McCain and Obama on the Issues

By Anastacia Mott Austin

As we all slouch toward the November elections, we’ll no doubt be bombarded by televised messages telling us all sorts of shocking hidden secrets about our two candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama.

But for those of us who would prefer to avoid the mud and get straight to the issues, there is ample evidence revealing where each of the two stand on significant issues important to the voters:

The Iraq War

Obama: While he initially stated that setting a specific timetable would be "irresponsible" without knowing all of the facts he’d be privy to in office, Obama has now said he would favor complete withdrawal of all American troops from Iraq by the end of 2009. He opposed the Iraq war from the beginning, saying in October of 2002:

"I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East…I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars."

McCain: McCain has said that scheduling a removal of troops from Iraq is not the best strategy, and that the current surge is effective. He voted in favor of the Iraq war. He has said the U.S. needs to send more troops into Iraq, and supports a long term U.S. presence in the country. He received much negative press for comments he made that "it doesn’t matter" if the United States remains in Iraq for 100 years or more, though he later explained he meant a U.S. presence in a stable, peaceful Iraq.

Global Warming

McCain: Unlike George Bush, McCain favors several initiatives to help combat global warming. He supports tougher federal fuel efficiency standards, and led the Senate in fighting for greenhouse gas emissions to be cut by 60% by the year 2050.

Obama: Agrees with McCain on tougher fuel efficiency standards and greenhouse emissions limits. He would initiate a program to produce environmentally friendly energy supplies, paid for with a "carbon auction," by which businesses would have to bid on the right to produce pollution.

Gun Control

Obama: He supports tighter restrictions on guns, particularly semiautomatic weapons, and voted against a plan to protect gun manufacturers and dealers from being sued in civil court.

McCain: Is not in support of banning assault weapons, and voted to protect gun manufacturers and dealers from civil lawsuits. He believes that there should be background checks at gun shows, but cites the Second Amendment to explain his views on gun control.

Immigration

McCain: Supported legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to apply for legal status, with certain stringent conditions. He supports a border fence between the United States and Mexico. He does not support granting illegal immigrants drivers’ licenses.

Obama: Similar to McCain, but he supports "The DREAM Act," by which young people who came to this country before the age of 16 can work to become legal citizens. He also supports giving illegal immigrants drivers’ licenses.

Health Care

Obama: Would create a national health plan that mandates coverage for all American children and would require employers to share in coverage costs, similar to a plan currently offered to federal employees. He says that with health insurance companies, employers, and government all offering a share of cost, that the gaps in the system would be closed.

McCain: Would offer a $2,500 tax credit ($5,000 for families) to encourage individuals to buy their own health coverage. His plan would not allow for taxpayers to deduct health insurance payments made by employers.

Abortion

McCain: Has said Roe v. Wade "must be overturned," and has voted for restrictions under existing laws. He told MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, "The rights of the unborn is [sic] one of my most important values."

Obama: Is in favor of supporting abortion rights and upholding Roe v. Wade. He has voted to provide low-cost clinics that provide birth control and reproductive health services.

While they agree on some issues (gay marriage, stem cell research, the death penalty), the differences listed above should give voters a little more information as they decide who would make the best leader for our nation come November.