Is Tim Kaine a liberal or a conservative?
Over the years, Sen. Kaine (D., Va.) has struggled with his political identity. When Kaine was running for governor of Virginia, he talked tough on immigration, touted his pro-life beliefs, and supported the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement before he was against it. Depending on the year, Kaine would identify as anything from a conservative to a "progressive from the South."
Once Kaine was selected to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016, he was asked about his support for the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal dollars from being used to fund abortions. Clinton supports repealing the Hyde Amendment, while Kaine has opposed its repeal. The Clinton campaign faced criticism from pro-abortion groups for Kaine’s stance. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper this summer, Kaine repeated his support for the Hyde Amendment but later in the conversation said his duty as vice president would force him to put his personal views aside and support Clinton’s position.
Kaine has received criticism from progressive groups for not being liberal enough. They refer to, for example, when Kaine ran for governor of Virginia and campaigned as a social conservative who opposes abortion and gay marriage. "I’m conservative on personal responsibility, character, family, and the sanctity of life," Kaine said in a 2005 campaign ad.
When asked about his past statement about being a conservative, Kaine labeled himself a "progressive in the South." Clinton uses a similar defense against far-left critics when she labels herself as a "progressive who likes to get stuff done."
Kaine will face off with Governor Mike Pence, (R., Ind.) on Tuesday night in the vice presidential debate.