Election 2008: Candidates on the Issues
Candidates Focus On Economy, Wall Street Bailout()
September 21, 2008 Both presidential candidates had something to say about the economic crisis and the proposed bailout on Saturday, NPR's Debbie Elliott reports. In a written statement Sen. John McCain pointed to his efforts to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as evidence he had tried to ward off the country's financial troubles. But Sen. Barack Obama countered that argument, likening his opponent's financial markets plan to his healthcare plan.
Candidates Soft On Medicare On The Trail()
August 19, 2008 John McCain wants to revamp Medicare by charging wealthy beneficiaries more for prescription drugs. Barack Obama says he would negotiate for better rates for drugs.
Candidates Share Interest In Boosting Foreign Aid()
August 7, 2008 Both John McCain and Barack Obama have said assistance to poor nations is essential for the United States' image abroad. The development community has jumped on their enthusiasm and is hoping to convince the next president to rethink how foreign aid is delivered.
China Plays Modest Role In U.S. Presidential Race()
August 6, 2008 China's role on the world stage has not been a major campaign issue for either McCain or Obama, though both have addressed the topic. McCain has called for the release of Tibetan prisoners, and Obama says China offers opportunities for prosperity and cooperation.
Candidates Mum On Gay Marriage Debate()
August 4, 2008 Both Barack Obama and John McCain have said little about gay marriage from the campaign trail, releasing only written statements when the California Supreme Court legalized it. For both, the topic is risky territory, where they have as much to lose as to gain.
The Digital Divide Between McCain And Obama()
August 1, 2008 Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama use technology in very different ways. Obama is an avid BlackBerry user; McCain favors his Motorola Razr phone and says he rarely uses e-mail or the Internet.
Russian Disarmament()
July 24, 2008 Both John McCain and Barack Obama support nuclear disarmament of Russia. McCain, however, wants to go one step further, kicking Russia out of the G-8.
Abortion()
July 23, 2008 If elected, John McCain has said he would appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Barack Obama supports abortion rights but has said he's open to restrictions on late abortions.
Homeland Security Spending()
July 21, 2008 For John McCain, the best way to stop another domestic terrorist attack is to prevent al-Qaida from gaining a foothold in Iraq and Afghanistan. Barack Obama thinks money spent on Iraq would be better spent on domestic infrastructure to make the U.S. stronger if another attack comes.
Nuclear Power()
July 21, 2008 Republican John McCain says he supports nuclear power. Democrat Barack Obama says it shouldn't be taken off the table. But the issue is a delicate one, and both presidential candidates have chosen their words with care.
