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 that all who need one will receive a tax credit for their premiums ("Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan"). The plan will require coverage of preventive services such as cancer screenings and will be paid for by rolling back the Bush tax cuts for those that earn over $250,000 annually and by keeping the estate tax at its 2009 level premiums ("Healthcare: Barack Obama and Joe Biden's Plan). The plan "calls for a national public insurance program...that would cover everyone at the same rate regardless of thei...