Barack Obama:
Supports tax incentives for clean energy and high-tech manufacturers and companies that return jobs from overseas. Would increase investigations of unfair trade practices. Supported Wall Street reforms. Promises doubled exports between 2009 and 2014.
Barack Obama:
Supports Affordable Care Act he signed in 2010, which he says will provide access to care for 95 percent of those under 65 and end denial of health coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Barack Obama:
Supports so-called "Buffet Rule" to increase minimum tax on those making more than $1 million a year. Supports payroll tax cut for most businesses.
Barack Obama:
Supports continued military mission in Afghanistan "to build Afghan governance capacity and self-sufficiency" and says U.S. troops should withdraw by 2014. Supports Patriot Act. His defense budget would remain essentially flat over the next 10 years.
Barack Obama:
Called on Congress to enact a bipartisan solution "to strengthen Social Security for future generations." Opposes privatization and any plan that cuts benefits for future beneficiaries.
Barack Obama:
Supports more penalties for border violations and employers who knowingly hire illegal workers. Supports Dream Act, pathway to citizenship for undocumented and visas for foreign students who earn science, technology, engineering or math doctorates.
Age:
51
Birthplace (city):
Honolulu, HI
Residence (city):
Chicago, IL
Campaign telephone:
(312) 698-3670
Education:
Law degree, Harvard Law School, 1991; bachelor's degree, political science, Columbia University, 1983; Occidental College, Los Angeles, 1979-81.
Experience:
President, 2009-present; U.S. senator, 2005-2011; senator, Illinois state Senate, 1996-2004; community organizer, Chicago, 1985-88; civil rights attorney; author; lecturer, professor of constitutional law, University of Chicago, 1991-2004.
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Mitt Romney:
Wants lower taxes, less regulation, balanced budget, more trade deals to spur growth. Would replace jobless benefits with unemployment savings accounts. Proposes repeal of the law toughening financial-industry regulations.
Mitt Romney:
Would repeal the federal health care law modeled largely after his universal health care achievement in Massachusetts because states should drive policy on the uninsured. Would convert Medicaid program to a federal block grant administered by states.
Mitt Romney:
Would drop all tax rates 20 percent, curtail deductions, credits and exemptions for the wealthiest, end Alternative Minimum Tax for individuals, eliminate capital gains tax for families making below $200,000 and cut corporate tax to 25 percent.
Mitt Romney:
Opposes constitutional rights for foreign terrorism suspects. Has not specified the troop numbers behind his pledge to ensure the "force level necessary to secure our gains and complete our mission successfully" in Afghanistan.
Mitt Romney:
Would protect the status quo for people 55 and over but, for the next generations of retirees, raise the retirement age for full benefits by one or two years and reduce inflation increases in benefits for wealthier recipients.
Mitt Romney:
Favors border fence, opposes education benefits for illegal immigrants and legislation to award legal status to some young illegal immigrants who attend college or serve in the armed forces. Proposes more visas for holders of advanced degrees.
Age:
66
Birthplace (city):
Detroit, MI
Residence (city):
Belmont, MA
Campaign telephone:
(857) 288-3500
Education:
Law degree, Harvard University, 1975; master's degree, business administration, Harvard University, 1975; bachelor's degree, English, Brigham Young University, 1971.
Experience:
Massachusetts governor, 2003-07; president and CEO, Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Organizing Committee, 1999-2002; Founder and CEO, Bain Capital private equity firm, 1984-99; vice president, Bain and Co. management consulting, 1977-84.
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Biographical Information
e.thePeople
