Because Barack was not elected to the National Senate until 2004, he did not get a chance to vote on the original bill to enter the Iraq war. In various interviews, he has said that he did not support the war from the beginning, even before we actually invaded, and that entering the war was a mistake. He actually spoke out against it and gave a now well known speech (for quotes and content of the speech, click here.because he was not in senate earlier and doesn't have much of a track record, it makes it difficult to map out a line of trust in the overall American public outside of Illinois, and he has not been in the public eye as much as the current front-runner, Hillary Clinton. This may pose a problem in his campaign and is a hurdle he must get over if he plans to make to nomination. Barack has mapped out a general plan as to how he plans to get us out of Iraq. In January 2007, Obama introduced legislation to, in his words, "responsibly end the war in Iraq." He plans to immediately begin to withdraw troops from Iraq and meet with the UN members and Iraqi leader for discussion and use diplomacy."I don't support all wars", says Barack, "What I am opposed to is a dumb war". He said in his 2002 speech against the war. As time goes on, more and more Americans are turning against the war. This makes them more likely to vote for a democrat. However, all the other democratic candidates also claim to be currently anti-Iraq war.http://usliberals.about.com/od/extraordinaryspeeches/a/Obama2002War.htmalso, Barack Obama official site
Issue 2) the Environment
"Global warming is happening now", says Barack. "Obama's cap-and-trade system will require all pollution credits to be auctioned. A 100% auction ensures that all polluters pay for every ton of emissions they release, rather than giving these emission rights away for free to coal and oil companies". Barack believes in the following changes for the environment:1) Investing in "basic research" and in people (human capital)2)invest in key technology, like bio fuels and clean coal technology, invest in technology development, and to "set standards" to allow the market to invent and innovate. He plans to attempt to make the US one of the prime countries fighting the perils of global warming.
3)He wants to strengthen energy independence, and so on. The candidates that pay attention to the environment, have similar views about it, such as energy independence. Most people in general agree with Obama on the environment. This will play in Barack's favor.
Issue 3) Education
It’s a general consensus that we need to improve America's schools. Where there are differences in the candidates is how this should be done. Republican candidates want to give more power to the state and reduce federal regulation of schools.Barack Obama's plan to improve schools include,1) expanding early education2)innovation to improve teacher's quality,3)pay teachers more4)reform/fund no child left behind (this is an issue I disagree with barrack about. I believe that no child left behind should be abolished. the original intentions were good, but punishing schools for not doing well in "standardized testing" by cutting down funding, where it's needed most, is stupid)5)support teachers6) improve testing and accountability7)Give more high school students access to college level courses8) and expanding summer learning opportunities.
He may lose some votes from the conservative side because conservative voters generally believe the government is too involved in things like education.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Barack_Obama_Education.htm
Issue 4) Immigration
What Barack first proposes to do about the border issue is getting additional custom agents."Obama believes immigrant workers should have legal protections to avoid abuse and downward pressure on American wages and working conditions."Barack supports immigrant that immigrated here illegally, but have done nothing else against the law, and encourages them to come out of the shadows.also, to Remove Incentives to Enter Illegally, Honor our Immigrant Troops, and Reform H-1B VisasThis continues to be a controversial issue because of the cost in tax $ of illegal immigrants, but the fact that these are human beings who come here seeking a better life.This is split across the nation. However, most are in favor of a somewhat more secure border. It will be interesting to see how this play's out in Obama's Campaign.
Issue 5) Gun Control
He believes in keeping guns out of the inner cities, and believes that gun manufacturers are partially responsible.However, He “also believe that when a gang banger shoots indiscriminately into a crowd because he feels someone disrespected him, we have a problem of morality. Not only do we need to punish that man for his crime, but we need to acknowledge that there's a hole in his heart, one that government programs alone may not be able to repair.Source: The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama, p.215 Oct 1, 2006 "
Barack Obama greatly supports restriction on the sale of semiautomatics, handguns, and other guns seen in the inner cities. This viewpoint is sure to put him at odds with the NRA (National Rifle Association) and might possibly cost him some votes in southern states, and definitely some from Michigan, a state whose culture is fermented in rifles and guns.
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ; vote number 2005-219 on Jul 29, 2005
http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Barack_Obama_Gun_Control.htm
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