Various issues trouble the American public and Obama & McCain have their independent views regarding these issues. The road to November primarily deals with convincing the American public that one (Obama or McCain) knows how to deal with these key issues in the best possible way.
Of all these 'issues' the two big-ticket issues which rank top amongst all concerns of the American voter are 1) the Iraq war 2) the shaky economy.
The two candidates couldn't be more contradictory to each other regarding these issues.
McCain was, and is, a vehement supporter of the decision to invade Iraq and pledges to keep US troops there until 'the war is won'.
Obama, on the other hand, was an early opposer to the war and during the democratic primaries, promised to remove US troops from Iraq, although in early July, he slightly shifted from his stance and stated that he needs to assess the situation before taking a firm decision.
The presence of US troops in Iraq doesn't go down well with voters because many voters have relations in the armed forces. Moreover, the war on Iraq will cost the US a staggering $1 trillion and more, and this stat hasn't done anything but aggravate the taxpayer. Hard-core conservatives will stand by McCain on this issue, but a majority of voters will support Obama, although the recent centralist comments by Obama regarding this issue may disgruntle voters.
On the agenda of economy, the chasm is also evident. McCain supports Bush's tax cuts for wealthy Americans and cutting corporate tax rates. Obama would rather let Bush's tax cuts expire for Americans earning over $250,000 annually and raise capital gains tax rates.
Obama has also opposed McCain's proposed federal gas tax summer holiday. While McCain feels that it would give a slight boost to struggling families seeking a vacation, Obama calls it 'a political stunt' to gain the popularity vote of gullible voters.
Another issue which has been lingering for some time is regarding health care. McCain wants to do away with the employer-based insurance coverage using tax credits (a tax credit is a recognition of partial payment already made towards taxes due) and create an open market system where people can decide upon competing policies. An open market will presumably enable more competition amongst insurance policy providers, thereby increasing health care quality and decreasing costs. But, without government control on such a vital issue, an open market assumes too much risk. Families, who can't afford even low-cost insurance would be neglected. Obama would keep the current job-based system and expand government involvement and also supports universal health care for children. The U.S. is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a universal health care system. Supporters of universal health care allege that it provides uniform coverage to everyone and hence crosses out the number of uninsured Americans, which create direct and hidden costs shared by all, and thus, lower costs. Opponents to universal health coverage believe that it would increase taxes and decrease quality and feel that people should have the option to opt out and choose their own insurance policies.
The 2 big-ticket issues along with health care are the main concerns for Americans and its up to Obama and McCain to convince the voters that they have the best solution for each issue. The next few weeks should impart more clarity on the stance of Obama, McCain and the American voter.
Of all these 'issues' the two big-ticket issues which rank top amongst all concerns of the American voter are 1) the Iraq war 2) the shaky economy.
The two candidates couldn't be more contradictory to each other regarding these issues.
McCain was, and is, a vehement supporter of the decision to invade Iraq and pledges to keep US troops there until 'the war is won'.
Obama, on the other hand, was an early opposer to the war and during the democratic primaries, promised to remove US troops from Iraq, although in early July, he slightly shifted from his stance and stated that he needs to assess the situation before taking a firm decision.
The presence of US troops in Iraq doesn't go down well with voters because many voters have relations in the armed forces. Moreover, the war on Iraq will cost the US a staggering $1 trillion and more, and this stat hasn't done anything but aggravate the taxpayer. Hard-core conservatives will stand by McCain on this issue, but a majority of voters will support Obama, although the recent centralist comments by Obama regarding this issue may disgruntle voters.
On the agenda of economy, the chasm is also evident. McCain supports Bush's tax cuts for wealthy Americans and cutting corporate tax rates. Obama would rather let Bush's tax cuts expire for Americans earning over $250,000 annually and raise capital gains tax rates.
Obama has also opposed McCain's proposed federal gas tax summer holiday. While McCain feels that it would give a slight boost to struggling families seeking a vacation, Obama calls it 'a political stunt' to gain the popularity vote of gullible voters.
Another issue which has been lingering for some time is regarding health care. McCain wants to do away with the employer-based insurance coverage using tax credits (a tax credit is a recognition of partial payment already made towards taxes due) and create an open market system where people can decide upon competing policies. An open market will presumably enable more competition amongst insurance policy providers, thereby increasing health care quality and decreasing costs. But, without government control on such a vital issue, an open market assumes too much risk. Families, who can't afford even low-cost insurance would be neglected. Obama would keep the current job-based system and expand government involvement and also supports universal health care for children. The U.S. is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not have a universal health care system. Supporters of universal health care allege that it provides uniform coverage to everyone and hence crosses out the number of uninsured Americans, which create direct and hidden costs shared by all, and thus, lower costs. Opponents to universal health coverage believe that it would increase taxes and decrease quality and feel that people should have the option to opt out and choose their own insurance policies.
The 2 big-ticket issues along with health care are the main concerns for Americans and its up to Obama and McCain to convince the voters that they have the best solution for each issue. The next few weeks should impart more clarity on the stance of Obama, McCain and the American voter.
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