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| ECONOMY |
Plans to repeal Bush’s tax cuts for rich households while helping middle-class households cope with financial issues with targeted tax relief. Obama also plans to renegotioate free trade and reform healthcare. |
Plans to keep Bush’s tax cuts while abolishing the Alternative Minimum tax to lower taxes for middle-class family, as well as reducing government spending. McCain also plans to focus on reforming healthcare and social security. |
| WAR IN IRAQ |
Obama believes there is no military solution for Iraq and has opposed the war from the beginning. He would pull all troops out of combat operations within 16 months of taking office through phased withdrawal. |
McCain backed Bush’s troop escalation, and believes US forces should remain in Iraq until the country can defend itself Under his presidency, he predicts most would be withdrawn by 2013. |
| IRAN |
Believes that, if offered incentives, Iranian leaders would change their behaviors, and would meet them without preconditions. Obama favors “aggresive personal diplomacy” and has not ruled out military option. |
Opposes unconditional diplomacy and will use military action if deemed necessary to prevent nuclear arms in Iran. Would try to escalate economic sanctions against Iran using a league of democracies. |
| NATIONAL SECURITY |
Voted to re-authorize the Patriot Act in 2006 after criticizing it previously. Would allocate national securty funding to the most at-risk areas. |
Voted against bill to ban water boarding in 2008, but plans to prevent the CIA from using “cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.” Is a former Vietnam POW. |
| GLOBAL WARMING |
Wants to invest $150 billion in clean energy over the next decade. Wants the US to lead a global effort to combat global warming, starting with a 80% decrease in US greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. |
Wants all changes to work together, especially China and India, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Admits that climate change is, indeed, “real and devastating.” |
| HEALTH CARE |
Would only make insurance compulsory for children, but backs universal coverage. Would instate subsidies to mage coverage more affordable and prevent insurers from refusing coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. |
Would offer tax incentives to encourage people to get personal health insurance. Continues to support healthcare for military veterans. |
| ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION |
Believes offering an opportunity for citizenship to illegal immigrants who pay a fine does not amount to amnesty. Wishes to police the US/Mexican border more heavily, and backs stricter penalties for those who employ undocumented workers. |
Supports amnesty to illegal immigrants, as well as heavier border control. Supports offering a path to citizenship to illegal workers already in the US. |
| ABORTION |
Supports women’s choice in conjunction with counseling from doctors and clergy. Opposes the Supreme Court’s ban on late-term abortion. |
Previously supported Roe vs. Wade, but now wishes to overturn it. Supports ban on late-term abortion. Wishes to aid statewide efforts to boost adoption. |
