Obama v. McCain Social Economic Plans

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain have largely divergent social economic plans covering health care, education, energy, and the economy. In a presidential race marked by the nation's serious challenges in each of these areas, the candidates' views and plans are pivotal to the nation's recovery. This paper will compare and contrast the candidates' platforms on each of these four issues and will conclude with a summation of their opposing stances.

Obama's health care plan offers new health care options for people that do not have health insurance; insurance companies will be required to cover pre-existing conditions "so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums" ("Healthcare: Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan"). In addition, the plan will provide a tax credit to allow small businesses to provide "affordable health insurance" to their employees ("Healthcare: Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan). The plan also provides coverage for part of the catastrophic health care costs they pay so that they can offer lower premiums to employees ("Healthcare: Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan). The plan will establish a "National Health Insurance Exchange" that includes both private insurance options and a new public plan similar to that afforded to members of Congress ("Healthcare: Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan). Further, it ensures t

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plan emphasizes "reform in education" and "equality of choice" and insists that "We must empower parents" and "We must empower teachers" ("John McCain's Plan for Strengthening America's Schools"). Building on the lessons of No Child Left Behind, McCain will emphasize "standards and accountability" instead of "group averages" ("John McCain's Plan for Strengthening America's Schools"). To ensure that children have quality teachers, he will "encourage alternative certification methods that open the door for highly motivated teachers to enter the field" and offer bonuses to teachers that go to underperforming schools and turn them around ("John McCain's Plan for Strengthening America's Schools"). He will fund teacher development and give principals a larger measure of control over spending, as well as giving parents the power of choice ("John McCain's Plan for Strengthening America's Schools"). In addition, he will expand the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, which benefits low-income students and will provide access to high-quality tutoring programs for children unable to meet state standards ("John McCain's Plan for Strengthening America's Schools"). He will expand virtual learning through a $500 million reform of the Enha

Category: Government - O