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===Iraq===
===Iraq===
Senator Obama was an early opponent of Bush administration policies on Iraq, when other Democratic leaders supported the legislation that led to the war. Obama was not in the [[United States Senate]], and was therefore unable to vote during the [[Iraq Resolution]] of 11 October 2002, authorizing the use of force against Iraq. During a fall 2002 anti-war rally at Chicago's Federal Plaza, while still an Illinois State Senator, and in a speech alongside [[Jesse Jackson]], Obama stated: "I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars. [...] You want a fight, President Bush? Let's finish the fight with [[Osama bin Laden|Bin Laden]] and [[al-Qaeda]], through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a [[homeland security]] program that involves more than [[Homeland Security Advisory System|color-coded warnings]]."<ref>{{cite news|first=Barack|last=Obama|coauthors=|title=Remarks of Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama Against Going to War with Iraq|date=[[October 26]], [[2002]]|publisher=|url=http://www.obama2010.us/2002/10/26/iraq_war.php|work=Obama 2010 Re-Election Campaign|pages=|accessdate=|language=}}</ref> He also speculated about the sectarian violence in Iraq after the fall of Saddam, and talked about the need for a strategy to stabilize Iraq and hand over power to the Iraqis in an interview in 2002.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Speaking before the [[Chicago Council on Global Affairs]] in November 2006, he said: "The days of using the [[war on terror]] as a [[political football]] are over. [...] It is time to give Iraqis their country back, and it is time to refocus America's efforts on the wider struggle yet to be won." In his speech Obama also called for a phased withdrawal of American troops starting in 2007, and an opening of diplomatic dialog with Iraq's neighbors, [[Syria]] and [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Barack|last=Obama|coauthors=|title=A Way Forward in Iraq|date=[[November 20]], [[2006]]|publisher=|url=http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/hottopics_details.php?hottopics_id=52|work=Chicago Council on Global Affairs|pages=|accessdate=|language=PDF and audio}}. Also available in [http://www.obama2010.us/media/a_way_forward_in_iraq/ text and video] at Obama 2010 Re-Election Campaign. Retrieved on [[2007-01-19]].</ref>
Senator Obama was an early opponent of Bush administration policies on Iraq, when other Democratic leaders supported the legislation that led to the war. Obama was not in the [[United States Senate]], and was therefore unable to vote during the [[Iraq Resolution]] of 11 October 2002, authorizing the use of force against Iraq. During a fall 2002 anti-war rally at Chicago's Federal Plaza, while still an Illinois State Senator, and in a speech alongside [[Jesse Jackson]], Obama stated: "I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars. [...] You want a fight, President Bush? Let's finish the fight with [[Osama bin Laden|Bin Laden]] and [[al-Qaeda]], through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a [[homeland security]] program that involves more than [[Homeland Security Advisory System|color-coded warnings]]."<ref>{{cite news|first=Barack|last=Obama|coauthors=|title=Remarks of Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama Against Going to War with Iraq|date=[[October 26]], [[2002]]|publisher=|url=http://www.obama2010.us/2002/10/26/iraq_war.php|work=Obama 2010 Re-Election Campaign|pages=|accessdate=|language=}}</ref> He also speculated about the sectarian violence in Iraq after the fall of Saddam, and talked about the need for a strategy to stabilize Iraq and hand over power to the Iraqis in an interview in 2002.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} Speaking before the [[Chicago Council on Global Affairs]] in November 2006, he said: "The days of using the [[war on terror]] as a [[political football]] are over. [...] It is time to give Iraqis their country back, and it is time to refocus America's efforts on the wider struggle yet to be won." In his speech Obama also called for a phased withdrawal of American troops starting in 2007, and an opening of diplomatic dialog with Iraq's neighbors, [[Syria]] and [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Barack|last=Obama|coauthors=|title=A Way Forward in Iraq|date=[[November 20]], [[2006]]|publisher=|url=http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/hottopics_details.php?hottopics_id=52|work=Chicago Council on Global Affairs|pages=|accessdate=|language=PDF and audio}}. Also available in [http://www.obama2010.us/media/a_way_forward_in_iraq/ text and video] at Obama 2010 Re-Election Campaign. Retrieved on [[2007-01-19]].</ref>

During a July 2004 interview on ''[[Meet the Press]]'' when asked how he would have voted on the [[Iraq resolution]] in 2003, Obama answered "What would I have done? I don't know...There's not much of a difference between my position on Iraq and George Bush's position at this stage." Obama defended his words on a later edition of ''Meet the Press'' saying that he made the statement because it was during the middle of an [[United States presidential election, 2004|election]] in which his party's presidential nominees had both voted to authorize the war and noting that he was openly opposed to the war as early as 2002.<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21738432</ref>


On [[January 30]] [[2007]], Obama introduced the [[Iraq War De-Escalation Act|Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007]] into Congress. Among other things, the Act calls for capping the level of troops in Iraq at January 2007 levels, and for commencing a phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq "with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by [[March 31]] [[2008]], a date that is consistent with the expectation of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.<ref>[http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2007/01/posted_by_frank.html] Obama introduces Iraq Bill </ref><ref>[http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/jan/30/obama_calls_for_withdrawal_of_all_troops_from_iraq_by_march_2008 Obama Calls For Withdrawal Of All Troops From Iraq By March 2008]</ref> Announcing the act on the Senate floor, Obama stated that "no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else's [[civil war]]."<ref>[http://obama.senate.gov/speech/070130-floor_statement_on_iraq_war_de-escalation_act_of_2007/index.html Floor Statement on Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007]. 30 January 2007 at ''Barack Obama: US Senator for Illinois''. Retrieved on [[2007-02-12]]</ref>
On [[January 30]] [[2007]], Obama introduced the [[Iraq War De-Escalation Act|Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007]] into Congress. Among other things, the Act calls for capping the level of troops in Iraq at January 2007 levels, and for commencing a phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq "with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by [[March 31]] [[2008]], a date that is consistent with the expectation of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.<ref>[http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2007/01/posted_by_frank.html] Obama introduces Iraq Bill </ref><ref>[http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/jan/30/obama_calls_for_withdrawal_of_all_troops_from_iraq_by_march_2008 Obama Calls For Withdrawal Of All Troops From Iraq By March 2008]</ref> Announcing the act on the Senate floor, Obama stated that "no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else's [[civil war]]."<ref>[http://obama.senate.gov/speech/070130-floor_statement_on_iraq_war_de-escalation_act_of_2007/index.html Floor Statement on Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007]. 30 January 2007 at ''Barack Obama: US Senator for Illinois''. Retrieved on [[2007-02-12]]</ref>

Revision as of 23:02, 7 January 2008

Barack Obama campaigning in New Hampshire, August 2007
Main article: Barack Obama

Presidential candidate and Senator Barack Obama has taken positions on many national political, economic and social issues, either through public comments or his senatorial voting record.

Economic and socioeconomic policy

Obama's current economic advisors are Austan Goolsbee of the University of Chicago and Jeffrey Liebman of Harvard University.[1]

Obama wrote: "we should be asking ourselves what mix of policies will lead to a dynamic free market and widespread economic security, entrepreneurial innovation and upward mobility [...] we should be guided by what works."[2] Speaking before the National Press Club in April 2005, he defended the New Deal social welfare policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt, associating Republican proposals to establish private accounts for Social Security with Social Darwinism.[3]

Corporate governance

On April 20, 2007, Obama introduced in the Senate a bill (Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act - S. 1181) requiring public companies to give shareholders an annual nonbinding vote on executive compensation, popularly called "Say on Pay." A companion bill introduced by Rep. Barney Frank passed the House the same day.[4] Several corporations voluntarily have begun to give shareholders such a vote because of concerns about excessive CEO salaries. Some critics have said that the federal law would interfere with the traditional state oversight over corporate governance.[5]

Education

During an October 2004 debate, Obama stated that he opposed education vouchers for use at private schools because he believes they would undermine public schools.[6]

In a July 2007 address to the National Education Association, Obama supported merit pay for teachers, to be based on standards to be developed "with teachers."[7] Obama also called for higher pay for teachers.[7] Obama's plan is estimated to cost $18 billion annually.[8]

Energy policy

Obama and other Senators introduced the BioFuels Security Act in 2007. "It's time for Congress to realize what farmers in America's heartland have known all along - that we have the capacity and ingenuity to decrease our dependence on foreign oil by growing our own fuel," Obama said.[9] In a May 2006 letter to President Bush, he joined four other midwest farming state Senators in calling for the preservation of a $0.54-per-gallon tariff on imported ethanol.[10]

Regarding the domestic use of nuclear energy, Obama has expressed support: "...it is reasonable – and realistic – for nuclear power to remain on the table for consideration."[11]

Obama and other Senators introduced a bill in 2007 to promote the development of commercially viable plug-in hybrids and other electric-drive vehicles in order to shift away from petroleum fuels and "toward much cleaner – and cheaper – electricity for transportation.". [12] Obama proposes that the US Government invest in such developments using revenue generated from an auction-based cap-and-trade or emissions trading program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[13]

Health care

On January 24, 2007 Obama spoke about his position on health care at Families USA, a health care advocacy group. Obama said, "The time has come for universal health care in America [...] I am absolutely determined that by the end of the first term of the next president, we should have universal health care in this country." Obama went on to say that he believed that it was wrong that forty-seven million Americans are uninsured, noting that taxpayers already pay over $15 billion annually to care for the uninsured.[14] Obama cites cost as the reason so many Americans are without health insurance, and claims his health care plan would cut the cost of insurance more than any of his Democratic rivals' plans in the 2008 Presidential race. [15]

Network neutrality

In a June 2006 podcast, Obama expressed support for telecommunications legislation to protect network neutrality on the Internet, saying: "It is because the Internet is a neutral platform that I can put out this podcast and transmit it over the Internet without having to go through any corporate media middleman. I can say what I want without censorship or without having to pay a special charge. But the big telephone and cable companies want to change the Internet as we know it."[16]

Taxation

Obama spoke out in June 2006 against making recent, temporary estate tax cuts permanent, calling the cuts a "Paris Hilton" tax break for "billionaire heirs and heiresses."[17] Speaking in November 2006 to members of Wake Up Wal-Mart, a union-backed campaign group, Obama said: "You gotta pay your workers enough that they can actually not only shop at Wal-Mart, but ultimately send their kids to college and save for retirement."[18] Obama has also proposed his own tax plan, including $80 billion in tax cuts for the poor and middle class. [19]

Budget deficit

In The Audacity of Hope, Obama advocates responding to the "precarious budget situation" by eliminating "tax credits that have outlived their usefulness", closing corporate tax loopholes, and restoring the PAYGO policy that prohibits increases in federal spending without a way to compensate for the lost revenue. [5]

Lobbying

Obama has spoken out numerous times against the influence of lobbying in the United States.[20][21]

However, Obama has cooperated with lobbyists in some cases while in Senate.[22]

Foreign policy

Barack Obama's foreign policy advisers include Mark Lippert, Anthony Lake, Susan Rice, Gregory Craig, Dennis McDonough, Daniel Shapiro, Scott Gration, Sarah Sewall, Ivo Daalder, Jeffrey Bader, Mark Brzezinski, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Richard Clarke, Roger Cressey, Richard Danzig, Philip Gordon, Lawrence Korb, James Ludes, Robert Malley, Bruce Riedel, Dennis Ross, Mona Sutphen, and Samantha Power.[23][24][25]

His first major speech on foreign policy was delivered on April 23, 2007 to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He identified the problems the current foreign policy has caused, and the five ways America can lead again, focused on "common security", "common humanity", and remaining "a beacon of freedom and justice for the world":[26]

During the speech Obama called for an expansion of the United States Armed Forces "by adding 65,000 soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines", an idea introduced by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

In an address on national security to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on August 1, 2007, Obama stated that as President he would consider military action in Pakistan in order to attack al-Qaeda, even if the Pakistani government did not give approval.[27] Obama said, "I will not hesitate to use military force to take out terrorists who pose a direct threat to America."[28] He also said "As President, I would deploy at least two additional brigades to Afghanistan to re-enforce our counter-terrorism operations".[29] Tariq Ali, an acclaimed British-Pakistani historian, criticized Obama for his comments regarding attacking terrorists inside Pakistan and stated "Were the United States to start bombing raids inside Pakistan, there would be a massive increase of support for the jihadi fundamentalist groups in that country, and it would weaken not just secular political groups, it would weaken even the moderate religious parties who are not associated with that."[30]

Arab-Israeli conflict

Referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in January 2006, Obama denounced Hamas while praising former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. At a meeting with then Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom on the eve of Hamas' sweeping election victory,[31] Obama stated that Sharon's role in the conflict had always been "absolutely important and constructive."[32] At a meeting with Palestinian students two days later, Obama stated opposition to Hamas in favor of rival party Fatah, noting his desire to "consolidate behind a single government with a single authority that can then negotiate as a reliable partner with Israel." In a comment aimed at Hamas, he said that "the US will always side with Israel if Israel is threatened with destruction."[33]

Obama was also a cosponsor of the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, which in part calls on "members of the international community to avoid contact with and refrain from financially supporting the terrorist organization Hamas until it agrees to recognize Israel, renounce violence, disarm, and accept prior agreements, including the Roadmap."[34] However, on March 11, 2007, Obama said that "if we could get some movement among Palestinian leadership, what I'd like to see is a loosening up of some of the restrictions on providing aid directly to the Palestinian people."[35]

He defended Israel's response to the Zar'it-Shtula incident on August 22 in an interview with Tim Russert, saying, "I don't think there is any nation that would not have reacted the way Israel did after two soldiers had been snatched. I support Israel's response to take some action in protecting themselves." A month earlier he said, "I don't fault Israel for wanting to rid their border with Lebanon from those Katyusha missiles that can fire in and harm Israeli citizens, so I think that any cease fire would have to be premised on the removal of those missiles."[36]

Speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on 2 March 2007, Obama called Israel "our strongest ally in the region," and stated: "We must preserve our total commitment to our unique defense relationship with Israel by fully funding military assistance and continuing work on the Arrow and related missile defense programs." On the Palestinian Authority's new unity government, Obama said: "We should all be concerned about the agreement negotiated among Palestinians in Mecca last month."[37]

Obama has also discussed in general terms some thoughts about Palestinians vis-a-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On March 11, 2007 Obama said: "Nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people."[38] On June 4, 2007 Obama stated that "resolution [to the conflict] and a better life for all people" "is something that can be achieved, but it's going to require some soul-searching on the Palestinian side. They have to recognize Israel's right to exist; they have to renounce violence and terrorism as a tool to achieve their political ends; they have to abide by agreements. In that context, I think the Israelis will gladly say, 'Let's move forward negotiations that would allow them to live side by side with the Palestinians in peace and security.'"[39]

Immigration

Obama supports a guest worker program.[40] Obama has said that he "will not support any bill that does not provide [an] earned path to citizenship for the undocumented population."

Obama doesn't believe that twelve million illegal immigrants can be sent back. He said "It's not going to happen. We're not going to go round them up ... We should give them a pathway to citizenship."[41]

In September 2006, Obama voted for the Secure Fence Act, authorizing the construction of 700 miles (1,100 km) of fencing along the United States–Mexico border.[42]

Iran

During his 2004 Senate campaign, Obama stated that he had not ruled out military action against Iran. In a meeting with the Chicago Tribune editorial board, Obama stated: "The big question is going to be, if Iran is resistant to these pressures, including economic sanctions, which I hope will be imposed if they do not cooperate, at what point are we going to take military action, if any?" Obama stressed that he would only use force as a last resort.[43] Obama has not declared a change in this stance since the 2004 campaign. In 2006, he called on Iran to "take some ownership for creating some stability" in Iraq.[44]

In an interview with Tim Russert on October 22, 2006 Obama said, "I think that military options have to be on the table when you're dealing with rogue states that have shown constant hostility towards the United States. The point that I would make, though, is that we have not explored all of our options...We have not explored any kind of dialogue with either Iran or North Korea, and I think that has been a mistake. As a consequence, we have almost no leverage over them."[45]

Speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on 2 March 2007, Obama stated that he regards Iran's government as "a threat to all of us," stating that the US "should take no option, including military action, off the table, sustained and aggressive diplomacy combined with tough sanctions should be our primary means to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons."[46] Diplomacy would include "more determined U.S. diplomacy at the United Nations," "harnessing the collective power of our friends in Europe who are Iran's major trading partners," and "a cooperative strategy with Gulf States who supply Iran with much of the energy resources it needs."[47]

Obama has criticized Hillary Clinton for voting in favor of classifying the Iranian Quds Force as a terrorist organization, saying the measure could enable Bush to launch military action against Iran, [48], stating that he would have voted against it if he had not been in New Hampshire campaigning. [49]

Iraq

Senator Obama was an early opponent of Bush administration policies on Iraq, when other Democratic leaders supported the legislation that led to the war. Obama was not in the United States Senate, and was therefore unable to vote during the Iraq Resolution of 11 October 2002, authorizing the use of force against Iraq. During a fall 2002 anti-war rally at Chicago's Federal Plaza, while still an Illinois State Senator, and in a speech alongside Jesse Jackson, Obama stated: "I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars. [...] You want a fight, President Bush? Let's finish the fight with Bin Laden and al-Qaeda, through effective, coordinated intelligence, and a shutting down of the financial networks that support terrorism, and a homeland security program that involves more than color-coded warnings."[50] He also speculated about the sectarian violence in Iraq after the fall of Saddam, and talked about the need for a strategy to stabilize Iraq and hand over power to the Iraqis in an interview in 2002.[citation needed] Speaking before the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in November 2006, he said: "The days of using the war on terror as a political football are over. [...] It is time to give Iraqis their country back, and it is time to refocus America's efforts on the wider struggle yet to be won." In his speech Obama also called for a phased withdrawal of American troops starting in 2007, and an opening of diplomatic dialog with Iraq's neighbors, Syria and Iran.[51]

On January 30 2007, Obama introduced the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 into Congress. Among other things, the Act calls for capping the level of troops in Iraq at January 2007 levels, and for commencing a phased redeployment of US forces from Iraq "with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by March 31 2008, a date that is consistent with the expectation of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.[52][53] Announcing the act on the Senate floor, Obama stated that "no amount of American soldiers can solve the political differences at the heart of somebody else's civil war."[54]

However, Obama has not consistently supported cutting funding to the war as a way to end U.S. involvement in the conflict.[55]

Social policy

Abortion and contraception

In his write-in response to a 1998 survey, Obama stated his abortion position as: "Abortions should be legally available in accordance with Roe v. Wade."[56]

While serving in the Illinois Senate, Obama had a 100 percent rating from the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council[57] due to his consistent voting in favor of abortion rights, family planning services, and having female contraceptives covered by health insurance.[58] Since his election to the United States Senate Obama has maintained a 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood (as of 2007) and NARAL (as of 2005).[59] While serving in the Illinois State Senate, Obama opposed legislation that required "medical care for aborted fetuses" because the legislation's wording defined the fetus as a child -- a measure he said would "essentially bar abortions."[60]

Environment

Obama has long taken the stance that global warming is human-caused, and that it must be addressed. He has a record of supporting environmentally friendly bills.

The issue of climate change is one that we ignore at our own peril. There may still be disputes about exactly how much is naturally occurring, but what we can be scientifically certain of is that our continued use of fossil fuels is pushing us to a point of no return. And unless we free ourselves from a dependence on these fossil fuels and chart a new course on energy in this country, we are condemning future generations to global catastrophe.[61]

He has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 by creating a market-based cap-and-trade system.[62] Obama also has plans for improving air and water quality through reduced pollution levels.[citation needed]

LGBT issues

Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment which would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman, but personally believes that marriage is defined as a religious bond between a man and a woman. He supports civil unions that would carry equal legal standing to that of marriage for same-sex couples, but believes that decisions about the title of marriage should be left to the states.[63][64][65]

Obama stated on 15 March 2007, that "I do not agree...that homosexuality is immoral."[66] During the 23 July 2007 CNN/Youtube debate, Obama further stated that "... we've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples."[67]

Obama was recently criticized for inviting anti-gay individuals Reverend Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and Reverend Hezekiah Walker, to participate in a three-day gospel music campaign tour called "Embrace the Courage", as part of Obama's "40 Days of Faith and Family" campaign in South Carolina.[68] The Obama campaign responded to criticism in a press release, saying, "I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as president of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."[68] For events held Sunday, 28 October, 2007, Obama added Reverend Andy Sidden, an openly gay South Carolina pastor.[69]

Gun control

As a state legislator in Illinois, Obama supported banning the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic firearms, increasing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms and requiring manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.[70] He has also supported a ban on the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns.[71] He sponsored a bill in 2000 limiting handgun purchases to one per month. He also voted against a 2004 measure allowing a self-defense exception for people charged with violating local weapons bans by using a gun in their home.[72]

Obama was also a board member[73] of the Joyce Foundation which funds and maintains several gun control organizations in the United States.

He supported several gun control measures, including restricting the purchase of firearms at gun shows and the reauthorization of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban.[74]

While in the US Senate, Obama has voted against legislation protecting firearm manufacturers from liability.[75]

Death penalty

Obama believes the death penalty is used too frequently and inconsistently. However he is still in favor of it for cases in which "the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage."[76] Speaking as a state senator about the Illinois legislature's constant additions to the list of factors that render a defendant eligible for the death penalty, Obama said, "We certainly don't think that we should be... have this laundry list that does not make any distinctions between the run-of-the-mill armed robbery that results in death, and systematic killings by a terrorist organization. And I think essentially what the reduction of aggravating factors does is it says, 'Here's a narrower set of crimes that we think potentially at least could deserve the death penalty.'"[77]

Civil liberties

Obama voted in favor of the 2006 version of the Patriot Act.[78] He voted against the Military Commissions Act of 2006[79] and later voted to restore habeas corpus to those detained by the U.S. (which had been stripped by the Military Commissions Act).[78] He has advocated closing the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, but has not supported two specific bills that would have done so.[80] Obama opposes the use of torture[81] and warrantless domestic wiretaps by the U.S.[82] He voted against the Flag Desecration Amendment in 2006 saying he considered it to be unconstitutional.[83]

Religion

Obama has encouraged Democrats to reach out to evangelicals and other church-going people, saying, "if we truly hope to speak to people where they’re at—to communicate our hopes and values in a way that’s relevant to their own—we cannot abandon the field of religious discourse."[84][85]

Stem cell research

Obama supports embryonic stem cell research and was a co-sponsor[86] of the 2005 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act which was passed by both houses of Congress but vetoed by President George W. Bush. Obama condemned Bush's veto, saying "Democrats want this bill to pass. Conservative, pro-life Republicans want this bill to pass. By large margins, the American people want this bill to pass. It is only the White House standing in the way of progress - standing in the way of so many potential cures." He also voted in favor of the 2007 bill for embryonic stem cell research that was passed but was also vetoed by President Bush.[87]

References

  1. ^ David Leonhardt. "ECONOMIX; Assessing The Advisers In the '08 Race" New York Times. April 18, 2007
  2. ^ Obama (2006), p. 159.
  3. ^ Franklin, Ben A. (June 1, 2005). "The Fifth Black Senator in U.S. History Makes F.D.R. His Icon". Washington Spectator. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ "S. 1181: A bill to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to provide shareholders with an advisory vote on executive compensation" GovTrack.us
  5. ^ "Alternatives to "Say on Pay" as Federal Legislation" De Novo
  6. ^ Keyes, Obama disagree sharply, The Chicago Tribune, October 27, 2004
  7. ^ a b Appelbaum, Lauren (2007-07-05). "Obama Calls For Merit Pay". MSNBC. Retrieved 2007-08-02.
  8. ^ [1], The Baltimore Sun, November 20, 2007
  9. ^ Baltimore, Chris. "New U.S. Congress looks to boost alternate fuels," The Boston Globe, January 5, 2007. Retrieved on August 23, 2007
  10. ^ Harkin, Tom (May 9, 2006). "Harkin urges Bush to stop undercutting U.S. ethanol production". Harkin U.S. Senate Office. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) See also: Silverstein, Ken (November 2006). "Barack Obama Inc.: The Birth of a Washington Machine". Harper's Magazine. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works: Hearing Statements. "Statement of Senator Barack Obama: Oversight on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission". May 26, 2005.
  12. ^ "HATCH, CANTWELL, OBAMA INTRODUCE PLAN TO PROMOTE PLUG-IN HYBRIDS". Retrieved 2007-12-15. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ Obama, Barack. "Meeting Energy Needs". Retrieved 2007-12-15.
  14. ^ Pickler, Nedra, Obama calls for universal health care, Associated Press, January 25, 2007 (accessed January 25, 2007)
  15. ^ [2]
  16. ^ Obama, Barack (June 8 2006 (text and audio)). "Network Neutrality". Obama U.S. Senate Office. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ Obama, Barack (June 7 2006). "Remarks by Senator Barack Obama on the Paris Hilton Tax Break". Obama U.S. Senate Office. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  18. ^ Gogoi, Pallavi (November 16 2006). "Can Barack Wake Up Wal-Mart?". BusinessWeek.Com. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) See also: "Sen. Obama: 'You Gotta Pay Your Workers Enough'". WLTX-TV 19 (Columbia, SC). November 16 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  19. ^ Steinhauser, Paul (September 18 2007). "Obama tax plan: $80 billion in cuts, five-minute filings". CNN. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |access date= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ "Sen. Barack Obama's remarks". Politico.com. 2007-12-27. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
  21. ^ Tapper, Jake (2007-12-29). "Obama Ad Omits Lobbyist Reference". ABC News. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
  22. ^ Helman, Scott (2007-09-23). "In Illinois, Obama dealt with lobbyists". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-01-04. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ http://www.barackobama.com/2007/05/10/obama_taps_influential_foreign.php
  24. ^ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118895877299317784.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
  25. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/opinions/documents/the-war-over-the-wonks.html
  26. ^ barackobama.com"Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs" April 23, 2007
  27. ^ "Obama warns over Pakistan strike". BBC News. 2007-06-24. Retrieved 2007-08-01.
  28. ^ Paul Richter (2007-08-01). "Obama promises aggressive approach to terrorists". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-08-01.
  29. ^ Steve Holland (2007-08-01). "Tough talk on Pakistan from Obama". Reuters. Retrieved 2007-08-02.
  30. ^ "As 250 Killed in Clashes Near Afghan Border, British-Pakistani Author Tariq Ali on Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Ongoing U.S. Role in Regional Turmoil". Democracy Now!. 2007-10-10. Retrieved on 2007-10-11.
  31. ^ BBC News. "Hamas sweeps to election victory" January 26, 2006
  32. ^ Associated Press. "Obama meets Shalom, offers support for Israel," Israel Insider, January 11, 2006
  33. ^ Goudie, Chuck. Obama meets with Arafat's successor, ABC 7 News (Chicago), January 12, 2006
  34. ^ Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006, The Library of Congress December 21, 2006
  35. ^ Register Staff Writer. "Up-close Obama urges compassion in Mideast". DeMoines Rgister, March 12, 2007
  36. ^ Haaretz. "Barack Obama, Democrat" October 23, 2006.
  37. ^ Obama, Barack. Transcript of remarks by Senator Barack Obama: AIPAC Policy Forum (Chicago, Illinois) Transcript; PDF File. March 2, 2007
  38. ^ "Iowans get an up-close view of Obama", USA Today, March 11, 2007
  39. ^ "THE SITUATION ROOM Special Edition: Sojourners Presidential Forum". CNN.com. June 4, 2007.
  40. ^ Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Immigration Reform, April 3 2006. Retrieved on January 26 2007
  41. ^ http://obama.senate.gov/news/060923-sen_obama_at_to/index.php
  42. ^ Latinos Upset Obama Voted For Border Fence, CBS (Chicago), November 20 2006. Retrieved on January 13 2007
  43. ^ Obama would consider missile strikes on Iran Chicago Tribune, 25 September 2004.
  44. ^ Barack Obama: 9/11 fever has broken Countdown with Keith Olbermann, MSNBC, 2006
  45. ^ "Barack Obama, Democrat". Haaretz.com. 2006-10-23.
  46. ^ Obama, Barack (March 2 2007). "AIPAC Policy Forum Remarks". Barack Obama U.S. Senate Office. Retrieved 2007-07-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help) For Obama's 2004 Senate campaign remarks on possible missile strikes against Iran, see: Mendell, David (September 25 2004). "Obama Would Consider Missile Strikes on Iran". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2007-07-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ Transcript of remarks by Senator Barack Obama at the AIPAC Policy Forum, Chicago, Illinois, March 2, 2007, Israel Insider 3 March 2007
  48. ^ "Obama: Iran Requires Direct Diplomacy". NPR. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  49. ^ storyId= "Clinton's Iran Vote: The Fallout". New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2007. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  50. ^ Obama, Barack (October 26, 2002). "Remarks of Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama Against Going to War with Iraq". Obama 2010 Re-Election Campaign. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  51. ^ Obama, Barack (November 20, 2006). "A Way Forward in Iraq". Chicago Council on Global Affairs (in PDF and audio). {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link). Also available in text and video at Obama 2010 Re-Election Campaign. Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
  52. ^ [3] Obama introduces Iraq Bill
  53. ^ Obama Calls For Withdrawal Of All Troops From Iraq By March 2008
  54. ^ Floor Statement on Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007. 30 January 2007 at Barack Obama: US Senator for Illinois. Retrieved on 2007-02-12
  55. ^ "Obama Changed Position on War Funding". ABC News. 2007-03-21. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  56. ^ Obama, Barack. "1998 Illinois State Legislative National Political Awareness Test", Project Vote Smart. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
  57. ^ Project Vote Smart. "Senator Barack H. Obama (IL)"
  58. ^ Keith, Ryan (January 17, 2007). "Obama's Past Offers Ammo for Critics". WashingtonPost. p. 1. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  59. ^ "Barack Obama". Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Retrieved 2007-04-07.
    "Barack Obama". Congressional Record on Choice. NARAL Pro-Choice America. Retrieved 2007-04-08.
  60. ^ Keith, Ryan (January 17, 2007). "Obama's Past Offers Ammo for Critics". Washington Post. p. 2. Retrieved 2007-04-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  61. ^ http://www.barackobama.com/issues/environment/
  62. ^ Barack Obama's 2008 Presidential Platform [4]
  63. ^ Obama Statement on Vote Against Constitutional Amendment to Ban Gay Marriage Barack Obama: US Senator for Illinois (Accessed 2 March 2007)
  64. ^ Philip Elliott. Obama’s N.H. visit brings little criticism, much love. Associated Press, printed in Rockford Register Star, 13 February 2007. (Accessed 2 March 2007)
  65. ^ "CNN/You Tube debate transcript". CNN. Retrieved 23 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  66. ^ Thrush, Glenn. "Clinton, Obama: Gays not immoral" Newsday. March 15, 2007.
  67. ^ "CNN/You Tube debate transcript". CNN. Retrieved 23 July. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  68. ^ a b Ireland, Doug. (25 October 2007) Obama's Anti-Gay Gamble Gay City News. Accessed 30 October 2007.
  69. ^ Hamby, Peter. (27 October 2007) Obama's gospel concerts raise hornet's nest of a dilemma CNN. Accessed 30 Octover 2007.
  70. ^ ["Barack Obama on Gun Control"
  71. ^ Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization 1996 candidate questionnaire
  72. ^ "Obama Record May Be Gold Mine For Critics". CBS News. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  73. ^ "2008 Presidential Candidates: Barack Obama". Washington Post. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  74. ^ "Keyes, Obama are far apart on guns". Chicago Tribune. September 15, 2004. Retrieved 2007-04-10. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  75. ^ "Barack Obama on Gun Control"
  76. ^ http://pewforum.org/religion08/compare.php?Issue=Death_Penalty
  77. ^ "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer". transcrip. June 10, 2002. Retrieved 2007-08-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  78. ^ a b "Senator Obama - Voting Record". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  79. ^ "U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes". Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  80. ^ "Guantanamo Bay puzzles candidates". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  81. ^ "Obama: Torture and secrecy betray core American values". BarackObama.com. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  82. ^ "Democrats assail wiretaps". Peoria Journal Star. Retrieved 2007-12-10. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  83. ^ "Obama Statement on Flag Burning Amendment". Senate Office of Barack Obama. Retrieved 2007-12-10.
  84. ^ Lerner, Michael (July 3, 2006). "U.S. Senator Barack Obama Critiques Democrats' Religiophobia". Tikkun Magazine. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  85. ^ "Sen. Barack Obama: Call to Renewal Keynote Address". Beliefnet. June 28, 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  86. ^ Statement of Support for Stem Cell Research, Barack Obama, U.S. Senator for Illinois
  87. ^ NY Times Article on 2007 stem cell veto
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