Votes are not demonstrations of ideology. Votes are elements of tradeable agreements. The question is, "What is the value of votes cast by Barack Obama?" The votes will not be uniform (if they were, they would decrease in value). So, what is being traded for these votes? That's the question. If you're looking for ideology, please don't look to the lone junior senator...the institution is not built for that.
Votes are not demonstrations of ideology. Votes are elements of tradeable agreements. The question is, "What is the value of votes cast by Barack Obama?" The votes will not be uniform (if they were, they would decrease in value). So, what is being traded for these votes? That's the question. If you're looking for ideology, please don't look to the lone junior senator...the institution is not built for that.