Portrayed as the fresh face in American politics, Barack Obama draws on his unique background (mother from Kansas, father from Kenya, grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia among other places) to inform his politics. While only a junior Senator who blasted onto the scene during the 2004 Democratic Convention, Obama has used his three years is office well—he has worked on ethics reform, transparency in government and nuclear non-proliferation. His record on bill sponsorship is average relative to his colleagues and the one bill that he co-sponsored and that was successfully enacted allows people in bankruptcy to still continue tax-deductible charitable giving.
Barack Obama is a member of the following Senate Committees:
Foreign Relations
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Veterans’ Affairs
Abortion
Education
Barack Obama’s approach to education focuses on both funding and incentives for teachers as well as broaching a gap between middle and low-income students. While in the Illinois State Senate, he co-sponsored two bills, each of which focused on recruiting and preparing quality teachers for at-need districts. As a US Senator, Obama has sponsored bills such as those that would create innovative learning districts and focus on educating students throughout the summer. In addition, Obama has criticized the anti-intellectualism that he feels permeates some low-income communities.
Energy
Immigration
Senator Obama focuses on energy conservation, diversifying energy sources, and tax incentives to ease the cost of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He would increase fuel economy standards 4% each year, implement a renewable diesel standard, and provide tax breaks for users of clean transportation fuels. He would require that all cars be flex-fuel within a decade and that oil companies reduce the carbon content of their fuels by 10% by 2020. He supports clean coal, nuclear energy, and a strong national RPS. He would establish a cap and trade system for greenhouse gases, the revenue of which would be used for R&D and to help industries and individuals who are hurt by the limits.
Environment
One of seven co-sponsors of the Great Lakes Environmental Restoration Act (never passed), Obama has been somewhat involved in environmental issues from when he was a young volunteer in the Bronx trying to convince minority students to recycle. He’s voted to include oil and gas smokestacks in mercury regulations that would limit mercury emissions from smokestacks through a market-based cap system. That resolution never passed. He was one of nineteen co-sponsors of the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act which has yet to make it out of committee. He was also an original cosponsor of the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 (also hasn’t made it out of committee). Obama has also been very active in lead reduction, forcing the EPA to publish rules for how contractors involved in the renovation of homes should deal with lead paint hazards. He also sponsored the 2005 Lead Free Toys Act, and the 2006 Lead Poisoning Reduction Act, and cosponsored the 2005 Home Lead Safety Tax Credit, all of which never made it out of committee.
One of seven co-sponsors of the Great Lakes Environmental Restoration Act (never passed), Obama has been somewhat involved in environmental issues from when he was a young volunteer in the Bronx trying to convince minority students to recycle. He’s voted to include oil and gas smokestacks in mercury regulations that would limit mercury emissions from smokestacks through a market-based cap system. That resolution never passed. He was one of nineteen co-sponsors of the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act which has yet to make it out of committee. He was also an original cosponsor of the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 (also hasn’t made it out of committee). Obama has also been very active in lead reduction, forcing the EPA to publish rules for how contractors involved in the renovation of homes should deal with lead paint hazards. He also sponsored the 2005 Lead Free Toys Act, and the 2006 Lead Poisoning Reduction Act, and cosponsored the 2005 Home Lead Safety Tax Credit, all of which never made it out of committee.
Gun Rights
Though supporting several gun control measures, Barack Obama has also introduced a new concept into the debate. Unlike others candidates who focus on mental health, video games, parental supervision and such, Obama has suggested that lack of morality plays a role in indiscriminate mass killings (The Audacity of Hope). However, Obama is not in favor of an outright ban on guns. He supports Second Amendment rights and makes a distinction between the benefits of guns for protection in some areas as well as their drawbacks in others.
Though supporting several gun control measures, Barack Obama has also introduced a new concept into the debate. Unlike others candidates who focus on mental health, video games, parental supervision and such, Obama has suggested that lack of morality plays a role in indiscriminate mass killings (The Audacity of Hope). However, Obama is not in favor of an outright ban on guns. He supports Second Amendment rights and makes a distinction between the benefits of guns for protection in some areas as well as their drawbacks in others.
Barack Obama has proposed a three-pronged attack—coverage for all through either current or new plans, increased efficiency by modernizing the health care system, and a focus on preventative health. To increase coverage to all Americans, Obama would make available a national health plan similar to that available to federal employees—one that would be required to cover even those with illness or pre-existing conditions. In addition, he would expand Medicaid and SCHIP, to ensure that all children are covered. Subsidies, a National Health Insurance Exchange, and required employer contributions would round out the coverage. To modernize the current system, Obama proposes, among many other things, to ensure quality services through incentives and tracking disparities in care, to invest in electronic medical records to streamline coordination of care and reduce medical errors, and tackle the rising costs of prescription drugs through re-importation measures and increased oversight of the pharmaceuticals’ anti-competitive practices. Lastly, Obama proposes an assault on the many chronic, preventable illnesses that drain US health resources by working with schools, employers, families and individuals, and the government to increase awareness and access to healthy lifestyle options.
Immigration
Obama
has been a significant player in the immigration debate. He introduced
three amendments (which ultimately failed) that were included in the
Senate Immigration Reform Bill in 2006, including one that mandates
that jobs be offered to American workers prior to their being offered
to guest workers. His second amendment would require all employers to
prove the legality of their workers. His final amendment would increase
funding for the FBI to enable to conduct more efficient background
checks.
He also co-sponsored the Citizenship Promotion Act which would reverse a hike in immigration fees. Calling for sweeping amnesty for illegal immigrants, Obama believes that immigrants currently residing in the United States should gain legal status if they pay requisite fees, learn English, and pass a background check.
He has expressed concern regarding the establishment of a points-based immigration system, arguing that such as system has a divisive effect on families and could lead to a class-based immigration system. He criticized the recent immigration bill for its lack of an easy escape clause should the points-based system fail. He voted in favor of the 2007 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill and favors the creation of a guest worker program including a path to citizenship. Obama is conscious of the effect of immigration on American labor, however, and believes that immigrant workers should have legal protection to avoid aggressive wage practices that place downward pressure on wages and working conditions across the country. He voted in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security.
On border security, he voted in favor of the Secure Fence Act of 2006. He supports the deployment of additional personnel and technology at our borders. He has argued for enhanced border protection on both the Mexican and Canadian borders. He has also advocated the implementation of an electronic employment verification system as well as stiffer penalties for employers who hire illegally.
He voted against establishing English as the official language of the U.S.
He also co-sponsored the Citizenship Promotion Act which would reverse a hike in immigration fees. Calling for sweeping amnesty for illegal immigrants, Obama believes that immigrants currently residing in the United States should gain legal status if they pay requisite fees, learn English, and pass a background check.
He has expressed concern regarding the establishment of a points-based immigration system, arguing that such as system has a divisive effect on families and could lead to a class-based immigration system. He criticized the recent immigration bill for its lack of an easy escape clause should the points-based system fail. He voted in favor of the 2007 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill and favors the creation of a guest worker program including a path to citizenship. Obama is conscious of the effect of immigration on American labor, however, and believes that immigrant workers should have legal protection to avoid aggressive wage practices that place downward pressure on wages and working conditions across the country. He voted in favor of allowing illegal immigrants to participate in Social Security.
On border security, he voted in favor of the Secure Fence Act of 2006. He supports the deployment of additional personnel and technology at our borders. He has argued for enhanced border protection on both the Mexican and Canadian borders. He has also advocated the implementation of an electronic employment verification system as well as stiffer penalties for employers who hire illegally.
He voted against establishing English as the official language of the U.S.
Tom Friedman of the New York Time cast
Obama as the "good cop" when it comes to dealing with Iran-- he wants
to engage directly with Iran, and fully use the diplomatic route.
However, like many other candidates, Obama is not willing to take the
military option off the table. And like other candidates, he has also
thrown his own piece of legislation into the ring. The Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007 is designed to staunch the flow of money to Iran's energy sector. The bill has yet to make it to a vote (as of 11/24/07).
Obama also often mentions
the destabilizing effect of the Iraq war and how it has strengthened
Iran's position in the region--being one of the candidates who was not
able to vote on the Iraq war, Obama is in a prime position to criticize
the foreign policy mistakes of his competitors while underscoring the
potential threat Iran poses.
Iraq
Senator Obama, elected after the infamous war vote, has been opposed to the war from the start and believes in setting a timetable for troop withdrawal. The Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007 that he introduced in January 2007 called for the commencement of the withdrawal of American troops by May 1, 2007, with the "goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008.” In this plan, some troops would remain in Iraq to provide protection, engage in counter-terrorism efforts and train Iraqi security forces. If the U.S Congress finds that the Iraqi government meets the 13 benchmarks for progress created by the Bush administration, the withdrawal could be suspended temporarily. This May Obama voted against the war-funding bill because it did not include a timeline for withdrawal.
Obama is largely supportive of LBGT rights, and his positions do not differ greatly from Clinton’s. He supports civil unions, ENDA, protection for victims of sexual orientation hate crimes, and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” While not in favor of same-sex marriage, Obama supports allowing states the leeway to legalize it, and opposed the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Obama does not personally believe that homosexuality is immoral. He got into trouble in October 2007, however, for his association with Donnie McClurkin. McClurkin is a gospel singer well known in the Black community, and he headlined an Obama-sponsored concert in South Carolina, a state in which Blacks make up about half of the Democratic electorate. McClurkin is also self-described as “ex-gay” who believes that homosexuality is a choice and that spirituality can “cure” a person of this “curse.” It remains to be seen whether the episode will have any long-term negative effect on Obama’s standing among LGBT voters. While Blacks are overwhelmingly Democratic and reliably liberal, particularly on economic issues, there is a strong current of anti-LGBT sentiment among some sectors of the Black church. Obama, as the only Black Democratic hopeful, is more sensitive to this question than the others.
Obama’s website, like those of the other Democratic front-runners, does not mention his views on LGBT rights.
Obama does not personally believe that homosexuality is immoral. He got into trouble in October 2007, however, for his association with Donnie McClurkin. McClurkin is a gospel singer well known in the Black community, and he headlined an Obama-sponsored concert in South Carolina, a state in which Blacks make up about half of the Democratic electorate. McClurkin is also self-described as “ex-gay” who believes that homosexuality is a choice and that spirituality can “cure” a person of this “curse.” It remains to be seen whether the episode will have any long-term negative effect on Obama’s standing among LGBT voters. While Blacks are overwhelmingly Democratic and reliably liberal, particularly on economic issues, there is a strong current of anti-LGBT sentiment among some sectors of the Black church. Obama, as the only Black Democratic hopeful, is more sensitive to this question than the others.
Obama’s website, like those of the other Democratic front-runners, does not mention his views on LGBT rights.
Taxes and Social Security
A believer in the Progressive Tax in deed and not just in word, Barack Obama has backed up that sentiment with votes for keeping taxes such as the Capital Gains Tax, the Estate Tax, and the Alternative Minimum Tax. In particular, Obama is vehemently against repealing the Estate Tax , referring to it as the “Paris Hilton Tax Cut” (this trend was started by authors Michael Graetz and Ian Shapiro). Additionally, he uses 2009 estate tax rates (when the tax exemption level is 3.5 x greater than normal levels) to cite that the Estate Tax affects only the “wealthiest ½ of 1%.” Obama’s tax plan includes eliminating income taxes for senior citizens making less than $50,000 a year (currently seniors are taxed on income over ~$13,000), granting universal credit to homeowners who do not itemize their deductions (typically people making less than $50,000/year), and providing $1,000 tax breaks to an additional 150 million working Americans. To pay for these tax cuts, Obama proposes closing tax loopholes in corporate filing, getting tough on international tax havens, and increasing the capital gains and dividends tax. Additionally, Obama, like other candidates, intends on simplifying taxes so that they “can be paid in five minutes.” Like Edwards, Obama believes that because the IRS already has bank and payroll information, there’s no reason why they cannot send taxpayers pre-filled tax forms.
On social security, Obama proposes raising social security taxes on those making more than $97,500 a year, which he states amounts to 6% of all Americans. He does not believe in cutting benefits, nor in raising the retirement age. He’s voted against amendments to privatize social security.
A believer in the Progressive Tax in deed and not just in word, Barack Obama has backed up that sentiment with votes for keeping taxes such as the Capital Gains Tax, the Estate Tax, and the Alternative Minimum Tax. In particular, Obama is vehemently against repealing the Estate Tax , referring to it as the “Paris Hilton Tax Cut” (this trend was started by authors Michael Graetz and Ian Shapiro). Additionally, he uses 2009 estate tax rates (when the tax exemption level is 3.5 x greater than normal levels) to cite that the Estate Tax affects only the “wealthiest ½ of 1%.” Obama’s tax plan includes eliminating income taxes for senior citizens making less than $50,000 a year (currently seniors are taxed on income over ~$13,000), granting universal credit to homeowners who do not itemize their deductions (typically people making less than $50,000/year), and providing $1,000 tax breaks to an additional 150 million working Americans. To pay for these tax cuts, Obama proposes closing tax loopholes in corporate filing, getting tough on international tax havens, and increasing the capital gains and dividends tax. Additionally, Obama, like other candidates, intends on simplifying taxes so that they “can be paid in five minutes.” Like Edwards, Obama believes that because the IRS already has bank and payroll information, there’s no reason why they cannot send taxpayers pre-filled tax forms.
On social security, Obama proposes raising social security taxes on those making more than $97,500 a year, which he states amounts to 6% of all Americans. He does not believe in cutting benefits, nor in raising the retirement age. He’s voted against amendments to privatize social security.
Trade Policy
Obama has a mixed record on free trade. Generally he has supported free trade although he has shown increasing concern for its effects on labor and environmental standards. He voted against CAFTA for its lack of labor and environmental standards. He also supports amending NAFTA to include such standards. However, he voted in favor of a free trade agreement with Oman. He supports reinvestment in communities burdened by globalization. He also supports the elimination of tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs.
Obama has a mixed record on free trade. Generally he has supported free trade although he has shown increasing concern for its effects on labor and environmental standards. He voted against CAFTA for its lack of labor and environmental standards. He also supports amending NAFTA to include such standards. However, he voted in favor of a free trade agreement with Oman. He supports reinvestment in communities burdened by globalization. He also supports the elimination of tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs.