Barack Obama Last Update: 10/17/07 Biography

Democratic Party Barack Obama 2008 Candidate for President of the United States of America Campaign Website | Candidate Forum

			Issues

(Select An Issue to Jump Directly) Abortion Affirmative Action Darfur Death Penalty Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Energy Plan Free Trade Global Warming Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp Gun Control Health Care Immigration Iran Iraq Plan Medical Marijuana Military Contractors Military Funding Minimum Wage Increase National Deficit Net Neutrality No Child Left Behind Act Nuclear Power Outsourcing Same-Sex Marriage School Vouchers Social Security Stem Cell Research Tax Reform The Military Commissions Act of 2006 The Patriot Act Top Contributors & Amounts Unemployment Welfare

	Barack Obama on Abortion
	Stance: Pro-Choice Description: "I have consistently advocated for reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. I oppose any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's ruling in this case." - Barack Obama Citations: 1. South Carolina Democratic debate transcript (8/2/07) When asked about the public's opinion of partial birth and late term abortions and the actions and stances of the democratic candidates... "You know, I think that most Americans recognize that this is a profoundly difficult issue for the women and families who make these decisions. They don't make them casually. And I trust women to make these decisions in conjunction with their doctors and their families and their clergy. And I think that's where most Americans are. Now, when you describe a specific procedure that accounts for less than 1 percent of the abortions that take place, then naturally, people get concerned, and I think legitimately so. But the broader issue here is: Do women have the right to make these profoundly difficult decisions? And I trust them to do it. Now, there is a broader issue, though. And that is can we move past some of the debates around which we disagree and can we start talking about the things we do agree on? Reducing teen pregnancy; making it less likely for women to find themselves in the circumstances where they've got to anguish over these decisions. Those are areas where I think we can all start mobilizing and move forward rather than look backwards." 2. Obama's Past Offers Ammo for Critics (7/5/07) This article discusses Barack Obama's voting record in the Illinois senate. 3. Planned Parenthood Action Fund - Barack Obama (7/5/07) This page details Barack Obama's voting history when it comes to abortion. 4. Senator Barack Obama (10/4/07) Quotes and voting record for Obama on abortion.

	Barack Obama on Affirmative Action
	Stance: Supports Description: Obama supports affirmative action in colleges and government. Citations:

	Barack Obama on Darfur
	Stance: Implement no-fly zone, provide a multi-national protecting force, increase trade with Africa to increase economic pressure. Description: Senator Barack Obama's plan for Darfur would be to... 1. Implement a no-fly zone over that region of Sudan 2. Build a multi-national protecting force to stabilize the area and 3. Increase trade opportunities and investments in Africa. Citations: 1. Obama on Darfur (8/1/07) Senator Barack Obama calls for no fly zone. 2. Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07) "The no-fly zone is important. Having the protective force is critical. But we have to look at Africa not just after a crisis happens; what are we doing with respect to trade opportunities with Africa? What are we doing in terms of investment in Africa? What are we doing to pay attention to Africa consistently with respect to our foreign policy? That has been what's missing in the White House, and that -- (applause) -- our term security is going to depend on whether we're giving children in Sudan and Zimbabwe and in Kenya the same opportunities so that they have a stake in order as opposed to violence and chaos." 3. Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (10/14/07) Barack talks about the genocide in Darfur, Iran, and Iraq.

	Barack Obama on Death Penalty
	Stance: Feels it does not deter crime but supports it in rare cases Description: Obama wrote that he thinks the death penalty "does little to deter crime." But he supports capital punishment in cases "so heinous, so beyond the pale, that the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage by meting out the ultimate punishment." Citations: 1. Meet Barack Obama (7/23/07) Talks about Barack's stance on death penalty 2. Obama Forged Political Mettle In Illinois Capitol (10/4/07) Obama wrote in his recent memoir that he thinks the death penalty "does little to deter crime." But he supports capital punishment in cases "so heinous, so beyond the pale, that the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage by meting out the ultimate punishment."

	Barack Obama on Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
	Stance: Opposes Drilling Description: Senator Barack Obama has repeatedly voted against allowing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Citations: 1. U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes S.Amdt. 2358 to S. 1932 (7/23/07) Senator Barack Obama votes to strike the title relating to the establishment of an oil and gas leasing program in the Coastal Plain. 2. U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes S.Amdt. 168 to S.Con.Res. 18 (7/23/07) Senator Barack Obama voted to strike section 201(a)(4) relative to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

	Barack Obama on Energy Plan
	Stance: Achieve energy independence through making vehicles more efficient and using better fuels Description: Obama wants to raise fuel economy standards by 3% a year over the next fifteen years, starting in 2008 and give incentives to automakers to make more efficient vehicles. Next, he wants to replace oil with homegrown biofuels with the help of government incentives. He also wants to have every government car be fuel efficient and give incentives for gas stations to have E85 pumps. Citations: 1. Barack Obama on Energy Independence (8/7/07) A speech by Obama to the Ethanol Coalition. 2. Obama on the Record (10/8/07) Obama answers a series of questions about his energy platform in this interview. 3. Barack Obama: Leadership On Energy (10/23/07) Barack Obama speaks on energy issues in Portsmouth, NH. 4. Address to the Detroit Economic Club (10/23/07) Senator Obama addresses the Detroit Economic Club and sets forth some of his plans for America's energy policy.

	Barack Obama on Free Trade
	Stance: Supports Free Trade Description: Obama generally supports free trade policies, though like many of his fellow Democratic candidates, he has expressed concern about the tendency of free trade agreements to negatively affect labor and environmental protections. Obama voted to approve the 2006 FTA with Oman. He opposed CAFTA, however, explaining in 2005, "It does less to protect labor than previous trade agreements, and does little to address enforcement of basic environmental standards in the Central American countries and the Dominican Republic." Citations: 1. Democratic Candidates on Trade (7/26/07) How Obama feel about free trade.

	Barack Obama on Global Warming
	Stance: Believes that global warming is serious and wants to reduce 80% of greenhouse gases by 2050 Description: Barack wants to combat global warming by increasing fuel standards in cars, use more clean burning fuels, capping greenhouse gases from plants and industries, encourage entrepreneurship and research in new energy, and provide incentives for people to purchase energy efficient products. Citations: 1. Obama talks about renewable energy & global warming (8/7/07) Sen. Barack Obama, at a rally in Concord, NH on July 26, 2007, explains the changes needed for a responsible energy policy to fight global warming. 2. Obama discusses global warming in NH (8/7/07) Senator Obama discusses global warming in a speech on government reform in NH. 3. Obama Answers Question on Global Warming Actions (8/7/07) Sen. Barack Obama answers a question, in Manchester, NH on June 20, 2007, on what actions are needed to fight global warming. 4. Renewing American Leadership (11/12/07) "Strengthened institutions and invigorated alliances and partnerships are especially crucial if we are to defeat the epochal, man-made threat to the planet: climate change. ... As the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases, America has the responsibility to lead. While many of our industrial partners are working hard to reduce their emissions, we are increasing ours at a steady clip -- by more than ten percent per decade. As president, I intend to enact a cap-and-trade system that will dramatically reduce our carbon emissions. ... Getting our own house in order is only a first step. ... We need a global response to climate change that includes binding and enforceable commitments to reducing emissions, especially for those that pollute the most: the United States, China, India, the European Union, and Russia." 5. Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act Roll Call (11/12/07) Co-sponsored the "Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act" of 2007, which would require the U.S. to reduce its emissions by 2050 to 80 percent below 1990 levels. 6. Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act Roll Call (11/12/07) Co-sponsored the "Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007," which would cut carbon emissions by 30 percent from 2000 to 2050. 7. Amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Roll Call (11/12/07) Voted yes on an amendment to the "Energy Policy Act of 2005," which would have capped greenhouse gas emissions at 2000 levels by 2010. 8. Obama on the Record (10/8/07) An interview with Barack Obama about his presidential platform on energy and the environment. 9. Address to the Detroit Economic Club (10/23/07) Senator Obama addresses the Detroit Economic Club and sets forth some of his plans for America's energy policy. He also talks about how we need to clean up our energy to thwart global warming. 10. Global Warming in Council Bluffs (10/23/07) A short excerpt from the Senator's Town Hall meeting held in Council Bluffs, IA where he talks about how global warming is going to be devastating to our economy.

	Barack Obama on Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp
	Stance: Close Guantanamo Description: Senator Barack Obama supports closing the Guantanamo Bay detainment camp. Citations: 1. Obama Says Gitmo Facility Should Close (8/29/07) "While we're at it," he said, "we're going to close Guantanamo. And we're going to restore habeas corpus. ... We're going to lead by example _ by not just word but by deed. That's our vision for the future." 2. Remarks of Obama on the Military Commission Legislation (8/29/07) Instead of detainees arriving at Guantanamo and facing a Combatant Status Review Tribunal that allows them no real chance to prove their innocence with evidence or a lawyer, we could have developed a real military system of justice that would sort out the suspected terrorists from the accidentally accused. 3. Guantanamo Bay puzzles candidates (10/4/07) Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has not backed either bill though he repeatedly calls for closing Guantanamo and restoring the right of prisoners to challenge their detention. "Ultimately, he supports Guantanamo closing and is still working to find the best possible solution for the prisoners who are there right now," said spokesman Bill Burton, Obama's campaign spokesman.

	Barack Obama on Gun Control
	Stance: Pro Gun-Control Description: Barack Obama supports the stricter control of guns and ammunitions at gun shows and supports a national database that would capture the fingerprint left by a gun on a bullet. Citations: 1. Obama Record May Be Gold Mine For Critics (7/6/07) Explains that Barack Obama supports gun control. 2. Keyes, Obama are far apart on guns (10/5/07) How Obama is pro gun control and his opponent Keyes is not. 3. Keyes, Obama are far apart on guns (10/5/07) How Obama is pro gun control and his opponent Keyes is not.

	Barack Obama on Health Care
	Stance: Proposes Universal Healthcare Description: Barack Obama believes that before the end of the next presidency there will be universal health care. Citations: 1. Obama Calls for Universal Health Care (7/5/07) Barack Obama outlines his desire for universal health care in America. 2. New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate (7/27/07) Obama in a debate with JRE and Clinton which includes the topic of healthcare. 3. The Presidential Candidates on Healthcare (7/27/07) A summary of Barack's healthcare stance. 4. Healthcare Address in Iowa City (10/23/07) Barack Obama discusses his healthcare plan, and tells the personal story of a supporter in Iowa City on May 29, 2007.

	Barack Obama on Immigration
	Stance: Tougher Borders and Earned Citizenship Description: Barack Obama supports strengthening the borders of the US and has proposed an eleven year path for current illegal aliens to earn citizenship. Citations: 1. Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07) a collection of quotes on him 2. Latinos Upset Obama Voted For Border Fence (7/5/07) This article discusses Senator Obama's vote for the 700 mile border fence between Mexico and the United States. 3. Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Immigration Reform (7/5/07) This is a statement Senator Obama read on the senate floor detailing his support of tougher borders and earned citizenship for current illegal aliens.

	Barack Obama on Iran
	Stance: Use sanctions and open dialogue to stop Iran's nuclear program; use of military force shouldn't be initiated nor should be ruled out Description: Obama has expressed support for "opening dialogue" with Iran, in part to ask for its assistance in "playing a more constructive role in Iraq." Obama said in a March 2007 speech before AIPAC that he supports "tough sanctions" on Iran to compel it to stop its uranium enrichment program. In the same speech, he said that he "does not believe that the use of military force towards Iran should be ruled out. Still, in an April 2007 presidential debate, Obama said, "I think it would be a profound mistake for us to initiate a war with Iran." Citations: 1. Obama: Iran threatens all of us (8/13/07) Sen. Barack Obama said Friday the use of military force should not be taken off the table when dealing with Iran, which he called "a threat to all of us." 2. Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Iraq: Transcript (8/13/07) Obama on Iran and how much of a threat it is. 3. Barack Obama: Iran (10/23/07) Barack Obama addresses Iran and the dangers of authorizing force. 4. Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (10/14/07) "As starting points, the world must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and work to eliminate North Korea%u2019s nuclear weapons program. If America does not lead, these two nations could trigger regional arms races that could accelerate nuclear proliferation on a global scale and create dangerous nuclear flashpoints. In pursuit of this goal, we must never take the military option off the table." - Obama

	Barack Obama on Iraq Plan
	Stance: Pull the troops out within two years Description: Barack Obama introduced a bill at the end of January 2007 that, if passed, would have withdrawn all US troops from Iraq by March 2008. Citations: 1. South Carolina Democratic debate transcript (8/2/07) "Well, Brian, I am proud that I opposed this war from the start, because I thought that it would lead to the disastrous conditions that we've seen on the ground in Iraq. What I've also said is if we're going to send hundreds of thousands of our young men and women there, then they have to have the night-vision goggles, the Humvees that are reinforced, and the other equipment that they need to make sure that they come home safely. But the American people have said, Republicans and Democrats, that it's time to end this war. I was in New Hampshire, talking to a woman at a townhall meeting. She started crying, standing up, saying, "I can't breathe. My nephew's been sent to Iraq." And, when I listen to mothers and father all across the country, they are telling me it's time for us to come home. I'm proud of the fact that I put forward a plan in January that mirrors what Congress ultimately adopted. And it says there's no military solution to this. We've got to have a political solution, begin a phased withdrawal, and make certain that we've got benchmarks in place so that the Iraqi people can make a determination about how they want to move forward." 2. Obama Bill Sets Date For Troop Withdrawal (7/5/07) This article outlines Senator Obama's plan for de-escalating the war in Iraq. 3. Floor Statement on Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007 (7/5/07) Barack Obama's senate floor statement introducing his Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007. 4. Obama Introducing Bill Mandating Withdrawal Of All Troops From Iraq By March 2008 (7/5/07) An outline of Barack Obama's Iraq War De-escalation Act. 5. Iraq Pullout - "Are we watching the same *blanking* war?" (7/31/07) There is no military solution to the problems in Iraq. Remove troops by March 31 of next year. 6. Barack Obama: Conventional Thinking and Foreign Policy (10/23/07) Barack Obama addresses the failures of conventional thinking on America's foreign policy and takes a shot at Hillary for her initial support of the war. 7. Remarks of Senator Barack Obama to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (10/14/07) "We know what the war in Iraq has cost us in lives and treasure, in influence and respect. We have seen the consequences of a foreign policy based on a flawed ideology, and a belief that tough talk can replace real strength and vision." - Obama

	Barack Obama on Medical Marijuana
	Stance: Raiding medical marijuana users not top priority, do not undermine state medical marijuana laws Description: Sen. Obama has said he does not think raiding medical marijuana patients should be a priority for the Justice Department. He has yet to confirm that, if elected, he would end the federal raids on patients and their caregivers. However, Sen. Obama voted against an amendment in the U.S. Senate that was intended to undermine state medical marijuana laws. Citations: 1. Barack Obama on Medical Marijuana (7/23/07) Talks about his stance on medical marijuana 2. Senator Barack Obama on Medical Marijuana--Aug. 21, 2007 (10/4/07) Obama answering a question about federal raids on medical marijuana patients. 3. Barack Obama "I inhaled frequently" "That was the point" (10/4/07) Obama claiming he smoke marijuana when he was younger.

	Barack Obama on Military Contractors
	Stance: Hold contractors accountable under U.S. laws and create a special FBI unit to investigate abuses Description: Senator Barack Obama has stated that he will create more accountability for military contractors by making their actions overseas punishable under U.S. laws and by creating a special FBI unit to investigate alleged abuses. Citations: 1. Obama proposes getting tougher on military contractors (10/17/07) Senator Barack Obama expresses his concern over the lack of oversight of military contractors operating in Iraq. 2. New Rules for Contractors Are Urged by 2 Democrats (10/17/07) This article discusses how Senator Barack Obama believes military contractors should be held accountable for their actions in Iraq. 3. Obama faults use of contract workers (10/17/07) Barack Obama states his plans to provide better oversight of military contractors by making U.S. laws applicable to their actions overseas and creating a special FBI unit to investigate abuses. 4. House's Iraq Bill Applies U.S. Laws to Contractors (10/17/07) Briefly mentions Barack Obama's efforts to increase accountability for military contractors operating overseas. 5. Obama goes after Blackwater (10/16/07) Senator Barack Obama discusses how the U.S. needs tougher rules governing the user of military contractors.

	Barack Obama on Military Funding
	Stance: Supports military funding but wants it to be tied to a withdrawal from Iraq Description: Senator Barack Obama voted against a military funding bill in 2007 citing it did not contain stipulations about withdrawing from Iraq. Previous to this, Senator Obama has voted for military funding. Citations: 1. Obama Statement on President's Veto of Iraq Funding Bill (8/1/07) Senator Barack Obama voices his displeasure with President Bush's veto of the Iraq war funding bill. 2. Obama defends votes in favor of Iraq funding (8/1/07) Discusses Senator Obama's stance on Iraq funding. Specifically why he is against the war but continually votes for the funding measures. It also includes why he voted against some funding measures. 3. Clinton, Obama war funding votes draw criticism (8/1/07) Discusses Senator Clinton's and Senator Obama's votes on Iraq war funding.

	Barack Obama on Minimum Wage Increase
	Stance: Supports minimum wage increase Description: Barack Obama believes that people who work full time should not live in poverty. As president, Obama would raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to make sure that full-time workers can earn a living wage that allows them to raise their families and pay for basic needs such as food, transportation, and housing. Obama stated, "We need to make the minimum wage a living wage that helps American families not just survive, but succeed." Citations: 1. Obama Statement on the Increase in the Minimum Wage (7/31/07) Barack Obama's statement regarding the recent increase in the federal minimum wage. 2. Fighting Poverty: Creating a Living Wage (7/31/07) Obama's strategy for fighting poverty. Topics discussed include jobs, income, families, education, health care, housing, and rebuilding New Orleans.

	Barack Obama on National Deficit
	Stance: Supports transparency in Federal spending, restriction no-bid contracts, and "pay as you go" budgeting Description: Obama co-drafted the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. President Bush which signed this measure into law in September of 2006. This will create a website to search all government contracts, grants, earmarks, and loans, thereby opening up Federal financial transactions to public scrutiny. He also sponsored the Transparency and Integrity in Earmarks Act. Under the bill, all earmarks, including the name of the requester and a justification for the earmark, would have to be disclosed 72 hours before they could be considered by the full Senate. Senators would be prohibited from advocating for an earmark if they have a financial interest in the project or earmark recipient. And, earmark recipients would have to disclose to an Office of Public Integrity the amount that they have spent on registered lobbyists and the names of those lobbyists. Several of these provisions were included in the ethics and lobbying reform bill that passed the Senate in January 2007. Finally, Obama supports "Pay As You Go," or "PayGo" rules, which would require any new increases in discretionary spending to be offset by a reduction in other areas of spending. Citations: 1. Good Government, Responsible Spending (10/15/07) How Obama wants to handle government spending.

	Barack Obama on Net Neutrality
	Stance: Pro Net-Neutrality Description: Barack Obama supports net neutralities. During a 2006 podcast he stated: "We can't have a situation in which the corporate duopoly dictates the future of the Internet and that's why I'm supporting what is called net neutrality." Citations: 1. Network Neutrality (7/6/07) This is a transcript of a podcast Senator Obama released outlining his support for net neutrality.

	Barack Obama on No Child Left Behind Act
	Stance: Opposes Description: "For too long, our politics has been stuck in a cycle where we praise our educators in speeches and photo-ops, but then abandon them when it comes time to offer the resources and the support you need to do your jobs. There's no better example of this neglect than the law that has become one of the emptiest slogans in the history of politics - No Child Left Behind." - Barack Obama speaking to the National Education Association on July 5, 2007. Citations: 1. Obama slams Bush's "No Child Left Behind" (7/26/07) Illinois Sen. Barack Obama slammed President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" policy in a speech to the National Education Association in Philadelphia on Thursday, calling it "one of the emptiest slogans in the history of politics." 2. Obama Dubs No Child Left Behind an Empty Political Slogan (7/26/07) Obama's famous quote about No Child Left Behind

	Barack Obama on Nuclear Power
	Stance: Supports nuclear power Description: Obama feels nuclear power as a way to achieve energy independence. Citations: 1. Barack Obama on Energy Independence (8/10/07) Barack on energy independence.

	Barack Obama on Outsourcing
	Stance: Outsourcing weakens the US economy Description: