Political Points: Obama vs. McCain
From:
India-Jewel Jackson
144 days 23 hours 43 minutes ago
Gas prices are at an all time high, and our troops are still serving in Iraq. Unemployment is up, our economy is down–thank goodness Presidential elections are right around the corner. Do you have Obama-mania, or are you a McCain-iac? Below we’ve rundown the political stances of both parties. Time to choose–whose side are you on?
POLITICAL BACKGROUNDObama: 46-year-old Barack Obama is a Democrat and has been a member of the United States Senate since 2005. Prior, he served in the Illinois State Senate from 1997-2004.
McCain: 71-year-old John McCain is a Republican and has been a member of the United States Senate since 1987. He is also a Vietnam veteran, having served in the Navy from 1958-1981 as a pilot with the rank of Captain.
TAX REFORM Obama: Supports tax incentives for employers who keep labor stateside, and proposes to leave corporate taxes at 35%. Promises tax cuts for middle class citizens making less than $75,000 annually and higher taxes for wealthier individuals with incomes over $250,000 (5% of the American population). Promises no social security tax for individuals with incomes between $102,000 and $250,000, and suggests senior citizens earning less than $50,000 a year will pay no income tax at all.
McCain: Doesn’t plan on deviating from many of Bush’s tax laws, but will give corporations an even bigger break, as he believes lowering corporate taxes by 10% will help stimulate the economy. Also wants to give tax breaks to companies who invest in the advancement of technology, and wants to create a new tax credit for companies who engage in research and development.
WAR ON TERRORISMObama: Believes keeping American soldiers in Iraq will not be beneficial unless the Iraqi government steps up to help govern their own people, therefore he wants to end the war in Iraq and withdraw American troops within 16 months of taking office.
McCain: Believes pulling troops out of Iraq before Al-Qaeda has been defeated will prove to be catastrophic for America and our safety, and wants to continue the fight.
RETIREMENTObama: Wants taxes from the rich to fully fund social security, and wants to automatically enroll Americans in a retirement savings account to boost their savings.
McCain: Would like to see the retirement age rise from 65 to 68, and proposes private retirement accounts for individuals.
HEALTHCAREObama: Promises health insurance similar to that given to federal employees which will be funded by employers who do not offer coverage to their staff, complete with affordable deductibles, premiums, and co-payments for all Americans, regardless of pre-existing illnesses. Also proposes lower costs for prescriptions, by allowing citizens to buy them cheaper overseas.
McCain: Believes insurance should follow individuals from job-to-job, and proposes a tax credit that will refund $2,500 to singles and $5,000 to families to help them pay for their own healthcare.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Obama: Pro-Choice and for Roe vs. Wade. Believes abortion should be left up to the woman, without interference of the government.
McCain: Pro-Life and against Roe vs. Wade. Believes abortion should only be legal if pregnancy is a direct result of rape or incest, or if the life of the mother is endangered by the impending birth. Voted against a $100 million funding proposal to help educate girls on teen pregnancy and contraceptives.
The race for the white house is in full swing, and in less than three months, we'll be picking a new leader to hold court for the next 4 years. Don't leave the fate of the country to chance-thoroughly study each opponent's background and proposed plans for the future. Then, once you've picked sides-GO OUT AND VOTE.
Three things to know:
1) The
Democratic Convention will be held in Denver, CO from August 25th - 27th, and the
Republican Convention will be held in Minneapolis, MN from September 1st - 4th. Take a road trip and stop by!
2) Remember, if you haven't already - REGISTER! Make sure all of your friends and family are registered as well.
a)
Rock the Vote b)
ProjectVote.org c)
Register-Vote.com3) Every vote counts!
