U.S. presidential candidates´ views on key issues

Source: Xinhua | 11-04-2008 10:36

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are expected to have their showdown on Nov. 4, the election day, waiting for voters to judge their policies and stance on key issues, including economy, foreign affairs, national security and energy.

The following are a comparison of Obama and McCain's views on some key issues in the election year:

On economy:

McCain promised a pro-growth, pro-jobs strategy to get the U.S. economy back on track, including taking the near-term actions needed to provide immediate help to American families while also taking long-term steps necessary to secure America's economic prosperity and leadership in the world.

He said he would enact a "Jobs for America" economic plan that "creates jobs, helps small businesses, expands opportunities and open markets to American goods."

Obama's economic plan calls for tax rebates, a foreclosure prevention fund and assistance to states hardest hit by the housing crisis to help "jump start the economy." He also supports raising the minimum wage and increasing job training programs that would help Americans find work in occupations related to clean energy.

On Taxes:

McCain favored extending tax cuts through 2010, and said that he would maintain the current income and investment tax rates and reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent.

Obama opposed extending 2003 Bush tax cut law through 2010. He said that his plan would allow middle-class families to see their taxes cut and those who make more than 250,000 U.S. dollars will see their taxes increase.

He also promised to cut taxes overall, reducing revenues to below the levels that prevailed under Ronald Reagan, or less than 18.2 percent of GDP.