John McCain vs. Barack Obama on the Issues

Despite Hillary Clinton's non-concession speech at the end of the primary campaign, the general election will feature Senator John McCain for the Republicans and Senator Barack Obama for the Democrats. What are the stands of the two candidates on major issues?

The Economy

Barack Obama would provide a "middle class tax cut" of $500 to $1000, while ending most of the Bush tax cuts, including the one on capital gains taxes. Obama opposes new free trade initiatives in Latin America and promises to reopen negotiations on NAFTA. Obama promises a variety of new spending initiatives, including investments in technology, education, and basic science. Obama would provide relief for homeowners caught in the housing credit crunch, crack down on predatory credit card practices, and expand the family leave act.

John McCain proposes to retain the Bush tax cuts, repeal the Alternate Minimum Tax, double the personal exemption for dependents, cut the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent, and institute a new R&D tax credit. McCain would require a 3/5s majority in the Congress to raise taxes and bad taxes on the Internet and cell phones. McCain would institute an alternative flat tax that tax payers could opt into. McCain would eliminate earmark spending, impose a one year freeze on domestic, discretionary spending, eliminate dysfunctional spending programs, and reform entitlement spending including Medicare and Social Security. McCain is in favor of personal accounts within Social Security. McCain supports free trade agreements and reforming the unemployment insurance system.

Foreign Policy

Barack Obama would withdraw forces from Iraq and generally rely more on diplomatic initiatives to deal with problem countries such as Iran. He has made promises to meet "unconditionally" with dictators such as Castro in Cuba, Chavez in Venezuela, and Amadinejad in Iran. Obama has promised to increase foreign aid program, particularly for Africa. Obama opposes missile defense and weapons in space. Obama promises to expand the military, but cut certain weapons development programs.

John McCain supports staying in Iraq until victory and reserves the use of punitive sanctions to deal with countries such as Iran and even the use of military force. McCain would expand the military and build missile defense systems and cutting wasteful, pork barrel spending.

The Environment

Barack Obama supports reducing carbon emissions by eighty percent through a cap and trade system. Obama would fight deforestation and support carbon sequestration. Obama would also support renewed efforts worldwide to combat climate change.

John McCain also supports a cap and trade system, which he calls "market-based", with a time table for reducing greenhouse gasses. McCain supports the development of technologies beneficial to the environment. McCain also calls for international initiatives to combat climate change.

Energy

Barack Obama opposes domestic drilling for oil and natural gas, especially in ANWR. Obama supports a number of spending initiative to support the development of "green" renewable energy technologies, including wind and solar. Obama also supports the development of biofuels and clean coal. Obama would also impose energy efficiency standards for things like automobiles and home appliances.

John McCain opposes drilling in ANWR but would allow the states to decide on drilling for oil offshore. McCain also supports research and development into clean, renewable energy technology. McCain supports the development of nuclear energy.

Health Care

Barack Obama would institute a national health care system that would be available for all Americans, while still permitting private insurance. Obama would impose a tax on all employers who do not offer health care plans to help pay for the national health care program. Obama also promises certain reforms, including paperwork reduction and information technology. Obama would expand the SCHIP and Medicare programs and mandate coverage of children "up to age 25."

John McCain would offer tax credits to allow individuals and families to obtain private insurance. McCain would make health insurance more portable, allow people to retain health care as they move from job to job. McCain would work to make it easier for people with preexisting conditions to obtain insurance. McCain would use market-based incentives and technology investments to lower the cost of insurance, health care, and pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

On a variety of issues, with certain exceptions, Obama and McCain take different approaches. Obama tends to rely on government programs and spending to solve problems at home and diplomacy to solve problems abroad. McCain, on the other hand, tends to rely more on tax incentives and market-based solutions to address domestic concerns. McCain also would pursue a more vigorous foreign and national security policy, reserving the use of military force when necessary.

Sources: Barack Obama 2008, On the Issues
John McCain for President, On the Issues