And the sad thing is, whether you choose to view these as stage-left or photo-left, it's no more accurate than that "most liberal" label that the republicans are spewing this week. According to this article in spinsanity:

But the National Journal's rankings were only for roll call votes in 2003 - a fact obscured by many in the press. And because Kerry and Edwards were campaigning for most of the year, their scores were based on substantially fewer votes than those of other senators. A more comprehensive analysis by University of Houston political scientist Keith Poole of all contested roll call votes they cast during the year found that Kerry and Edwards fall near the median among Senate Democrats.

So next time someone tells you that Kerry is more liberal than Ted Kennedy, do one of the following:

• Say "Oh yeah? Fuck you" in a steady and well modulated voice.
• Cite this article and try to get the more nuanced truth in before your mic is cut off.
• Explain that with the current 6-point spread, they're just going to have to get used to the smell of bong water and bean curd. Then laugh like Shaggy.