Thread: Part 1: Examining key differences between Obama and McCain

Part 1: Examining key differences between Obama and McCain

BY TOM BRUNE

tom.brune@newsday.com

September 7, 2008

COLORADO SPRINGS


With just two months to go before the Nov. 4 election, the presidential race has been dominated recently by an intraparty drama, a surprise running mate, two historic nominations, duels over judgment and experience - and the occasional issue.

Republican John McCain's senior aide Rick Davis even went so far as to say last week: "This election is not about issues. This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

That prompted a quick and stern rebuke from the campaign of Democrat Barack Obama, which itself has been criticized for promoting a candidate better known for his charisma and eloquence than his detailed policy statements.

But beneath even the most personality-driven campaigns are core issues that divide voters into opposing camps, issues as emotional as abortion and gay rights, as close-to-home as taxes and health care, and as essential as national security and foreign policy.

In accepting their parties' nominations in the past two weeks, Obama and McCain laid out fundamental differences on the role of government: Obama urged more activism, McCain offered a hands-off approach.

From those basic philosophies flow their differences.

Today and tomorrow Newsday examines the positions of Obama and McCain on 10 key issues. The starkest differences are on the Iraq war, abortion and tax policy. Click here to read the second installment.

Yet both also have shifted on issues and may do so again as they campaign as "reformers" who will reach across the aisle.

McCain, for example, bucks his party to acknowledge human causes of global warming. And Obama, who won his nomination by opposing the Iraq war, last week acknowledged the "surge" of U.S. troops in Iraq worked.

WHERE OBAMA STANDS

ECONOMY

Would inject $75 billion into the economy through tax cuts and direct spending, targeting working families, seniors,

homeowners and the unemployed.

He contends this would prevent 1 million Americans from losing their jobs. The plan includes an immediate $250 tax cut for workers and their families and an immediate, temporary $250 bonus to seniors in their Social Security checks. If the economy worsens, he could repeat this once. His plans also include $45 billion in reserves that could be injected into the economy quickly in the future if deterioration continues.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN

Pledges to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq within 16 months, by the end of next year, four months earlier than his previous pledge.

A residual force would remain to conduct targeted counterterrorism missions against al-Qaida, protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel, and support Iraq's security forces. Opposed use of military force in Iraq, as well as the January 2007 "troop surge," saying that while it improved security, a political accommodation in the country is the ultimate solution. Contends decision to invade Iraq diverted resources from the war in Afghanistan, making it harder to capture or kill Osama bin Laden while the Taliban has re-emerged and al-Qaida has regrouped. Would send at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan and seek greater contributions from NATO allies.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Would implement 9/11 Commission recommendations.

Would close controversial prison at U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, which holds hundreds of suspected terrorists and other detainees. Voted to reauthorize Patriot Act in 2006, but would revise it. Pledges to secure chemical plants and ensure safe, secure disposal of nuclear waste.

ENERGY

Proposes eliminating U.S. need for Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil within 10 years.

Pledges to enact a windfalls profits tax to provide a $1,000 emergency energy rebate to families. Favors accelerating work on the Alaska natural gas pipeline. Was previously against lifting federal restrictions on offshore drilling, but recently indicated may favor some.

ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE

Proposes to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, partly through economywide cap-and-trade system.

Wants 10 percent of U.S. electricity to come from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025. Wants 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on road by 2015, and tougher fuel efficiency standards. Proposes new $7,000 tax credit for purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles.

WHERE MCCAIN STANDS

ECONOMY

Would lower corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25

percent, saying the United States currently has second highest corporate tax rate in the world.

Would declare a summer gas tax holiday, suspending the 18.4 cent federal gas tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Wants to allow first-year deduction, or "expensing," of equipment and technology investments, and establish a permanent research and development tax credit equal to 10 percent of wages spent on R&D. Would also ban any Internet taxes and reduce estate tax rate to 15 percent.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN

Does not believe in setting a withdrawal timetable from Iraq, saying it depends on conditions on the ground and that Iraq's government must first "become capable of governing itself and safeguarding its people."

However, has spoken of possibility of most troops home by January 2013. Voted in 2002 for use of military force in Iraq, and was one of first proponents of "troop surge." Argues that surge has turned tide of the war, with violence sharply down. Warns that Iraq "must not become a failed state, a haven for terrorists, or a pawn of Iran." Believes economic progress is essential to sustaining security gains in Iraq. Would send three additional combat brigades to Afghanistan and double size of Afghan army to 160,000 troops.

NATIONAL SECURITY

Pledges to revitalize U.S. public diplomacy and create independent agency with purpose of getting America's message to the world.

Would set up new civil-military agency patterned after Office of Strategic Services in WWII. Voted for the Patriot Act in 2001 and for its reauthorization in 2006. Would close the base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

ENERGY

Backs more nuclear power and other alternative energy sources, pledging to build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030 and eventually 100 total.

Opposes windfall taxes on U.S. oil companies. Believes federal government should lift restrictions on offshore drilling and provide incentives to states permitting offshore exploration. But opposes drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Would commit $2 billion annually to develop clean coal technology.

ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE

Broke with President George W. Bush on the issue of global warming.

Favors tougher fuel efficiency, and led Senate efforts to cap greenhouse emissions. Backs a cap-and-trade system that would set limits on greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging development of low-cost compliance options. Wants greenhouse emissions cut by 60 percent by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

WHERE YOU STAND

ECONOMY

A USA Today/Gallup poll from Aug. 21-23 found that 43 percent believed the economy is the issue that will be most important to your vote for president.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from Aug. 23-25 said 75 percent of participants believe the U.S. economy is in bad shape, compared to just 43 percent a year ago. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll from Aug. 15-18 said 68 percent disapprove of the job that George W. Bush is doing in handling the economy.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from Aug. 29-31 said 64 percent oppose the U.S. war in Iraq, and respondents were split 49-49 on whether the U.S. was winning the war.

A USA Today/Gallup Poll from Aug. 21-23 found that 63 percent believe the United States did not make a mistake in sending military forces to Afghanistan, but only 41 percent said things are going very well or moderately well for the U.S. in Afghanistan.

NATIONAL SECURITY

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from June 26-29 found that 45 percent said it was not too likely that there will be further acts of terrorism in the United States over the next several weeks.

An ABC News/Washington Post Poll from June 12-15 said 61 percent did not believe noncitizens suspected of terrorism who are being held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should be able to challenge their detentions in the civilian court system.

ENERGY

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from Aug. 29-31 found that 52 percent strongly favor increased drilling for oil and natural gas offshore in U.S. waters and 59 percent would allow drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

A CBS News/New York Times poll from Aug. 15-19 said 35 percent say recent price increases in gasoline have caused them serious financial hardship.

ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE

An ABC News/Planet Green/Stanford University poll from July 23-28 said 25 percent believe global warming is the biggest environmental problem facing the world and 61 percent said the federal government should do more than it's doing now to try to deal with global warming.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from June 26-29 found that 49 percent believe protection of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of curbing economic growth.

COMING UP NEXT: Health Care, Social Security, Education, Immigration, Abortion

Copyright © 2008, Newsday Inc.