Knocking out the issues

Barack Obama	John McCain
College Tuition Barack Obama wants to create a $4,000 refundable tax credit available for all families that will "cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students". Those who obtain the credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of community service.	College Tuition John McCain is proposing a student loan continuity plan to prepare for the possibility that the credit crunch will disrupt loans for the fall semester. McCain wants to call on the federal government and state governors to anticipate loan issues and expand the lender of last resort capabilities for each state.
Energy Barack Obama wants to provide short-term relief to families having trouble paying for fuel costs. Obama wants to help create five million news jobs by investing $150 billion in the next 10 years to catalyze private efforts to develop clean energy.According to his plan, within 10 years Americans can save more oil than the U.S. currently imports from the Middle East and Venezuela.	Energy John McCain wants to expand domestic oil and natural gas exploration. McCain said he believes it is time for the federal government to lift restrictions on drilling and work with states to put our own reserves to use. McCain also wants to increase America's use of nuclear power as a reliable, zero-emission source of energy, and commit to advancing nuclear energy technology.
The War in Iraq Barack Obama would have a "responsible, phased withdrawal" from Iraq.Immediately upon taking office, Obama would give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending the war. The removal of U.S. troops will be phased and directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government.	The War in Iraq John McCain doesn't want to leave Iraq before the Iraqi security force is operating effectively. The Republican nominee said Americans must help the Iraqi government to battle those who provoke sectarian tensions and promote a civil war.McCain said when Iraqi forces can defend their own country, American troops can return home.
Taxes Barack Obama will cut taxes for 95 percent of workers by issuing a $500 tax cut for single workers and a $1000 tax cut for working couples. He would eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses.The senator would cut corporate taxes for companies that create jobs in the U.S. and give tax credits that reduce health costs and reward investments in innovation.Under the Obama plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see tax increases.	Taxes John McCain would keep tax rates low to promote entrepreneurship opportunities. McCain will keep the top tax rate at 35 percent, maintain the 15 percent rates on dividends and capital gains, phase-out the alternative minimum tax and cut the corporate tax rate from 35 To 25 percent.
Health care Barack Obama wants to build on the existing health care system by using the existing providers, doctors and plans. People who are happy with their current plans can keep them and pay up to $2,500 less each year. Uninsured people will have new, affordable health insurance plans to choose.	Health care John McCain wants to make it easier for individuals and families to obtain insurance. The McCain plan wants to use competition to improve the quality of health insurance with greater variety to match people's needs, lower prices and promote portability.

Source: Candidates' web sites