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Where McCain, Obama stand on the issues Obama ad depicts McCain as a relic of past Election pits McCain vs. Obama

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National Security

Star's Position

We believe keeping the nation safe requires a strong military and intelligence, both trained and equipped for the 21st century; vigorous diplomatic efforts to win new allies and recultivate current allies; a commitment to promoting peace in unstable regions; and the deployment of diplomacy, sanctions and multilateral pressures. We believe the U.S. must re-establish itself as a leader for peace, prosperity and stability.

John McCain

Sees Iraq as the central war on terror and has said a surge tactic like that used in Iraq "shows us the way to succeed in Afghanistan." McCain refers to wielding diplomatic muscle (as in getting allies to help us impose sanctions on Iran, or "working with" allies to help them confront terrorism) but doesn't specifically address the current state of U.S. diplomatic relations and whether or how they might be improved; includes Russia in a list as among the problems his 21st century military must be prepared to address; reasserts the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance, supports weapons deals and reaffirms Israel's right to security; wants to increase the size of the military; wants the United Nations Security Council to impose "progressively tougher political and economic sanctions" on Iran; states outright he will not engage in diplomatic talks without preconditions; opposes a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq until the Iraqi government and security forces are stable and in control. He would "push" for political reconciliation and good government and "call for international pressure on Syria and Iran" to stay out of Iraq's problems.

Barack Obama

Sees Afghanistan as the central war on terror. He has joined the NATO coalition leader there in terming the need for more troops "urgent" and has said he will move quickly to increase U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Lists a six-point strategy for reinvigorating U.S. diplomacy (including strengthening NATO, and how; seeking new partnerships in Asia, who and how; fighting global poverty; expanding our diplomatic presence). Offers a five-point strategy for dealing with a resurgent Russia. Would rebuild and expand the military, invest in foreign-language training, cultural awareness, and human intelligence and other counterinsurgency and stabilization skill sets. Supports U.S.-Israel alliance, weapons support, Israel's right to security and would make resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a priority. Is "willing to meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe" after doing "careful preparation." Wants a phased withdrawal from Iraq; "removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government."

Star's Position

We believe in a health-care system that is affordable and accessible to as many Americans as possible. With approximately 47 million Americans lacking health insurance and many more "underinsured," something must be done to increase access to health care. Improving access is often a matter of affordability. We also believe that people with pre-existing, long-term or chronic medical conditions should have access to affordable health care.

John McCain

Believes the key to health-care reform is to restore control to patients. He proposes a tax credit of $5,000 per family and $2,500 per individual that would go toward the purchase of health coverage. However, he would tax workers' health benefits from employers; allow private companies to exclude coverage for people with pre- existing conditions and instead create high-risk-pool coverage plans. People would be able to purchase policies across state lines. He would make health care more affordable for all Americans by ensuring that drug companies, doctors, insurance companies, hospitals and every other aspect of the health-care system competes vigorously to respond to their needs.

Barack Obama

He would require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions; create a new Small Business Health Tax Credit to help small businesses provide affordable health insurance to their employees; and lower costs for businesses by covering a portion of the catastrophic health costs they pay in return for lower premiums for employees. He would require large employers that do not offer coverage or make a meaningful contribution to employees' health coverage to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of their employees' health care. He would establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options and a new public plan based on benefits available to Congress.

Star's Position

We believe immigration reform must be comprehensive and include border security, a large guest-worker program to meet employers' needs for labor and a way for the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States to gain legal status.

John McCain

Championed comprehensive immigration reform in 2005 but has said he now believes the border should be secured before any other changes are made. Favors offering legal status to immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally as long as they pay fines, learn English and pass background checks. Favors the border fence, spending on infrastructure, enforcement staff and equipment. Has called for a federal spending freeze coupled with across-the-board cuts of 10 percent, but has not said how that would affect immigration policy.

Barack Obama

Favors comprehensive reform, including legal status as long as immigrants who entered illegally pay fines, learn English and pass background checks. Favors securing the border, establishing a guest-worker program and increasing strict enforcement simultaneously. Supports the border fence. Supports increasing the number of green cards to meet employer demand. Says the United States should promote economic growth in Mexico so its citizens won't be compelled to seek work elsewhere.

Star's Position

We believe growing our economy depends on investment in education, work-force development, health care and quality jobs. We believe in equality, shared opportunity and practical solutions to our common problems. A strong economy and the creation of jobs benefits the entire community, and a comprehensive partnership between public and private interests to tackle shared problems offers the best solutions.

We serve a community where, according to the U.S. Census, the median household annual income is $42,984. One in six Pima County residents live at the poverty level or below — about $22,000 for a family of four. And 2 percent of Pima County households make $200,000 or more.

John McCain

People making $2.87 million after taxes would benefit the most, seeing their taxes reduced by 4.4 percent, or $269,364. People making the median income, after taxes, in Pima County would see a tax break of around $300; those making $18,892 to $37,595 would receive about $113; McCain would combine the top two corporate tax brackets — 34 percent and 35 percent — into one at 25 percent; the top corporate tax bracket would be eliminated immediately and the other would be phased to 25 percent. Would keep the 15 percent tax rate on dividends and capital gains, and would reduce the estate tax to 15 percent and permit a $5 million exemption for individuals. Home plan would have the federal government buy distressed mortgages at face value; the lender would forgive part of the mortgage and the homeowner would then get a new loan backed by the FHA.

Barack Obama

Would cut taxes for the majority of Americans and not raise taxes on those making less than $250,000, which includes 95 percent of Americans and 98 percent of small-business owners. Would allow the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans to expire. Would push tax breaks for middle-class people and small businesses, including lifting the capital gains tax on small businesses and start-ups to spur investment. Favors tax credits for mortgages and workers. Would invest in renewable energy as an emerging industry and infrastructure repair that creates jobs. Advocates a 90-day moratorium on home foreclosures, allowing bankruptcy courts to renegotiate mortgages of people in bankruptcy and a universal mortgage tax credit for homeowners. Calls for public-private partnerships to grow economies and businesses.

Star's Position

We believe in the value of a strong K-12 public education system available to all children and a strong public community college and university system that is affordable. We believe the public school system is an economic driver and integral to attracting and keeping high-quality jobs. We are against voucher programs in almost all circumstances, believing that taking money out of the public school system is not the best or fairest way to improve education.

John McCain

Supports vouchers to use taxpayer money to send children to private or religious schools and says "all federal financial support must be predicated on providing parents the ability to move their children, and the dollars associated with them, from failing schools." Favors alternative certification to help more people become teachers and early education.

Barack Obama

Supports school choice through high-quality public charter schools. Opposes vouchers for private schools. Would expand Head Start and child-care programs, and math and science education. Targets middle-school programs to keep kids from dropping out. Supports a simpler college-financial-aid process and a $4,000 tuition tax credit for higher education.