Election 2008

The following are topics that are important to the 2008 election. Each topic is something that both McCain and Obama have expressed their opinion on and have strong views on. Look through this packet to find out what each candidate’s views are. Use this packet to help you fill out the Conservative vs. Liberal, McCain vs. Obama worksheet. These topics are all taken from www.cnn.com/election/2008/issues.

Campaign Issues From concerns about the economy and the war in Iraq to the perennial topics of Social Security and the health care system, a range of issues is guiding this year's presidential race.

Abortion Homeland security

Afghanistan Housing

Economic stimulus Immigration

Energy Iraq

Environment LGBT issues

Guns Social Security

Health care Taxes Abortion:

Abortion, a perennial issue in American politics, remains resonant for voters and candidates this election year.

DEMOCRATS

Barack 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. REPUBLICANS

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.

Afghanistan:

The war in Afghanistan, begun in late 2001 after the September 11 terrorist attacks, has been ongoing for nearly seven years. An uptick in violence during the summer of 2008 renewed focus on the conflict. REPUBLICANS John McCain Would send three additional brigades to Afghanistan and double the size of the Afghan army to 160,000 troops. Proposes to pay for the Afghan troop increase through an international trust fund financed by the United States and its allies. Would apply the counter-insurgency technique being employed in Iraq to the Afghanistan conflict. Says he would appoint an "Afghanistan czar" based in the White House who would report directly to the president. Says he would appoint a presidential envoy to address disputes between Afghanistan and its neighbors. Says he would crack down on narcotics trafficking in the country and would focus on strengthening local tribes on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan to fight terrorism there. DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Says he would send at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan and would seek greater contributions -- with fewer restrictions -- from NATO allies. Says he would focus on training Afghan security forces and supporting an Afghan judiciary, with more resources and incentives for American officers who perform these missions. Proposes an additional $1 billion in nonmilitary assistance each year, with meaningful safeguards to prevent corruption and to make sure investments are made -- not just in Kabul, but also in Afghanistan's provinces. Would address Pakistan policy to secure the border and crack down on terrorist camps. Has said: "We must make it clear that if Pakistan cannot or will not act, we will take out high-level terrorist targets like [Osama] bin Laden if we have them in our sights." Proposes to cut down on narcotics trafficking by offering alternative livelihoods to poppy farmers.

Economic Stimulus: With recession fears dampening consumer confidence, President Bush is pushing Congress to quickly pass a bill that would infuse the economy with cash for individuals and families and inspire corporate growth through tax breaks.

DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Would pump $75 billion into the economy via tax cuts and direct spending targeted to working families, seniors, homeowners and the unemployed. The plan also includes $45 billion in reserves that can be injected into the economy quickly in the future if the economy continues to deteriorate. Would provide an immediate $250 tax cut for workers and their families and an immediate, temporary $250 bonus to seniors in their Social Security checks. Would provide an additional $250 tax cut to workers and an additional $250 to seniors if the economy continues to worsen. Would extend and expand unemployment insurance. REPUBLICANS John McCain Would lower the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent. Would allow first-year deduction of equipment and technology investments and establish a permanent research and development tax credit equal to 10 percent of wages spent on R&D.

Energy:

While each candidate agrees that the United States depends far too much on imported oil and gas, opinion varies on how to lessen the burden and how to promote research and development of other energy sources. DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Says he would invest $150 billion over 10 years in clean energy. Proposes increasing fuel economy standards and would require that 25 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources by 2025. Gas tax holiday Said he does not support a federal gas tax holiday and called it a "classic Washington gimmick." Voted for an Illinois gas tax holiday while in the Illinois State Senate. "Six months later we took a look, and consumers had not benefited at all, but we had lost revenue. I learned from a mistake." Energy rebate Said during an August 4, 2008, speech that "we should immediately give every working family in America a $1,000 energy rebate, and we should pay for it with part of the record profits that the oil companies are making right now." Strategic Petroleum Reserve Would suspend buying oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Said during an August 4, 2008, speech that the U.S. should sell 70 million barrels of oil from the reserve for less expensive crude oil. Earlier this year, Obama said he did not think the country should use the strategic oil reserves "at this point." He said on July 7: "I have said and, in fact, supported a congressional resolution that said we should suspend putting more oil into the strategic oil reserve, but the strategic oil reserve I think has to be reserved for a genuine emergency." Taxes on oil companies Advocates a windfall profits tax on oil companies. Offshore drilling Previously was against lifting federal government restrictions on offshore drilling, but appeared to modify his position in an August 1 statement that supported a bipartisan legislative effort that would expand offshore oil drilling. Part of the statement read: "I remain skeptical that new offshore drilling will bring down gas prices in the short-term or significantly reduce our oil dependence in the long-term, though I do welcome the establishment of a process that will allow us to make future drilling decisions based on science and fact." Nuclear energy Stated in a presidential debate that "we should explore nuclear power as part of the energy mix." Says he will find safer ways to use nuclear power and store nuclear waste. Coal Says he would invest in technology that will allow us to use more coal. Cars and driving Would mandate all new cars be flex-fuel capable and supports advanced technology, including research into new engines and plug-in hybrids. Would provide retooling credits to help domestic manufacturers switch to more fuel-efficient cars. Has said he would make $4 billion in loans to help domestic manufacturers retool factories and build more fuel-efficient cars. Says he would put 1 million 150-mpg hybrid cars on U.S. roads within six years and would provide a $7,000 tax credit to consumers to buy fuel-efficient cars. Supports next generation biofuels. Renewable energy Says he would require that 10 percent of U.S. energy come from renewable sources by the end of his first presidential term. Says he would extend the Production Tax Credit for five years to encourage the production of renewable energy like wind power, solar power and geothermal energy. Climate change Proposes reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 by using a market-based cap-and-trade system. Would create a Global Energy Forum and re-engage with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. REPUBLICANS John McCain Proposes a national energy strategy that will rely on the technological prowess of American industry and science. Would not support subsidizing every alternative or tariffs that restrict the competition that stimulates innovation and lower cost. Says he would work to reduce carbon emissions 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Gas tax holiday Has called for the suspension of the 18.4-cent-a-gallon federal gas tax and 24.4-cent-a-gallon diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The McCain campaign has said the lost revenue would be paid for by money from the general fund. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Advocates suspending the purchase of foreign oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve during periods of high prices to reduce demand. Taxes on oil companies Opposes windfall profits tax on U.S. oil companies. Offshore drilling Believes the federal government should lift restrictions on offshore drilling and provide incentives to states permitting offshore exploration. McCain said he opposed lifting such restrictions during his 2000 presidential campaign run. Against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Nuclear energy Calls for building 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030 with the goal of eventually constructing 100 plants. Believes barriers to nuclear energy are political not technological. Would provide for safe storage of spent nuclear fuel and give host states or localities a proprietary interest so when advanced recycling technologies turn used fuel into a valuable commodity, the public will share in its economic benefits. Coal Says he would commit $2 billion annually to advance clean coal technology. Cars and driving Proposes a $300 million award for "the development of a battery package that has the size, capacity, cost and power to leapfrog the commercially available plug-in hybrids or electric cars." Has called on automakers to make a more rapid switch to flex-fuel cars. Renewable energy Says he would promote market for alternative, low carbon fuels such as wind, hydro and solar power and would work to create a system of tax credits to develop such sources. Climate change Proposed a bipartisan plan to address the problem of climate change and stimulate the development and use of advanced technologies. It is a market-based approach that would set caps on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, and provide industries with tradable credits. Environment:

Most scientists believe that a rise in the Earth's temperatures is worsened by the effect of greenhouse gases. The debate centers on how much government should regulate industry and whether that will affect climate change or be an expensive boondoggle. REPUBLICANS John McCain Introduced the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 with Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT). The legislation is designed to significantly reduce the nation's greenhouse gases, accomplished through a combination of trading markets and the deployment of advanced technologies. Would propose use of alternative energy sources, including nuclear. DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Would implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the level recommended by top scientists. Would make the United States a leader in the global effort to combat climate change by leading anew international global warming partnership. Would establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to speed the introduction of low-carbon non-petroleum fuels. Would create a Technology Transfer program within the Department of Energy dedicated to exporting climate-friendly technologies to developing countries. Would offer incentives to maintain forests globally and manage them sustainably. Would develop domestic incentives that reward forest owners, farmers and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands or undertake farming practices that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Guns:

The debate over gun ownership continues in the 2008 presidential campaign. It's centered on the Second Amendment to the Constitution, protecting a person's right to bear and keep arms. REPUBLICANS John McCain Voted for a 2005 law prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers stemming from acts committed by others using their products. Supports instant criminal background checks on people purchasing guns and believes law should apply to gun sales at gun shows. Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and voted against such a ban. Voted against a 10-year extension of the assault weapons ban. Supported legislation requiring gun manufacturers to include gun safety devices such as trigger locks in product packaging and voted for 2005 child safety lock amendment. Voted against 2005 amendment placing restrictions on rifle ammunition that is "designed or marketed" to be armor-piercing. Opposed 1994 crime bill, which contained the assault weapons ban. Has a C+ rating from the NRA. Regarding the Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller, McCain signed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn the District of Columbia gun ban. Voted for 2006 amendment prohibiting confiscation of firearms from private citizens, particularly during times of crisis or emergency. DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Voted against a 2005 law prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers stemming from acts committed by others using their products. Supports instant criminal background checks on people purchasing guns and believes law should apply to gun sales at gun shows. Calls for permanently reinstating assault weapons ban. Voted for 2005 amendment placing restrictions on rifle ammunition that is "designed or marketed" to be armor-piercing. Supports making guns childproof and voted for 2005 child safety lock amendment. Would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which allows the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to share data on history of sales and transfers of firearms used in crimes only with federal agencies for national security purposes, or prosecutors needing it for an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution. Regarding the Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller, Obama did not sign a friend-of-the-court brief that urged the Supreme Court to overturn the District of Columbia gun ban. At a debate, when asked about case, Obama said he believes "that the Constitution confers an individual right to bear arms. But just because you have an individual right does not mean that the state or local government can't constrain the exercise of that right." Voted for 2006 amendment prohibiting confiscation of firearms from private citizens, particularly during times of crisis or emergency.

Health Care:

Democratic and Republican presidential hopefuls propose solutions to deal with one of the most critical issues facing millions of Americans.

DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Would create a national health insurance program for individuals who do not have employer-provided health care and who do not qualify for other existing federal programs. Does not mandate individual coverage for all Americans, but requires coverage for all children. Allows individuals below age 25 to be covered through their parents' plans. Allows individuals to choose between the new public insurance program and private insurance plans that meet certain coverage standards. The Obama campaign Web site says the coverage would have benefits similar to those offered to Congress through the Federal Employees Benefits Program. Plan would expand eligibility for Medicaid and State's Children's Health Insurance Program. Offer an income-based federal subsidy for people who don't get insurance from an employer or qualify for government plans like Medicaid. Obama estimates the cost at between $50 billion and $65 billion, to be paid for by eliminating Bush tax cuts for those earning over $250,000. Regarding employer contributions toward healthcare costs, the Obama Web site states: "Employers that do not offer or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan." The plan calls for small businesses to be exempt from the requirement and some could receive a tax credit that helps reduce healthcare costs, according to the Web site. Says states can continue to experiment with health care plans as long as they meet the minimum standards of the national plan. Proposes investing $10 billion a year during the next five years to implement standards-based electronic health information systems, which would include electronic health records. Would allow Americans to purchase medicines from other developed countries if the drugs are safe and prices are lower than outside the United States. Says he would repeal the ban that prevents the U.S. from negotiating with drug companies. REPUBLICANS John McCain Opposes federally mandated universal coverage. Believes competition will improve the quality of health insurance. Supports health care tax dividends for low-income Americans, medical malpractice reform, improving electronic record- keeping, expanding health savings accounts, and encouraging small businesses to band together to negotiate lower rates with health care providers McCain campaign Web site states, "Families should be able to purchase health insurance nationwide, across state lines, and their policy should follow them from job to job." Says he would reform the tax code to offer choices beyond employee-based health insurance coverage. Under the plan, every family would receive a direct refundable tax credit for $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families. Says he would work with governors to develop a "best practice model" that states can follow. The plan would "reflect the best experience of the states to ensure these patients have access to health coverage." Would increase awareness and promote the use of existing children's health insurance programs while expanding community health centers. Says he would foster greater competition in the drug markets "through safe re-importation of drugs and faster production of generic drugs." Says he would promote the rapid deployment of 21st century information systems and technology that allows doctors to practice across state lines. Says on Web site that he would "pass medical liability reform that eliminates lawsuits directed at doctors who follow clinical guidelines and adhere to safety protocols." Co-sponsored Combating Autism Act of 2006 and worked to ensure its enactment.

War on Terror:

Candidates have proposed different ways to conduct the war on terror, especially in the areas of gathering intelligence to prevent domestic attacks and how to keep terrorists from entering the country. REPUBLICANS 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. DEMOCRATS Barack 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.

Housing:

Home prices are declining and foreclosure filings are skyrocketing. Several prominent companies that engaged in volatile sub prime loans have gone bankrupt or have been bought out, while the people they loaned money to are faced with mortgage bills they often cannot pay. DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Proposes creating a $10 billion fund to help prevent foreclosures, eliminate some taxes and fees for families who must sell and offer counseling to homeowners. Would allow troubled homeowners refinance a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Announced a "credit card bill of rights" to provide disclosure of hidden credit costs. Would provide tax credits to 10 million middle class homeowners who struggle with mortgage costs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Supports maintaining the role that the two companies play in providing capital to the housing market. REPUBLICANS John McCain Give homeowners the chance to have their loan modified, provided they meet certain criteria. Offers of financial assistance to borrowers contingent upon lending reform. Believes a government bailout should only be a last resort. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Supports government aid to keep the two companies from collapsing.

Immigration:

The battle over illegal immigration promises to rage on until Election Day and beyond.

REPUBLICANS 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. DEMOCRATS Barack 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.

Iraq:

The Iraq war looms as, perhaps, the most important foreign policy issue during the 2008 election. With thousands of U.S. troops stationed there and sectarian violence always threatening to engulf the country, candidates will have to grapple with the day-to-day events taking place more than 6,000 miles away. REPUBLICANS John McCain Voted in 2002 for use of military force in Iraq. Supported Bush veto of war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Was one of the earliest proponents of sending additional American troops to Iraq.

On withdrawal Does not believe in setting a withdrawal timetable. During a July interview, McCain said, "anything is a good timetable that is dictated by conditions on the ground. Anything is good. But the timetable is dictated not by an artificial date but by the conditions on the ground." States on campaign Web site, "I do not want to keep our troops in Iraq a minute longer than necessary to secure our interests there. Our goal is an Iraq that can stand on its own as a democratic ally and a responsible force for peace in its neighborhood. Our goal is an Iraq that no longer needs American troops." During a May speech that projected the state of the world after his first term, McCain said, "By January 2013, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom. The Iraq war has been won. Iraq is a functioning democracy, although still suffering from the lingering effects of decades of tyranny and centuries of sectarian tension. Violence still occurs, but it is spasmodic and much reduced." Believes that the United Nations should play a role in supporting provincial governments' elections in late 2008 and the national government elections in 2009. Believes that economic progress is essential to sustaining security gains in Iraq. States that international community should bolster proven microfinance programs to spur local-level entrepreneurship throughout the country. Also believes that Iraq's neighbors should promote regional stability by directly investing the fruits of their oil exports in Iraq. The surge Supported January 2007 "troop surge" and was one of the earliest proponents of the strategy. Stated in July campaign speech, "all the polls said the "surge" was unpopular. ...I chose to support the new counterinsurgency strategy backed by additional troops, which I had advocated since 2003, after my first trip to Iraq. ... Today, the effects of the new strategy are obvious. The surge has succeeded, and we are, at long last, finally winning this war." Status of Forces Agreement Support U.S.-Iraqi negotiations for a Status of Forces Agreement, saying, "while negotiations with the Iraqi government are ongoing, reports indicate that all dates included in the draft security agreement are aspirational goals, based on conditions on the ground. ... We are today negotiating a conditions-based agreement that will enable us to withdraw troops in victory and with honor." DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Opposed use of military force in Iraq. In October 2002, when he was an Illinois state senator, Obama said, "I know that invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East and encourage the worst rather than best impulses in the Arab world and strengthen the recruitment arm of al Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars; I am opposed to dumb wars." Voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Had once called for troop withdrawal to begin by the end of 2006. On withdrawal Would redeploy U.S. troops at a pace of one to two brigades a month. The Obama campaign says the proposed schedule would remove them from Iraq within 16 months and be complete by summer 2010. Would maintain residual force to perform specific missions in Iraq, like targeting remnants of al Qaeda, protecting U.S. service members and diplomats, and supporting Iraq's security forces. Would commit $2 billion toward an international effort to support the more than 4 million displaced Iraqis. Would make it clear that the United States seeks no permanent bases in Iraq. Would pursue diplomatic effort to reach a comprehensive compact on the stability of Iraq and the region, including Iran and Syria. Compact would aim to secure Iraq's borders, keep neighboring countries from meddling inside Iraq, isolate al Qaeda, support reconciliation among Iraq's sectarian groups and provide financial support for Iraq's reconstruction and development. The surge Opposed January 2007 "troop surge." In July, Obama said, "I have acknowledged repeatedly that the fact that we put more troops in there helped to quell the violence. The question is whether or not my position, in suggesting that we need to begin a phased withdrawal, we should have begun it earlier, whether that position that I took was a mistake. And I do not believe it was, because I continue to believe that the only way for us to stabilize the situation in Iraq -- I believed it then, and I believe it now -- is for the parties to arrive at a set of political accommodations." Status of Forces Agreement Believes that any Status of Forces Agreement, which allows U.S. military forces to operate within the host country, should be negotiated in the context of a broader commitment by the U.S. to begin withdrawing its troops and forswearing permanent bases. Also believes that any security accord must be subject to congressional approval.

LGBT Issues:

From the debate over same-sex marriage to the military's "Don't ask, don't tell policy," issues that affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender (LGBT) community look to play a prominent role in this year's presidential election. REPUBLICANS John McCain Believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. Voted for the Defense of Marriage Act but voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. Says states and local governments should set their own marriage policies Voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1996. During an interview in 2000, McCain said: "I think that the present laws that clearly prevent a discrimination of any kind certainly [apply] to gays and homosexuals as well. That's why I voted the way that I did. I think that enforcement of existing law could work rather than passing special laws for special categories of people." When asked about the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, McCain said: "...I don't think there's any doubt that there are evolving attitudes in America about many issues, including this one, but every military leader that I talk to, I say 'Should we change it?' They say, 'It's working.' And right now we've got the best military we've ever had -- the most professional, best trained, equipped and the bravest. And so I think it's logical to leave this issue alone. I really do." The McCain campaign states that gay adoption is a state issue and does not endorse any federal legislation. DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Opposes same-sex marriage, but also opposes a constitutional ban. Says he would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. As stated on the Obama campaign Web site, he supports full civil unions that "give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency as well as equal health insurance, employment benefits, and property and adoption rights." Says the Employment Non-Discrimination Act should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Advocated legislation that sought to expand federal hate crimes law to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Says the military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy needs to be repealed.

Social Security:

There’s plenty of disagreement among the 2008 candidates on how to reform the Social Security system -- or even if the system needs fixing in the first place.

DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Strongly opposed to privatizing Social Security. Believes that the first place to look for ways to strengthen Social Security is the payroll tax system. Currently, the Social Security payroll tax applies to only the first $97,500 a worker earns; Obama supports increasing the maximum amount of earnings covered by Social Security. Would work with Congress to choose a payroll tax reform package that will keep Social Security solvent for at least the next half century. REPUBLICANS John McCain Advocates supplementing Social Security benefits with individual investment accounts. Prefers slowing the growth benefits to raising taxes. When asked about Social Security during a GOP debate, he stated: "Every man, woman and child in America needs to know it's going broke, and we've got to do the hard things. We've got to fix it for the future generations of Americans ... It's got to be bipartisan. And you have to go to the American people and say we won't raise your taxes. We need personal savings accounts, but we [have] to fix this system."

Taxes:

Along with the Iraq war, economic issues promise to dominate the race for the White House, including the always heated issue of taxes.

DEMOCRATS Barack Obama Opposed extending 2003 Bush tax cut law through 2010. Supports eliminating marriage penalty and extending child tax credit. Proposes a "making work pay" tax credit of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family. Proposes eliminating income taxes for seniors making less than $50,000 per year and eliminating all capital gains taxes on start- ups and small businesses. Says he would reform the child and dependent care tax credit by making it refundable and allowing low-income families to receive up to a 50 percent credit for child care expenses. Favors tax cuts for middle-class workers and tax increases for top earners. Says he would restore the top two income tax rates to their pre-2001 levels of 36 percent and 39.6 percent. (Currently, they're 33 percent and 35 percent.) Says he would maintain the estate tax but would freeze the estate tax exemption amount at $3.5 million. Proposes to create an "American opportunity tax credit," which the Obama campaign describes as "a fully refundable credit" that "will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans and would cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university." REPUBLICANS John McCain Voted against 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cut laws, but later voted in favor of extending tax cuts through 2010. Says he would keep the current rates on dividends and capital gains, and maintain the current income and investment tax rates. Says he opposes a proposal supporters call the "Fair Tax," which would repeal income taxes and other taxes and abolish the Internal Revenue, but has previously said he would sign it into law as president. Says he would double the child deduction from $3,500 to $7,000 and permanently repeal the alternative minimum tax. Says he would reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent. Advocates raising the exemption from taxation on estates up to $10 million while cutting the tax rate to 15 percent. Proposes that a three-fifths majority vote in Congress be required to raise taxes. Says he would permit corporations to immediately deduct the cost of equipment investment. Would prohibit new cellular telephone taxes and ban Internet taxes. Wants to establish a permanent tax credit equal to 10 percent of wages spent on research and development.