Colony News: Presidential Platforms of Obama and McCain

As the primary votes come tallying in, we are seeing a presidential race that is proving to be not only interesting but surprising...so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, in our platforms educational series, today we showcase Barack Obama and John McCain.

Barack Obama (Democrat)

As the first black president of the Harvard Law Review, Barack Obama has been a standout since early in his career. Serving currently as a first term Senator, this Honolulu native is one of the younger and more junior political figures in the presidential race. His presidential race has proven to be one to reckon with, and his modern and current political views are those of someone sure to make waves in American government.

Abortion: Obama favors an individuals right to make decisions about abortion.

Immigration: He supports immigration reform that includes a path to citizenshp rights for those who qualify. He also supports secure borders.

Taxes: With health care goals, Obama does report that some increase of revenue would be necessary, and plans to allow tax cuts for the wealthy to expire.

Iraq: Opposed Iraqi war and would seek to bring troops out of Iraq as soon as possible if elected.

Energy: Raise fuel efficiency standards in cars, cap greenhouse gas emissions, and supports investment in renewable fuels.


John McCain (Republican)

As a former Navy pilot and prisoner of war in Vietnam, John McCain has a very interesting and politically driven past. He is a four term senator representing Arizona.

Abortion: Opposed abortion and feels Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

Immigration: Wants a comprehensible immigration reform bill allowing illegal immigrants to earn legal status through guest worker program.

Taxes: Against tax cuts, wants to lower spending, and keep tax levels steady.

Iraq: Supporter of Iraqi war and a backer of the troop surge.

Energy: Wants to cap system for greenhouse gas.

For more information, visit Fox News at http://www.foxnews.com/politics/youdecide2008/platorms/

Colony News: 2008 Presidential Race

We are smack dab in the middle of Presidential Race, which means we are going to be bombarded with political messages, policys, and platforms...many of which we laypeople do not understand and cannot relate to. With issues such as a poor housing market, unemployment, rising costs (let's not get started on gas prices), and the ongoing war on our radar...many of us just cannot understand why the Presidential Nominees are not talking about the issues that are directly affecting the American public.
So...during this hectic time, we will give you a little insight into what a political platform is, why it is important, and which sides of the issues many of the candidates fall on.

here are the first two to start you off...look forward to more platform posts as the presidential race continues.

Hilary Clinton (Democrat)
As the sole female presidential candidate, Hilary Rodham Clinton is seeking to change history. As the current senator of New York, Mrs. Clinton spent 8 years as as the First Lady of the United States, as the wife of Bill Clinton, and has authored two books, including the best selling "It Takes a Village".

Abortion: Clinton is pro-choice and against the ban on partial birth abortions (especially for mother's whose health is at risk. She is also for teen pregnancy prevention and contraceptive education.
Immigration: Clinton is for tighter border security, sanctions against those employing illegal aliens, and allowing illegal aliens to to earn legal status by paying fines and past due taxes.
Taxes: Clinton is for certain middle class tax cuts, child and adoption tax refunds, a repeal on the marriage penalty, and property tax relif. She is against the upper class tax cuts.
Iraq: Although she voted in 2002 for the use of military force, she introduced a bill in 2007 repealing that authority and is against the Bush troop surge.
Enviornment: She supports education and programs to increase research and efficiency of energy use.


Mitt Romney (Republican)
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Romney is the former governnor of Massachusetts and was CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Abortion: Romney believes Roe v. Wade should be overturned and believes the states should have the power to decide. He previoulsy supported abortion. He does not support the constitutional ban on abortion.
Immigration: Romney believes the border should be protected to decrease the number of immigrants allowed in, he supports building a fence on the US/Mexico border, and is against amnesty. He does, howver, support bringing more skilled workers into the US.
Iraq: Supports the current administrations strategy in Iraq.
Taxes: Supports lowering taxes and simplifying the Tax Code. He also supports business tax cuts.
Energy: Believes the US should be independent from foreign oil and supports alternative fuel sources.