Road to the White House

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The upcoming 2008 Presidential election is one of the most historic and important elections in United States history.  We are living at a time where our economy is failing its citizens, on the brink of recession; where the rich get all the tax breaks, and the poor and middle class are left with a devestating mortgage crisis. Rising tensions in the Middle East and two unsupported wars have left the United States more exposed and vulnerable to terrorism.  The United States position as a world leader and international support and respect has dramatically changed, with increasing criticism of our handling of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and our foreign affairs policies. Faith in the competency of the United States government is declining at home and abroad.

Who will bring America back from the turmoil and failures of the Bush administration? The question is not about race, gender or religion, but about who can make a change. Americans are dissatisfied with their government and its empty promises.  We want a leader who will stimulate the economy, provide affordable healthcare, bring our troops home and fix our standing in the world. Americans are sick of hearing politicians speak about these issues; instead we are in desperate need of a President who will act on these issues.

The four front runners for the 2008 Presidential nomination are Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and Mitt Romney. The various debates and primaries have brought attention to each candidate’s position on various issues. I will briefly discuss each candidate’s position and policies towards healthcare, the economy, the war in Iraq and the position towards Iran. Now, more than ever, it is vital for citizens of this country to educate themselves about the candidates and their issues. We as a nation must come together and choose the candidate who will help Americans achieve their dreams and claim back their lives.


Health Care
Hillary Clinton: Strongly advocates the importance of a universal health care system. Her plan is a mandate on individual health care insurance, and provides federal subsidies for those who cannot afford it and a cap on premiums.  She believes that “lowering costs and improving quality offers more choices and decreases costs.”
Barack Obama: Mandated coverage for children only. Under his plan, anyone who wants health care will get health care. He will provide subsidies and lower premiums. Individuals have a choice between public or private insurance programs. His plan will also extend to individuals under the age of 25 to be covered through their parents plan.
John McCain:  Believes the fundamental problem is the rising cost of health care. Does not support universal health care coverage. His program will provide health care tax dividends for low income Americans.
Mitt Romney: Does not support universal health care coverage. Focus is on expanding and deregulating the price of the health insurance market. Follows a free market approach where states develop their own plan to cover the uninsured.

Economy
Clinton: Will work with Congress to jumpstart the economy by addressing the housing crisis and creating new jobs. Plan includes a 90 day moratorium on foreclosures and freezing monthly rate on adjustable rate mortgages for 5 years. Will also create a $30 billion fund to help communities and home owners face the homeowner’s crisis. Will also invest $10 billion in extending unemployment insurance for those looking for work.
Obama: $75 billion plan via tax cuts and direct spending targeted to seniors, homeowners, working families and the unemployed. Will extend and expand unemployment insurance. Great emphasis on the middle class to thrive and grow.
McCain: Lower corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%. Claims he does not know as much about the economy as he does about the military and foreign policy. Against Bush’s capital-gains and dividends tax cuts. Will provide tax cuts to middle class.
Romney: His economic stimulus plan would make sure Bush tax cuts are permanent. Wants to lower corporate taxes and is against increasing Social Security tax.

War in Iraq
Clinton: Supports phased re-deployment. Three step plan to end war in Iraq includes a call within the first 60 days of her administration to end the military engagement in the Iraqi civil war and bringing the troops home. Voted for the war authorization.
Obama: Supports phased re-deployment of U.S. troops. His plan includes the removal of all combat brigades within 16 months. Had called for troop withdrawal by end of 2006. Opposed the use of military force, voted against the war.
McCain: Voted for the war. Supported the Bush veto of war spending that would have all U.S. troops withdrawn by March 2008. An early proponent to sending additional American troops to Iraq.
Romney: Voted for the war. Supported the Bush veto to get troops out by March 2008. Supported Bush plan for more troops in Iraq.

Iran
Clinton: Voted to declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization in September 2007. Advocated diplomacy, but refuses to meet with leaders in the first year of Presidency. Has stated that “no option can be taken off the table” in regards to military action, but has also expressed not favoring going into war with Iran.
Obama: Did not vote for resolution calling Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. Military option is off the table. Would meet with Iranian leaders during his first year of Presidency.
McCain: Did not vote for resolution calling Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. Military action is an option, but would consult with Congress first. Supports sanctions against Iran.
Romney: Supports tougher sanctions on Iran and believe military option remains on the table. Does not believe the United States should be engaging Iran in direct negotiations of nuclear program.

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