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Barack Obama
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Democratic Jr Senator (IL)

Possible 2008 Democratic nominee:

Hillary Clinton
(NY Senator).

Barack Obama
(IL Senator).

Possible 2008 Democratic Vice Presidential selections:

Joe Biden
(DE Senator): Withdrew after Iowa Cuacus, Jan 2008.

Wes Clark
(former NATO commander): Never entered race.

Christopher Dodd
(CT Senator): Withdrew after Iowa Cuacus, Jan 2008.

John Edwards
(former NC Senator). Withdrew Jan. 30, 2008, after Florida primary.

Al Gore
(former V.P.): Never entered race.

Chuck Hagel
(GOP Nebraska Senator)

Bill Richardson
(NM Governor); withdrew after NH primary, Jan. 2008.

Kathleen Sebelius
(Governor of Kansas).

Tom Vilsack
(IA Governor): Withdrew Feb. 2007.

Confused by the candidates above? Take our 2008 Democratic Veepstakes quiz!

2008 Republican nominee:

John McCain
(Arizona Senator).

Possible 2008 Vice Presidential selections:

Michael Bloomberg
(NYC Mayor).

Sam Brownback
(Kansas Senator) Withdrew Nov. 2007.

Jeb Bush
(Governor of Florida)

Newt Gingrich
(former Speaker of the House): Opted out of race, Sept. 2007.

Rudy Giuliani
(former NYC Mayor). Withdrew Jan. 30, 2008, after Florida primary

Mike Huckabee
(Governor of Arkansas).

Bobby Jindal
(Governor of Louisiana).

Joe Lieberman
(Independent CT Senator).

Mitt Romney
(Former Massachusetts Governor).

Condi Rice
(Secretary of State)

Fred Thompson
(former TN Senator). Withdrew Jan. 2008 after SC primary

Tommy Thompson
(former Wisconsin Governor and Secretary of HHS): Withdrew Aug. 2007.

Mark Sanford
(South Carolina Governor)

3rd-Party presidential challengers:

Constitution Party:
Chuck Baldwin
(Radio talk-show host): Nominated, May 2008.

Libertarian:
Bob Barr
(former GOP GA Rep.)

Libertarian:
Mike Gravel
(former Dem. AK Senator): Lost nomination, May 2008.

Constitution Party:
Alan Keyes
(Maryland talk-show host): Lost nomination, May 2008.

PLS:
Gloria La Riva
(Liberation & Socialism)

Green Party:
Cynthia McKinney
(Former Dem. GA Representative).

Socialist Party:
Brian Moore

Independent:
Ralph Nader
(2000 & 2004 Green candidate).

Confused by the choices above? Take our 2008 Presidential quiz!

Archives

2008 Democratic primary debate in Philadelphia

Democratic Candidates Compassion Forum at Messiah College

The Blueprint for Change: Barack Obama's Plan for America

Joint interviews of Democratic candidates by Politico.com, Feb. 11, 2008, prior to Potomac Primary

2008 Democratic debate in Austin, Texas

2008 Democratic Debate in Cleveland, Ohio

2008 State of the Union address to Congress

Meet the Press: Meet the Candidates 2008 series, with Tim Russert

Washington Post, "The Fact Checker"

Fox News Sunday, throughout 2008

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 primary debates

2008 Democratic debate in Los Angeles

2008 Democratic debate in Las Vegas

2008 Democratic primary debate, sponsored by Facebook, Jan. 5, 2008

2008 Congressional Black Caucus Democratic debate

FactCheck.org analysis of 2008 campaign ads

A Bound Man, by Shelby Steele

Boston Globe questionnaire on Executive Power

2007 National Public Radio Presidential Debate, Dec. 4, 2007

2007 Democrats debate sponsored by Des Moines Register, Dec. 13, 2007

2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum, Dec. 1, 2007

The Contenders, by Laura Flanders et al.

2007 Democratic Primary Debate in Las Vegas

Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson

2007 Democratic primary debate at Dartmouth College

2007 Democratic primary debate at Drexel University

Democratic primary debate, broadcast in Spanish

Democratic Mash-Up: 2007 on-line debate sponsored by the Huffington Post, Slate.com, and Yahoo.com

Obama: From Promise to Power, by David Mendell

Democratic primary debate hosted by George Stephanopoulos, August 19, 2007

2007 HRC-LOGO debate on GLBT issues (all Republicans invited but only Democrats accepted)

2007 AFL-CIO Democratic primary forum

YouTube Democratic Primary Debate, July 23, 2007

2007 NAACP Presidential Primary Forum

Take Back America 2007 Conference

2007 Democratic Primary Debate at Howard University, June 28, 2007

2007 Democratic primary debate at St. Anselm College, Manchester N.H., June 3, 2007

Virtual Town Hall on Iraq, sponsored by MoveOn.org

2007 Democratic primary debate in South Carolina, sponsored by MSNBC

SEIU Democratic Health Care Forum in Las Vegas

IAFF Presidential Forum in Washington DC

Hopes and Dreams: The Story of Barack Obama, by Steve Dougherty

Meet the Press: Meet the Candidates 2007 series, with Tim Russert

CNN Late Edition, throughout 2007

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates

Should Barack Obama Be President? by Fred Zimmerman, published Oct. 2006

The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama

Take Back America Conference

2008 Presidential race speculation

Fact-Check

IL Senate Debate, Illinois Radio Network

Speeches to the Democratic National Convention

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

(click a picture above for excerpts or other books and debates by or about Barack_Obama)

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Other Political Leaders

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Former Governor of Tennessee

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Former Secretary of Transportation

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Former House Minority Leader (D,MO)

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Former Speaker of the House (R,IL)

Orrin Hatch
Senator (R,UT)

Ted Kennedy
Senator (D,MA)

Joe Lieberman
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Former Secretary of Labor

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A Bound Man, by Shelby Steele

The Contenders, by Laura Flanders et al.

Barack Obama: This Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson

Obama: From Promise to Power, by David Mendell

Hopes and Dreams: The Story of Barack Obama, by Steve Dougherty

FactCheck.org analysis of 2007 primary debates

Should Barack Obama Be President? by Fred Zimmerman, published Oct. 2006

The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

(click a book cover for a review or other books by or about Barack_Obama from Amazon.com)

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Barack Obama on Abortion

Click here for 24 full quotes on Abortion OR other candidates on Abortion OR background on Abortion.

Ok for state to restrict late-term partial birth abortion. (Apr 2008)
We can find common ground between pro-choice and pro-life. (Apr 2008)
Undecided on whether life begins at conception. (Apr 2008)
Teach teens about abstinence and also about contraception. (Apr 2008)
GovWatch: Obama's "present" votes were a requested strategy. (Feb 2008)
Expand access to contraception; reduce unintended pregnancy. (Feb 2008)
Rated 100% by NARAL on pro-choice votes in 2005, 2006 & 2007. (Jan 2008)
Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases. (Aug 2007)
Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion. (Apr 2007)
Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters. (Oct 2006)
Constitution is a living document; no strict constructionism. (Oct 2006)
Moral accusations from pro-lifers are counterproductive. (Oct 2004)
Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill. (Jun 2004)
Protect a woman's right to choose. (May 2004)
Supports Roe v. Wade. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
Sponsored bill providing contraceptives for low-income women. (May 2006)
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)

Barack Obama on Budget & Economy

Click here for 22 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other candidates on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.

Can't do anything at home with $12 billion a month on Iraq. (Feb 2008)
Protect consumers with Credit Card Bill of Rights. (Feb 2008)
More accountability in subprime mortgages. (Feb 2008)
Bush stimulus plan leaves out seniors & unemployed. (Jan 2008)
Voted against limiting credit to 30%, because 30% too high. (Jan 2008)
Account for every single dollar for new proposed programs. (Jan 2008)
Help the homeowners actually living in their homes. (Jan 2008)
Bankruptcy bill pushed by banks &. (Jan 2008)
Lack of an energy policy is a financial burden. (Jan 2008)
Bush & GOP dug budget hole; need years to dig out. (Dec 2007)
Save $150 billion in tax cuts for people who don't need them. (Dec 2007)
Take China "to the mat" about currency manipulation. (Dec 2007)
Rejects free market vision of government. (Oct 2007)
Regulate financial instruments to protect home mortgages. (Aug 2007)
Government regulation needed for when markets fail. (Aug 2007)
Return to PayGo: compensate for all new spending. (Oct 2006)
Bush's economic policies are not working. (May 2004)
Supports federal programs to protect rural economy. (May 2004)
Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
Get minorities into home ownership & global marketplace. (Jan 2001)
Require full disclosure about subprime mortgages. (Dec 2007)

Barack Obama on Civil Rights

Click here for 49 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.

Hate crimes related to the immigration issue is unacceptable. (Feb 2008)
People want to move beyond our divisions. (Jan 2008)
2004 DNC speech merged "heritage" with "diversity". (Dec 2007)
The politics of fear undermines basic civil liberties. (Oct 2007)
1980s boss predicted Obama would be heir to MLK's voice. (Aug 2007)
Racial equality good for America as a whole. (Jun 2007)
Put the Confederate flag in a museum, not the state house. (Apr 2007)
Muslim heritage gives Obama unique influence in Muslim world. (Oct 2006)
No black or white America--just United States of America. (Oct 2006)
Gays should not face discrimination but should not marry. (Oct 2004)
Forthright on racial issues and on his civil rights history. (Jul 2004)
Defend freedom and equality under law. (May 2004)
Politicians: don't use religion to insulate from criticism. (Apr 2004)
Miscegenation a felony in 1960 when Obamas practiced it. (Aug 1996)
The civil rights movement was a success. (Aug 1996)
Affirmative Action
Apply affirmative action to poor white college applicants. (Apr 2008)
Fight job discrimination to give women equal footing at jobs. (Feb 2008)
Remove discriminatory barriers to the right to vote. (Feb 2008)
Benefited from affirmative action but overcame via merit. (Dec 2007)
Include class-based affirmative action with race-based. (Oct 2007)
Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act. (Aug 2007)
Blacks should infiltrate mainstream to affect change. (Aug 2007)
African-Americans vote Democratic because of issue stances. (Jul 2004)
Supports affirmative action in colleges and government. (Jul 1998)
Gay Rights
Being gay or lesbian is not a choice. (Nov 2007)
Decisions about marriage should be left to the states. (Oct 2007)
Homosexuality no more immoral than heterosexuality. (Oct 2007)
Ok to expose 6-year-olds to gay couples; they know already. (Sep 2007)
Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands? (Aug 2007)
We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions. (Aug 2007)
Legal rights for gays are conferred by state, not by church. (Aug 2007)
Disentangle gay rights from the word "marriage". (Aug 2007)
Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights. (Aug 2007)
Gay rights movement is somewhat like civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage. (Jul 2007)
Supports health benefits for gay civil partners. (Oct 2006)
Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Aug 2007)
Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
Ending racial profiling is part of fight for justice. (Jan 2001)
Sponsored bill for special-needs evacuation plans. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored bill for a Rosa Parks commemorative postage stamp. (Dec 2005)
Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
Provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Dec 2007)
Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)

Barack Obama on Corporations

Click here for 8 full quotes on Corporations OR other candidates on Corporations OR background on Corporations.

Cap the farm subsidies for Fortune 500 companies. (Dec 2007)
End tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas. (Aug 2007)
Hold corporations responsible for pensions & work conditions. (Aug 2007)
Tax incentives for corporate responsibility. (Jun 2004)
Close tax loopholes for US companies relocating abroad. (Jun 2004)
REAL USA Plan: Reward companies that create domestic jobs. (Jun 2004)
Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)

Barack Obama on Crime

Click here for 20 full quotes on Crime OR other candidates on Crime OR background on Crime.

Reduce recidivism by providing ex-offender supports. (Feb 2008)
Ban racial profiling & eliminate disparities in sentencing. (Feb 2008)
Have a civil rights division enforce laws fairly and justly. (Jan 2008)
GovWatch: No, more young black men in college than in prison. (Jan 2008)
Lack of enforcement sets tone for more hate crimes. (Dec 2007)
Legislated protecting police detainees during interrogation. (Nov 2007)
Pushed Illinois bill to videotape all capital interrogations. (Oct 2007)
No extra penalty for gang association. (Oct 2007)
Works on ex-offender laws because it could have been him. (Aug 2007)
Need justice that is not just us, but is everybody. (Jun 2007)
Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment. (Oct 2006)
Videotape all capital punishment interrogations. (Oct 2006)
Passed 150 laws to toughen penalties for violent crime. (Oct 2004)
Restrict police entry rules, to protect our civil liberties. (Oct 2004)
Death penalty should be enforced fairly and with caution. (Oct 2004)
Death penalty should not discriminate by gang membership. (Oct 2004)
Battles legislatively against the death penalty. (Jul 2004)
Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice. (Dec 2005)

Barack Obama on Drugs

Click here for 13 full quotes on Drugs OR other candidates on Drugs OR background on Drugs.

Look at needle exchange; and expand treatment. (Feb 2008)
Fight to rid our communities of meth. (Feb 2008)
Expand drug courts; help prisoners with substance abuse. (Feb 2008)
2001: questions harsh penalties for drug dealing. (Oct 2007)
Not first candidate to use drugs, but first honest about it. (Oct 2007)
Do not lower drinking age from 21 to 18. (Sep 2007)
Experimented with cocaine but turned down heroin. (Aug 2007)
A "secret smoker", especially around reporters. (Aug 2007)
Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school. (Feb 2007)
Admitted marijuana use in high school & college. (Jan 2007)
Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair. (Oct 2006)
Understand why youngsters want to use drugs. (Aug 1996)
Require chemical resellers to certify against meth use. (Sep 2007)

Barack Obama on Education

Click here for 31 full quotes on Education OR other candidates on Education OR background on Education.

Merit pay ok if based on career instead of a single test. (Apr 2008)
Evolution & science aren't incompatible with Christian faith. (Apr 2008)
Supports charter schools; it's important to experiment. (Feb 2008)
Children's First Agenda: zero to five early education. (Feb 2008)
$4,000 college tuition for 100 hours' public service a year. (Feb 2008)
Put billions of dollars into early childhood education. (Jan 2008)
Need after-school and summer programs with good parenting. (Jan 2008)
Get parents re-engaged in educating the children. (Dec 2007)
We need a sense of urgency about improving education system. (Sep 2007)
Nationwide program to reconstruct crumbling school buildings. (Sep 2007)
STEP UP: summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged. (Aug 2007)
We left the money behind for No Child Left Behind. (Aug 2007)
Pay "master teachers" extra, but with buy-in from teachers. (Aug 2007)
Sends kids to private school; but wants good schools for all. (Jul 2007)
Supreme Court was wrong on school anti-integration ruling. (Jul 2007)
Incentives to hire a million teachers over next decade. (Jun 2007)
Pay teachers more money & treat them like professionals. (Jun 2007)
Public school system status quo is indefensible. (Oct 2006)
More teacher pay in exchange for more teacher accountability. (Oct 2006)
Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education. (Jun 2006)
Sex education needed to help children discuss molestation. (Oct 2004)
Provide decent funding and get rid of anti-intellectualism. (Jul 2004)
Address the growing achievement gap between students. (May 2004)
Will add 25,000 teachers in high-need areas. (May 2004)
Supports charter schools and private investment in schools. (Jul 1998)
Free public college for any student with B-average. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
First Senate bill: increase Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100. (Aug 2007)
Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)

Barack Obama on Energy & Oil

Click here for 38 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other candidates on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.

GOP right on cap-&-trade: guidelines instead of bureaucracy. (Apr 2008)
Raise fuel efficiency standards to reduce long-term demand. (Apr 2008)
Reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Self-contradictory on Bush's clean-energy plan. (Jan 2008)
Reduce the consumption of energy and be more efficient. (Jan 2008)
Aggressively address accelerating climate change. (Dec 2007)
Fuel efficiency and Middle East stability help on fuel costs. (Oct 2007)
Nuclear power ok if we safeguard against waste & terrorism. (Sep 2007)
Explore nuclear power as part of alternative energy mix. (Jul 2007)
Cheney met environmentalists once; but Big Oil 40 times. (Jul 2007)
Cap-and-trade carbon emissions; raise CAFE standard. (Jun 2007)
Stop sending $800M a day to Mideast dictators for oil. (Mar 2007)
Wants Detroit to build more hybrids & use more ethanol. (Oct 2006)
We cannot drill our way out of our addiction to oil. (Oct 2006)
3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror. (Jun 2006)
Cap-and-trade is more specific on reducing greenhouse gases. (Jan 2006)
Conserve, develop alternative fuels, increase efficiencies. (Oct 2004)
Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency. (Sep 2004)
20% nation's power supply from renewable sources by 2020. (Sep 2004)
20% renewable energy by 2020. (Jul 2004)
Invest in alternative energy sources. (Jun 2004)
Increase CAFE to 40 mpg. (Jun 2004)
Tradable credits for renewable energy. (Jun 2004)
Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply. (May 2004)
Voting Record
Passed tax credit for installing E85 ethanol at gas stations. (Feb 2008)
Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
Sponsored bill for tax credit for providing 85% ethanol gas. (Apr 2005)
Sponsored bill to notify public when nuclear releases occur. (Mar 2006)
Sponsored bill raising CAFE by a 4% per year until 2018. (Jul 2006)
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)

Barack Obama on Environment

Click here for 17 full quotes on Environment OR other candidates on Environment OR background on Environment.

Genesis teaches stewardship of earth: sacrifice for future. (Apr 2008)
Regulate animal feeding operations for pollution. (Feb 2008)
Will end the notion of Yucca Mountain nuclear storage. (Jan 2008)
Promote green technologies and fuel efficiency standards. (Dec 2007)
Organized inner-city recycling; fought environmental racism. (Oct 2007)
Reduce mercury and lead to protect community health. (Aug 2007)
Protect the Great Lakes & our National Parks and Forests. (Aug 2007)
1985: Organized asbestos removal in Chicago housing project. (Aug 2007)
Passed lead abatement & 24 other laws in IL Senate. (Aug 2007)
Give Katrina contracts to locals, not to Halliburton. (Jun 2007)
Scored 60% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
Three months working on minority students recycling. (Aug 1996)
Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
Tax credit to remove lead-based housepaint. (Nov 2005)
Establish commission to examine Katrina response. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored health impact bill for environmental health. (Apr 2006)
Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)

Barack Obama on Families & Children

Click here for 8 full quotes on Families & Children OR other candidates on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.

Teach both abstinence and contraception to teens. (Apr 2008)
Expand flex-work & Family and Medical Leave Act. (Feb 2008)
Parents should control what's coming over the airwaves. (Jan 2008)
Restore dream of making children's lives better than parents. (Dec 2007)
All kids should learn about sexual abuse. (Jul 2007)
FactCheck: 'Sex Ed for Kindergarten' means 'age-appropriate'. (Jul 2007)
Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line. (Oct 2006)
Sponsored bill banning high lead levels in children's toys. (Nov 2005)

Barack Obama on Foreign Policy

Click here for 34 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR other candidates on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.

Meet with Cuban leaders only with agenda of US interests. (Feb 2008)
Cuba: Loosen restrictions now; normalization later. (Feb 2008)
Important to undo the damage of the last seven years. (Feb 2008)
Never negotiate out of fear, and never fear to negotiate. (Jan 2008)
Ok to postpone Pakistani elections, but not indefinitely. (Dec 2007)
Pakistan crisis: secure nukes; continue with elections. (Dec 2007)
President must abide by international human rights treaties. (Dec 2007)
Obama Doctrine: ideology has overridden facts and reality. (Dec 2007)
China is a competitor but not an enemy. (Dec 2007)
Willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Kim Jung Il & Hugo Chavez. (Nov 2007)
Wrote 2006 law stabilizing Congo with $52M. (Oct 2007)
No Obama Doctrine; just democracy, security, liberty. (Oct 2007)
Invest in our relationship with Mexico. (Sep 2007)
Strengthen NATO to face 21st-century threats. (Aug 2007)
$50B annually to strengthen weak states at risk of collapse. (Aug 2007)
No "strategic ambiguity" on foreign policy issues. (Aug 2007)
At college, protested for divestment from South Africa. (Aug 2007)
Increased aid to Republic of Congo. (Aug 2007)
Visited largest slum in Africa, to publicize its plight. (Aug 2007)
My critics engineered our biggest foreign policy disaster. (Aug 2007)
China is a competitor, but not an enemy. (Aug 2007)
Meet with enemy leaders; it's a disgrace that we have not. (Jul 2007)
No-fly zone in Darfur; but pay attention more in Africa. (Jun 2007)
Europe & Japan are allies, but China is a competitor. (Apr 2007)
Palestinian people suffer-but from not recognizing Israel. (Apr 2007)
FactCheck: Palestinian suffering from stalled peace effort. (Apr 2007)
Protested South African apartheid while at college. (Feb 2007)
Focus on corruption to improve African development. (Oct 2006)
Supports Israel's self-defense; but distrusted by Israelis. (Oct 2006)
Visited Africa in 2006; encouraged HIV testing & research. (Oct 2006)
Never has US had so much power & so little influence to lead. (Jul 2004)
US policy should promote democracy and human rights. (Jul 2004)
Sponsored aid bill to avert humanitarian crisis in Congo. (Dec 2005)
Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations. (May 2007)

Barack Obama on Free Trade

Click here for 14 full quotes on Free Trade OR other candidates on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.

Strong labor, safety, and environmental standards on trade. (Feb 2008)
More Transition Assistance for displaced workers. (Feb 2008)
Enforce environmental & labor provisions in trade agreements. (Jan 2008)
Enforce existing safety laws against Chinese products. (Dec 2007)
NAFTA needs to be amended. (Dec 2007)
Stand firm against CAFTA for labor & environmental standards. (Aug 2007)
Congress subsidizes megafarms & hurts family farmers. (Aug 2007)
People don't want cheaper T-shirts if it costs their job. (Aug 2007)
Amend NAFTA to add labor agreements. (Aug 2007)
Reinvest in communities that are burdened by globalization. (Jun 2007)
Insist on labor and human rights standards for China trade. (Jul 2004)
Fair trade should have tangible benefits for US. (Jun 2004)
Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)

Barack Obama on Government Reform

Click here for 51 full quotes on Government Reform OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.

Lobbyists & special interests have strangle-hold on agenda. (Feb 2008)
Consistently in favor of more disclosure around earmarks. (Feb 2008)
Created a publicly searchable database on earmarks spending. (Feb 2008)
Need a government that listens to the people again. (Feb 2008)
Give D.C. the opportunity to elect its own representatives. (Feb 2008)
Shine light on federal contracts, earmarks, & proposed bills. (Feb 2008)
Capping credit card interest rates at 30% is not enough. (Jan 2008)
Never took money from federal lobbyists or their companies. (Jan 2008)
Release people in bankruptcy due to health care problems. (Jan 2008)
I opposed both the 2001 and 2005 bankruptcy bills. (Jan 2008)
Accountability and oversight over the financial markets. (Jan 2008)
Modify some of the fraudulent & predatory lending practices. (Jan 2008)
Bad idea to over-classify information. (Dec 2007)
Bush's signing statements are a clear abuse of prerogative. (Dec 2007)
Public submits policy ideas on Obama's "My Policy" website. (Oct 2007)
Create "Google for Government" to track government spending. (Aug 2007)
Prayer can't prevent disasters; good policy can handle them. (Aug 2007)
1998: First law passed, 52-4, stripping legislator perks. (Aug 2007)
2004: Used state money for seemingly political mailing. (Aug 2007)
Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
Half of us don't vote; time for taking it back. (Jun 2007)
Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights. (Oct 2006)
Electing US Senators empowers people: keep 17th Amendment. (Oct 2004)
People are really ready for a message for change. (Jul 2004)
Campaign race baiting works in both directions. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Finance Reform
Ended corporate jet travel subsidized by lobbyists. (Feb 2008)
No lobbyist money; no PAC money; fund campaigns instead. (Jan 2008)
Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless. (Nov 2007)
Reduced cost TV ads for candidates; $85M presidential limit. (Oct 2007)
Ok to take $5 donations from drug company employees. (Sep 2007)
Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)
No "bundled" money from federal-registered lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
Campaigns last too long & cost too much. (Aug 2007)
Doesn't take PAC money or federal lobbyists' money. (Jul 2007)
People know his "bundlers" because he pushed disclosure law. (Jul 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
Hopefund PAC pushes government to honor sacred commitments. (Nov 2006)
Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money. (Oct 2006)
Voting Record
FactCheck: Yes, Obama cast 130 "present" votes in IL Senate. (Jan 2008)
Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
Election reform is #1 priority to prevent disenfranchisement. (Jan 2001)
Sponsored bill criminalizing deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
Sponsored resolution rejecting photo ID for voting. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored bill to post earmarks on the Internet. (Jan 2006)
Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)
Prohibit 'voter caging' which intimidates minority voting. (Nov 2007)

Barack Obama on Gun Control

Click here for 11 full quotes on Gun Control OR other candidates on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.

Ok for states & cities to determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
Respect 2nd Amendment, but local gun bans ok. (Feb 2008)
Provide some common-sense enforcement on gun licensing. (Jan 2008)
2000: cosponsored bill to limit purchases to 1 gun per month. (Oct 2007)
Concealed carry OK for retired police officers. (Aug 2007)
Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
Bush erred in failing to renew assault weapons ban. (Oct 2004)
Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)

Barack Obama on Health Care

Click here for 72 full quotes on Health Care OR other candidates on Health Care OR background on Health Care.

End-of-life self-medication ok; euthanasia by others not ok. (Apr 2008)
Hillary's plan must either be enforced, or leave out people. (Feb 2008)
The problem with health care is about affordability. (Jan 2008)
Subsidies to people who can't afford care--not single payer. (Jan 2008)
Bring GOP & Dems together to make haelthcare affordable. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Reducing obesity would save $18B, not $1T. (Dec 2007)
Reforms in prevention and drug price negotiation save money. (Dec 2007)
Tackle insurance companies on reimbursement system. (Oct 2007)
Help young people deal with the cost of medical education. (Oct 2007)
Morally wrong that terminally ill must consider money. (Sep 2007)
FactCheck: Correct that insurance lobbying cost $1B. (Sep 2007)
National smoking bans only after trying local bans. (Sep 2007)
Reform failed in '90s because of drug company lobbying. (Jul 2007)
Take on insurance companies; drive down health care costs. (Jun 2007)
Address minority health needs by more coverage & targeting. (Mar 2007)
Health care tied to balancing costs and taxes nation wide. (Jun 2006)
Allowing seniors to bulk purchase will save taxpayers' money. (Oct 2004)
Allow prescription drug re-importation. (May 2004)
AIDS
Use whatever works with AIDS, including teaching abstinence. (Apr 2008)
We need condom distribution to deal with the scourge of AIDS. (Aug 2007)
Homophobia prevents talking about HIV/AIDS. (Jun 2007)
Got tested for AIDS, with wife, in public, in Kenya. (Jun 2007)
Lead global fight against AIDS. (Jul 2004)
Universal Coverage
AdWatch: My plan costs $2,500 less per family than Clinton's. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Unclear if Obama's plan costs less than Clinton's. (Apr 2008)
Universal health care means anyone who wants it can get it. (Feb 2008)
Insurers are happy to have a mandate; issue is affordability. (Feb 2008)
Voluntary universal participation, like in Medicare Part B. (Feb 2008)
Mandating kids' insurance ok; mandating adults has problems. (Feb 2008)
Young adults up to age 25 can be covered under parents' plan. (Feb 2008)
My plan does more than anybody to reduce costs. (Feb 2008)
My health plan does not leave 15 million people uncovered. (Feb 2008)
Adults will get health care as they can afford it. (Feb 2008)
AdWatch: punishing uninsured families doesn't make sense. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Hillary's plan does mandate; but so does Obama's. (Feb 2008)
No one turned away due to illness or pre-existing condition. (Feb 2008)
Buy private insurance via National Health Insurance Exchange. (Feb 2008)
Against enforcement mechanism for mandating insurance. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, Obama favored single-payer, despite denial. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: No, US costs are not twice as much as others. (Jan 2008)
AdWatch: Pressure insurance & drug companies to change. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: OPPORTUNITY to insure all, but no GUARANTEE. (Jan 2008)
AdWatch: Don't make it illegal not to have health care. (Jan 2008)
Being poor in this country is hazardous to your health. (Dec 2007)
Problem isn't mandating coverage, but affording it. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Coverage plan might leave 8.5 million uninsured. (Nov 2007)
Cautious incremental plan offers choice & subsidy. (Nov 2007)
Added 20,000 children to Illinois healthcare. (Oct 2007)
Government healthcare like members of Congress have. (Sep 2007)
Increase competition in the insurance and drug markets. (Aug 2007)
National Health Insurance Exchange for private coverage. (Aug 2007)
Health plan cuts typical family's premium by $2,500 a year. (Jun 2007)
Give people the choice to buy affordable health care. (Jun 2007)
National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance. (Apr 2007)
Employers are going to have to pay or play. (Mar 2007)
Need political will to accomplish universal coverage. (Mar 2007)
Healthcare system is broken without lifetime employment. (Oct 2006)
The market alone can't solve our health-care woes. (Oct 2006)
Focus on the affordability of a broad healthcare plan. (Jan 2006)
Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary. (Oct 2004)
Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few. (Sep 2004)
Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported. (May 2004)
Ensure access to basic care. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
No need to mandate coverage; just let people afford it. (Jul 2007)
Voted NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
Increase funding for AIDS treatment & prevention. (Jan 2001)
More funding for Rx benefits, community health, CHIPs. (Jan 2001)
Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)

Barack Obama on Homeland Security

Click here for 53 full quotes on Homeland Security OR other candidates on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.

No torture; no renditions; no operating out of fear. (Apr 2008)
Unacceptable to have veterans drive 250 miles to a hospital. (Feb 2008)
Pursue goal of a world without nuclear weapons. (Feb 2008)
Al Qaida is stronger now than in 2001 as Iraq distracted us. (Jan 2008)
Colleges must allow military recruiters for ROTC on campus. (Jan 2008)
Rebuild a nuclear nonproliferation strategy. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Promised to repeal Patriot Act, then voted for it. (Jan 2008)
No presidential power for secret surveillance. (Dec 2007)
No holding US citizens as unlawful enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
Congress decides what constitutes torture, not president. (Dec 2007)
No torture; defiance of FISA; no military commissions. (Dec 2007)
Restore habeas corpus to reach Muslims abroad. (Dec 2007)
Human rights and national security are complementary. (Nov 2007)
Don't allow our politics to be driven by fear of terrorism. (Nov 2007)
2006: Obama-Lugar bill restricted conventional weapons. (Oct 2007)
Judgment is as important as experience. (Oct 2007)
If attacked, first help victims then prevent further attacks. (Oct 2007)
America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions. (Sep 2007)
Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell. (Aug 2007)
2005: Passed bill to reduce conventional weapon stockpiles. (Aug 2007)
We are no safer now than we were after 9/11. (Aug 2007)
Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus. (Jun 2007)
Get first responders the healthcare and equipment they need. (Mar 2007)
Need to be both strong and smart on national defense. (Oct 2006)
Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules. (Oct 2006)
Battling terrorism must go beyond belligerence vs. isolation. (Oct 2006)
Going after Al Qaeda in Pakistan is not Bush-style invasion. (Jan 2006)
Rebuild the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (Jan 2006)
We are currently inspecting 3% of all incoming cargo. (Oct 2004)
Increase funding to decommission Russian nukes. (Jul 2004)
Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available. (Jul 2004)
Balance domestic intelligence reform with civil liberty risk. (Jul 2004)
National Service
Expand Peace Corps and AmeriCorps to 266,000 slots. (Feb 2008)
Put forward a national service program. (Jan 2008)
Give 18-year-old women opportunity to serve. (Dec 2007)
Register women for draft, but not for combat. (Jul 2007)
Veterans
Improve veterans' mental health treatment & PTSD benefits. (Feb 2008)
Address the deficiencies in the VA system. (Jun 2007)
The cost of the Iraq war should not shortchange VA benefits. (Jun 2007)
Make sure the outpatient facilities work for veterans. (Jun 2007)
Comprehensive plan for our veterans healthcare. (Mar 2007)
Voting Record
Support veterans via the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act. (Aug 2007)
Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)

Barack Obama on Immigration

Click here for 37 full quotes on Immigration OR other candidates on Immigration OR background on Immigration.

Encourage every student to learn a second language. (Feb 2008)
Need to look at different aspects of immigration reform. (Feb 2008)
Have border patrolled, surveillance, and deploy technology. (Feb 2008)
Increasing the legal fees on immigrants is not helping. (Feb 2008)
Deporting 12 million people is ridiculous and impractical. (Feb 2008)
Immigration raids are ineffective. (Feb 2008)
Solve the driver's license issue with immigration reform. (Jan 2008)
Immigrants are scapegoats for high unemployment rates. (Jan 2008)
Support the DREAM Act for the children of illegal immigrants. (Jan 2008)
Health plan: not enough resources for illegal immigrants. (Jan 2008)
Illegals shouldn't work; but should have path to citizenship. (Dec 2007)
Don't deputize Americans to turn in illegal immigrants. (Dec 2007)
OK to provide government services in Spanish. (Dec 2007)
Comprehensive solution includes employers & borders. (Nov 2007)
Undocumented workers come here to work, not to drive. (Nov 2007)
Support granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Lightning IS likelier than employer prosecution. (Nov 2007)
Illegal immigrants' lack of ID is a public safety concern. (Oct 2007)
Immigration system is broken for legal immigrants. (Sep 2007)
Reform must include more border security, and border wall. (Sep 2007)
Sanctuary cities show that feds are not enforcing law. (Sep 2007)
Pathway to citizenship, but people have to earn it. (Aug 2007)
Let's be a nation of laws AND a nation of immigrants. (Aug 2007)
Do a better job patrolling the Canadian and Mexican borders. (Jun 2007)
Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship. (Jun 2007)
Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Comprehensive immigration reform without amnesty. (May 2005)
Sponsored bill paying fair prevailing wage to guest workers. (May 2006)
Provide funding for social services for noncitizens. (May 2006)
Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

Barack Obama on Jobs

Click here for 23 full quotes on Jobs OR other candidates on Jobs OR background on Jobs.

Fight attacks on workers' right to organize & strike. (Feb 2008)
Focus farm programs on family farms, not giant corporations. (Feb 2008)
Paying more at Wal-Mart is worth it for having US jobs. (Dec 2007)
Give public safety officers collective bargaining rights. (Aug 2007)
Chief co-sponsor of IL ENDA, against gay job discrimination. (Aug 2007)
Chicago's Soldier Field stadium construction created jobs. (Aug 2007)
Pres. candidates can afford minimum wage; most folks can't. (Jul 2007)
Make the minimum wage a living wage. (Jun 2007)
Burdens of globalization are placed on the backs of workers. (Mar 2007)
Owes unions who endorsed him; that's why he's in politics. (Oct 2006)
Working full-time should mean enough to support a family. (Oct 2006)
Overrode federal overtime rules and raised the minimum wage. (Sep 2004)
Make sure that African-American men have access to jobs. (Jul 2004)
Fund Trade Adjustment Assistance for service workers too. (Jun 2004)
Increase IL minimum wage to $6.50 an hour. (Jun 2004)
Tax cuts for the rich do not create jobs. (May 2004)
Obama will strengthen unions and workers' rights. (May 2004)
Voted NO on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
Sponsored bill allowing an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
Match minimum wage increases to Congressional pay raises. (May 2006)

Barack Obama on Principles & Values

Click here for 143 full quotes on Principles & Values OR other candidates on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.

I revere the American flag; I don't refuse to wear flag pins. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, refused to wear a flag pin, last year. (Apr 2008)
Actions can be seen in 20 years of my public service. (Feb 2008)
Suggesting that I plagiarized Deval Patrick is silly. (Feb 2008)
Wouldn't be running if I didn't think I was prepared. (Feb 2008)
Don't seat MI & FL delegates; they're based on non-campaign. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Ranked most liberal in Senate, based on 99 votes. (Feb 2008)
The Clinton years were undeniably better than the Bush years. (Jan 2008)
Turn the page on the failed politics & policies of the past. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Obama praised GOP for having ideas, not GOP ideas. (Jan 2008)
Objected to Republican ideas; did not compliment them. (Jan 2008)
Made the right decisions that were not politically popular. (Jan 2008)
Clinton earned a great relationship with African-Americans. (Jan 2008)
Campaigning on change from the bottom up that King stood for. (Jan 2008)
Ran for Congress in 2000 & lost. (Nov 2007)
Gave away all Rezko "boneheaded" donations to charity. (Nov 2007)
2 years older than JFK when JFK ran for president. (Nov 2007)
On "inexperience": he wrote policy books that media ignores. (Oct 2007)
Don't know if life beyond earth; focus on life here on earth. (Oct 2007)
Registered 150,000 young Chicago area black voters in 1992. (Oct 2007)
Criticizes voter cynicism from decades of disappointment. (Oct 2007)
Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
The Plan: Raise Obama's profile, including African adventure. (Aug 2007)
Assigned RFK's Senate desk; invokes RFK regularly. (Feb 2007)
Hopefund PAC donated $500K to Democratic Senate candidates. (Nov 2006)
Convention speech understood country yearns for unity. (Oct 2006)
Post-1960s politics more about moral attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
Americans dislike partisanship--not solution like Dems think. (Oct 2006)
Enlist the American people in the process of self-government. (Jan 2006)
Unflinching progressive but ok to downstate conservatives. (Jul 2004)
Be strong or be clever and make peace. (Aug 1996)
Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
Campaign Themes
Go beyond the divisions so that the government can work. (Feb 2008)
Life experiences taught me how to bring people together. (Feb 2008)
People understand we must bring the country together. (Feb 2008)
I have shown the right judgment to lead. (Feb 2008)
Labels like "most liberal" prevent problem-solving. (Feb 2008)
Overcome politics of demonizing opponents. (Jan 2008)
Focus on Iraq, revising presidential power, and healthcare. (Dec 2007)
If you join me I promise you we can change America. (Dec 2007)
Resounds with American theme of overcoming burden of history. (Nov 2007)
Cultivates comparison to Jack Kennedy. (Nov 2007)
Campaigns assiduously in black churches. (Nov 2007)
Viral video "I Got a Crush on Obama" by Obama Girl. (Nov 2007)
Community politics: merges Alinsky & political activism. (Oct 2007)
Apply lessons from both Goldwater and McGovern. (Oct 2007)
Invites supporters to join him on "This Improbable Quest". (Oct 2007)
Resolve "most electable" vs."most progressive" by being both. (Oct 2007)
Turn the page: invite GOP & independents to join in agenda. (Sep 2007)
Seen as both critical outsider and establishment insider. (Aug 2007)
People have an urgent desire for change in Washington. (Jul 2007)
A "hopemonger", having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
Washington can change if we say: Yes we can. (Mar 2007)
Replace partisan bickering with politics of hope. (Feb 2007)
On cover of Time magazine, about his book & presidency. (Oct 2006)
Portrayed as a multiplier instead of a divider. (Oct 2006)
Progressives should recognize common morality with religion. (Oct 2006)
"Audacity of Hope" to change politics to reflect common good. (Oct 2006)
Seek common ground, not a moral crusade. (Oct 2004)
Offer real hope-not blind optimism-to the American people. (Jul 2004)
I'm living my parents' dreams and the American dream. (Jul 2004)
Greatness based on Declaration of Independence, not military. (Jul 2004)
We are one people all defending the United States of America. (Jul 2004)
Want common-sense solutions, not liberal-conservative labels. (Jul 2004)
Past Campaigns
State Senate opponents disqualified on technicality. (Aug 2007)
Lost campaign for US Congress against Bobby Rush in 2000. (Aug 2007)
Senate 2004 campaign theme: "Yes we can". (Aug 2007)
2004: Won Senate seat against Alan Keyes, 70%-29%. (Aug 2007)
Personal History
FactCheck: Took Rezko's donations, but never represented him. (Jan 2008)
"Dreams From My Father" is an archetypal search. (Dec 2007)
Obama REPRESENTS something; doesn't have to DO anything. (Dec 2007)
Won Grammy for recording "Dreams from My Father". (Nov 2007)
Real estate deal with felon was "boneheaded" but ethical. (Oct 2007)
First major politician of the post-Baby Boom generation. (Oct 2007)
Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 2007)
High school jock--played football as defensive lineman. (Aug 2007)
Goal as youth: Leave the world a better place. (Aug 2007)
Planned on presidency since well before 2004 Convention. (Aug 2007)
Dreams from My Father originally about Harvard Law Review. (Aug 2007)
Favorite authors: E. L. Doctorow & Shakespeare. (Aug 2007)
To understand Obama, understand Hawaii's cultural mix. (Aug 2007)
Father was first African exchange student at U. Hawaii. (Aug 2007)
1990: Elected Law Review president with conservative support. (Aug 2007)
Met Michelle Robinson at law firm; married in 1990. (Aug 2007)
Traces ancestry to Jefferson Davis, President of Confederacy. (Feb 2007)
Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)
Personal story is basis of political desire to unite. (Feb 2007)
Greeted as hero on visit to ancestral Kenya. (Feb 2007)
Father died in car crash before Barack got to know him. (Feb 2007)
Born in Hawaii; lives on Chicago's South Side. (Nov 2006)
Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him "Barry". (Oct 2006)
First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
Ryan quits Senate race amid sex scandal allegations. (Jun 2004)
Mother attacked for playing with a black girlfriend. (Aug 1996)
Poverty of political organizers was proof of their integrity. (Aug 1996)
Racism & Race
Rev. Wright and flag pins re distractions from real issues. (Apr 2008)
Blacks are angry; but I dissociate myself from Rev. Wright. (Apr 2008)
FactCheck: William Ayres never killed anoyone with bombs. (Apr 2008)
Intertwined search for father and racial identity. (Dec 2007)
A Bound Man: inner turmoil of 1960s black nationalism. (Dec 2007)
Rooted in African-American community but also more than that. (Dec 2007)
Embodies smothering racial power in individual democracy. (Dec 2007)
More influenced by his race than public perceives. (Dec 2007)
In college, rejected multiracialism for black identity. (Dec 2007)
Whites sense that Barack grants them "benefit of the doubt". (Dec 2007)
Fans see Obama as opportunity to vote for redemption. (Dec 2007)
Balancing "challenger" for blacks & "bargainer" for whites. (Dec 2007)
Bradley effect: black candidates poll above actual votes. (Oct 2007)
Veiled racism in dismissing Obama as "unqualified". (Oct 2007)
Catching a cab, no one questions he's "authentically black". (Jul 2007)
Candidacy taken seriously despite his race or because of it? (Oct 2006)
Convention keynote speech highlights party's black targeting. (Jul 2004)
America's race and class problems are intertwined. (Aug 1996)
Biracial heritage has caused identity crisis. (Aug 1996)
There is some hope of eventual reconciliation between races. (Aug 1996)
Racism wasn't merely the cruelty involved, but arrogance too. (Aug 1996)
Religion
In hard times, people take refuge in traditions, God & guns. (Apr 2008)
I am a person of faith; and I reach out to people of faith. (Apr 2008)
Religion is foundational; not clinging nor elitist. (Apr 2008)
Rev. Jeremiah Wright helped bring me to Christianity. (Apr 2008)
Exposure to Islam taught me that Muslims can partner with us. (Apr 2008)
I am a proud Christian who believes deeply in Jesus Christ. (Jan 2008)
Despite attack email, pledges Allegiance & uses Bible. (Jan 2008)
Attends church with press, to dispel rumors that he's Muslim. (Dec 2007)
Joined church that emphasized a "Black Value System". (Dec 2007)
Madrassa myth perpetuated by false email & fabricated story. (Oct 2007)
Uses prayer to take stock of his moral compass. (Oct 2007)
Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square. (Sep 2007)
Active in the Trinity faith community. (Aug 2007)
Carries Bible on campaign trail, & refers to it weekly. (Aug 2007)
Source of his book title "Audacity of Hope" was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
Raised secular, but with working knowledge of world religion. (Oct 2006)
Baptized as an adult in the Trinity United Church of Christ. (Oct 2006)
Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values. (Oct 2006)
There's a call to evangelize in politics. (Apr 2004)
I'm a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)
Voting Record
Biggest mistake was intruding in Terri Schiavo case. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)

Barack Obama on Social Security

Click here for 14 full quotes on Social Security OR other candidates on Social Security OR background on Social Security.

Raise cap on payroll tax for 3% of earners over $102,000. (Apr 2008)
Raise $97K cap on payroll tax exempting earnings under $250K. (Apr 2008)
Must capture new revenue; no new Social Security Comission. (Apr 2008)
Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security. (Feb 2008)
FactCheck: Removing $97,500 cap would be $1.3T tax increase. (Nov 2007)
Cutting benefits & raising retirement age are wrong answers. (Nov 2007)
The wealthy should pay a bit more on the payroll tax. (Oct 2007)
Privatization puts retirement at whim of stock market. (Sep 2007)
Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security. (Aug 2007)
No privatization; but consider earning cap over $97,500. (Jul 2007)
Stock

Affirmative Action

Gay Rights

Voting Record

Voting Record

Voting Record

Campaign Finance Reform

Voting Record

AIDS

Universal Coverage

Voting Record

National Service

Veterans

Voting Record

Campaign Themes

Past Campaigns

Personal History

Racism & Race

Religion

Voting Record