obama VS. MCCAin
judgement | ||
| Opposed Iraq war from the start, instead repeatedly encouraged US to focus on Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan. Supported Kerry in 2004. | | Said (in 2001) Cheney and Rumsfeld were the “strongest” national security team ever; would have chosen them as well. Supported Bush in ’04. |
ECONOMY | ||
| Economic plan built around addressing stagnant wages, rising prices and unfairness in the tax code. | | “The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well I should.” (January 2008) |
TEMPERAMENT | ||
| Often described as “unflappable.” As an organizer, law student, state senator and US senator, he has been able to bridge partisan and ideological divides. | | Quick to anger and often an impulsive decision maker, “he doesn’t listen carefully to people and make reasoned judgments,” said a Republican foreign intelligence expert. (2008) |
CHURCH / STATE | ||
| Believes in a strong separation of church and state. Understands “the critical role that the separation of church and state has played in preserving not only our democracy but also our religious practice.” (2007) | | "The Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation." (2007) He reportedly chose Sarah Palin as his running mate because of pressure from the Christian Right. |
VICE PRESIDENT | ||
| Sen. Joe Biden is among the most highly respected foreign policy experts in the United States, serving as the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. | | Gov. Sarah Palin is a darling of the Christian Right, has served as governor of Alaska for a mere 18 months and was first issued a passport in 2007. |
SUPREME COURT | ||
| Voted against confirmation of Justices Alito and Roberts. The former law professor is committed to restoring balance to the Court. | | Said he would he not have appointed “Justice Ginsburg, Justice Breyer, Justice Souter, and Justice Stevens.” His favorites included Bush’s Picks, Justices Alito and Roberts. (2008) |
ENERGY | ||
| Has pledged to end US dependence on Middle Eastern oil in the next ten years. Energy plan combines conservation with investment in both new and renewable sources of energy. | | Drill here! Drill now! Summer gas tax holiday! |
ISRAEL & MIDDLE EAST | ||
| Committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Impressed Israeli leaders with his depth of knowledge and clear commitment to Israel’s security. | | Would continue Bush policies that have reduced the ability to Israel of the United States to serve as an effective ally as well as strengthened Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas. |
SOCIAL SECURITY | ||
| Will not privatize Social Security. Will ensure full funding by raising the contribution cap for income above $250K per year. | | Despite the proven volatility of the stock market, seeks to implement Bush plan to privatize Social Security. |
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS | ||
| Has a 100% voting record on issues important to NARAL. | | Told a group of evangelicals, “I will be a pro-life president.” (2008) Has voted anti-choice 123 times out of 126 votes. |
