Barack Obama
PARTY DEMOCRATIC
OFFICE PRESIDENT

BIO

Age: 47

Background:U.S. Senate, 2005-present; Illinois State Senate,

1997-2004; civil rights lawyer; professor of constitutional law;

community organizer 1985

Military Service: None

Family: Wife, Michelle and two daughters.

How to reach him:
P.O. Box 8102, Chicago, IL 60680
Phone: (866) 675-2008
e-mail: www.barackobama.com
 
KEY ISSUES

Views on the issues:

Economy: Jump start jobs creation with $50 billion emergency plan

creating jobs by rebuilding infrastructure, repairing schools and

helping states and localities avoid damaging budget cuts; Proposes

plan to change bankruptcy laws and will offer a tax credit to struggling

families that will take 10 percent off their mortgage interest rate;

promises to cut taxes for 95 percent of all working families.

Energy/Environment: Proposes doubling fuel economy standards

within 18 years and investment in advanced vehicle technology;

supports requiring by 2025 that 25 percent of electricity consumed in

the U.S. is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources such as

solar, wind and geothermal; supports reducing carbon emissions 80

percent by 2050 through a cap and trade system; supports investing

in next generation biofuels, plug-in hybrids, commercial-scale

renewable energy, a digital electric grid and low-emission coal plants;

supports creating a new international forum on global energy and

re-engaging the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Health Care: Supports national health plan open to all, regardless of

illness or pre-existing conditions and a national health insurance

exchange for those who prefer private insurance; supports mandatory

coverage for children and expansion of Medicaid and SCHIP (State

Child Health Insurance Program) eligibility.

Defense/Iraq: Supports a phased withdrawal from Iraq with full removal

within
16 months; supports direct diplomacy with Iran. Favors moving troops

from Iraq to Afghanistan to track al-Qaida operatives there and in

Pakistan.

Abortion: Believes it is a decision women need to make in

conjunction with their doctors, families and clergy. Believes public

should move toward finding common ground such as working toward

reducing teen pregnancy and making it less likely women will find

themselves in circumstances where they have to agonize over these

decisions.

Sources: Washington Post and Project Vote Smart