Issues (2015)
Hillary Clinton vs. Rand Paul on the Issues (2015)
Rand Paul vs. Jeb Bush on the Issues (2015)

Archives


The Hill on 2020 campaigns

Survey of 2020 Presidential contenders' campaign websites

Articles and interviews throughout 2017-2019

Articles and interviews throughout 2018-2020

Current Affairs

Rolling Stone Magazine

Jacobin Magazine

South Carolina secondary Archives

National Public Radio political news

IA newspaper: The Des Moines Register

Survey of 2012 Presidential contenders' campaign websites

Univision News

Reason Magazine

The Nation magazine

NY newspaper: Wall Street Journal

Political coverage in National Review

Political coverage on The Huffington Post

Nevada Archives

New Hampshire Archives

Survey of 2004 and 2008 Presidential contenders' campaign websites

A Political Odyssey, by Mike Gravel, published May 2008

Presidential 2008 Political Courage Test

A Mandate for Change, by Mike Gravel

Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"

2007 National Public Radio Presidential Debate, Dec. 4, 2007

2007 Democrats debate sponsored by Des Moines Register, Dec. 13, 2007

The Contenders, by Laura Flanders et al.

2007 Democratic primary debate at Dartmouth College

2007 Democratic primary debate at Drexel University

Democratic primary debate, broadcast in Spanish

Democratic Mash-Up: 2007 on-line debate sponsored by the Huffington Post, Slate.com, and Yahoo.com

Democratic primary debate hosted by George Stephanopoulos, August 19, 2007

2007 HRC-LOGO debate on GLBT issues (all Republicans invited but only Democrats accepted)

2007 AFL-CIO Democratic primary forum

YouTube Democratic Primary Debate, July 23, 2007

2007 NAACP Presidential Primary Forum

Take Back America 2007 Conference

2007 Democratic Primary Debate at Howard University, June 28, 2007

2007 Democratic primary debate at St. Anselm College, Manchester N.H., June 3, 2007

2007 Democratic primary debate in South Carolina, sponsored by MSNBC

SEIU Democratic Health Care Forum in Las Vegas

2007 AFSCME Democratic primary debate in Carson City Nevada

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates

Citizen Power: A People's Platform, by Mike Gravel

YouTube video

Wikipedia.org political website

(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates by or about Mike_Gravel)

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Signature sponsorships (key bills introduced by Mike Gravel)
Mike Gravel on Abortion
Click here for 4 full quotes on Abortion OR other candidates on Abortion OR background on Abortion.
  • Fund stem cell research on existing & new embryonic lines. (Apr 2008)
  • Agreed with NARAL on 16 pro-choice votes; absent on other 7. (Jan 2008)
  • Any abortion decision should remain between woman & doctor. (Apr 2007)
  • Stem Cell research should not be limited. (Jun 2006)
Mike Gravel on Budget & Economy
Click here for 6 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other candidates on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.
  • Clinton’s 1990s military reductions created budget surplus. (May 2008)
  • Supports line-item veto; opposes signing statements. (Apr 2008)
  • Considered his bankruptcy as creditors donating to his cause. (Nov 2007)
  • Personal bankruptcy ok because money went to empower people. (Sep 2007)
  • Unequivocally Endorses The Common Sense Budget Act. (Dec 2006)
  • Make Office of Scientific Assessment to avoid cost overruns. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Civil Rights
Click here for 20 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.
  • $30 billion per year for National Reparations Trust Fund. (Apr 2019)
  • Include sexual orientation & gender identity as civil rights. (Apr 2019)
  • Bush’s overblown War on Terror is modern McCarthyism. (May 2008)
  • Established first in-state high school for native Alaskans. (May 2008)
  • Discontinue public college & government affirmative action. (Apr 2008)
  • Alaskan gay supporters in Harvey Milk Club. (Aug 2007)
  • Marriage preceded religion; it’s not a religious term. (Aug 2007)
  • Mainstream politicians play it safe on gay marriage. (Aug 2007)
  • First accomplishment: creating AK Human Rights Commission. (Aug 2007)
  • Straight older men are dead wrong to oppose gay marriage. (Aug 2007)
  • By next election, gay marriage could win a popular vote. (Aug 2007)
  • Civil union establish second-class citizenship for gays. (Aug 2007)
  • We must assert our rights; nobody will give them to you. (Aug 2007)
  • Dems love blacks during elections, but nothing has improved. (Jul 2007)
  • Electoral-industrial complex steals African-American votes. (Jul 2007)
  • Racism still with us in the 21st century. (Jun 2007)
  • Don’t ask don’t tell should have gone 20 years ago. (Jun 2007)
  • Unequivocally supports same-sex marriage. (Feb 2007)
  • Politicians use fear to manipulate us all. (Feb 2007)
  • Calling critics or doubters un-American is anti-patriotic. (Aug 2006)
Mike Gravel on Corporations
Click here for 8 full quotes on Corporations OR other candidates on Corporations OR background on Corporations.
  • Use antitrust authority to break up large businesses. (Apr 2019)
  • Re-establish public banking services within post offices. (Apr 2019)
  • Democracy is gone when elections are commercialized. (Jan 2008)
  • Only natural persons should participate in politics. (Jan 2008)
  • Hold accountable war-profiteers like NBC and GE. (Oct 2007)
  • Leadership fails because US is run by corporate America. (Sep 2007)
  • Corporate taxes just get passed on to consumers. (Dec 2006)
  • Purpose of economy is to meet people’s needs, not business. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Crime
Click here for 9 full quotes on Crime OR other candidates on Crime OR background on Crime.
  • Decriminalize all commercial sex work. (Apr 2019)
  • Ban cash bail: it only benefits the rich. (Apr 2019)
  • No one deserves to be put to death by the state. (Apr 2019)
  • Eliminate the federal death penalty. (Apr 2008)
  • If you don’t have any money, you don’t get any justice. (Jun 2007)
  • Eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing laws. (May 2007)
  • Citizen Power includes abolition of the death penalty. (Jan 2007)
  • More jails don’t cut crime--must address poverty instead. (Jan 1972)
  • Stop punishment for victimless crimes: drugs, sex & gambling. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Drugs
Click here for 12 full quotes on Drugs OR other candidates on Drugs OR background on Drugs.
  • Proposed a Constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana. (Jul 2019)
  • Legalize & regulate all drugs, including opioids. (Apr 2019)
  • War on drugs is a total failure. (Nov 2007)
  • Supports national ban on smoking in public places. (Sep 2007)
  • Lower drinking age from 21 to 18 so soldiers can drink. (Sep 2007)
  • Allow buying marijuana at liquor stores. (Aug 2007)
  • Decriminalize hard drugs so we can treat addicts. (Aug 2007)
  • Drug War failing now, like Prohibition failed in 1920s. (Aug 2007)
  • Drugs are public health issue, not criminal issue. (Jun 2007)
  • FactCheck: Only 40% of inmates are black; not 70% as claimed. (Jun 2007)
  • War on drugs loses an entire generation to our prisons. (May 2007)
  • Legalize the use and possession of marijuana. (Feb 2007)
Mike Gravel on Education
Click here for 14 full quotes on Education OR other candidates on Education OR background on Education.
  • Delink property taxes to equalize education funding. (Apr 2019)
  • Student Debt Jubilee: one-time government debt forgiveness. (Apr 2019)
  • Science must guide us, not religious extremism. (May 2008)
  • Supports vouchers, charters, and magnet schools. (Apr 2008)
  • No position on separation of church & state. (Nov 2007)
  • Extend school day and extend school year. (Sep 2007)
  • Our school stats fail because we’re stuck in triumphalism. (Sep 2007)
  • GovWatch: Yes, Americans are getting fatter, but not dumber. (Sep 2007)
  • Supports merit pay for teachers; make education top priority. (Aug 2007)
  • Sent kids to some private school; likes a little competition. (Jul 2007)
  • US schools fail because we’re yoked by military. (Feb 2007)
  • Citizen Power includes school vouchers. (Jan 2007)
  • Vouchers are innovative & imaginative--let’s experiment. (Jan 1972)
  • 25% bonus for teachers in hardship areas. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Energy & Oil
Click here for 13 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other candidates on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.
  • Support carbon tax and Green New Deal. (Apr 2019)
  • Implacably opposed to civilian nuclear power. (May 2008)
  • Using H-bombs to build harbors is an “insane idea”. (May 2008)
  • 1971: Nuclear power causes long-term contamination. (May 2008)
  • 1971: Fought environmentalists for Alaska oil pipeline. (May 2008)
  • Institute a tax on oil. (Apr 2008)
  • Carbon tax can get us off of gasoline in 5 years. (Sep 2007)
  • Wind power is solution to oil dependency. (Sep 2007)
  • I started the nuclear critique in this country. (Apr 2007)
  • Make Global Warming a matter of national security. (Dec 2006)
  • Immediately sign the Kyoto protocol. (Nov 2006)
  • Nuclear energy is unwise because of nuclear waste. (Jan 1972)
  • Sponsored bill letting states decide on federal dams. (Aug 1979)
Mike Gravel on Environment
Click here for 8 full quotes on Environment OR other candidates on Environment OR background on Environment.
  • Eliminate all single-use plastics. (Apr 2019)
  • 1971 support of SST conflicted with environmentalists. (May 2008)
  • Strengthen Clean Water Act & Clean Air Act. (Apr 2008)
  • To get Americans to conserve, change the tax structure. (Jul 2007)
  • Iraq funds could build 4 million homes for Katrina victims. (Jun 2007)
  • Support a carbon tax and stop fighting wars for oil. (Jun 2007)
  • Sponsored bill for Congress to decide land use, not DOI. (Sep 1979)
  • Sponsored bill allowing tax deduction for recycling costs. (Apr 1980)
Mike Gravel on Families & Children
Click here for the full quote on Families & Children OR other candidates on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.
  • US ranks low worldwide in child literacy and child health. (Nov 2006)
Mike Gravel on Foreign Policy
Click here for 19 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR other candidates on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.
  • No "America alone": re-engage with multilateral institutions. (Apr 2019)
  • Referendum on Puerto Rico statehood. (Apr 2019)
  • Bring critique of American imperialism to Democratic primary. (Mar 2019)
  • 1971: end Vietnam involvement; 2008: end Mideast involvement. (Mar 2019)
  • Sanctions never work, unless regime’s victims ask for them. (May 2008)
  • 1970s self-examination of US role is needed again. (May 2008)
  • American messianism: Christianizing & democratizing abroad. (May 2008)
  • 1948: Volunteered to fight for Israeli independence. (May 2008)
  • Cold War Latin America policy was imperialistic. (May 2008)
  • Reagan did not end Cold War; Gorbachev’s reforms did. (May 2008)
  • Restructure UN for participatory global governance. (Jan 2008)
  • With policy of “beggar thy neighbor,” we all become beggars. (Dec 2007)
  • Recognize Cuba; open up to Chavez in Venezuela. (Sep 2007)
  • No US troops in Darfur; Africans don’t trust US. (Jul 2007)
  • Need president with moral judgment; most don’t have it. (Jun 2007)
  • US has no important enemies, so treat world as equals. (Apr 2007)
  • Bi-lateral plus multi-lateral talks with North Korea. (Aug 2006)
  • Replace intervention with participation, not isolation. (Jan 1972)
  • US should empower UN with stand-by peace force. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Free Trade
Click here for 4 full quotes on Free Trade OR other candidates on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.
  • No sanctions on China or Venezuela, but no trade agreements. (Apr 2008)
  • CAFTA & NAFTA cause unemployment in Mexico & Central America. (Sep 2007)
  • Trade agreements only benefit shareholders. (Jun 2007)
  • Tariffs on China could spur worldwide economic downturn. (May 2008)
Mike Gravel on Government Reform
Click here for 35 full quotes on Government Reform OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.
  • Replace Electoral College with direct election of President. (Apr 2019)
  • Ranked choice voting replaces "lesser of two evils". (Apr 2019)
  • Secrecy makes democracy a sham. (May 2008)
  • Presidents often tend toward monarchy, especially during war. (May 2008)
  • 1972: Senate presented evidence for 1st time in Gravel case. (May 2008)
  • 1972: Lost Supreme Court case, United States v. Gravel. (May 2008)
  • Senators can & should reveal secret war plans with impunity. (May 2008)
  • I hate government secrecy; it only protects government. (May 2008)
  • Use political power to accomplish something. (May 2008)
  • FISA was created to check abuse of power. (May 2008)
  • Public taxpayer funding for federal candidates. (Apr 2008)
  • Incumbents blocking FEC matching funds for other candidates. (Apr 2008)
  • Average Americans are precluded from decision-making process. (Jan 2008)
  • Voting just gives power to politicians; we need more. (Jan 2008)
  • National Initiative for Democracy: voters as participants. (Jan 2008)
  • Secrecy has gotten worse since Nixon presidency. (Jan 2008)
  • Public empowerment appeals to progressives & libertarians. (Nov 2007)
  • National Initiative criticized as public opinion bureaucracy. (Nov 2007)
  • Americans are getting fatter & dumber; must get empowered!. (Sep 2007)
  • Asks candidates to pledge to use existing public finance law. (Aug 2007)
  • When you use political capital, more capital flows your way. (Aug 2007)
  • Obama avoids PAC money, but takes lobbyists’ bundled money. (Jul 2007)
  • Without paper ballots, they’ll steal the next election too. (Jul 2007)
  • Congress is Constitutionally more powerful than President. (Jun 2007)
  • Congress is Constitutionally more powerful than President. (Jun 2007)
  • People protest because they cannot participate in power. (Jun 2007)
  • People protest because they cannot participate in power. (Jun 2007)
  • Institute healtharereforms by people’s National Initiative. (Mar 2007)
  • I’ve got no money; of course I’m for campaign finance reform. (Feb 2007)
  • You can be empowered to vote on issues that affect your life. (Feb 2007)
  • Repeal the Electoral College; enact federal term limits. (Dec 2006)
  • National Initiative to allow citizen law makers. (Nov 2006)
  • Start with public financing of campaigns. (Jan 1972)
  • Abolish voter registration as precondition for voting. (Jan 1972)
  • Replace electoral college with direct election. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Gun Control
Click here for 4 full quotes on Gun Control OR other candidates on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.
  • Doesn’t hunt, but shot moose injured by Alaskan trains. (May 2008)
  • License for concealed carry; teach firearms safety. (Apr 2008)
  • Military culture causes more gun violence. (Jul 2007)
  • Require license & training for gun ownership. (May 2007)
Mike Gravel on Health Care
Click here for 18 full quotes on Health Care OR other candidates on Health Care OR background on Health Care.
  • VA4A: Veterans Administration healthcare for all. (Apr 2019)
  • Expand Medicare coverage & child healthcare programs. (Apr 2008)
  • Universal coverage with guaranteed equal care. (Sep 2007)
  • Reforms fail because pharma companies control Congress. (Sep 2007)
  • Everybody should have the same health care. (Sep 2007)
  • Applies lessons from his healthcare-related bankruptcy. (Sep 2007)
  • Need to do better job on treating Americans with HIV. (Aug 2007)
  • End subsidization of the insurance companies. (Jun 2007)
  • Doctors do a lot of testing today to cover their backsides. (Mar 2007)
  • Single-payer health care plan via vouchers you can add to. (Mar 2007)
  • Real reform impossible under mercantile lobbying system. (Mar 2007)
  • Reforming employer-based system keeps historical accident. (Mar 2007)
  • Vouchers provide freedom of choice and perhaps public plan. (Mar 2007)
  • President has role to energize people for preventive health. (Mar 2007)
  • Phase out Medicare and Medicaid over time. (Mar 2007)
  • Citizen Power includes universal health care. (Jan 2007)
  • Almost all developed nations provide healthcare for all. (Nov 2006)
  • We have impressive resources but need delivery to people. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Homeland Security
Click here for 46 full quotes on Homeland Security OR other candidates on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.
  • America will be safer without nukes: end "nuclear deterrent". (Apr 2019)
  • Bring 138,000 US troops home from 800 bases abroad. (Apr 2019)
  • In Congress, personified opposition to American militarism. (May 2008)
  • Soldiers die in vain if war serves only elite interests. (May 2008)
  • President’s job since WWII is pitchman for war industry. (May 2008)
  • Released full Pentagon Papers when Nixon stopped publication. (May 2008)
  • Made into Senate pariah for releasing Pentagon Papers. (May 2008)
  • Boston publisher finally printed Pentagon Papers. (May 2008)
  • Sued by Nixon in Supreme Court case. (May 2008)
  • Bush & military-industrialists rule by fear-mongering. (May 2008)
  • CIA NIE ignored in 1947 about Cold War; & in 2004 about Iraq. (May 2008)
  • 1969: Opposed early ABM anti-missile systems. (May 2008)
  • Bush’s ABMs don’t work well but do enrich insiders. (May 2008)
  • 1969: Protested nuclear bomb tests on Aleutians. (May 2008)
  • Peacetime draft militarizes the culture. (May 2008)
  • Foreign arms sales funnel money back to defense industry. (May 2008)
  • Reagan’s SDI set stage for Bush’s trashing the ABM treaty. (May 2008)
  • Need new 9/11 investigation on sources of Bin Laden’s power. (May 2008)
  • No monitoring domestic communication; no military tribunals. (Apr 2008)
  • No additional homeland security funding; no missile defense. (Apr 2008)
  • Enormous misappropriation of wealth to military programs. (Jan 2008)
  • Warfare state from Vietnam now expanded to include Iraq War. (Jan 2008)
  • 1960s: Wept openly in Senate because US is dragged in mud. (Nov 2007)
  • I ended the draft; I stopped nuclear testing. (Sep 2007)
  • Terrorism is not a war; treat it as a criminal act. (Sep 2007)
  • We are STILL expanding our nuclear capability. (Aug 2007)
  • US has nothing to fear; fear sustains the military complex. (Aug 2007)
  • Filibustered to end the draft; but women should register. (Jul 2007)
  • Cut Pentagon by more than 15%; we’re squandering money. (Jun 2007)
  • FactCheck: Yes, Iraq money could fund 21M scholarships. (Jun 2007)
  • Threatening nukes is immoral foreign policy. (Apr 2007)
  • Fighting terrorism with a war doesn’t work. (Apr 2007)
  • US is the greatest violator of the non-proliferation treaty. (Apr 2007)
  • Filibustered the draft in ‘71, causing its expiration in ‘73. (Jan 2007)
  • Raze Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib prisons to the ground. (Dec 2006)
  • Cut US nuclear arsenal from 10,000 to a couple hundred. (Nov 2006)
  • War on terror will fail like war on drugs & war on poverty. (Nov 2006)
  • Fight terrorism with dogged global police work. (Nov 2006)
  • Remove power to declare war from Congress-they’ve abdicated. (Apr 2006)
  • Fought & beat Nixon White House on Pentagon Papers in 1971. (Apr 2006)
  • Bush administration’s secrecy is worse than Nixon’s. (Apr 2006)
  • Cut military budget in half--we don’t need such “readiness”. (Jan 1972)
  • Government secrecy creates 1984-style state. (Jan 1972)
  • National security is no need for government secrecy. (Jan 1972)
  • Presidential imperialism feeds the arms industry. (May 2008)

    2

  • Bush uses Patriot Act to gut international law. (May 2008)
Mike Gravel on Immigration
Click here for 12 full quotes on Immigration OR other candidates on Immigration OR background on Immigration.
  • Open borders except for criminals escaping the law. (Apr 2019)
  • Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working here. (Apr 2008)
  • We’re making a mountain out of a mole hill on immigration. (Dec 2007)
  • Immigration issue is national scapegoating. (Sep 2007)
  • Embarrassed at building a wall on southern border. (Sep 2007)
  • Suspend immigrant raids that separate families. (Sep 2007)
  • I’m first-generation American; we’re all immigrants. (Sep 2007)
  • Make whole country a sanctuary city. (Sep 2007)
  • I’m ashamed that we’re building a fence on southern border. (Sep 2007)
  • Make English the official language of the US. (Jun 2007)
  • Illegal immigrants come here for jobs; don’t deport them. (Jun 2006)

    2

  • Nativists who want to fence us in are dead wrong. (May 2008)
Mike Gravel on Jobs
Click here for 7 full quotes on Jobs OR other candidates on Jobs OR background on Jobs.
  • Right to Own: employees can buy out companies that close. (Apr 2019)
  • Communists helped unions end child labor & set 8-hr workday. (May 2008)
  • Support unionization; raise federal minimum wage. (Apr 2008)
  • Claims 100% rating with AFL-CIO for full legislative career. (Aug 2007)
  • Minimum wage as president OK, but we need living wage. (Jul 2007)
  • Citizens Wage: individuals share in nation’s total affluence. (Jan 1972)
  • Sponsored bill helping employees buy closing businesses. (May 1979)
Mike Gravel on Principles & Values
Click here for 35 full quotes on Principles & Values OR other candidates on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.
  • Made debate donor count with help from opponent Williamson. (Jul 2019)
  • Push Dems toward sensible views on political reform. (Mar 2019)
  • Served in US Army in the Cold War in Europe. (May 2008)
  • Political career started as teen handing out campaign flyers. (May 2008)
  • Dyslexic, hence became avid political reader at a late age. (May 2008)
  • As army spy, felt rotten spying on innocent people. (May 2008)
  • Moved to pre-statehood Alaska because no political elite. (May 2008)
  • Conservatives support the rich; liberals support the state. (Jan 2008)
  • Gadfly who’s mad as hell at Democratic Establishment. (Nov 2007)
  • No-nonsense challenge to mainstream Democratic shuffling. (Nov 2007)
  • Protests being cut out of debate as free speech issue. (Oct 2007)
  • I believe in the power of love over the power of prayer. (Aug 2007)
  • Leadership brings society to civic maturity on tough issues. (Aug 2007)
  • Leaders are seen as mavericks, and only later as courageous. (Aug 2007)
  • Let the people decide: Solution is with you, not leaders. (Mar 2007)
  • US citizens should be allowed to vote for or against laws. (Feb 2007)
  • Citizen Power: democracy requires participation. (Jan 1972)

    Campaign Videos

  • 2008: YouTube political "video art" went viral. (Mar 2019)
  • Withdrew from politics for 26 years, ashamed of politics. (May 2008)
  • Video: "Power to the people vs give peace a chance". (Jan 2008)
  • Decisive moment: realizing representative gov’t is broken. (Aug 2007)
  • Video “Fire” is metaphor for gathering & using experience. (Jun 2007)
  • Video “Rock” is metaphor for causing changes in society. (Jun 2007)

    Past Campaigns

  • 1958: Ran for Alaska Legislature as prep for US Senate. (May 2008)
  • 1965: False promise to opponent to get House speakership. (May 2008)
  • 1980: Forced into bankruptcy by bad real estate deals. (May 2008)
  • Lost re-election after alienating every AK constituency. (Nov 2007)
  • Blogosphere hails Gravel/Paul ticket with cross-party appeal. (Nov 2007)
  • Wildcard independent run raises specter of Nader. (Nov 2007)
  • Clintons & DLC sold out the Democratic Party to Wall Street. (Jul 2007)
  • GOP lost in 2006 because they were lousy; Dems must earn ‘08. (Jun 2007)
  • Did not plan on presidency, but candidates are frightening. (Apr 2007)
  • Achieved much in Senate, but prefers governors for president. (Feb 2007)
  • Came in 3rd for Vice Presidential nomination in 1972. (Jan 2007)
  • Has campaigned in NH almost fulltime since April 2006. (Jan 2007)
Mike Gravel on Social Security
Click here for 2 full quotes on Social Security OR other candidates on Social Security OR background on Social Security.
  • Put real money in the Trust Fund & invest it properly. (Dec 2006)
  • Let beneficiaries leave surplus funds to heirs. (Apr 2006)
Mike Gravel on Tax Reform
Click here for 11 full quotes on Tax Reform OR other candidates on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.
  • Automatic return-free tax system by online IRS filing option. (Apr 2019)
  • Progressive tax: 60% at $1 million, and up from there. (Apr 2019)
  • Eliminate income tax so the wealthy can’t “game” the system. (Nov 2007)
  • I advocate a FairTax: pay as you spend. (Aug 2007)
  • Tax code is corrupt & serves the wealthy. (Jun 2007)
  • Wipe out the income tax! -- it’s regressive. (Feb 2007)
  • National sales tax; no exceptions; prebates for essentials. (Feb 2007)
  • Supports a national sales tax to replace IRS. (Jan 2007)
  • Repeal the income tax and close down the IRS. (Dec 2006)
  • Tax system unfairness only superceded by incomprehensibility. (Apr 2006)
  • Less regressive tax on poor; more capital gains on rich. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on Technology
Click here for 4 full quotes on Technology OR other candidates on Technology OR background on Technology.
  • Break up large tech companies; they threaten democracy. (Apr 2019)
  • CNN’s live war coverage is propaganda for weapons systems. (May 2008)
  • Put entire government-citizen interface online. (Nov 2000)
  • Empower Congress to make independent scientific conclusions. (Jan 1972)
Mike Gravel on War & Peace
Click here for 26 full quotes on War & Peace OR 17 older headlines OR other candidates on War & Peace OR background on War & Peace.
  • Filibustered to end the military draft. (May 2019)
  • Cut military budget by 50%, close all military bases abroad. (Apr 2019)
  • Split DoD into Department of War and Department of Peace. (Apr 2019)
  • Withdraw all troops from South Korea; normalize with North. (Apr 2019)
  • 2020 debates desperately need an anti-war voice. (Mar 2019)
  • 1960s Vietnam posed no threat to America. (May 2008)
  • Stop nuclear proliferation: the Cold War is over. (Feb 2007)
  • Election was mandate for peace but carnage continues for oil. (Dec 2006)
  • US creates threats to our own security by acting out of fear. (Jan 1972)

    Mideast

  • End military aid to Israel; recognize Palestinian statehood. (Apr 2019)
  • End military aid to Saudi Arabia; no support for Yemen war. (Apr 2019)
  • Iraq war was propagandized like 1898 “Remember the Maine!”. (May 2008)
  • Intent of War Powers Act was to stop wars like Iraq. (May 2008)
  • Neocons plotted since 1991 to overthrow Saddam. (May 2008)
  • Only morons & neocons think war achieves Mideast democracy. (May 2008)
  • Meeting with Hamas jump-starts the peace process. (Apr 2008)
  • Opposed war in Iraq before it even began. (Jan 2008)
  • Iran’s not a problem, never has been, never will be. (Dec 2007)
  • Bush cooking books on Iran; resolve against invading Iran. (Aug 2007)
  • Blaming Iraqis for war problems is American imperialism. (Aug 2007)
  • Bush can’t go into Iran today because I filibustered draft. (Aug 2007)
  • Dislodge ourselves from Iraq, by working with Iran & Syria. (Aug 2007)
  • Soldiers in Vietnam died in vain; now same in Iraq. (Jul 2007)
  • Vietnam caused no dominoes; Iraq won’t either. (Jun 2007)
  • Someone who voted for the Iraq war shouldn’t be president. (Jun 2007)
  • Anyone who voted for Iraq war should not be president. (Feb 2007)
Mike Gravel on Welfare & Poverty
Click here for 6 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty OR other candidates on Welfare & Poverty OR background on Welfare & Poverty.
  • Redistribute wealth nationally, like Alaska Permanent Fund. (Apr 2019)
  • Patchwork system addresses emergencies but not poverty. (Jan 2008)
  • No position on faith-based initiatives. (Oct 2007)
  • US ranks low worldwide in poverty statistics. (Nov 2006)
  • Citizens Wage: $5000 income from feds to banish poverty. (Jan 1972)
  • Workfare is morally repugnant; why not “wealthwork”? (Jan 1972)


VoteMatch Responses
(Click here for VoteMatch quiz)
VoteMatch Question & Answer
(Click on question for explanation and background)
Based on these stances:
(Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
Strongly Favors topic 1:
Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right
(+5 points on Social scale)
Fund stem cell research on existing & new embryonic lines: Favors topic 1
Agreed with NARAL on 16 pro-choice votes; absent on other 7: Strongly Favors topic 1
Any abortion decision should remain between woman & doctor: Strongly Favors topic 1
Stem Cell research should not be limited: Favors topic 1
Favors topic 2:
Legally require hiring women & minorities
(-3 points on Economic scale)
$30 billion per year for National Reparations Trust Fund: Strongly Favors topic 2
Discontinue public college & government affirmative action: Strongly Opposes topic 2
Racism still with us in the 21st century: Favors topic 2
Strongly Favors topic 3:
Comfortable with same-sex marriage
(+5 points on Social scale)
Include sexual orientation & gender identity as civil rights: Strongly Favors topic 3
By next election, gay marriage could win a popular vote: Strongly Favors topic 3
Civil union establish second-class citizenship for gays: Strongly Favors topic 3
Don’t ask don’t tell should have gone 20 years ago: Strongly Favors topic 3
Unequivocally supports same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3
Opposes topic 4:
Keep God in the public sphere
(+2 points on Social scale)
No position on separation of church & state: Neutral on topic 4
No position on faith-based initiatives: Neutral on topic 4
Citizens Wage: $5000 income from feds to banish poverty: Opposes topic 4
Strongly Favors topic 5:
Expand ObamaCare
(-5 points on Economic scale)
VA4A: Veterans Administration healthcare for all: Strongly Favors topic 5
Expand Medicare coverage & child healthcare programs: Strongly Favors topic 5
Universal coverage with guaranteed equal care: Strongly Favors topic 5
Everybody should have the same health care: Favors topic 5
End subsidization of the insurance companies: Favors topic 5
Single-payer health care plan via vouchers you can add to: Strongly Favors topic 5
Citizen Power includes universal health care: Strongly Favors topic 5
Strongly Opposes topic 6:
Privatize Social Security
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Put real money in the Trust Fund & invest it properly: Strongly Opposes topic 6
Favors topic 7:
Vouchers for school choice
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Delink property taxes to equalize education funding: Strongly Opposes topic 7
Supports vouchers, charters, and magnet schools: Strongly Favors topic 7
Citizen Power includes school vouchers: Strongly Favors topic 7
Vouchers are innovative & imaginative--let’s experiment: Strongly Favors topic 7
Strongly Opposes topic 8:
Fight EPA regulatory over-reach
(+5 points on Social scale)
Eliminate all single-use plastics: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Strengthen Clean Water Act & Clean Air Act: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Sponsored bill allowing tax deduction for recycling costs: Opposes topic 8
Strongly Opposes topic 9:
Stricter punishment reduces crime
(+5 points on Social scale)
Decriminalize all commercial sex work: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Ban cash bail: it only benefits the rich: Strongly Opposes topic 9
No one deserves to be put to death by the state: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Eliminate the federal death penalty: Strongly Opposes topic 9
If you don’t have any money, you don’t get any justice: Opposes topic 9
Eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing laws: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Citizen Power includes abolition of the death penalty: Strongly Opposes topic 9
More jails don’t cut crime--must address poverty instead: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Opposes topic 10:
Absolute right to gun ownership
(-3 points on Economic scale)
License for concealed carry; teach firearms safety: Opposes topic 10
Require license & training for gun ownership: Opposes topic 10
Opposes topic 11:
Higher taxes on the wealthy
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Progressive tax: 60% at $1 million, and up from there: Strongly Favors topic 11
I advocate a FairTax: pay as you spend: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Tax code is corrupt & serves the wealthy: Favors topic 11
Wipe out the income tax! -- it’s regressive: Opposes topic 11
National sales tax; no exceptions; prebates for essentials: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Supports a national sales tax to replace IRS: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Repeal the income tax and close down the IRS: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Less regressive tax on poor; more capital gains on rich: Strongly Favors topic 11
Strongly Favors topic 12:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
(+5 points on Social scale)
Open borders except for criminals escaping the law: Strongly Favors topic 12
Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working here: Strongly Favors topic 12
Immigration issue is national scapegoating: Strongly Favors topic 12
Embarrassed at building a wall on southern border: Strongly Favors topic 12
Make whole country a sanctuary city: Strongly Favors topic 12
I’m ashamed that we’re building a fence on southern border: Strongly Favors topic 12
Make English the official language of the US: Opposes topic 12
Illegal immigrants come here for jobs; don’t deport them: Strongly Favors topic 12
Nativists who want to fence us in are dead wrong: No opin. on topic 12
Opposes topic 13:
Support & expand free trade
(-3 points on Economic scale)
No sanctions on China or Venezuela, but no trade agreements: Opposes topic 13
CAFTA & NAFTA cause unemployment in Mexico & Central America: Strongly Opposes topic 13
Trade agreements only benefit shareholders: Strongly Opposes topic 13
Tariffs on China could spur worldwide economic downturn: Favors topic 13
Strongly Opposes topic 14:
Support American Exceptionalism
(-5 points on Economic scale)
No "America alone": re-engage with multilateral institutions: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Bring critique of American imperialism to Democratic primary: Strongly Opposes topic 14
US should empower UN with stand-by peace force: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Strongly Opposes topic 15:
Expand the military
(+5 points on Social scale)
Filibustered to end the military draft: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Cut military budget by 50%, close all military bases abroad: Strongly Opposes topic 15
America will be safer without nukes: end "nuclear deterrent": Strongly Opposes topic 15
Bring 138,000 US troops home from 800 bases abroad: Strongly Opposes topic 15
1969: Opposed early ABM anti-missile systems: Opposes topic 15
No additional homeland security funding; no missile defense: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Enormous misappropriation of wealth to military programs: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Warfare state from Vietnam now expanded to include Iraq War: Strongly Opposes topic 15
US has nothing to fear; fear sustains the military complex: Opposes topic 15
Cut Pentagon by more than 15%; we’re squandering money: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Cut US nuclear arsenal from 10,000 to a couple hundred: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Cut military budget in half--we don’t need such “readiness”: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Presidential imperialism feeds the arms industry: Strongly Opposes topic 15
Strongly Favors topic 16:
Make voter registration easier
(+5 points on Social scale)
Replace Electoral College with direct election of President: Strongly Favors topic 16
Ranked choice voting replaces "lesser of two evils": Strongly Favors topic 16
Public taxpayer funding for federal candidates: Strongly Favors topic 16
Asks candidates to pledge to use existing public finance law: Strongly Favors topic 16
I’ve got no money; of course I’m for campaign finance reform: Favors topic 16
Start with public financing of campaigns: Strongly Favors topic 16
Strongly Favors topic 17:
Avoid foreign entanglements
(+5 points on Social scale)
Withdraw all troops from South Korea; normalize with North: Strongly Favors topic 17
2020 debates desperately need an anti-war voice: Strongly Favors topic 17
1971: end Vietnam involvement; 2008: end Mideast involvement: Strongly Favors topic 17
Fighting terrorism with a war doesn’t work: Favors topic 17
Election was mandate for peace but carnage continues for oil: Strongly Favors topic 17
Remove power to declare war from Congress-they’ve abdicated: Strongly Favors topic 17
End military aid to Saudi Arabia; no support for Yemen war: Strongly Favors topic 17
2008: searing indictment of Democratic support of Iraq war: Strongly Favors topic 17
Opposed war in Iraq before it even began: Strongly Favors topic 17
Dislodge ourselves from Iraq, by working with Iran & Syria: Strongly Favors topic 17
Soldiers in Iraq are dying in vain; so just get out: Strongly Favors topic 17
Iraq war was lost the day Bush invaded-make it illegal: Strongly Favors topic 17
Immediate withdrawal from the war in Iraq: Strongly Favors topic 17
Commence an immediate and orderly withdrawal from Iraq: Strongly Favors topic 17
Strongly Favors topic 18:
Prioritize green energy
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Support carbon tax and Green New Deal: Strongly Favors topic 18
Institute a tax on oil: Strongly Favors topic 18
Carbon tax can get us off of gasoline in 5 years: Strongly Favors topic 18
Make Global Warming a matter of national security: Strongly Favors topic 18
Immediately sign the Kyoto protocol: Strongly Favors topic 18
Strongly Opposes topic 19:
Marijuana is a gateway drug
(+5 points on Social scale)
Proposed a Constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana: Strongly Opposes topic 19
Legalize & regulate all drugs, including opioids: Strongly Opposes topic 19
War on drugs is a total failure: Strongly Opposes topic 19
Allow buying marijuana at liquor stores: Strongly Opposes topic 19
Decriminalize hard drugs so we can treat addicts: Strongly Opposes topic 19
Drugs are public health issue, not criminal issue: Strongly Opposes topic 19
War on drugs loses an entire generation to our prisons: Strongly Opposes topic 19
Legalize the use and possession of marijuana: Strongly Opposes topic 19
Stop punishment for victimless crimes: drugs, sex & gambling: Strongly Opposes topic 19
Strongly Favors topic 20:
Stimulus better than market-led recovery
(-5 points on Economic scale)
Support unionization; raise federal minimum wage: Strongly Favors topic 20
Purpose of economy is to meet people’s needs, not business: Strongly Favors topic 20

Mike Gravel is a Hard-Core Liberal.
Click here for explanation of political philosophy.
Click here for VoteMatch quiz.

                                                                                                                                                                               
  


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