Whether you love or hate politics, it is difficult to ignore the excitement that has surrounded the 2008 Presidential Election. Over the course of 18 months, seventeen politicians across the ideological spectrum fought to have their ideas regarding the fate of America heard, and finally – after the longest primary election season in U.S. history - only two contenders remain. Now, two men – Barack Obama and John McCain – have been charged with the tasks of…..
…..reuniting America, halting a recession, providing universal healthcare, fixing a dysfunctional immigration system, protecting America from terrorism, simplifying the most complicated tax code in the developed world, saving social security, reversing global warming, as well as figuring out what do regarding Iraq, the mortgage crisis, the world food shortage, increasing violence in urban cities,
and Americans being ticked off that gas is expected to reach $8 a gallon in the next two years.
So what’s a voter to do? Be informed and let your voice be heard.
During the upcoming months, the primary election season is sure to be filled with debates, commercials, emails, you-tube videos, and propaganda trying to convince voters that one candidate is better than the other. While many of these will be informative, and some may be humorous, there are bound to be smear campaigns based in fear, ignorance, and manipulation. While we have seen the implications of these negative tactics from previous campaigns (ie.-the increasing polarization between parties and the inability of politicians to development effective public policy), we must take it upon ourselves to inform our decision of whom we will pick to become the next President of the United States.
To help you along the way, here is an oversimplified cheat sheet of where the candidates stand on the issues that will effect the next generation of leaders, movers, and shakers (yes, I am talking about YOU)...
On Iraq*:
McCain: Voted for the use of military force in Iraq. Supported Bush veto of war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Was an early proponent of sending additional American troops to Iraq. Believes that the U.S. must have a sustained presence in Iraq to ensure the region does not fall back into safe haven for terrorists.
Obama: Opposed the use of military force in Iraq. Voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Supports phased redeployment of U.S. troops. Opposed Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq. Supports the withdrawal of troops from Iraq immediately, and under the plan he introduced in January 2007, the US would have begun withdrawing forces engaged in combat operations on May 1, 2007. Believes the withdrawal of troops is the best leverage the US has to press the Iraqi political leaders to make the political compromises necessary to end their civil war.
On the Economy++:
McCain: Wants to ensure that money spent by Congress, and contributed by taxpayers, is used on legitimate national priorities, as opposed to special interest earmarks. Believes the federal government must respect the bottom line. Believes the practice of excessive borrowing and deficit spending in Washington must stop.
Obama: Wants to make strategic, long-term investments into American infrastructure to create more high-wage jobs. Plans to expand federal funding for basic research, make the tax credit for research and development permanent, and expand the deployment of broadband technology, so that businesses can invest in innovation and create high-paying, secure jobs. Has stated that he will make investments in education, training, and workforce development so that Americans can leverage entrepreneurialism to create new high-wage jobs and prosper in a world economy. Wants to fight against trade agreements that undermine American competitiveness and use trade as a tool to grow American jobs. Will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world and stand firm against agreements like the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) that fail to live up to those important benchmarks.
On Healthcare++:
McCain: Believes health care reform must put individuals and families, not government, at the center of the health care system. Wants to provide greater access to high-quality health care and end spiraling costs. Believes that the road to healthcare reform should not be a government-controlled process. Has stated that the best way expand access and controls costs, without hurting the quality of our health care, is to harness competition to offer more affordable insurance options for as many Americans as possible.
Obama: Believes that the benefits of the American health care system come at a price that an increasing number of individuals and families, employers and employees, and public and private providers cannot afford. Has developed an official healthcare plan which is estimated to save a typical American family up to $2,500 every year on premiums.
On Immigration*:
McCain: Co-sponsored Bush-backed immigration reform legislation, which would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. Voted to authorize the construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.
Obama: Supported Bush-backed immigration reform legislation, which would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants. Voted to authorize the construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.
On Energy and Oil++:
McCain: Promotes energy efficiency by using improved technology and practicing sensible habits in American homes, businesses and automobiles. Believes that smart grid technology can help homeowners and businesses lower their energy use, and breakthroughs in high tech materials can greatly improve fuel efficiency in our oil-dependent transportation sector.
Obama: Supports implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce dependence on foreign oil and nonrenewable, polluting sources of energy. Plans to dramatically increase federal investment in advanced clean-energy technologies and energy efficiency.
Taxes*:
McCain: Voted against 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cut laws, but later voted in favor of extending tax cuts through 2010.
Obama: Opposed extending 2003 Bush tax cut law through 2010. Supports eliminating marriage penalty and extending child tax credit. Supports scaling back capital gains and dividends tax cuts and re-examining tax benefits for the top one percent of earners.
On “sensitive topics”:
Same-sex marriage*:
McCain: Supports definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, but opposes a constitutional amendment banning same sex-marriage. Belives that individual states should decide the issue. Says a federal marriage ban might be appropriate if courts overturned state marriage laws. Supports legal benefits for same-sex partners.
Obama: Opposes same-sex marriage, but also opposes a constitutional ban. Supports civil unions.
Abortion*:
McCain: Opposes abortion rights except in cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother.
Obama: Supports abortion rights.
On the things that really matter:
Favorite Food#:
McCain: Baby-back ribs
Obama: Chili
Hidden Talent#:
McCain: Barbeque grill chef
Obama: Playing Poker
Music on IPOD:
McCain: Doesn’t have a computer, therefore can’t upload music.
Obama+: Jay-Z; Bob Dylan; Sheryl Crow; Stevie Wonder; Elton John; Howlin’ Wolf; Yo-Yo Mama; Bruce Springstein
Pimped out ride#:
McCain: Cadillac CTS
Obama: Ford Escape Hybrid
Sources:
* - CNN; Election Center 2008; Candidate Profiles
# - ABC News; Meet the Candidates
+ - NDTV.com’; “What’s on Obama’s ipod?” June 26, 2008
++ - Nationalplatforms.com; Presidential Candidate Profiles and the Washingtonpost.com
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