As American voters we should be voting for the candidate — either John McCain or Barack Obama — who we feel will best serve us as citizens of the U.S. Rather than voting for the person we like best, we should vote based on how the candidates stand on the issues important to us. Let's look at those issues that could affect your job and career.
Affirmative Action
McCain
- Believes in affirmative action for some programs, but not in quotas
Obama
- Wants affirmative action programs to be based on class as well as race
Job Discrimination / Equal Pay
Obama
- Wants to enact legislation that protects womens' right to equal pay for equal work
- Wants to protect people from job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
Balancing Family and Work
McCain
- Co-sponsored the Family Friendly Workplace Act, which would help employees balance work and family
Obama
- Wants to expand flex-work and the Family and Medical Leave Act
- Believes families should be helped with paid sick days and better family leave
Unions
McCain
- Thinks unions are monopolies that workers shouldn't be compelled to join
- Voted against restricting employers' interference in unions
Obama
Minimum Wage
McCain
- In 2007 voted to increase the minimum wage to $7.25
- In 2005 voted against increasing the minimum wage to $7.25 instead of $6.25
Obama
- In 2007 voted to increase the minimum wage to $7.25
- In 2005, voted for raising the minimum wage to $7.25 instead of $6.25
Unemployment Insurance
McCain
- Wants to overhaul employment insurance as a retraining program
Obama
- Thinks unemployment compensation should be extended during a recession
Jobs Moving Overseas
Obama
- Believes companies that keep jobs at home should be rewarded while those that don't should lose tax subsidies
The Economy
McCain
- Believes that during tough times taxes should be kept low
Obama
- Believes in accountability and oversight of the financial markets
Higher Education
McCain
- Wants to consolidate financial aid programs in order to simplify the application process
Obama
- In 2007, along with Senator Edward Kennedy, co-sponsored a bill that would increase the Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100 per year
Sources:
OntheIssues.org
McCain-Palin Web Site
Obama-Biden Web Site
