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Calls Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that ruled that abortion is a constitutional right, "a flawed decision that must be overturned." Believes in exceptions in cases of rape or incest—or when the life of the mother is at stake. Says the government should promote adoption as an alternative to abortion.
Barack Obama:
Approves of Roe v. Wade, and opposes attempts to curtail the current level of women's reproductive rights. Has called abortion "a profoundly difficult issue" for those contemplating it, adding, "I trust women to make these decisions in conjunction with their doctors and their families and their clergy."
ISSUE: Gay Marriage
John McCain:
Has said that he personally believes "marriage is between a man and a woman," but does not support a constitutional amendment aimed at prohibiting states from legalizing it. He says such a measure would usurp states’ prerogatives. Voted in favor of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act signed by President Clinton. That law banned the federal government from recognizing gay marriages.
Barack Obama:
Has also said that he personally believes "marriage is between a man and a woman"—the same language employed by President Bush, as well—while also opposing any constitutional amendment designed to prohibit states from banning gay marriage. Differs from McCain in that he advocates repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act that banned the federal government from recognizing gay marriages.
ISSUE: Immigration
John McCain:
Co-sponsor (along with Sen. Edward Kennedy) of a sweeping 2007 immigration reform bill favored by President Bush and a majority of Senate Democrats that called for strengthening security of the border, setting up an enhanced guest worker program, and setting up procedures that would allow most of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to eventually gain American citizenship. The bill failed, and in 2008 McCain has said that the primary focus should be on securing U.S. borders with "physical and virtual barriers.
Barack Obama:
Originally supported the McCain-Kennedy proposal, although McCain blames Obama for voting for Senate amendments designed to derail it. In 2008, Obama criticized the Immigration and Naturalization Service for conducting raids of workplaces that hire illegal residents, and he has called for increasing legal immigration. Continues to support the "path toward citizenship" envisioned in the McCain-Kennedy bill; and citing auto safety concerns, and has come out in favor of allowing illegal residents to obtain driver’s licenses.
ISSUE: Healthcare
John McCain:
Opposes government-mandated health insurance. Would offer a tax credit to low-income individuals and families who purchase their own coverage. Proposes lowering healthcare costs by promoting coordinated care and focusing on prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Barack Obama:
Favors a national healthcare plan for all Americans, although participation would not be mandatory. Proposes creation of a national health insurance exchange to help people find private coverage and to serve as a watchdog on private insurers. Seeks to reduce health care costs by modernizing current healthcare system, including switching to electronic patient records.
ISSUE: Iraq
John McCain:
Voted in favor of 2003 U.S. invasion, although he became one of the Bush administration's strongest critics of the military strategies employed there. Pushed for the "surge" and other tactical changes recommended by Gen. David Petraeus long before President Bush authorized them. Is opposed to any timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops, saying the American military should remain until Iraqi forces can defend the country on their own.
Barack Obama:
As state senator in 2002, he spoke against the impending Iraq invasion, saying he wasn't against all wars, but was opposed to "a dumb war, a rash war, a war based not on reason but on passion…" As a U.S. Senator, he opposed the troop surge; and as a presidential candidate, advocated a 16-month timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops. Has hedged this plan by saying he'd react to events on the ground and listen to military commanders in Iraq.
ISSUE: Energy
John McCain:
Wants to lift the offshore drilling ban for oil and gas, and invest heavily alternate forms of energy, including building 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. Has parted company with the Bush administration on energy conservation, which he supports and terms "no longer just a moral luxury or personal virtue…(but) a critical national goal."
Barack Obama:
Had been consistently opposed to off-shore oil and gas drilling, but announced in early August that he'd consider lifting the national moratorium on such exploration as part of a comprehensive plan. Called for a $150 billion federal expenditure over 10 years to promote clean energy such as bio-fuels and plug-in electric and hybrid cars. Advocates tapping into the nation's 70-billion barrel emergency Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
ISSUE: Education
John McCain:
Voted for, and remains supportive of, the 2002 No Child Left Behind Act. Also favors vouchers for private schools and merit pay for teachers, stances he says will help at-risk and impoverished children the most. "I want to reward good teachers," he told the NAACP.
Barack Obama:
Opposed to vouchers, but favors more parental choice in public charter schools. Proposes free community college, a $4,000 tax credit for college students, and paying tuition of would-be teachers. Describes U.S. public education as "morally unacceptable."
ISSUE: Economy
John McCain:
Proposes cutting the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25% and reigning in government spending. Has called for a one-year freeze on all non-defense or non-veterans related spending. Did not vote for 2002 Bush tax cuts, but says he is opposed to repealing them now, because he fears a recessionary effect of doing so. Is an ardent free trader who voted for the North American Free Trade Agreement and supports it without reservation, saying it has been an "unambiguously ... positive impact on the U.S. economy."
Barack Obama:
Proposed a windfall profit tax on oil companies and a $50 billion federal stimulus package, $20 billion of it for immediate rebates to taxpayers. Calls for creation of a "National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank with a $60 billion infusion of federal money, for, bridge-repair, road-building and other capital projects. Wants to eliminate income taxes for seniors making less than $50,000 a year. On trade, he threatened during the primary season, to "opt-out" of NAFTA if Mexico and Canada wouldn't renegotiate its terms.
ISSUE: Mortgage crisis
John McCain:
No bailout for real estate speculators or those who failed to perform due diligence when applying for new credit. Assistance for qualified applicants in refinancing sub-prime loans.
Barack Obama:
Calls for $10 billion federal "foreclosure prevention fund" to help Americans refinance or sell their homes, and another $10 billion for state and local governments hard-hit by housing crisis.
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