Kerry's vote against the $87 Billion is valid

For those who fault Kerry for voting against the $87 billion for the war - first, he wanted to separate the $67 billion in troop aid from the $20 billion in Iraq aid, so he could vote FOR the former while adding conditions to the latter. Second, he wated to make sure there was some FUNDING for the Iraq aid component, as opposed to more deficit spending.

Does anyone really believe he would have left troops there without ammunition and armor?

I don't know if he voted as he did hoping the bill would be defeated - so a new one could be created - or he made a protest vote knowing the bill would pass. But either one is valid.