The president unveiled his budget yesterday and it is shocking to see the huge number for defense--$439 billion, plus $30.9 billion for homeland security. That comes at the expense of Medicare, education and other human needs.

Now, you will hear a lot of cries from the Democrats about the immoral nature of the budget. Certainly, I agree.

But, my opponent and any other Democrat who voted for the war cannot escape their own responsibility for this state of affairs. Voting for a war that has cost us more than $250 billion--and will likely end up costing at least $1 trillion (if you include the real costs like taking care of the maimed and wounded soldiers, the interest on the debt created by the war)--means you decided to spend money in one place that we don't have, then, for Medicare and education.

Sure, the president's tax cuts are a huge part of the fiscal mess (how does a five year deficit of an additional 2.2. trillion sound?). But, war has devastating econominc consequences. For that reason alone, the incumbent does not deserve re-election.

I was among those who thought John Kerry blew the 2004 election. But, give credit where credit is due--the man has stepped up.

Casting aside the conventional wisdom and talking heads AND many of the senators in his own party, Kerry has announced that he will attempt to stop the Alito confirmation by mounting a filibuster.

Where is Hillary Clinton on the question of supporting a filibuster? We are facing the harsh reality that Alito will attack a woman's right to choose and have control over her own body, side with corporate interest over workers and undercut the checks and balances of our Constitution by siding with the executive branch--yet my opponent has made no effort to mount any kind of opposition.

Will Senator Clinton not only vote against the nomination but help Kerry keep the rest of the party in line? Or will this be another example of an ineffective senator who melts from view when it comes time for leadership?

A woman's right to choose is at stake. Why won't Hillary Clinton stand by John Kerry and defend a woman's right to choose?

This race is about who will best represent the interests of New Yorkers in the U.S Senate. But, Molly Ivins has just recently written an article that, in discussing the 2008 presidential race, captures the reason why my opponent does not deserve another term in the U.S. Senate:

I will not support Hillary Clinton for president
By Molly Ivins

"AUSTIN, Texas --- I'd like to make it clear to the people who run the Democratic Party that I will not support Hillary Clinton for president.

Enough. Enough triangulation, calculation and equivocation. Enough clever straddling, enough not offending anyone This is not a Dick Morris election. Sen. Clinton is apparently incapable of taking a clear stand on the war in Iraq, and that alone is enough to disqualify her. Her failure to speak out on Terri Schiavo, not to mention that gross pandering on flag-burning, are just contemptible little dodges."

Jonathan was a recent guest on Brian Lehrer's TV show. Click here to view the show in its entirety.