Where Barack Obama stands on the issues

Newsday Staff

September 8, 2008

In accepting the Democratic Party presidential nomination Barack Obama laid out his philosophy on the role of government.

Newsday examined Obama's positions on 10 key issues:

On the economy: Would inject $75 billion into the economy through tax cuts and direct spending, targeting working families, seniors, homeowners and the unemployed. He contends this would prevent 1 million Americans from losing their jobs. The plan includes an immediate $250 tax cut for workers and their families and an immediate, temporary $250 bonus to seniors in their Social Security checks. If the economy worsens, he could repeat this once. His plans also include $45 billion in reserves that could be injected into the economy quickly in the future if deterioration continues.

On Iraq/Afghanistan: Pledges to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq within 16 months, by the end of next year, four months earlier than his previous pledge. A residual force would remain to conduct targeted counterterrorism missions against al-Qaida, protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel, and support Iraq's security forces. Opposed use of military force in Iraq, as well as the January 2007 "troop surge," saying that while it improved security, a political accommodation in the country is the ultimate solution. Contends decision to invade Iraq diverted resources from the war in Afghanistan, making it harder to capture or kill Osama bin Laden while the Taliban has re-emerged and al-Qaida has regrouped. Would send at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan and seek greater contributions from NATO allies.

On National Security: Would implement 9/11 Commission recommendations. Would close controversial prison at U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, which holds hundreds of suspected terrorists and other detainees. Voted to reauthorize Patriot Act in 2006, but would revise it. Pledges to secure chemical plants and ensure safe, secure disposal of nuclear waste.

On Energy: Proposes eliminating U.S. need for Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil within 10 years. Pledges to enact a windfalls profits tax to provide a $1,000 emergency energy rebate to families. Favors accelerating work on the Alaska natural gas pipeline. Was previously against lifting federal restrictions on offshore drilling, but recently indicated may favor some.

On Environment / Climate Change: Proposes to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, partly through economywide cap-and-trade system. Wants 10 percent of U.S. electricity to come from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025. Wants 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on road by 2015, and tougher fuel efficiency standards. Proposes new $7,000 tax credit for purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles.

On : Would create a national health insurance program for people without employer-provided health care and who do not qualify for other existing federal programs. Program would be mandatory for children, but not for all adults. He hopes to achieve universal coverage by requiring employers to share costs of insuring workers and by offering coverage similar to plan provided to federal employees. Estimates costs at up to $65 billion a year after savings from making system more efficient. To help pay costs he would eliminate Bush tax cuts for those making over $250,000.

On Social Security: Strongly opposes privatization, pledges to keep Social Security solvent and protect middle-class families from tax increases of benefit cuts. Believes way to strengthen system is through payroll tax system. Social Security payroll tax currently applies only to first $97,500 a worker earns. Wants to increase maximum amount of earnings covered by Social Security. Pledges to work with Congress on reform package to keep the system solvent for at least next half century.

On education: Backs expansion of pre-K programs, pledging to quadruple Early Head Start with $10 billion-a-year injection and also increase funding for Head Start. Plans to reform No Child Left Behind, recruiting high-quality teachers and rewarding talented ones in part with higher pay not linked to standardized test scores. Proposes tax credit of up to $4,000 for college students who perform 100 hours of community service a year. Wants to make community college entirely free nationwide.

On immigration: Voted for the same 2006 bill, which also would have increased funding and improved border security technology and improved enforcement of existing laws. Supports construction of fence.

On abortion: Favors abortion rights and opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. Disagrees with the Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. Did not cast vote on Prohibiting Funds for Groups that Perform Abortions amendment in 2007.

WHERE YOU STAND

Economy: A USA Today/Gallup poll from Aug. 21-23 found that 43 percent believed the economy is the issue that will be most important to your vote for president.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from Aug. 23-25 said 75 percent of participants believe the U.S. economy is in bad shape, compared to just 43 percent a year ago. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll from Aug. 15-18 said 68 percent disapprove of the job that George W. Bush is doing in handling the economy.

Iraq / Afghanistan: A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from Aug. 29-31 said 64 percent oppose the U.S. war in Iraq, and respondents were split 49-49 on whether the U.S. was winning the war.

A USA Today/Gallup Poll from Aug. 21-23 found that 63 percent believe the United States did not make a mistake in sending military forces to Afghanistan, but only 41 percent said things are going very well or moderately well for the U.S. in Afghanistan.

National security: A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from June 26-29 found that 45 percent said it was not too likely that there will be further acts of terrorism in the United States over the next several weeks.

An ABC News/Washington Post Poll from June 12-15 said 61 percent did not believe noncitizens suspected of terrorism who are being held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should be able to challenge their detentions in the civilian court system.

Energy: A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll from Aug. 29-31 found that 52 percent strongly favor increased drilling for oil and natural gas offshore in U.S. waters and 59 percent would allow drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.