Obama's Views on the Issues
OBAMA ON ABORTION

100% NARAL Rating
Barack Obama received a 100% rating from NARAL in 2005,2006 and 2007.

-NARAL voting record, www.ProChoiceAmerica.org Jan 1, 2008

Partial Birth Abortion
In 1997, while serving in the Illinois State Legislature, Obama voted AGAINST SB 230, a bill which would have banned partial birth abortion. In 2000 Obama voted against a bill banning state funding.

-The Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson, p.147-148 Oct 30, 2007

Transporting Minors Across State Lines to Obtain Abortions
While serving in the United States Senate, Obama voted against the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (S.403), a bill designed to prevent minors from being taken across state lines without the consent of the parents to have an abortion in circumvention of the laws of 45 states which require parental consent or notification in order for a minor to have an abortion.

-Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (S.403); vote number 2006-216 on July 25, 2006

Providing Medical Treatment to Children Born Alive After A Failed Abortion
In 2002, while serving in the Illinois State Legislature, Obama voted "No" on the Born Alive Infant Protection Package (SB 1661), a bill which would create a cause of action against a physician if a child is born alive after an attempted
abortion and the physician, harms, neglects or fails to provide medical care for the Child.

-SB 1661: April 4, 2002

OBAMA ON TAXES

Not Bashful About Raising Taxes
According to OntheIssues.org the following exchange occurred at the Democratic Presidential Debate in Los Angeles California:

Question: If either one of you become president, and let the Bush tax cuts lapse, there will be effectively tax increases on
millions of Americans.

OBAMA: On wealthy Americans.
CLINTON: That's right.
OBAMA: I'm not bashful about it.

-2008 Democratic debate in Los Angeles, California; Jan 30, 2008

The Bush Tax Cuts
"And the Bush tax cuts--people didn't need them, and they weren't even asking for them, and that's why they need to be less, so that we can pay for universal health care and other initiatives."

-Obama: 2007 Democratic Presidential Debate; Howard University, June 28, 2007

Who Needs Tax Cuts?
"We heard the President say he wants to make tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent, when we know that at a time of war and economic hardship, the last thing we need is a permanent tax cut for Americans who don't need them and weren't even asking for them."

-Obama's response to the 2008 State of the Union address; Jan 28, 2008

OBAMA ON CRIME

Time-Served Credit for Sex Predators
In 1999, while in the Illinois State Legislature, Obama was the only vote AGAINST SB 485, a bill that would prohibit certain persons convicted of criminal sexual abuse from receiving credit for time served in the county jail.

-SB 485 March 11, 1999

No, On Tougher Penalties for Gang-Bangers
In 2002, Obama voted "NO" on HB 1812, a bill designed to toughen penalties for crimes committed in furtherance of gang activities.

-HB 1812 May 12, 2001

Yes, On Needle Exchanges for Drug Users
In an interview conducted jointly by ABC and the Internet website Politico.com, Obama stated; "It means that we have to look at drastic measure, potentially like needle exchange in order to insure that drug users are not transmitting the disease to each other."

-2008 Politico pre-Potomac Primary interview Feb 11, 2008

OBAMA ON HEALTH CARE

Universal Health Care
"Well, look, I believe in universal health care, as does Sen. Clinton. And the point of the debate, is that Sen. Clinton
repeatedly claims that I don't stand for universal health care. And, you know, for Sen. Clinton to say that, I think, is
simply not accurate. Every expert has said that anybody who wants health care under my plan will be able to obtain it."

-Obama: 2008 Democratic Presidential Debate, Cleveland Ohio Feb 26, 2008

Human Services
In 2003, Obama voted "YES" on SB 130, a bill designed to expand the government funded KidCare Program and Family Care Program by 477%.

-SB 130 March 26, 2003

How Do We Pay for Universal Health Care?
"And the Bush tax cuts--people didn't need them, and they weren't even asking for them, and that's why they need to be less, so that we can pay for universal health care and other initiatives."

-Obama: 2007 Debate Howard University June 28, 2007

Mandating Coverage for Birth Control
In 2003, Obama voted "YES" on a Planned Parenthood supported bill that required insurance companies to provide coverage for birth control.

-HB 211 May, 16, 2003



OBAMA ON EDUCATION


Sex Education in Grade School
In 2003, Obama voted yes on legislation supported by both Planned Parenthood and the ACLU that would allow "age appropriate" sex education to be taught in grade school.

-SB 99 March 6, 2003



OBAMA ON GUNS


Reckless Lawsuits
Barack Obama voted to allow reckless lawsuits designed to bankrupt the firearms industry.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from United States Senate, S. 397, vote number 219, July 2, 2005.

Gun Banning
Barack Obama wants to re-impose the failed and discredited Clinton Gun Ban.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization general candidate questionnaire, Sept. 9, 1996. The responses on this survey were described in “Obama had greater role on liberal survey,” Politico, March 31, 2008.

Banning Ammunition
Barack Obama voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization general candidate questionnaire, Sept. 9, 1996. The responses on this survey were described in “Obama had greater role on liberal survey,” Politico, March 31, 2008

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama has endorsed a complete ban on handgun ownership.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization general candidate questionnaire, Sept. 9, 1996. The responses on this survey were described in “Obama had greater role on liberal survey,” Politico, March 31, 2008.

Gun Banning
Barack Obama supports local gun bans in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other cities.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from David Wright, Ursula Fahy and Sunlen Miller, "Obama: 'Common Sense Regulation' On Gun Owners' Rights," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, http://blogs.abcnews.com, 2/15/08.

Gun Banning
Barack Obama voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Illinois Senate, March 25, 2004 SB 2165, vote 20.

Firearms Registration
Barack Obama supports gun owner licensing and gun registration.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Fact Check: No News In Obama's Consistent Record.” Obama ’08, December 11, 2007.

Gun Banning
Barack Obama opposes Right to Carry laws.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Candidates' gun control positions may figure in Pa. vote,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Wednesday, April 2, 2008, and "Keyes, Obama Are Far Apart On Guns," Chicago Tribune, 9/15/04.

Affiliation with the Joyce Foundation
Barack Obama was a member of the Board of Directors of the Joyce Foundation, the leading source of funds for anti-gun organizations and “research.”

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from 1998 Joyce Foundation Annual Report, p. 7.

Gun Banning
Barack Obama supported a proposal to ban gun stores within 5 miles of a school or park, which would eliminate almost every gun store in America.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Obama and Gun Control,” The Volokh Conspiracy, taken from the Chicago Defender, Dec. 13, 1999.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama voted not to notify gun owners when the state of Illinois did records searches on them.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Illinois Senate, May 5, 2002, SB 1936 Con., vote 26.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama voted against a measure to lower the Firearms Owners Identification card age minimum from 21 to 18, a measure designed to assist young people in the military.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Illinois Senate, March 25, 2003, SB 2163, vote 18.

Banning Ammunition
Barack Obama favors a ban on standard capacity magazines.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Clinton, Edwards, Obama on gun control,” Radio Iowa, Sunday, April 22, 2007.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama supports mandatory micro-stamping.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Chicago Tribune blogs, “Barack Obama: NIU Shootings call for action,” February 15, 2008.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama supports mandatory waiting periods.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization general candidate questionnaire, Sept. 9, 1996. The responses on this survey were described in “Obama had greater role on liberal survey,” Politico, March 31, 2008.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama supports repeal of the Tiahrt Amendment, which prohibits information on gun traces collected by the BATFE from being used in reckless lawsuits against firearm dealers and manufacturers.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from Barack Obama campaign website: “As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment .

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama supports one-gun-a-month sales restrictions.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Obama and Gun Control,” The Volokh Conspiracy, taken from the Chicago Defender, Dec. 13, 1999.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama supports a ban on inexpensive handguns.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Obama and Gun Control,” The Volokh Conspiracy, taken from the Chicago Defender, Dec. 13, 1999.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama supports a ban on the resale of police issued firearms, even if the money is going to police departments for replacement equipment.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Obama and Gun Control,” The Volokh Conspiracy, taken from the Chicago Defender, Dec. 13, 1999.

Firearms Ownership
Barack Obama supports mandatory firearm training requirements for all gun owners and a ban on gun ownership for persons under the age of 21.

-National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action taken from “Obama and Gun Control,” The Volokh Conspiracy, taken from the Chicago Defender, Dec. 13, 1999.