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Economic Choices 2008 - Presidential Candidates Grid (Government & Taxes)

NBR's Presidential Candidates Grids

Quickly see where the leading presidential candidates
stand on major business issues.

All information presented here was compiled from official campaign websites
and, where applicable, official legislative websites. The information is not exhaustive.
To explore the candidates' platforms in more depth, visit their websites. Links are provided below.

Government & Taxes

Photo of John McCain

John McCain
U.S. Senator
(R-Arizona)

  • Keep marginal tax rates low
  • Balance the federal budget
  • Institute a presidential line-item veto to target Congressional earmarks
  • Make the tax cuts enacted during the Bush Administration permanent
  • Lower taxes for the middle-class by doubling tax exemption for dependents
  • Lower the corporate tax rate by 10%
  • Suspend gas taxes during the summer of 2008

johnmccain.com mccain.senate.gov

Photo of Barack Obama

Barack Obama
U.S. Senator
(D-Illinois)

  • Provide an income tax cut of up to $500 per person
  • Create a mortgage interest tax credit for homeowners
  • Elimate income taxes for retirees making less than $50,000 a year
  • Reform regulation of the U.S. financial system

barackobama.com obama.senate.gov

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