Presidential Elections 2008

By Tiffany Monney

In this season of turmoil, with a plague of hardships facing both the national and global level, the time has come to decide who will run the United States of America and help solve these impending and controversial problems.  Amid this period of adversity, two candidates have arisen and are determined to reform the nation as to best suit the needs of the people.  However, the ideals, methods and promises of John McCain and Barack Obama to reform Wall Street, the war in Iraq, and health care vary immensely.

John McCain was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1982 and there fought for the elimination of improvident government spending, renovations in Washington and the fortifying of the armed forces.  This program amplified his position, and he was elected to the United States Senate after the completion of his second term in the House in 1986.  McCain continued his agenda to purge Washington of the corruption that allowed taxpayer money to be used for special interests.  

Today, McCain continues to remain strong in his conservative Republican view for a higher standard for the United States.  Among the issues currently facing America, he has a definite plan to improve upon what needs improvement and eliminate what is unnecessary regarding some of the most pressing issues of today.

McCain's economic plan includes creating greater flexibility in the workplace, providing immediate relief for families who have suffered from the economic crisis, continuing to reform the government, utilizing cheaper energy, lowering trade barriers, supporting the small businesses, and creating just and simple taxes, allowing for more money to circulate and boost the economy.

McCain also advocates the importance of success in Iraq. However, he does not wish American soldiers to remain there any longer than absolutely necessary.  By continuing the effective counterinsurgency strategy,  assisting the Iraq government and improving their economy, and always remaining honest with the people of the United States, the motives for entering Iraq will have been accomplished.

Barack Obama, McCain's Democratic opponent, began his political career by serving three terms in the Illinois Senate, from 1997-2004.  In March of 2004, Obama became a United States Senator and was best known for his promotion of the accountability of the American people regarding the use of federal funds, and in the 110th Congress, he assisted in the making of laws inhibiting electoral fraud and lobbying, the negative effects of global climate change, and the care for United States veterans.

Currently, Obama's program for the economic crisis encompasses the restoration of fairness to taxes, reforming the national regulation on finances and corporate governance, protecting the individual consumer, and also the creation of just and intelligent policies with regards to global trading.

Obama's plan for the war in Iraq includes winning and defeating Al Qaeda and terrorist threats against the United States, creating a partnership with Pakistan, providing greater security for the Homeland, and finally pursuing a renovation of the intelligence methods used by the United States.

Both candidates have valid arguments for their plans to improve the country; however, only one will win the race determining the next Commander in Chief, or President, of the United States.