Presidential Campaign The current political campaign has been met with great controversy and division amongst the American People. On the one hand, we have an incumbent president that has led the country through the most tragic time in our history. On the other hand, we have his opponent that believes that more can be done to secure the country against terrorism and the war in Iraq. In addition, we will explore the position of Ralph Nader, a third party candidate. The purpose pf this discussion is to focus on the views that these three candidates have and draw some conclusions about how each candidate desires to help the country.

Healthcare:

The problem of affordable healthcare is one of the main issues that will ship this election. Many Americans do not have any healthcare coverage and many others do not have the amount of health coverage that they need. In addition, many doctors especially obstetricians are deciding to abandon the healthcare field because malpractice insurance is too expensive. In the following paragraphs, we will describe where each candidate stands on the issue of healthcare and a shortage of highly specialized healthcare practitioners.

George W. Bush (Republican)

According to the president's official website his position s that all Americans should have healthcare that is affordable. ("Promoting Affordable Health Care for Every American") The site also claims that the president attempting to solve the problem of rising healthcare costs. According to the site, the president's plan will reduce healthcare costs for the self-employed, low-income individuals, single parent families and employees that are not covered by their employers. ("Promoting Affordable Health Care for Every American") The president's plan promises to extend Medicaid eligibility, establish tax-free healthcare savings accounts, reduce the costs of prescription drugs, increase the number of healthcare centers in rural areas and has already established a prescription drug benefits package for seniors. ("Promoting Affordable Health Care for Every American")

Republican Party stance of healthcare

The party as a whole insists that it want affordable healthcare for all Americans. However, actually being able to pass a bill that reduces premiums, and drug costs has proven problematic. The GOP contends that the American healthcare system could be the best in the world if citizens had better access to top quality healthcare. (Healthcare) The RNC asserts that no American should be without the appropriate healthcare and this is also a stance that the President has taken.

John Kerry (Democrat)

According to John Kerry's official website, he also wants every American to have affordable healthcare. ("Affordable Healthcare for all") Kerry proposes that he will work to reduce health care premiums by as much as $1,000 a year. ("Affordable Healthcare for all") He also proposes tax breaks for certain individuals and businesses. He asserts that he will restructure the Medicare prescription drug plan and reduce the price that Americans pay for prescription drugs. ("Affordable Healthcare for all")

Democratic Stance on healthcare

The DNC also believes that healthcare should be available and affordable to all Americans. The DNC also believes that the Bush administration has not been effective in addressing the situation. The convention insists that expensive healthcare costs should be eliminated. ("Another Bush Ripoff: Health Care Costs Skyrocket")

Ralph Nader (Third Party)

Like the other candidates in this election Nader wants all Americans to have healthcare. Nader also wants to replace the current investor owned healthcare system with a single payer system. (Healthcare for All)

Nader contends that the private healthcare system should be removed. (Healthcare for All)

Nader also names several medical associations that have embraced his ideas including the American Nurses Association and the Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). (Healthcare for All)

Economy and Jobs:

The current condition of the American economy and job losses are central problems of the Bush administration. Although economic projections and statistics insist that the economy is improving many Americans are still feeling the effects of a slow economy. Millions have loss jobs and countless others are under employed. For this reason, economists have labeled it a jobless recovery.

George W. Bush

George Bush tends to focus on the tax cuts that he has implemented during his administration. The president asserts that these tax cuts have aided in economic recovery and been beneficial for many Americans. (Creating Opportunity for America's Workers) The president contends that if he is reelected he will work to strengthen the economy,...

(Creating Opportunity for America's Workers)
In addition, the president promises to reform the tax code so that it is easier to understand and implement a 21st Century initiative to train high school and college students in specific skills. (Creating Opportunity for America's Workers) In addition, the president will work to create 7 million new affordable homes within a 10-year period. (Creating Opportunity for America's Workers) He will also attempt to reform comp time and provide support for small businesses.

Republican stance on Jobs and the Economy

George Bush's ideas about the economy and jobs appear to be the same as the GOP's. The GOP asserts that there are several things that must be done to improve the economy. These things include tax breaks for small businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition, the republicans contend that the economy is growing and that unemployment rates should soon decrease. (Economy)

John Kerry

John Kerry asserts that one of the major problems in America is the absences of jobs and opportunities. The senator explains that Americans are working more hours for less pay. If he becomes president, he pledges to reduce the taxes of the middle class, create higher paying jobs, ensure that the government stays within the budget and train workers in new technologies. (A Stronger Economy)

Democratic stance on Jobs and the Economy

Democrats point to the poor performance of the economy during President Bush's administration. They assert that the poor economic performance has bee exacerbated by the creation of deficits. ("The Bush Economic Record...") In addition the convention contends that thee tax cuts that this administration enacted have led to an even greater gap between the haves and the have-nots. ("The Bush Economic Record...") The democrats insist that the deficit must be reduced and the new jobs must be created. ("The Bush Economic Record...")

Ralph Nader

Ralph Nader asserts that America must begin to train workers and invest in America's future. Nader points out high unemployment rates amongst African-Americans and Hispanics. Nader believes that improvements in infrastructure and equitable trade will aid in improving the economy and reducing unemployment rates. ("Creation of More Jobs by Investing in America's Future")

War on Terrorism

The war on terrorism encompasses a broad range of topics including homeland security and the war in Iraq. Since the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001 America has been concerned with being terrorized again. This led to the formation of the Department of homeland security, which monitors intelligence information and warns Americans when a terrorist threat is eminent. In addition, the country has engaged in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in attempts to find those responsible for acts of terrorism around the world. The War on terror was the topic of the first presidential debate is a polarizing issue in America.

George W. Bush

The president is steadfast in his belief that America must act whenever it is necessary to ensure he safety of the country. He believes that going to Iraq was an essential part of the war on terrorism. According to the transcript of the first presidential debate, Bush believes that terrorists must be hunted down and brought to justice. President Bush explains

We pursued al Qaeda wherever al Qaeda tries to hide. Seventy-five percent of known al Qaeda leaders have been brought to justice. The rest of them know we're after them. We've upheld the doctrine that said if you harbor a terrorist, you're equally as guilty as the terrorist...In Iraq, we saw a threat, and we realized that after September the 11th, we must take threats seriously, before they fully materialize. Saddam Hussein now sits in a prison cell. America and the world are safer for it. We continue to pursue our policy of disrupting those who proliferate weapons of mass destruction." (Transcript: First Presidential Debate)

President Bush also made it clear that he would never hesitate to move unilaterally if it was required. He also seems to believe that his administration has done an exceptional job of maintaining national security. He explained that many facets of American life are much safer than before September 11.

Republican Stance

The president's stance on terrorism and national security issues coincide with the republican stance on the issues. Amongst republicans, there is a type of no nonsense approach to terrorism and the war on terrorism. Many in the party believe that the president did the right thing by invading Iraq. The GOP is supportive of the president's actions and believes that his actions have made us safer. ("A National Security Strategy that Meets the Challenges of Our Time")

John Kerry

John Kerry believes that going into Iraq was a mistake and that troops should come home as soon as possible. Kerry asserts that the decision to…