Vote Gopher | President Obama on the Issues | Iraq, Healthcare, Education, Economy, and more
ECONOMIC
INTERNATIONAL
DOMESTIC
SOCIAL
POLITICAL
CANDIDATE QUALITIES
Stimulus Creating Jobs
 

The Obama administration has reported that the federal stimulus program is responsible for the creation of 650,000 jobs and that the program is on track to create 3.5 million jobs by the end of two years.

Dr. No
 

Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma has spent his 5 year career in the Senate doing everything within his power to obstruct bills that he feels are detrimental to America and health care is no exception.

New Health Care Legislation
 

Democrats in the House of Representatives revealed new health care Legislation on Thursday.

Deficit Cutting Committee
 

The large federal deficit could make it difficult for Democrats to gain offices so a bipartisan committee is being created that will be dedicated to shrinking the deficit.

Scozzafava Bows Out
 

Dede Scozzafava withdrew from the race for an upstate New York Congressional seat citing a lack of support.

New Health Bill Unveiled
 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a revamped health care package to the House of Representatives Thursday.

Obama Victorious Over Military
 

President Barack Obama was successful in cutting back military spending on new weapons systems when he signed a $680 billion military policy bill Wednesday.

1
 
 
Stimulus Creating Jobs

The Obama administration has reported that the federal stimulus program is responsible for the creation of 650,000 jobs and that the program is on track to create 3.5 million jobs by the end of two years.

2
 
 
Dr. No

Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma has spent his 5 year career in the Senate doing everything within his power to obstruct bills that he feels are detrimental to America and health care is no exception.

3
 
 
New Health Care Legislation

Democrats in the House of Representatives revealed new health care Legislation on Thursday.

4
 
 
Deficit Cutting Committee

The large federal deficit could make it difficult for Democrats to gain offices so a bipartisan committee is being created that will be dedicated to shrinking the deficit.

5
 
 
Scozzafava Bows Out

Dede Scozzafava withdrew from the race for an upstate New York Congressional seat citing a lack of support.

6
 
 
New Health Bill Unveiled

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a revamped health care package to the House of Representatives Thursday.

7
 
 
Obama Victorious Over Military

President Barack Obama was successful in cutting back military spending on new weapons systems when he signed a $680 billion military policy bill Wednesday.

Pause

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PRESIDENT OBAMA
ACTIONS IN OFFICE
CANDIDATE OBAMA
ELECTION 2008

 
  • Aided troubled motor vehicle industry by renewing loans to Chrysler Corporation and General Motors
  • Arranged the terms of both corporations bankruptcies, helped negotiate sale of Chrysler Corporation, and arranged for the government to temporarily gain 60% equity stake in General Motors during reorganization
  • Claimed federal stimulus package responsible for roughly 650,000 American jobs
  • Key fed funds rate which affects borrowing across entire economy hits 40 year low of 2.0 percent.
  • Dow surpasses symbolic 10000 mark for first time in over a year following 7-month 53% surge
  • Signed $787 billion economic stimulus package that was 60% government spending and 40% tax cuts
  • Reportedly plans to use TARP money to create a public-private investment partnership that would purchase troubled assets from banks
  • If the largest banks fail to raise a government-determined amount of capital in six months, the government will provide the capital by purchasing preferred shares in the banks
  • Announced a new mortgage relief plan with government financing of reduced monthly rates for some homeowners and easier preconditions for refinancing
  • Will create a task force to decide whether GM and Chrysler should receive government aid
 
  • Supported a new stimulus package with tax rebates and aid to local governments
  • Supported TARP program and Bush administration bailout actions, but argued for CEO pay restrictions
  • Proposed government-backed mortgage relief for some subprime mortgage-holders
  • Supported extending and expanding unemployment insurance
  • Argued that economy and tax code are too skewed toward wealthy

 
  • Named healthcare as one of three areas "critical to our economic future" for which he will propose large increased spending
  • Has said that he wants to cut health care costs and cover all Americans, but let people keep their current healthcare if they so desire 
  • Will work with Congress to create a large-scale health care reform proposal rather than send Congress a plan of his own
  • Signed into law an expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program
  • Signed economic stimulus package containing money to fund preventive care and incentivize a shift to electronic medical records
 
  • Proposed to retain employer-based insurance system, but mandate that large and mid-sized employers offer health care or pay into a public plan
  • Supported mandating that all children, but not all adults, receive health insurance
  • For adults without employer-based insurance, proposed to create a National Health Insurance Exchange with competition between regulated private plans and a new public plan
  • Proposed new public plan would have subsidized premiums for people making less than 4 times the poverty level
  • Supported mandating that all private plans must guarantee eligibility for everyone, and that those with pre-existing conditions should not pay higher rates
  • Proposed to control costs with information technology, preventive care, and government absorption of some catastrophic insurance costs

 
  • Sent budget plan to Congress, which included redistributing $1 trillion from the upper to the lower class in order to give tax cuts to the poor, increase college loans, and revamp the health care system
  • Proposed making this years $3.5 million estate tax permanent
  • Eliminated capital gains for new investments in small businesses beginning in 2014
  • 28% limit on itemized deductions, affecting couples who earn more than $250,000
  • Released a budget plan to cut the deficit from over $1 trillion to about $500 million by 2013
  • Signed economic stimulus bill containing $301 billion in tax cuts, including a $400 tax cut for any worker making less than $75,000 per year
  • Will raise revenue by allowing the Bush tax cuts on upper-income earners to expire after 2010, keeping the estate tax at 2009 levels, and increasing IRS pursuit of tax shelters and loopholes
  • Will cut spending on the war in Iraq and Medicare Advantage payments to insurance companies
  •  
    • Proposed tax cuts for low- and middle- income earners and many other specific groups, including a $500 tax cut for individual workers
    • Supported income, payroll, and capital gains tax increases for upper-income earners making more than $250K/year, and supported repealing the Bush tax cuts for those upper-income earners
    • Did not pledge to balance the budget, but planned to eliminate some wasteful spending while increasing spending on healthcare, energy, and the military
    • Pledged 5-minute tax filing for all taxpayers who do not itemize.

     

     


     
    • Number of American troops in Iraq swells to 142,000
    • Announced that all US combat units will be out of Iraq by 2011
    • 50,000 troops to remain in Iraq till 2011 in order to ensure smooth transition
    • Will temporarily retain a residual force of 35,000 to 50,000 troops to fight terrorists and protect U.S. personnel
    • Plans to remove all U.S. troops, including the residual force, by December 2011
    • Says that the U.S. will not establish any permanent military bases in Iraq
     
    • During the campaign, proposed to withdraw all combat brigades during his first 16 months in office
    • Planned to temporarily keep a much smaller "residual" force there to fight terrorists and protect U.S. personnel
    • Said that the U.S. would not establish any permanent military bases in Iraq
    • Opposed going to war with Iraq in 2002 and opposed the troop surge in 2007

     
    • Signed executive orders to ban torture and close the Guantanamo Bay prison within a year
    • His administration is reviewing policy options on holding and trying terrorism suspects
    • Announced in February that he plans to send 17,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan
    • His administration is currently conducting an Afghanistan strategy review
    • Has conducted some cross-border strikes against al Qaeda terrorists in Pakistan
     
    • Supported banning torture for both the CIA and the military
    • Proposed closing the Guantanamo Bay prison and trying detainees in civilian courts
    • Opposed President Bush's warrantless wiretapping program, but supported the FISA compromise that expanded legal methods of wiretapping
    • Supported adding 7,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan by moving some out of Iraq
    • Supported cross-border strikes against al Qaeda terrorists in Pakistan

       

     
    • Delivers speech to AIPAC in which he dissolves all fears of being pro-Palestinian and fully embraces Israel
    • Charles Freeman forced to withdraw his nomination to run for the National Intelligence Council due to opposition from pro-Israel lobbyists
    • On eve of address to Muslim world in Cairo, young Israelis are videotaped in the streets of Jerusalem speaking about the President in vile racist tones
    • According to a report by the US State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence Iran will not be able to produce enough highly enriched uranium to produce a nuclear weapon until 2013
     
    • Announces support for Israel in interview, stating the United States should help protect Israel from it’s sworn enemies
    • Accused of being pro-Palestinian due to out of context statements and his middle name “Hussein”

     
    • Obama has not listed immigration reform among his top domestic priorities, and has not yet taken any actions to push immigration reform
    • Remains rhetorically committed to a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants here now
    • His Homeland Security Secretary, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, will oversee policy toward illegal immigration
    • Napolitano has been skeptical about the effectiveness of a border fence, and instead supports increasing Border Patrol personnel and improving technology
     
    • Wanted to create a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants here now who meet certain conditions
    • Supported increased border security, including some fencing
    • Had mixed feelings about guest worker programs, previously supported a compromise including such a program but said he preferred giving immigrants labor protections
    • Supported increasing penalties on employers hiring illegal immigrants
    • Opposed increasing job-based immigration at the expense of family reunification

     
    • Passed bill which curbs the output of greenhouse emissions and puts tariffs on imports from countries who do not follow suit
    • Bill utilizes “cap and trade” system
    • Proposed energy bill which will add $9 trillion to energy costs by 2050
    • Official budget claims that proposed energy tax would add upward of $646 billion over the first 8 years
    • Named energy as one of three areas "critical to our economic future" for which he will propose large increased spending, and pledges to address energy this year
    • Proposed a budget that would allot billions toward renewables and energy efficiency in both research and implementation
    • The budget would also make coal and oil more expensive by increasing taxes on oil companies and creating a "cap and trade" system for carbon emissions
    • The budget would invest in clean coal research and biomass research, but says little about expanding nuclear energy
    • Signed economic stimulus package containing incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency
     
    • Proposed large subsidies for renewable energy research and tax credits for implementation
    • Supported doubling fuel economy standards within 18 years and several other energy efficiency measures
    • Proposed to use these investments to shift away from fossil fuels, and create a "cap and trade" system for carbon emissions
    • Supported continuing corn ethanol subsidies and continuing sugar ethanol import taxes
    • Said he would consider constructing more nuclear plants if safety and storage problems could be solved

       

     
    • Named education as one of three areas "critical to our economic future" for which he will propose large increased spending
    • Proposed grant money to states that develop high-quality early childhood education programs
    • Supports merit pay for teachers that perform well
    • Called on states to eliminate caps on the number of charter schools they allow
    • Index Pell Grant money to inflation, replace subsidized private tuition lending with direct government lending
    • Economic stimulus bill contained $100 billion of education spending, including funds for state aid, tuition tax credits, Pell Grants, and low-income schools
     
    • Supported increasing education funding to help schools meet testing standards
    • Argued for merit pay for teachers who mentor & perform well
    • Supported charter schools, opposed vouchers
    • Proposed a tuition tax credit for all college students
    • Supported allowing race-based affirmative action for colleges

     
    • Held a "fiscal responsibility summit" in February to discuss long-term budget issues
    • At the summit, focused more on Medicare and rising health care costs than Social Security
    • Argues that Social Security will be easier to fix than Medicare
    • Has not offered a more specific plan for Social Security reform
     
    • Said that the Social Security funding problem is real but manageable
    • Proposed to fund the system by adding a payroll tax of between 2% and 4% to all income above $250,000 per year
    • Opposed personal accounts and privatization

     
    • Ended the ban on federal funding for international family planning groups that advise women about abortions
    • Issued a statement promising to work with abortion opponents to reduce unintended pregnancies
    • Has not yet discussed the Freedom of Choice Act
    • Removed existing restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research
     
    • Said he strongly supported Roe v. Wade
    • Pledged to pass the Freedom of Choice Act, which would prevent states from restricting abortion access before fetal viability
    • Supported allowing partial-birth abortion bans with expanded exemptions for health of mother
    • Wanted to promote pregnancy prevention through contraceptives and comprehensive sex ed
    • Proposed removing the restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research

     
    • Plans to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays in the military, but has not yet said when
    • Has not yet said if or when he will address other high profile gay rights issues
     
    • Opposed reversing state court decisions that legalize gay marriage
    • Said he supported national civil union legislation
    • Strongly supported ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
    • Supported employment non-discrimination legislation and expanding the definition of "hate crimes" to include sexual orientation

     
    • Has not announced plans to expand trade
    • Has said that he would still like to renegotiate NAFTA to include labor and environmental standards, but has not made this a top priority
    • Economic stimulus law contains a "Buy American" provision for stimulus funds, but Pres. Obama says it will be enforced in a manner "consistent with international trade obligations."
     
    • Said he wanted to expand free trade, but only if our trading partners agreed to appropriate labor and environmental standards
    • Pledged to renegotiate NAFTA to include these standards
    • Supported increasing trade adjustment aid
    • Proposed "Patriot Employer Act" to cut taxes for businesses that increase or maintain their percentage of overall workers who are American

     
    • Plans to overhaul financial market regulations to address systemic risk, increase consumer and investor protection, and eliminate gaps in the regulatory structure
    • Supports increased capital requirements on institutions that are "too big to fail" and expanded oversight of hedge funds, money market funds, and derivatives markets
    • Signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which expands the period during which women can file claims of pay discrimination
    • Has reiterated his support for the Employee Free Choice Act, but said that he will focus on economic recovery first
     
    • Called for revamping financial market regulations
    • Pledged to sign Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to expand the period during which women can file claims of pay discrimination
    • Pledged to sign the Employee Free Choice Act
    • Supported indexing the minimum wage to inflation

     
    • Has not named gun policy or crime among his top domestic priorities
    • Attorney General Eric Holder supports reinstating the ban on sales of assault weapons, but the administration is not currently pushing for it
    • Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske supports focusing anti-drug policy on decreasing demand through prevention and treatment
    • Attorney General Holder said he will end raids on medical marijunana facilities in states where medical marijuana is legal
     
    • Supported reinstating the ban on sales of assault weapons
    • Said he supported the death penalty in more limited circumstances than it is currently used
    • Proposed to ease some drug sentencing requirements, but to keep all drugs illegal
    • Was undecided on medical marijuana

     
    • Has focused on the general economic downturn rather than the concentrated poverty existing prior to the crisis
    • Economic stimulus package includes billions in increased funding for Medicaid, food stamps, repairs for public housing, energy-efficiency upgrades for low-income homes, and welfare
    • Retaining the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, but has not yet banned federal funding for religious groups that discriminate in hiring
     
    • Proposed renewing support for faith-based initiatives office, but banning funding for religious groups that discriminate in hiring
    • Supported creating an Affordable Housing Trust Fund
    • Proposed expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and indexing minimum wage to inflation

       

     
    • Signed omnibus budget bill containing $7 billion in earmarks, but announced earmark reform guidelines for next year's budget
    • Those guidelines included online listing of all earmark requests in advance and subjecting private company earmarks to competitive bidding
    • Instituted new ethics rules that prevent former staffers from lobbying the administration and make current lobbyists wait two years before working for the White House
    • Has faced criticism for waiving these restrictions for certain nominees
    • Says new Budget Director Peter Orszag will develop new guidelines for government contracts to strengthen oversight and cut costs
     
    • Supported expanding public financing and applying it to Congressional races
    • Declined public financing for general election
    • Sponsored reform to make lobbying and earmarks transparent
    • Refused lobbyist and PAC campaign contributions

       

       

       
    PRESIDENT OBAMA
    ACTIONS IN OFFICE
    REPUBLICANS
    IN CONGRESS
    DEMOCRATS
    IN CONGRESS

    • Aided troubled motor vehicle industry by renewing loans to Chrysler Corporation and General Motors
    • Arranged the terms of both corporations bankruptcies, helped negotiate sale of Chrysler Corporation, and arranged for the government to temporarily gain 60% equity stake in General Motors during reorganization
    • Claimed federal stimulus package responsible for roughly 650,000 American jobs
    • Key fed funds rate which affects borrowing across entire economy hits 40 year low of 2.0 percent.
    • Dow surpasses symbolic 10000 mark for first time in over a year following 7-month 53% surge
    • Signed $787 billion economic stimulus package that was 60% government spending and 40% tax cuts
    • Reportedly plans to use TARP money to create a public-private investment partnership that would purchase troubled assets from banks
    • If the largest banks fail to raise a government-determined amount of capital in six months, the government will provide the capital by purchasing preferred shares in the banks
    • Announced a new mortgage relief plan with government financing of reduced monthly rates for some homeowners and easier preconditions for refinancing
    • Will create a task force to decide whether GM and Chrysler should receive government aid
    • All but unanimously oppose the public option
    • Most Republicans support creating health savings accounts and increasing portability of plans.
    • They tend to oppose increasing government involvement in coverage and market regulation.
    • Strongly oppose mandates for coverage.
    • A few have signed on to the Wyden-Bennett plan to end the employer-based system and mandate private insurance for all
    • Split on expanding SCHIP -- some support it, some say it is too costly
    • Bills drawn up by Democrats all run the same line of making more people eligible for Medicaid, offering subsidies to help those with moderate-income purchase insurance, and forbid insurers from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions
    • Democrats heatedly divided over whether or not to include a public option, a government insurance plan designed to compete with existing agencies’ policies in the exchange market
    • $894 billion house plan would merge a health and finance committee bill to include a public option while avoiding increasing the deficit and giving states the ability to opt-out
    • Democrats disagree on precisely how coverage should be expanded and made more affordable
    • Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) supports the Obama plan, but would add a mandate that all adults receive coverage once there are "affordable" options for all
    • Some liberals such as Ted Kennedy support extending Medicare to everyone, but will likely support an Obama or Baucus plan as a compromise
    • Some moderate Democrats support the Wyden-Bennett plan to end the employer-based system and mandate private insurance for all
    • All supported expanding SCHIP

    • Named healthcare as one of three areas "critical to our economic future" for which he will propose large increased spending
    • Has said that he wants to cut health care costs and cover all Americans, but let people keep their current healthcare if they so desire 
    • Will work with Congress to create a large-scale health care reform proposal rather than send Congress a plan of his own
    • Signed into law an expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program
    • Signed economic stimulus package containing money to fund preventive care and incentivize a shift to electronic medical records
    • Most support creating health savings accounts and increasing portability of plans.
    • Tend to oppose increasing government involvement in coverage and market regulation
    • Strongly oppose mandates for coverage
    • A few have signed on to the Wyden-Bennett plan to end the employer-based system and mandate private insurance for all
    • Split on expanding SCHIP -- some supported it, some said it was too costly
    • Support expanding affordable insurance coverage, but disagree on how it should be done
    • Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) generally supports President Obama's approach, but would add a mandate that all adults receive coverage once there are "affordable" options for all
    • Some liberals such as Ted Kennedy support extending Medicare to everyone, but will likely support an Obama or Baucus plan as a compromise
    • Some moderate Democrats support the Wyden-Bennett plan to end the employer-based system and mandate private insurance for all
    • All voted in favor of SCHIP expansion

  • Sent budget plan to Congress, which included redistributing $1 trillion from the upper to the lower class in order to give tax cuts to the poor, increase college loans, and revamp the health care system
  • Proposed making this years $3.5 million estate tax permanent
  • Eliminated capital gains for new investments in small businesses beginning in 2014
  • 28% limit on itemized deductions, affecting couples who earn more than $250,000
  • Released a budget plan to cut the deficit from over $1 trillion to about $500 million by 2013
  • Signed economic stimulus bill containing $301 billion in tax cuts, including a $400 tax cut for any worker making less than $75,000 per year
  • Will raise revenue by allowing the Bush tax cuts on upper-income earners to expire after 2010, keeping the estate tax at 2009 levels, and increasing IRS pursuit of tax shelters and loopholes
  • Will cut spending on the war in Iraq and Medicare Advantage payments to insurance companies
    • Nearly all have pledged to oppose any tax increases
    • Most supported proposal to stimulate the economy by permanently cutting income and capital gains taxes for all taxpayers
    • Most support repealing the estate tax entirely
    • Many support creating a flat tax, and some support the "Fair Tax" proposal to eliminate the current tax code and replace it with a national sales tax
    • The party supported budgets with high federal spending while they controlled Congress, but now condemns Democrats for too much federal spending.

     

     

    • Supported Pres. Obama's plan to include lower- and middle-class tax cuts in the economic stimulus bill
    • House leaders want to increase income taxes on the wealthiest earners soon, but Senate leaders may want to wait
    • Some supported Pres. Bush's initial plan for large tax cuts, but nearly all opposed his second round of tax cuts in 2003
    • Most oppose repealing the estate tax, though many want to apply it only to the wealthiest estates
    • Most now support budgets with high federal spending, though a group of "Blue Dog Democrats" expresses concern about the federal budget and entitlement issues

     

     


    • Number of American troops in Iraq swells to 142,000
    • Announced that all US combat units will be out of Iraq by 2011
    • 50,000 troops to remain in Iraq till 2011 in order to ensure smooth transition
    • Will temporarily retain a residual force of 35,000 to 50,000 troops to fight terrorists and protect U.S. personnel
    • Plans to remove all U.S. troops, including the residual force, by December 2011
    • Says that the U.S. will not establish any permanent military bases in Iraq
    • Mostly supportive of Pres. Obama's plan to withdraw all combat troops from Iraq by August 2010
    • Credit Pres. Bush and the troop "surge" strategy for reducing violence in Iraq
    • Nearly all supported authorizing war with Iraq in 2002, and most supported the troop surge in 2007
    • Most voted against withdrawal timetables when President Bush was in power
    • Opposed to leaving 50,000 troops in Iraq until 2011, would rather only leave 15,000
    • Strongly supportive of Pres. Obama's plan to withdraw all combat troops from Iraq by August 2010
    • Most have supported a troop withdrawal timetable for several years
    • Were split on whether funding should be withheld from the war to achieve withdrawal
    • Were split on the 2002 vote authorizing war with Iraq, but most opposed the troop surge in 2007

    • Signed executive orders to ban torture and close the Guantanamo Bay prison within a year
    • His administration is reviewing policy options on holding and trying terrorism suspects
    • Announced in February that he plans to send 17,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan
    • His administration is currently conducting an Afghanistan strategy review
    • Has conducted some cross-border strikes against al Qaeda terrorists in Pakistan
    • Most oppose closing the Guantanamo Bay prison
    • Most support allowing the intelligence agencies to use harsher interrogation techniques than military can
    • Nearly all supported the FISA compromise that expanded legal methods of wiretapping and gave retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that cooperated with past warrantless wiretapping
    • Most support Pres. Obama's plan to deploy 17,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan
    • Most support closing the Guantanamo Bay prison
    • Most support restricting the use of torture in interrogation for both the CIA and military
    • Split on FISA compromise's provision giving retroactive immunity to telecom companies that had cooperated with warrantless wiretapping
    • Most support Pres. Obama's plan to deploy 17,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan


    • Delivers speech to AIPAC in which he dissolves all fears of being pro-Palestinian and fully embraces Israel
    • Charles Freeman forced to withdraw his nomination to run for the National Intelligence Council due to opposition from pro-Israel lobbyists
    • On eve of address to Muslim world in Cairo, young Israelis are videotaped in the streets of Jerusalem speaking about the President in vile racist tones
    • According to a report by the US State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence Iran will not be able to produce enough highly enriched uranium to produce a nuclear weapon until 2013

    • Obama has not listed immigration reform among his top domestic priorities, and has not yet taken any actions to push immigration reform
    • Remains rhetorically committed to a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants here now
    • His Homeland Security Secretary, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, will oversee policy toward illegal immigration
    • Napolitano has been skeptical about the effectiveness of a border fence, and instead supports increasing Border Patrol personnel and improving technology
    • Most oppose creating a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants here now and call this proposal "amnesty"
    • But some major Republicans, including Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain, have supported immigration reform bills with a path to citizenship
    • All agree that "border security" is necessary, and most support building a fence along the southern border
    • Split on a guest worker program; supporters argue that it will be good for the economy but opponents say the guest workers will end up staying in the U.S. permanently
    • Most Democrats, including their leaders, support creating a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants here now who meet certain conditions
    • But a group of Democrats from more conservative states calls this "amnesty" and has opposed immigration reform bills with this provision
    • Most agree that "border security" is necessary, but only about half supported building a fence along the southern border
    • Split on a guest worker program; opponents argue that it will create a group of second-class citizens and supporters say that it is an improvement over the current illegal immigration status quo

    • Passed bill which curbs the output of greenhouse emissions and puts tariffs on imports from countries who do not follow suit
    • Bill utilizes “cap and trade” system
    • Proposed energy bill which will add $9 trillion to energy costs by 2050
    • Official budget claims that proposed energy tax would add upward of $646 billion over the first 8 years
    • Named energy as one of three areas "critical to our economic future" for which he will propose large increased spending, and pledges to address energy this year
    • Proposed a budget that would allot billions toward renewables and energy efficiency in both research and implementation
    • The budget would also make coal and oil more expensive by increasing taxes on oil companies and creating a "cap and trade" system for carbon emissions
    • The budget would invest in clean coal research and biomass research, but says little about expanding nuclear energy
    • Signed economic stimulus package containing incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency
    • Most strongly oppose a cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions
    • Strongly support increased domestic oil drilling
    • Most support expanding the use of nuclear power
    • Most usually vote against tax breaks for renewable energy and tax increases on oil companies
    • Split on ethanol subsidies according to state interests
    • Most oppose raising fuel economy standards and energy efficiency standards on a national level
    • Most support a cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions, though Democrats from coal states have been skeptical
    • Most support increasing research and development grants and tax credits for renewable energy
    • Split on fuel economy standards and national energy efficiency mandates
    • Most oppose expanding nuclear power and domestic oil drilling, though some do support these policies
    • Split on ethanol subsidies according to state interests
    • Democrats perceived as more friendly to environmental interests have recently taken over chairmanships of several key committees and subcommittees


    • Named education as one of three areas "critical to our economic future" for which he will propose large increased spending
    • Proposed grant money to states that develop high-quality early childhood education programs
    • Supports merit pay for teachers that perform well
    • Called on states to eliminate caps on the number of charter schools they allow
    • Index Pell Grant money to inflation, replace subsidized private tuition lending with direct government lending
    • Economic stimulus bill contained $100 billion of education spending, including funds for state aid, tuition tax credits, Pell Grants, and low-income schools
    • Most support revising No Child Left Behind to increase local control and promote school choice for children in failing schools
    • Some conservatives support a bill that would allow states to opt out of NCLB but continue receiving funding
    • Tend to support voucher programs and charter schools
    • Support federal tuition aid but have been more hesitant to expand it
    • Most oppose race-based affirmative action in college admissions
    • Most have pledged to revise the No Child Left Behind Act and increase its funding
    • Some liberals also propose lightening the bill's testing and proficiency requirements and allowing more local flexibility
    • Most support charter schools while opposing private school vouchers
    • Nearly all have supported expanding federal tuition aid
    • Most support allowing the use of race-based affirmative action in college admissions

    • Held a "fiscal responsibility summit" in February to discuss long-term budget issues
    • At the summit, focused more on Medicare and rising health care costs than Social Security
    • Argues that Social Security will be easier to fix than Medicare
    • Has not offered a more specific plan for Social Security reform
    • Many supported Pres. Bush's 2005 proposal to add personal accounts to Social Security
    • However, the proposal did not have enough support to come to a vote in that Republican-led Congress
    • Most oppose Candidate Obama's plan to raise the payroll tax on high-income earners to fund the system
    • Strongly opposed Pres. Bush's proposal to add personal accounts to Social Security
    • Not yet clear whether Congressional Democrats would support Candidate Obama's plan to raise the payroll tax on the wealthiest earners

    • Ended the ban on federal funding for international family planning groups that advise women about abortions
    • Issued a statement promising to work with abortion opponents to reduce unintended pregnancies
    • Has not yet discussed the Freedom of Choice Act
    • Removed existing restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research
    • Most are pro-life and want Roe v. Wade to be overturned
    • Most oppose the Freedom of Choice Act, which would prevent states from restricting abortion access before fetal viability
    • Argue that states should have the right to put some restrictions on abortion rights
    • Split on whether embryonic stem cell research should be federally funded -- most are against it, but several do support it
    • Most are pro-choice and support Roe v. Wade
    • Some support the Freedom of Choice Act, which would prevent states from restricting abortion access before fetal viability
    • It is unclear how much support this bill has from more moderate Democrats
    • Almost all Democrats support federally funding embryonic stem cell research

    • Plans to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays in the military, but has not yet said when
    • Has not yet said if or when he will address other high profile gay rights issues
    • Very few support any legislation to expand gay rights
    • Most oppose allowing gays to serve openly in the military
    • Most support amending the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman
    • Few support employment non-discrimination legislation or hate crime legislation about gays
    • Most support allowing gays to serve openly in the military
    • Nearly all Democrats support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to prevent workers from being fired for being gay
    • Most Democrats also support expanding the definition of "hate crimes" to include sexual orientation
    • It is unclear how many Democrats would support legislation to create civil unions nationwide
    • But nearly all oppose amending the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman

    • Has not announced plans to expand trade
    • Has said that he would still like to renegotiate NAFTA to include labor and environmental standards, but has not made this a top priority
    • Economic stimulus law contains a "Buy American" provision for stimulus funds, but Pres. Obama says it will be enforced in a manner "consistent with international trade obligations."
    • Most support expanding free trade, and most voted for CAFTA
    • Most strongly support proposed trade agreements with Colombia and South Korea
    • Most supported removing a "Buy American" provision for stimulus projects, but some voted to retain this provision
    • Most oppose expanding free trade, and most voted against CAFTA
    • Democratic leaders have not brought trade agreements with Colombia or South Korea to a vote
    • However, about half of Congressional Democrats did support a recent free trade agreement with Peru, saying the agreement included appropriate labor and environmental standards
    • Nearly all supported retaining a "Buy American" provision for stimulus projects, but enforcing it "in a manner consistent with international trade obligations"

    • Plans to overhaul financial market regulations to address systemic risk, increase consumer and investor protection, and eliminate gaps in the regulatory structure
    • Supports increased capital requirements on institutions that are "too big to fail" and expanded oversight of hedge funds, money market funds, and derivatives markets
    • Signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which expands the period during which women can file claims of pay discrimination
    • Has reiterated his support for the Employee Free Choice Act, but said that he will focus on economic recovery first
    • Have not yet taken a position on the Obama administration's plans for financial market regulatory reform
    • Most voted against the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and opposed expanding the period during which women can file claims of pay discrimination
    • Nearly every Republican opposes the Employee Free Choice Act that would allow union organizing through signature collection rather than a secret ballot
    • They argue that EFCA would would take away workers' rights to a secret ballot in forming a union
    • Have not yet taken a position on the Obama administration's plans for financial market regulatory reform
    • Nearly all voted for the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to expand the period during which women can file claims of pay discrimination
    • Most support the Employee Free Choice Act that would allow union organizing through signature collection rather than a secret ballot
    • Some moderate Democrats have expressed concern about EFCA, but few have officially opposed it

    • Has not named gun policy or crime among his top domestic priorities
    • Attorney General Eric Holder supports reinstating the ban on sales of assault weapons, but the administration is not currently pushing for it
    • Drug czar Gil Kerlikowske supports focusing anti-drug policy on decreasing demand through prevention and treatment
    • Attorney General Holder said he will end raids on medical marijunana facilities in states where medical marijuana is legal
    • Have not supported any new restrictions on gun sales or ownership in recent years
    • Opposed banning assault weapons and closing the "gun show loophole"
    • Do not support federal legislation to repeal the death penalty
    • Most support harsh sentences for the sale and possession of illegal drugs
    • Most support renewing the recently-expired assault weapons ban and closing the "gun show loophole"
    • Few support federal legislation to repeal the death penalty
    • Split on drug legislation; some support harsh sentencing and others support rehabilitation rather than prison

    • Has focused on the general economic downturn rather than the concentrated poverty existing prior to the crisis
    • Economic stimulus package includes billions in increased funding for Medicaid, food stamps, repairs for public housing, energy-efficiency upgrades for low-income homes, and welfare
    • Retaining the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, but has not yet banned federal funding for religious groups that discriminate in hiring
    • All but three opposed the economic stimulus package
    • Most supported an alternative that would have benefited only income taxpayers and capital gains taxpayers
    • Nearly all support faith-based initiatives office
    • Most typically vote against proposed minimum wage increases, but about half supported the 2007 increase
    • Nearly all supported the economic stimulus package
    • Some initially opposed faith-based initiatives office, but most now support it
    • Nearly all vote in favor of proposed minimum wage increases


    • Signed omnibus budget bill containing $7 billion in earmarks, but announced earmark reform guidelines for next year's budget
    • Those guidelines included online listing of all earmark requests in advance and subjecting private company earmarks to competitive bidding
    • Instituted new ethics rules that prevent former staffers from lobbying the administration and make current lobbyists wait two years before working for the White House
    • Has faced criticism for waiving these restrictions for certain nominees
    • Says new Budget Director Peter Orszag will develop new guidelines for government contracts to strengthen oversight and cut costs
    • Leaders support cuts in earmark spending and increased transparency for Congressional appropriations
    • Most oppose public financing of federal elections
    • Most oppose legislation requiring a paper trail for all votes in federal elections, calling such proposals too expensive
    • Appropriations Committee Chairmen will now require online posting of all earmark requests and have pledged to cut earmark spending in half
    • Some support public financing of Senate elections, but they have not made progress in this effort
    • Most support requiring a paper trail for all votes in federal elections



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