Some of the responses of the Presidential candidates on Vital Issues are stated below.
Economic Stimulus
Obama: Would pump $75 billion into the economy via tax cuts and direct spending targeted to working families, seniors, homeowners and the unemployed. Would provide an immediate $250 tax cut for workers and their families and an immediate, temporary $250 bonus to seniors in their Social Security Checks.
McCain: Would lower the corporate tax rate from 35 percent. Would allow first-year deduction of equipment and technology investments and establish a permanent research and development tax credit equal to 10 percent of wages spent on R&D.
Iraq
Obama: Opposed use of military force in Iraq. Voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Supports phased redeployment of U.S. troops. Opposed Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq.
McCain: Voted for use of military force in Iraq. Supported Bush veto of war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008. Was an early proponent of sending additional American troops to Iraq.
Iran
Obama: Dd not vote on a September 2007 Senate resolution calling on the administration to declare Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization. Believes in using diplomatic efforts and would meet with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea during the first year of Presidency.
McCain: Did not vote on a September 2007 Senate resolution. Says military action is an option, but would consult with the congressional leaders before taking action.
Israel
Obama:Believes that Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state should never be challenged. Said that any agreement must preserve "Israel's identity as Jewish stateand "Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel and it must remain undivided".
McCain: Has stated he is "proudly pro-Israel". Believes Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons poses an unacceptable risk to the United States and Israel. Says the U.S. must continue its long standing support for Israel.
