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Gary Johnson vs Barack Obama on the issues of the 2012 Presidential election

Issues they side on...

Immigration

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Gary Johnson: Yes, if they were born herePassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Source

Barack Obama: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenshipPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigration Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Source

Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?

Gary Johnson: No, the government should not subsidize healthcarePassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Healthcare Source

Barack Obama: No, but their children should have accessPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Immigration Healthcare Source

Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?

Gary Johnson: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminalsPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigrant Laborers Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Immigrant Laborers Source

Science

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

Their answers: YesPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Evolution Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Evolution SourcePassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Evolution Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Evolution Source

Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?

Gary Johnson: Leave funding and research to the private sectorPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Space Exploration Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Space Exploration Source

Barack Obama: NoPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Space Exploration Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Space Exploration Source

Foreign Policy

Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?

Gary Johnson: Only if there is a direct threat to our national securityPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Foreign Intervention Source

Barack Obama: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international communityPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Foreign Intervention Source

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Gary Johnson: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weaponPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Iran Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Iran Source

Barack Obama: Isolate through trade embargoesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Iran Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Iran Source

Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?

Gary Johnson: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any countryPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Cuba Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Cuba Source

Barack Obama: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in placePassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Cuba Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Cuba Source

Social

What is your stance on abortion?

Gary Johnson: Ban after the first trimesterPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Abortion Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Abortion Source

Barack Obama: Pro-choicePassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Abortion Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Abortion Source

Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?

Their answers: YesPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Gay Marriage Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Gay Marriage SourcePassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Gay Marriage Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Gay Marriage Source

the Economy

Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?

Gary Johnson: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment accountPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Social Security Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Social Security Source

Barack Obama: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfallPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Social Security Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Social Security Source

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Gary Johnson: No, eliminate all federal wage standardsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Minimum Wage Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Minimum Wage Source

Barack Obama: NoPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Minimum Wage Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 on Minimum Wage Source

Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?

Their answers: YesPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Welfare Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Welfare SourcePassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Welfare Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Welfare Source

the Environment

Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?

Gary Johnson: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuelsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Global Warming Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Global Warming Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Global Warming Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Global Warming Source

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

Gary Johnson: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sourcesPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Oil Drilling Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Oil Drilling Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Oil Drilling Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Oil Drilling Source

Domestic Policy

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=1 Johnson has a very low passion score of 1 on Affirmative Action Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Affirmative Action Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Affirmative Action Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Affirmative Action Source

Do you support increased gun control?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Gun Control Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Gun Control Source

Barack Obama: No, only for assault weapons Passion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Gun Control Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Gun Control Source

Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?

Gary Johnson: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the governmentPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Internet Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Internet Source

Barack Obama: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internetPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Internet Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Internet Source

Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?

Gary Johnson: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Campaign Finance Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 on Campaign Finance Source

Issues they do not side on...

Social

Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?

Gary Johnson: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandatePassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Government Mandates Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Government Mandates Source

Barack Obama: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charitiesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Government Mandates Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Government Mandates Source

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Death Penalty Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Death Penalty Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Death Penalty Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Death Penalty Source

the Economy

Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?

Gary Johnson: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulusPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Economic Stimulus Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Economic Stimulus Source

Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?

Gary Johnson: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislationPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Taxes Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Taxes Source

Barack Obama: Extend only for those making less than $250,000Passion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Taxes Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 on Taxes Source

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Farm Subsidies Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Farm Subsidies Source

Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?

Gary Johnson: No, cut spendingPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Debt Ceiling Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Debt Ceiling Source

Barack Obama: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spendingPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Source

Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Financial Regulation Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Financial Regulation Source

Barack Obama: Yes, but with more restrictionsPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Financial Regulation Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Financial Regulation Source

Healthcare

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Gary Johnson: ReformPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

Barack Obama: ExpandPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?

Gary Johnson: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costsPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Healthcare Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Healthcare Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Healthcare Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Healthcare Source

Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

Gary Johnson: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing itPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Marijuana Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Marijuana Source

Barack Obama: NoPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Marijuana Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Marijuana Source

Foreign Policy

Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?

Gary Johnson: Yes, and only approve future wars through CongressPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Afghanistan Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Afghanistan Source

Barack Obama: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplishedPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Afghanistan Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Afghanistan Source

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Gary Johnson: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nationsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Israel Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Israel Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Israel Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Israel Source

How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?

Gary Johnson: Do not get involvedPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Sudan Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Sudan Source

Barack Obama: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese militaryPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Sudan Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Sudan Source

Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?

Gary Johnson: Scale back our current involvementPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on United Nations Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on United Nations Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on United Nations Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on United Nations Source

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Gary Johnson: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo BayPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Terrorism Source

Barack Obama: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torturePassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Terrorism Source

Should the government cut military spending?

Gary Johnson: YesPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Military Spending Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Military Spending

Barack Obama: Do not change current military budgetPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Military Spending Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Military Spending

Should the U.S. military fly unmanned drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?

Gary Johnson: No, the U.S. military does not have the right to fly unmanned aircraft over foreign countries without a Congressional declaration of war.

Barack Obama: Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism

Science

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Gary Johnson: No, leave funding and research to the private sectorPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research Source

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research Source

the Environment

Should U.S. National Parks and Forests continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government?

Gary Johnson: Let each state determine which areas to protectPassion=1 Johnson has a very low passion score of 1 on National Parks Conviction=2 Johnson has a low conviction score of 2 on National Parks Source

Barack Obama: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more landPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on National Parks Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on National Parks Source

Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?

Gary Johnson: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologiesPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Alternative Engery Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Alternative Engery

Barack Obama: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gasPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Alternative Engery Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Alternative Engery

Domestic Policy

Do you support the Patriot act?

Gary Johnson: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillancePassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Patriot Act Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Patriot Act Source

Barack Obama: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powersPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Patriot Act Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Patriot Act Source

Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?

Gary Johnson: The federal government should not be involved in educationPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Education Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Education Source

Barack Obama: NoPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Education Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Education Source

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

Gary Johnson: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug usePassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Drug Policy Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Drug Policy Source

Barack Obama: NoPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Drug Policy Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Drug Policy Source

Discuss these results...

On the immigration issues Iam totally for Johnson, illegal immigrants should be given access to paid healthcare if they can afford it. Also, illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty. Obama is against that. On the social issues I agree with Obama gay marriage should be allowed in the U.S and abortion should be a persons choice not the law.Healthcare issues Iam all for johnson we should Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it. :)

Patty Meza

actually gary johnson is prochoice and pro gay marriage

Brian Bürdick

prochoice before 2nd trimester, which i agree with. after that it's murder...

Steve Newell

Took an on-line quiz that matched my answers with the politician most in line with my values: Gary Johnson. That's why I'm on this page, cause I have no clue who he is, or what his views are. Obama... I've heard him lie before.

Marjorie Markowski

HOW CAN I FIND THIS QUIZ?

Kenna DeLong

Vote Smart.com. They give you the issues, ask your view & how strongly u feel about it. There is also a tab for more info on the issues. I don't trust Romney, he wavers too much. Obama...well I better not say, but think he's despicable. I got an absentee ballot and voted for Gary Johnson.

Marjorie Markowski

There is also a link to a quiz at the bottom of this page :)

Marjorie Markowski

Every politician lies...

Ryan Russell

As a Republican Conservative I am voting for Gary Johnson who is not trying to divide the Nation and follows many of Ron Paul ideals http://www.GaryJohnson2012.com.

Harvey Vickery

There are some things that Mr. Johnson says that I do not agree with, mostly social things. However, there is one point that I do agree with and that is that bailouts, handouts and free lunches are an inherently bad thing that weakens those that it purports to help making them dependent on big governmebt to keep them in the style they have become accustomed to.

Brian Friend

CHICKEN

Gary Johnson is the best candidate by far of what's available right now.

Roy J Lores

Gary johnson/Ron Paul >> Obama.. true men of real liberty. I realize people need to work for money.. that's the only truly "Fair way" to do it.. the rich have an obligation to help the poor.. but there is no virtue in it if the government forces you to do it.. in order for it to be actually a good thing.. it has to be genuine and personal.. not a government check.. instead Imagine a football game, socialists are the referees... they call penalty every time the obviously better team scores a touchdown to make sure the game is better for the losing team.. it helps no one, the losing team continues to lose, and the better team will either forfeit and leave or stop playing hard.. socialists are conditioning us to not try so hard to get ahead cuz its not fair to the people who don't work hard.. When I was a liberal(I can argue socialist) I would slam an argument like that.. but I realize what it means now.. "redistributing the wealth" helps no one.. hard work helps anyone who looks for it.. problem is liberals like I used to be don't want to take responsibility (Yes.. you don't.. I used to be one of you.. you either don't realize it.. or you don't want to admit it..) I was a die hard liberal until I realized michael moore has been lying to me and that the Republican Party(Former enemy) has hope if Libbertarians take over it.. the Democrats have obviously been lead astray and republicans are clinging to their old way.. Libertarians no exactly what to do.. obama.. nobama and fuck romney...

Brian Bürdick

Hang on a minute, Gary Johnson either isn't thinking clearly about drugs, or the position statement here is wrong. On his own website, he is emphatic that marijuana be legalized, but regarding other drugs he wants to be able to force non-marijuana drug users into drug treatment programs. If Gary has just decriminalized, for example, heroin, how can he force a heroin user into a drug treatment program? Its not as if the heroin user has committed a crime! So the only way he can force them into drug treatment programs is if heroin remains illegal.

Leo Mauler

I think he made a comment about this in an interview. To be a little more specific, He's for the decriminalization of all drugs.. just not all at once.

Darren Normand

He says we should adopt the policies of the Netherlands and Portugal, both of which force drug treatment programs on addicts through keeping drugs illegal to some extent, and both of which keep the War On Drugs going by keeping everything except marijuana illegal to sell. So the police can't shoot users, but they can still shoot dealers.

Leo Mauler

This man can save the Republic from the two-party system strangling America to Death. Vote Gary Johnson!

Amritpal Bhagat

I TRIED TO LEAVE A FEW COMMENTS BEFORE THE HURRICANE HITS US , IF SERVICE GETS TAKEN OUT I MAY NOT HAVE THE OPTION FOR AWHILE THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO. LIKING A FEW INSIGHTS OF JOHNSON ( NEAR BOSTON ) AND IF HE WINS (IF) HE OR ANY ARE LACKING IN ASSERTING POSSITIVE OPTIONS OR MISREPS , THEN PRAY THE BEST.

Deerfield Vincent

hello, I m agree with Gary johnson, we are from Spain but we didn´t know nothing about the third candidate, he has never been on the news in European television, I think is part of the game, only the 2 principal parties play the game, is the same in all the world. this quiz has been very interesting for us, good luck in the US election, and God Bless USA, bye.

Jskywalker Socialred

See which candidate you side with!