The Issues

The first issue is Iraq. This is one of the reasons why I support Obama.

BARACK OBAMA

Withdraw all combat brigades during first 16 months in office Temporarily keep a much smaller "residual" force there to fight terrorists, but no permanent bases Opposed going to war with Iraq in 2002 Opposed the troop surge

JOHN McCAIN

• Withdrawal if Iraq is secure, no timetables
• Would support a long-term non-combat troop presence in Iraq, unless Iraqis want us to leave
• Supported going to war with Iraq in 2002
• Believes our initial strategy in Iraq was a failure, but that the troop surge is succeeding

Another issue is Immigration. It seems to me that both candidates feel the same about this.

BARACK OBAMA

Increase border security, including some fencing Create a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants here now who meet certain conditions Mixed feelings about guest worker programs Do not increase job-based immigration at expense of family reunification

JOHN McCAIN

Increase border security before other reforms Then, create a path to citizenship for most illegal immigrants here now who meet certain conditions Supports guest worker programs More job-based immigration, less family reunification The last issue is about Taxes and Spending. BARACK OBAMA Several tax increases for highest-income earners Tax cuts for low- and middle- income earners and many other specific groups 5-minute filing for taxpayers who do not itemize Has not pledged to balance budget Spending increases for healthcare, energy, military JOHN McCAIN No tax increases, make Bush cuts permanent Further tax cuts for people with dependents, businesses, estates Create an optional flat income tax Balance the budget by 2013 Cut earmarks, subsidies, other unspecified areas