October 31, 2008 by Jeremy.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Senator John McCain

• FactCheck: Pushed for immediate withdrawal from Somalia. (Oct 2008)
• FactCheck: Voted against Lebanon deployment, but post-hoc. (Oct 2008)
• Credit Bush, troops, & luck, for not another 9/11. (Sep 2008)
• I hate war; it’s terrible beyond imagination. (Sep 2008)
• Clinton & Bush missed opportunities to get bin Laden. (Sep 2008)
• Disagrees with Bush often; but credits no attacks since 9/11. (Aug 2008)
• Applying habeas to Guantanamo let 30 terrorists attack US. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: Only 13 Gitmo recidivists & none attacked US. (Jun 2008)
• Improve human intelligence to get Osama bin Laden. (Jan 2008)
• Surveillance of overseas communications is ok. (Dec 2007)
• Ok to hold even US citizens as enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
• Consult lawyers on war decisions; no half-cocked war basis. (Oct 2007)
• Ran the largest squadron in the US Navy. (Oct 2007)
• After 9/11, ask Americans to join military or AmeriCorps. (Oct 2007)
• Let loose smart, tough spies to catch Bin Laden. (Oct 2007)
• His Military Commissions Act ended up denying habeas corpus. (Oct 2007)
• 1973: Spokesperson for Operation Homecoming. (Oct 2007)
• 1977:Appointed as Navy liaison to Congress. (Oct 2007)
• I’ve spent my life leading on national security issues. (Sep 2007)
• Radical Islamic extremism is a hydra-headed challenge. (Aug 2007)
• I support the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war. (Jan 2006)
• We must provide our children a strong, better country. (Aug 2004)
• A lack of complacency shouldn’t provoke a lack of confidence. (Aug 2004)
• We don’t have as much to fear as we had in the past. (Apr 2004)
• Those who gave their lives deserve to be remembered. (Apr 2004)
• First reaction to Sept 11: “This is war”. (May 2002)
• Argued for base closings even in the wake of 9/11. (May 2002)
• Channel fear into productive missions and activities. (May 2002)
• “Rogue state rollback” avoids use of US troops. (Mar 2000)
• Accepts gays in military under current policy. (Jan 2000)
• Military’s political leaders need military backgrounds. (Jan 2000)
• Women have proven themselves in combat-no restrictions. (Dec 1999)
• Bombing useless targets in Vietnam destroyed US morale. (Nov 1999)
• Pres. needs experience more than briefing books. (Sep 1999)
• Discard ABM Treaty and develop a missile defense. (Apr 1999)
• Use force, with US control, only for vital interests. (Apr 1999)
  

  Defense Spending

• Make all defense contracts fixed-cost; costs out of control. (Sep 2008)
• Cited 245 pork projects, or $3.5M waste in defense bill. (Oct 2007)
• Clean up waste in defense acquisition. (May 2007)
• Eliminate defense pork, but increase most other defense. (Nov 2004)
• Terminate C-130, B-2, and Seawolf; use funds to modernize. (Dec 1999)
• Politicians keep unneeded bases open for political purposes. (Dec 1999)
• Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
• $6.4B of military spending waste is a disgrace. (Oct 1999)
• Raise military pay to avoid military draft. (Aug 1999)
• Military personnel on food stamps is a national disgrace. (Aug 1999)
• Europeans should spend more on defense, within NATO. (Apr 1999)
  

  Torture

• Bush administration’s waterboarding was torture. (Aug 2008)
• Hiding torture is wrong, and harms US credibility abroad. (Dec 2007)
• Waterboarding is torture; we’re not going to torture people. (Nov 2007)
• Waterboarding is torture; & as A.G., Mukasey will declare it. (Nov 2007)
• Torture supported only by people without military experience. (Sep 2007)
• Torture is ineffective as interrogation & for world opinion. (May 2007)
• Close Guantanamo Bay prison; announce no-torture policy. (Apr 2007)
• Torture has never worked throughout history. (Apr 2007)
  

  Vietnam

• Experience has taught me: the US military must not fail. (Sep 2008)
• Inappropriate to lie to public; tell Americans what we face. (Sep 2008)
• Vietnam generation still haunted by specter of Vietnam. (Oct 2007)
• Casualty of Vietnam was loss of America’s faith in herself. (Oct 2007)
• Worked with John Kerry on Vietnam POWs. (Oct 2007)
• Immutable principle of war: luck is unreliable. (Aug 2007)
• Vietnam not wrong, but how it was fought and led was. (Sep 2002)
• Disagrees with Perot: No more POWs in Vietnam. (Feb 2000)
• Vietnam was a worthy cause despite losing. (Nov 1999)
  

  Voting Record

• Keep “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy - it works. (Jan 2000)
• Voted NO on limiting soldiers’ deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
• Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
• Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
• Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
• Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
• Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
• Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Sponsored bill giving higher priority to rail security. (Jul 2005)
• Sponsored bill banning torture of terrorists in US custody. (Jul 2005)
• Innovate intelligence-gathering for future hard targets. (Mar 2005)
• Assessments of al Qaida in Afghanistan in 2001 were accurate. (Mar 2005)
• CIA needs more focus on counterterrorism. (Mar 2005)
• So-called Legal Issues are myths; not real CIA hindrances. (Mar 2005)
• Intelligence community shares information poorly. (Mar 2005)
• CIA should work more with scientists to understand WMDs. (Mar 2005)
• Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
• Improve educational assistance for veterans. (Apr 2008)

Senator Barack Obama

• Obama Doctrine: moral interest as well as national interest. (Oct 2008)
• Strategic issue is where to send & how to fund our troops. (Sep 2008)
• Inappropriate to lie to public; just don’t answer questions. (Sep 2008)
• Disrupting Al Qaeda in Afghanistan prevented another 9/11. (Sep 2008)
• Islam in 1970s was not opposed to West & rule of law. (Jul 2008)
• Go after al Qaeda but also shrink pool of potential recruits. (Jul 2008)
• No torture; no renditions; no operating out of fear. (Apr 2008)
• Al Qaida is stronger now than in 2001 as Iraq distracted us. (Jan 2008)
• Colleges must allow military recruiters for ROTC on campus. (Jan 2008)
• No presidential power for secret surveillance. (Dec 2007)
• No holding US citizens as unlawful enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
• Congress decides what constitutes torture, not president. (Dec 2007)
• No torture; defiance of FISA; no military commissions. (Dec 2007)
• Restore habeas corpus to reach Muslims abroad. (Dec 2007)
• Human rights and national security are complementary. (Nov 2007)
• Don’t allow our politics to be driven by fear of terrorism. (Nov 2007)
• 2006: Obama-Lugar bill restricted conventional weapons. (Oct 2007)
• Judgment is as important as experience. (Oct 2007)
• If attacked, first help victims then prevent further attacks. (Oct 2007)
• America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions. (Sep 2007)
• Repeal Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell. (Aug 2007)
• 2005: Passed bill to reduce conventional weapon stockpiles. (Aug 2007)
• We are no safer now than we were after 9/11. (Aug 2007)
• Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus. (Jun 2007)
• Homeland security must protect citizens, not intrude on them. (Mar 2007)
• America must practice the patriotism it preaches. (Mar 2007)
• Personal privacy must be protected even in terrorism age. (Mar 2007)
• Get first responders the healthcare and equipment they need. (Mar 2007)
• Need to be both strong and smart on national defense. (Oct 2006)
• Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules. (Oct 2006)
• Battling terrorism must go beyond belligerence vs. isolation. (Oct 2006)
• Going after Al Qaeda in Pakistan is not Bush-style invasion. (Jan 2006)
• We are currently inspecting 3% of all incoming cargo. (Oct 2004)
• Balance domestic intelligence reform with civil liberty risk. (Jul 2004)
• Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available. (Jul 2004)
  

  National Service

• Serving America doesn’t mean going out shopping. (Oct 2008)
• $4,000 tuition tax credit in exchange for community service. (Jun 2008)
• Expand Peace Corps and AmeriCorps to 266,000 slots. (Feb 2008)
• Put forward a national service program. (Jan 2008)
• Give 18-year-old women opportunity to serve. (Dec 2007)
• Register women for draft, but not for combat. (Jul 2007)
  

  Nuclear Weapons

• Seek the peace of a world without nuclear weapons. (Jul 2008)
• Pursue goal of a world without nuclear weapons. (Feb 2008)
• Rebuild a nuclear nonproliferation strategy. (Jan 2008)
• Protecting nuclear power plants is of utmost importance. (Mar 2007)
• Rebuild the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (Jan 2006)
• Increase funding to decommission Russian nukes. (Jul 2004)
  

  Veterans

• Unacceptable to have veterans drive 250 miles to a hospital. (Feb 2008)
• Improve veterans’ mental health treatment & PTSD benefits. (Feb 2008)
• Support veterans via the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act. (Aug 2007)
• Address the deficiencies in the VA system. (Jun 2007)
• The cost of the Iraq war should not shortchange VA benefits. (Jun 2007)
• Make sure the outpatient facilities work for veterans. (Jun 2007)
• Comprehensive plan for our veterans healthcare. (Mar 2007)
  

  Voting Record

• FactCheck: Promised to repeal Patriot Act, then voted for it. (Jan 2008)
• Wrote law to secure & destroy world’s deadliest weapons. (Feb 2007)
• Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted YES on limiting soldiers’ deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
• Improve mental health care benefits for returning veterans. (Jun 2008)
• Study & address suicides among veterans. (Apr 2008)
• Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
• Establish global strategy to defeat al Qaeda. (Feb 2008)

Governor Sarah Palin

• Economic sanctions on North Korea for nukes. (Oct 2008)
• Terrorists in Iraq are the biggest threat to Americans today. (Oct 2008)
• Pakistani people & leaders want to get rid of terrorists. (Sep 2008)
• Fight terrorism to spread democratic ideals in world. (Sep 2008)
• Any country that houses Islamic terrorists is a danger to US. (Sep 2008)
• Energy is a foundation of national security. (Sep 2008)
• Only a very small percent of Islamic believers are extreme. (Sep 2008)
• Agrees with Bush Doctrine, if enough legitimate intel. (Sep 2008)
• Focus on fighting Al-Qaeda terrorists, not on reading rights. (Sep 2008)
• Strong military and sound energy. (Aug 2008)
• Armed forces, including my son, give us security and freedom. (Jan 2008)
• Ask all candidates “Are you doing all you can for security?”. (Oct 2007)
• Visits Kuwait; encourages Alaska big game hunting to troops. (Sep 2007)
• Obligation to support our troops, even if criticizing war. (Jun 2007)
• Proclaim “Loyalty Day” to reaffirm loyalty to America. (Apr 2007)
• Promote from within, in Alaska’s National Guard. (Nov 2006)
• Let military personnel know how much we support them. (Nov 2006)

 Senator Joe Biden

• We spend same in 3 weeks in Iraq as 7 years in Afghanistan. (Oct 2008)
• Obama worked with Republicans to reduce nuclear weapons. (Oct 2008)
• Greatest security threat is from al Qaeda in Pakistan. (Oct 2008)
• Cut $350B in military programs, from Star Wars to F-22’s. (Dec 2007)
• Universal national service, in military or Peace Corps. (Dec 2007)
• Talks about nations acquiring uranium are more complicated. (Oct 2007)
• Commitment to never use torture; no part of our policy, ever. (Sep 2007)
• Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is antiquated & unworkable. (Aug 2007)
• Missile defense is perfect metaphor for neo-isolationism. (Jul 2007)
• Urged Pres. Bush to return to Washington on 9/11. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
• Voted YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008)
• Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted YES on limiting soldiers’ deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act’s wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on restoring $565M for states’ and ports’ first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
• Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
• Voted YES on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
• Voted NO on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
• Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
• Rated 80% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Give higher priority to rail security. (Jul 2005)
• Apply habeas corpus to Guantanamo detainees. (Jul 2007)
• Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)
• School assistance to survivors of injured federal police. (Oct 1996)

Source: http://www.issues2000.org/default.htm

Posted in Decision 2008, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts, Politics | Print | 1 Comment »

October 30, 2008 by Jeremy.

GUN CONTROL

Senator John McCain

• I know how to use guns; but I don’t own one. (Nov 2007)
• Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
• Don’t hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes. (Sep 2007)
• Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types. (Sep 2007)
• Calls for GOP “tolerance” of closing gun show loopholes. (May 2002)
• Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks. (Aug 1999)
• Supports ban on certain assault weapons. (Aug 1999)
• Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban. (Aug 1999)
• Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos. (Aug 1999)
• Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights. (May 1999)
• Youth Violence Prevention Act restricts guns for kids. (May 1999)
• Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use. (Jul 1998)
• Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
• Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
• Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC. (Mar 2007)
• Allow firearms in National Parks. (Feb 2008)

Senator Barack Obama

• Ok for states & cities to determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
• FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
• Respect 2nd Amendment, but local gun bans ok. (Feb 2008)
• Provide some common-sense enforcement on gun licensing. (Jan 2008)
• 2000: cosponsored bill to limit purchases to 1 gun per month. (Oct 2007)
• Concealed carry OK for retired police officers. (Aug 2007)
• Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
• Keep guns out of inner cities–but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
• Bush erred in failing to renew assault weapons ban. (Oct 2004)
• Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
• Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)

http://coherentthought.com/2008/06/18/barack-the-second-amendment/

Governor Sarah Palin

• Hunts and fishes, as did her father. (Aug 2008)
• Hunts as much as she can; freezer-full of wild game. (Aug 2008)
• Supports ending D.C.’s 32-year-old ban on handguns. (Jun 2008)
• Lifelong NRA member & champion of right to bear arms. (Feb 2008)
• Supports Constitutional right to bear arms. (Nov 2006)

 Senator Joe Biden

• Keep assault weapons ban; close gun show loophole. (Apr 2007)
• Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
• Voted YES on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
• Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record. (Dec 2003)

Source: http://www.issues2000.org/default.htm

Posted in Decision 2008, Second Amendment, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts | Print | 2 Comments »

October 28, 2008 by Jeremy.

FAMILIES & CHILDREN

Senator John McCain

• Supports flex-time & unpaid family leave. (Nov 2004)
• Unfiltered Internet robs our children of their innocence. (Dec 1999)
• Parents should be active in media kids are exposed to. (Jul 1999)
• Label violent media products like we label cigarettes. (Jun 1999)
• Media Responsibility Act requires video & music labeling. (Jun 1999)
• Violence in media caused Littleton shootings. (Apr 1999)
• Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
• Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)

Senator Barack Obama

• Help families with paid sick days and better family leave. (Aug 2008)
• Parents provide guidance by turning off TV & video games. (Jul 2008)
• Admit that too many fathers are missing from too many homes. (Jun 2008)
• I know what it means to have an absent father. (Jun 2008)
• Reward fathers who pay child support with larger EITC. (Jun 2008)
• Teach both abstinence and contraception to teens. (Apr 2008)
• Expand flex-work & Family and Medical Leave Act. (Feb 2008)
• Parents should control what’s coming over the airwaves. (Jan 2008)
• Restore dream of making children’s lives better than parents. (Dec 2007)
• All kids should learn about sexual abuse. (Jul 2007)
• FactCheck: ‘Sex Ed for Kindergarten’ means ‘age-appropriate’. (Jul 2007)
• Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line. (Oct 2006)
• Sponsored bill banning high lead levels in children’s toys. (Nov 2005)
• Call for a White House Conference on Children and Youth. (Mar 2008)

Governor Sarah Palin

• V.P. role would include helping special-needs children. (Sep 2008)
• Special-needs children will have her as a friend & advocate. (Sep 2008)
• Praised by pro-life groups for keeping Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008)
• Recognize the vital role of family child care homes. (Mar 2008)
• Opposes explicit sex-education programs. (Jul 2006)

 Senator Joe Biden

• I’ve been a single parent; I know the difficulties. (Oct 2008)
• Fought for Family and Medical Leave, up to 12 unpaid weeks. (Sep 2007)
• 1990: authored the Violence Against Women Act. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
• Rated 16% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Permanent crime database for volunteers with kids. (Jul 2008)
• Fund 2,500 Boys and Girls Clubs in underserved areas. (Dec 1997)

Source: http://www.issues2000.org/default.htm

Posted in Decision 2008, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts, Politics | Print | No Comments »

October 20, 2008 by Jeremy.

Many people would consider this a religious issue. I think this topic is one of Common Sense and is often viewed with the lack of such Common Sense!

In out society today the value of a life is often disregarded for circumstance, selfishness, and pure malice.

Here is a video (that is put out by a religious organization) that is great to watch so you can get the true facts on this topic.

Cloning, Stem Cells, and the Value of Life

Posted in Sanctity of Life, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts | Print | 2 Comments »

October 17, 2008 by Jeremy.

We know he is Pro-Choice but do his beliefs and voting record show something different.

Robert George in writing Obama’s Abortion Extremism says that Obama is not only Pro-Choice but he is actually Pro-Abortion and is, “the most extreme pro-abortion candidate to have ever run on a major party ticket.”

This to me is quite sad, and in no way Common Sense.

Posted in Sanctity of Life, Decision 2008, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts, Politics | Print | 1 Comment »

October 16, 2008 by Jeremy.

Well the debate was once again mostly meh…but it was better than the last one I think.

I thought McCain came out fighting a littler hard this time around and really wanted the people to know that he wants to be President! That’s what he needed to do. He could have come on stronger I think really.

Obama sat there and took it all in and just tried deflecting everything John was throwing. Defense may be his strategy and it may land him in the White House but he appeared weak and defensive. However, he does present himself better and is a much more slick candidate. Remind me of good ole Slick Willy!

I thought this moderator was the best. He kept things going but encouraged them to debate each other and not just listen to his wonderful voice (Tom Brokaw).

I was glad to hear the Abortion issue come up and that is the topic where John McCain and I agree on 99% and I was happy to hear him stand so strong on that issue. It is an important one for me and validated, to me, why I will be voting for him.

If you missed what McCain was trying to point out about Obama on this issue then you need to do some research. As a resident of Illinois, I know exactly what he was talking about. Obama did oppose a bill (regardless of how he tried to spin it last night) that would make it illegal to give care to a baby that was born as a result of a failed abortion and to me that is appalling and a major reason not to vote for Obama.

I was also glad to hear education brought up and I must say that is another topic that I’m with John. I’m all for education reform and not just throwing money at the issue. I also think that vouchers are a valid option for our educational system.

So, as to a clear winner, its still hard to determine. I think McCain came out more on the attack, which he needed to do and that Obama was deflecting which is probably wise for him at the moment. I think Obama presents himself better but that is not necessarily what wins debates. So I think that in this final debate I would give a slight edge to McCain and the other two were basically a draw.

Posted in Decision 2008, Jeremy, Coherent Thoughts, Politics | Print | 3 Comments »

October 14, 2008 by Jeremy.

ENERGY & OIL

Senator John McCain

• All of the above: nuclear, wind, tide, solar, gas, coal. (Oct 2008)
• Offshore drilling & nuke power instead of $700B to enemies. (Sep 2008)
• FactCheck: Voted against new investments in renewable energy. (Sep 2008)
• FactCheck: US sends $357B to hostile countries, not $700B. (Sep 2008)
• FactCheck: Obama not opposed to nuclear energy; just Yucca. (Sep 2008)
• Attack the energy problem on every front. (Sep 2008)
• Job creation program with alternate energy & nuclear power. (Aug 2008)
• Address both the supply and demand sides of imported oil. (Jun 2008)
• Lexington Project: invest to achieve energy security. (Jun 2008)
• AdWatch: Obama is the “Dr. No” of energy security. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: No, Obama supported $150B in energy innovation. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: Build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. (Jun 2008)
• AdWatch: Realistic climate plan that clashes with GOP. (Jun 2008)
• End moratorium on offshore oil drilling. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: Favors wind & solar in ad; favors nuclear in bills. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: Gas tax cut goes to oil companies, not consumers. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: 2003: Ethanol doesn’t increase energy independence. (Feb 2008)
• End reliance on petro-dictators with market-based reform. (Feb 2008)
• Be more active in addressing the issue of climate change. (Jan 2008)
• In favor of cap-and-trade. (Jan 2008)
• FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)
• Climate change is real and must be addressed. (Dec 2007)
• Climate change is real; nuclear power is solution. (Oct 2007)
• Public pressure on oil industry to invest in alternatives. (Oct 2007)
• FactCheck: nuclear plants do emit no GHGs, but do have waste. (Jun 2007)
• Reinvest oil profits in nuclear power. (Jun 2007)
• Ethanol made no sense in `05 but with $60/bbl it makes sense. (May 2007)
• 2000: Held hearings on mounting evidence of climate change. (Jan 2004)
• 2000: Criticized Bush’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Treaty. (Jan 2004)
• Energy 2001: 1st Republican to sign onto reducing GHGS. (May 2002)
• Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto. (Jan 2000)
• Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA. (Jul 1998)
  

  Global Warming

• Nuclear power is the best way to fix climate change. (Oct 2008)
  

  Voting Record

• GovWatch: Yes, his cap-and-trade bill is mandatory. (Jun 2008)
• Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska’s ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
• Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
• Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
• Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
• Voted YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
• Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
• Voted YES on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
• Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
• Sponsored bill for greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
• Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
• Gas tax holiday for the summer. (Apr 2008)
• Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. (Sep 1998)

Senator Barack Obama

• $15B to free us from foreign oil in 10 years. (Oct 2008)
• Nuclear power ok, as one component of energy mix. (Oct 2008)
• FactCheck: Both McCain & Obama plans kill oil tax loopholes. (Sep 2008)
• Drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. (Aug 2008)
• More Alaska oil & gas leases, plus new gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
• GovWatch: $150B for electric car batteries & new technology. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: Supports nuclear power if it’s clean & safe. (Jun 2008)
• GovWatch: Opposes Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste storage. (Jun 2008)
• Rebate checks instead of gas tax holiday. (May 2008)
• Gas tax holiday is a classic Washington gimmick. (May 2008)
• Voted for failed IL gas tax holiday & learned from mistake. (May 2008)
• Raise fuel efficiency standards to reduce long-term demand. (Apr 2008)
• FactCheck: Self-contradictory on Bush’s clean-energy plan. (Jan 2008)
• Reduce the consumption of energy and be more efficient. (Jan 2008)
• Fuel efficiency and Middle East stability help on fuel costs. (Oct 2007)
• Nuclear power ok if we safeguard against waste & terrorism. (Sep 2007)
• Explore nuclear power as part of alternative energy mix. (Jul 2007)
• Cheney met environmentalists once; but Big Oil 40 times. (Jul 2007)
• Stop sending $800M a day to Mideast dictators for oil. (Mar 2007)
• Harness homegrown, alternative fuels like ethanol. (Feb 2007)
• Wants Detroit to build more hybrids & use more ethanol. (Oct 2006)
• We cannot drill our way out of our addiction to oil. (Oct 2006)
• 3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror. (Jun 2006)
• Conserve, develop alternative fuels, increase efficiencies. (Oct 2004)
• Invest in alternative energy sources. (Jun 2004)
• Increase CAFE to 40 mpg. (Jun 2004)
• Tradable credits for renewable energy. (Jun 2004)
• Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply. (May 2004)
• Free America from its dependence on foreign oil. (Jul 2004)
  

  Global Warming

• All nations must act to reduce carbon emissions. (Jul 2008)
• $150B over 10 years to establish a green energy sector. (Jun 2008)
• $150B investment over 10 years to reduce oil usage by 35%. (May 2008)
• Figure out how to sequester carbon and burn clean coal. (May 2008)
• GOP right on cap-&-trade: guidelines instead of bureaucracy. (Apr 2008)
• Reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. (Feb 2008)
• Aggressively address accelerating climate change. (Dec 2007)
• Cap-and-trade carbon emissions; raise CAFE standard. (Jun 2007)
• Cap-and-trade is more specific on reducing greenhouse gases. (Jan 2006)
• 20% nation’s power supply from renewable sources by 2020. (Sep 2004)
  

  Voting Record

• Passed tax credit for installing E85 ethanol at gas stations. (Feb 2008)
• Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency. (Sep 2004)
• Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
• Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska’s ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Sponsored bill for tax credit for providing 85% ethanol gas. (Apr 2005)
• Sponsored bill to notify public when nuclear releases occur. (Mar 2006)
• Sponsored bill raising CAFE by a 4% per year until 2018. (Jul 2006)
• Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
• Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. (Jan 2007)
• Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
• Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)
• Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards. (Jan 2008)

Governor Sarah Palin

• Exxon & Conoco are not my biggest fan. (Oct 2008)
• Nonsensical to leave domestic supply untapped. (Oct 2008)
• First and foremost, we must become energy independent. (Sep 2008)
• Energy is inherently linked to security and prosperity. (Sep 2008)
• Produce more of our own oil & gas, for national security. (Sep 2008)
• More pipelines; more nukes; more coal; more alternatives. (Sep 2008)
• Resource rebate: suspend AK 8-cent fuel tax for one year. (Aug 2008)
• To win, GOP must push energy independence. (Aug 2008)
• Windfall oil profits tax prevents investment. (Aug 2008)
• Lift moratorium on offshore drilling. (Jul 2008)
• Exxon-Mobil should pay $507 million for Exxon Valdez spill. (Jul 2008)
• Energy relief plan: $100 per person monthly, for oil & gas. (May 2008)
• Fully fund the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office. (Feb 2008)
• $250M for proven alternative energy, including wind & hydro. (Jan 2008)
• National energy policy not an either/or proposition. (Nov 2007)
• Fund cellulosic biofuel research in Farm Bill. (Oct 2007)
  

  ANWR & Alaska Energy

• Drill, baby, drill. (Oct 2008)
• Crowning achievement: Alaska Gas Inducement Act. (Sep 2008)
• McCain wants healthy deliberation on disagreements like ANWR. (Sep 2008)
• Gas pipeline:history’s largest private-sector infrastructure. (Sep 2008)
• Claimed major triumph: $500 million subsidy for gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
• Gasline Inducement Act: 1,715-mile natural gas pipeline. (Aug 2008)
• Commercialize Alaska’s North Slope natural gas. (Aug 2008)
• Appointed an Alaska oil and gas commissioner. (Aug 2008)
• Agrees with Obama on more Alaska oil & gas production. (Aug 2008)
• Convinced McCain to drill offshore; not yet on drilling ANWR. (Jul 2008)
• Unlock ANWR; we’re ready, willing and able to contribute. (Jun 2008)
• Bush is right: drill ANWR & develop our own supplies. (Apr 2008)
• Gas pipelines are approved if they meet Alaska’s needs. (Jan 2008)
• Submitted legislation to build natural AGIA gas pipeline. (Mar 2007)
• Stranded Gas Development Act no longer applies. (Nov 2006)
• Get ANWR open. (Nov 2006)
• Chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. (Nov 2006)
• Pursue gasline plan that is best for ALL Alaskans. (Nov 2006)
• Met with producers and employee groups for pipeline deal. (Oct 2006)
• Firm start date as part of gasline incentive offer. (Oct 2006)
• Opposes natural gas reserves tax–it’s not earned income yet. (Oct 2006)
  

  Global Warming

• I do support capping carbon emissions. (Oct 2008)
• Cyclical temperature changes affect climate change. (Oct 2008)
• All-of-the-above approach to deal with climate change. (Oct 2008)
• Global warming affects Alaska, but is not man-made. (Aug 2008)
• Analyze potential costs associated with climate change. (Oct 2006)

 Senator Joe Biden

• I have supported clean coal for 25 years. (Oct 2008)
• Cause of global warming is clearly Man-made. (Oct 2008)
• Obama believes in investing in alternative energy. (Oct 2008)
• The energy challenge take sacrifice and is a moral crusade. (Dec 2007)
• FactCheck: Oil did not jump $18/bbl due to Iran Resolution. (Dec 2007)
• Supports cap-and-trade for greenhouse gases. (Nov 2007)
• Provide for emergency fuel assistance immediately. (Oct 2007)
• Make every automobile sold be a flex-fuel automobile. (Apr 2007)
• Voted YES on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (Jun 2008)
• Voted YES on addressing CO2 emissions without considering India & China. (May 2008)
• Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
• Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska’s ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
• Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
• Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
• Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
• Voted NO on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
• Voted NO on ending discussion of CAFE fuel efficiency standards. (Sep 1999)
• Voted NO on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
• Voted NO on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
• Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
• Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy. (Mar 2004)
• Establish greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
• Sponsored bill raising CAFE by a 4% per year until 2018. (Jul 2006)
• Rated 83% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
• Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. (Jan 2007)
• Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)

Source: http://www.issues2000.org/default.htm

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