Well the if you have watch the last two debates you should know where the candidates stand on Iraq and the
economy and not much else. So I will list a few of the big issues that they are not discussing in the debates that I think matter. For a full list of issues and what the candidates believe check out cnn’s election comparison.
ABORTION
Barak Obama – Opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v Wade. Disagreed with Supreme Court ruling to uphold the “Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.” Did not cast a vote on Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007.
John McCain – Voted for the Prohibit Partial Birth Abortion bill in 2003 and “yes” for Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007. Believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned. Supports Supreme Court ruling upholding the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mem_xEcZHVY
IMIGRATION
John 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 construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.
Barak 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 construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border
HOMELAND SECURITY
Barak Obama – Will implement the 9/11 Commission recommendations. Provide greater technical assistance to local and state first responders and increase funding for reliable, interoperable communications systems. Develop a meaningful critical infrastructure protection plan. Will secure chemical plants and ensure safe, secure disposal of nuclear waste. Will improve U.S. intelligence system by creating a senior position to coordinate domestic intelligence gathering, establish a grant program to support thousands more state and local level intelligence analysts and increase U.S. capacity to share intelligence across all levels of government.
On the Patriot Act:
Voted to reauthorize Patriot Act in 2006, but would revise it.
On the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA:
Voted for legislation overhauling the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, in July 2008. The bill, formally known as the FISA Amendments Act, effectively shields telephone companies from lawsuits for participating in a government eavesdropping program. “I made a judgment that at this point it was important for us to go ahead and get that program in place,” Obama said about his vote. “It represents an assessment of a compromise that was the best that could be done right now, and whether it was more important for us to have that program in place.” Previously opposed the bill and opposed giving retroactive immunity to telecommunications firms. Did not attend the February 2008 vote on the FISA Amendments Act of 2007.
On Guantanamo Bay:
Would close the controversial prison at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which holds hundreds of suspected terrorists and other detainees. Voted against the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which authorized trial by military commissions for detainees at the prison. Supports the Supreme Court decision granting foreign terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay a right to challenge their detention in civilian courts.
John McCain – Would revitalize U.S. public diplomacy and work to recreate an independent agency with the sole purpose of getting America’s message to the world. Would set up a new civil-military agency patterned after the Office of Strategic Services in World War II. McCain said: “The State Department and other agencies need to enhance their ability to send more experts to rebuild war-torn lands — or, better still, bolster peaceful development to reduce the chances of war breaking out in the first place.” Would create an Army Adviser Corps with 20,000 soldiers who would work with friendly militaries abroad. Would increase the number of personnel in information operations, Special Forces, civil affairs, military policing, military intelligence and other disciplines. Would increase numbers in Army and Marines and spend more on defense budget.
On the Patriot Act:
Voted for the Patriot Act in 2001 and for its reauthorization in 2006.
On the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA:
Did not attend the July 2008 vote to update the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. Supports FISA and immunity for the telecommunications corporations. Voted for the FISA Amendments Act of 2007 in February 2008.
On Guantanamo Bay:
Would close the controversial prison at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, which holds hundreds of suspected terrorists and other detainees. Voted for the Military Commissions Act of 2006, which authorized trial by military commissions for detainees at the prison. Opposes the Supreme Court decision granting foreign terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay a right to challenge their detention in civilian courts.
For more on what both candidates believe check out this link. Election Issues 2008
More great election links:
www.factcheck.com
Presidential Experience spreadsheet.
Palin’s Experence –
Obama’s Experience –
RealClear Politics – Great site for polling data
I hope this help some. Do your research and VOTE!
Hey Sam, great stuff! When you look strictly at the facts of voting record and policy statements rather than sound bites it becomes much clearer where each candidate stands. People need to know their facts and vote their faith note be swayed by promises of better times or some idealistic view of who would be best for the country. Stay with the facts.
Hey Sam, great stuff! When you look strictly at the facts of voting record and policy statements rather than sound bites it becomes much clearer where each candidate stands. People need to know their facts and vote their faith note be swayed by promises of better times or some idealistic view of who would be best for the country. Stay with the facts.