On today's op-ed page, we provided a grid with the positions of the leading Democratic and Republican candidates on seven issues: Iraq, the economy, health care, immigration, taxes, global warming and energy. It's a one-page compilation showing where they stand. You can see a PDF of the page here.
If Iraq is a central issue and most all Americans want our troops home then Mitt Romney seems to be the stronger candidate among Republicans.
I think the Republican candidates are in a precarious position because if they are too strong on troop withdrawal (in the primary) they may lose a significant voter base.
Maybe after the primaries and caucuses when it is known who the Republican Presidential candidate will be the position may shift to a stronger position on troop withdrawl.
The last Congressional election was a litmus test for me. Iraq being the central issue, and a shift to a Dem. controlled Congress. I think the shift will also carry to a new Dem. held presidency.
It is a presidential race for "change" not so much protection from the boogie man terrorist. Arguably Republicans are NOT known for "change" but rather the status quo. I don't think a "conservative" philosophy will work well in this election if many people want "change."
The summaries were helpful. As Rich noted, the Dems are all calling for change, and the GOP candidates seem to be calling mostly for "more of the same." This could be a distastrous election for the GOP if they don't start reaching out to moderate and independent voters soon.
It would have been helpful if you added the URLs for the candidates' websites, for those of us who want to get more detail.
And I'll be surprised if you don't get a bunch of flame-mail from the Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich supporters for leaving them out.
Shouldn’t your pdf be entitled, "Where They Stand Today (But probably not tomorrow)"?
I can’t think of anyone on that list that has the same beliefs today that he or she had 5 years ago. (In all fairness, there are two individuals that possibly have the same beliefs, but it’s kind of hard to determine because of the media distortion of their records).
Don’t like a politician’s position on something? Wait a few days, it will change. They are only telling us what they think we want to hear.
Thomas Sowell says, "If a politician had a coat of arms, it would probably be a weasel on a background of waffles and mush."
That was a really cool page in today's paper -- glad you guys put it online, too.
Good job on both fronts.
I couldn't help notice that only 12.5% of the remaining candidates are against the war, what's the % among the general population?
I would like to know general likes and dislikes as well as hobbies, favorite movies, tv programs, favorite places, ,favorite food. Where did they go to school. Did anyone of them flunk a grade? What was some of thier first jobs,if any? Have any of them done any labor work? What thier favorite subject in school? Do any of them cook or been in a kitchen? How many of them besides John McCain have done military service? What was thier first car? The questions can go on, but I would like to know a little bit more.
I agree with TC they are all just saying what they think we want to hear and they have no intention of doing any of it as is the norm. I am so undecided but am watching a couple of them.
Want to know more of Mr. Romneys faith and beliefs. Check with web site www.goodnewsforlds.org from Tooele, Utah. Created so LDS members can compare Holy Bible with Book of Morman.