Ben is a progressive democrat. He is a strong supporter of human rights, equal rights, women's rights and minority rights. He believes in the principles of our U.S. Constitution and the defense of the Bill of Rights.

Ben believes that war is a result of failed or poor diplomacy. Warfare should only be used for defense, as a tool of leverage and only as a last resort. He believes we need a strong, lean, high tech and  modern force , not an outdated large, expensive army. We should not serve as the mercenary force for other nations, by  sending our men and women to fight their wars, but rather support our friends efforts to deal with their own local problems. He feels the escalation in Afghanistan, the Iraq war and further engagement in the Horn of Africa and Yemen  would be a mistake. He wants our troops home to secure the homeland and help rebuild America. Terrorism should be dealt with in a smarter manner and securing our borders and points of entry should be our priority.

Ben wants smart and fair immigration laws and a humane solution to the problem of illegal immigrants in our nation that will not separate families or criminalize immigration irregularities.

Ben believes that Israel should never be forced by our government to make peace treaties with terrorist regimes and unreliable governments. Israel should decide who they can negotiate with and who they can trust to make a long lasting agreement for peace. The U.S. should vow to support Israel's right to exist and it's security as it works to resolve these  issues.

Ben feels social security COLA increases should have a 5% floor. Never allowing the social security checks to be less then 5% in annual increases. He also supports a living wage as the  minimal payment for services.

Ben supports Universal Health Care and expansion of Medicare, Medicaid and the use of a public option to help competition control costs, quality and services.  Ben will help build such a plan incrementally over the next few years until Universal coverage and cost containment is achieved.

Ben wants to rebuild our manufacturing base at home, renegotiate foreign trade agreements to give the American public a better deal. Reduce our national debt and eliminate deficit spending over a set time frame.

Ben supports making public service in the United States part of the education process and part of the curriculum for high school.

Ben supports public education and teaching method reforms to help improve our graduation rate and job development skills.

Ben voted for a three day waiting period for gun purchase, gun owners liability legislation and a ban on assault weapons.

Ben supports a woman's right to choose, assisted suicide under carefully controlled medical  circumstances , living wills and organ donation.