Gary Johnson vs Mitt Romney on the issues of the 2012 Presidential election
Issues they side on...
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 account
Mitt Romney: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Gary Johnson: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus
Mitt Romney: No
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 legislation
Mitt Romney: Yes
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Gary Johnson: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
Mitt Romney: Leave it up to the states to decide
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Gary Johnson: No, cut spending
Mitt Romney: No
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Their answers: No
Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?
Gary Johnson: Yes
Mitt Romney: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
Domestic Policy
Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?
Gary Johnson: The federal government should not be involved in education
Mitt Romney: Yes
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Their answers: No
Do you support increased gun control?
Their answers: No
Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?
Gary Johnson: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government
Mitt Romney: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
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
Mitt Romney: Yes
Science
Should the federal government fund stem cell research?
Gary Johnson: No, leave funding and research to the private sector
Mitt Romney: No
the Environment
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Gary Johnson: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
Mitt Romney: Yes
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 protect
Mitt Romney: No
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 technologies
Mitt Romney: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come
Immigration
Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?
Gary Johnson: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare
Mitt Romney: No
Foreign Policy
Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?
Their answers: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security
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 weapon
Mitt Romney: Isolate through trade embargoes
Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?
Their answers: Scale back our current involvement
Social
What is your stance on abortion?
Gary Johnson: Ban after the first trimester
Mitt Romney: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Gary Johnson: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate
Mitt Romney: No
Healthcare
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Their answers: Reform
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 costs
Mitt Romney: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects
Issues they do not side on...
Science
Do you believe the theory of Evolution?
Gary Johnson: Yes
Mitt Romney: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism
Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?
Gary Johnson: Leave funding and research to the private sector
Mitt Romney: Yes
Domestic Policy
Do you support the Patriot act?
Gary Johnson: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance
Mitt Romney: Yes
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Gary Johnson: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use
Mitt Romney: No
Healthcare
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Gary Johnson: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it
Mitt Romney: No
the Environment
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Gary Johnson: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels
Mitt Romney: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control
Immigration
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Gary Johnson: Yes, if they were born here
Mitt Romney: No
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Gary Johnson: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals
Mitt Romney: No
Foreign Policy
Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?
Gary Johnson: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
Mitt Romney: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Gary Johnson: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations
Mitt Romney: Yes
How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?
Gary Johnson: Do not get involved
Mitt Romney: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
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 country
Mitt Romney: No
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
Gary Johnson: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay
Mitt Romney: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods
Should the government cut military spending?
Gary Johnson: Yes
Mitt Romney: Increase the military budget
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.
Mitt Romney: Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism
Social
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Gary Johnson: Yes
Mitt Romney: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Gary Johnson: No
Mitt Romney: Yes
the Economy
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Gary Johnson: No
Mitt Romney: Yes
Gary Johnson 2012
Paul Maurice Hudspeth
Hey would do you think I should say to those small minded people who say "Gary Johnson is a third party candidate, and third party candidates never win so therefore we should not vote for a third party candidate.
Travis Latner
Tell them that they're falling for the political maskerade
Brian Tomek
This is what I wrote today: Several people have tried to convince me that voting for a 3rd party is a wasted vote or that I’m just voting for Obama. Here’s why I’m voting 3rd party: 1. Voting for one of the major parties is a betrayal of my beliefs. There is no honor in that. Neither party reflects my point of view. In fact, they actively work AGAINST what I believe and I refuse to support them. As demonstrated at both national conventions, both parties will ignore the votes of their delegates. 2. If you want change then you must first change yourself. Most states require a certain percentage of votes to guarantee that a party will have a place on the ballot in the next election. Both parties flaunt state law and do their best to prevent any third party from gaining ballot access. My vote works towards ensuring, that in future elections, the third party has an easier chance of getting on the ballot in my state. That frees up money for spreading their message and showing that you really DO have a choice. Third parties are excluded from the debates until they receive a significant percentage of poll results. The media ignores the candidate until they get poll results. This simply reinforces the two parties and enables them to ignore the will of the people and push their own agenda from the top down. My vote helps to improve our democratic process. 3. I will not vote out of fear. I am not a drone. My vote is all the more important because I actually agree with my chosen candidate and I have researched my candidate. I am not voting for them out of fear of the “other guy” but because I genuinely agree with them on most issues. You won’t get my vote simply because you wear my team colors. You won’t get my vote because I’m afraid of the “other team”. And you won’t get my vote by promising me the world when your past is full of lies and broken promises. 4. Third parties ARE viable. Only a small percentage of people actually vote for the candidate that they want. Every four years we are handed candidates that we must swallow our pride to support and come up with justifications for why we vote for them. We are not proud of our candidate. In 2008 only 56% of people voted and that was a record number of people. The reasons why so few people are voting vary greatly, but I see it as the illusion that you have no other choice. If my choice was between Obama and Romney, I would not be able to choose. Both have betrayed my trust. Both make my skin crawl for different reasons. But I know I have a third option so I will vote and support my candidate. 5. What if you are wrong? Maybe the real reason people have been upset with me voting for the third party is because they aren’t really sure of their own candidate’s chances. If my vote and the vote of other independents have that significant of an impact in your candidate’s chances of getting elected, maybe you should question his chances too? But if you believe that your candidate is RIGHT, and this is the path that is BEST, then why not tell me about the great things your candidate will do for this country? Maybe you want my vote because you know how bad YOUR candidate is and you are only voting out of fear of the “other guy”? Maybe it’s not MY vote that is being wasted, but yours?
Randal Snyder
randal that is so true nether of the canidiates are worth my vote the i see it they are both lairs and are supported by a bigger problem with what is going on in this country today i use to repubican now not so much
Wade Camarillo
Randal Snyder may I repost your above response on another forum, giving you credit of course? It is a wonderful guide to voting!
Rockdale Flea Market
Travis Latner you say never, you should read history, because we have had parties change before, your ignorance in this subject rings loud and clear
James Anible
If it helps promote 3rd party views, please share as you will. I don't need credit but I appreciate it.
Randal Snyder
For anyone that calls me a Republican or Conservative for not supporting Obama, look at how my candidate, Gary Johnson stacks up against Romney on the issues. They disagree on way more than they do agree on. Gary Johnson matches up with Ron Paul tit-for-tat, and that is why I will be voting Independent this upcoming election.
Josh Pennington
Not sure how anyone can be against a minimum wage. It's far too low to begin with. Ever tried living on it???
C.j. Brown
It's the regulation by the federal government which allows companies to pay us dirt for our labor; but cost of living varies state-to-state. He is for STATES setting minimum wage, not the FEDERAL government. You should then support Johnson because having a national minimum wage would be disastrous for everyone. Imagine living in New York City earning only $7 an hour for hard labor. I wish people would stop distorting libertarian views and just read up on the facts.
Josh Pennington
That's a pretty pompous statement to claim I am "distorting libertarian views" and am ignorant of the "facts" regarding its ideology. (I taught at one of the most conservative colleges in the country, where libertarianism is fairly wide spread.) $7.25 is the current federal min. wage, and many do indeed earn it in NYC (New York has the same state min. wage as the federal min. wage). Having a federal min. wage does nothing to restrict states from having a higher wage, so it currently IS in the hands of the states if they wish to raise it. If you get rid of the federal min. wage, many states will opt to lower their own, not raise it. I am not simply pro regulation for the sake of regulation, but I believe it is rather naive to believe that if we get rid of all regulation at the federal level, then states (or the "free market" when the states determine deregulation is the way to go) will magically make everything better by completely (de)regulating themselves. I believe there are certain things that need to be taken care of at the federal level.
C.j. Brown
For the record, I was one of the first people to speak out in support of Ron Paul back when he first really hit the nation stage. I fully support his effort to end the drug war, for instance. I believe he has the most integrity of any politician that I know of, but he has some pretty extreme views. I am not a real fan of Obama, and am certainly no fan of Romney, but I do not believe putting everything in the hands of corporations is a great idea either, and that is exactly what would happen when we choose to deregulate everything. Yes, I get that corporations already have an absurd amount of power and that both Obama and Romney are in bed with anyone who throws money at them. I also understand that in many cases, the industries being regulated are supplying the people to regulate them, but I cannot even fathom what would happen if we allowed every major corporation and industry to regulate themselves completely.
C.j. Brown
It's not anarchy...there should be regulations at the STATE level...all libertarianism is at its core is taking the hands out of the few and putting it in the hands of the many, state-by-state...we can be a confederation not an autocracy
Josh Pennington
CJ I think you got it mixed up. Like Josh said, Johnson wants to let states choose their minimum wage. So depending what state you live in, the minimum wage you get would be based on living costs in your area. Instead of being paid an arbitrary wage across the board.
Josh McCullough
I understand both sides of the argument but what many have overlooked is the employer themselves. In small business it's often quite difficult to live up to the federal min wage standards. This is one factor that I keep in mind in my support for Gary Johnson.
Andy Kowalski
Yes, and what also hasn't been mentioned is that the worker has a choice whether to take a whatever job or not. And if an employer wants to keep a good worker, he can give him raises according to his bottom line and probably should give those raises regularly, or that employee will jump ship.
Diane Robertson
Having a minimum wage actually drives up the cost of living.
Mallory Pickering
Right, because then corporations can bank on charging at least a minimum price on their goods. Just because we won't have a minimum wage, doesn't mean people are going to become $2 per hour slaves. We will still have powerful labor unions to keep our wages high, right? If they hire replacement workers, then we just meet them as they get off the train just like in the good old days and give em a good shellacking.
Josh Pennington
I am not going to vote for him (Gary Johnson) because I disagree with his thinking...and the only time you should vote for someone is because you believe in what they...LIE...THEY ALL LIE! and say they are willing to do when they get into office! I do NOT agree with Johnson's views on : Iran-Evolution-Space-Drugs-Immigration- The war in Afghanistan-Israel-Terrious being given Con. Rights-Homosexuals marrying and his thoughts on Marijuana! I disagree with Johnson-Romney-Obama on Abortions...If I thought that he (Johnson) had one chance...I would actively campaign against him!
James Carter Sr.
Iran - many top sources (military and intelligence) have come out stating that there is no credible intel that Iran is building a bomb, much less pose any sort of threat to the the USA. Evolution - really..? Stop listening to others and start learning for yourself. Space - as we can see, the private sector is well capable of private space ventures (SpaceX, ect). Drugs - countries that have decriminalized drugs and actually TREAT addicts, as opposed to jailing them, have less crime and earn income from taxation of said legal drugs (in countries that are applicable) Also, the number of people who have tried drugs actually decreases. Immigration - its written in our Constitution that people born on US soil are US citizens. War in Afghanistan - really? why do we need to be there anymore? Israel - they are completely capable of protecting themselves considering the arms deals we have in place in the Middle East guarantee that all arms sold to other countries are less capable than those sold to Israel. Netanyahu even said in his address to the US congress that Israel didn't need the US's help. Terrorist being given Constitutional rights? What in the hell are you talking about? Homosexuals marrying - in what way does this even affect you? Marijuana - have you ever even tried it? Drinking = angry, sloppy, fights, drunk driving. Marijuana = happy, laughing, hungry. Abortion - well thats just.. like.. your opinion man.
Robert Wills
Let the Romney fans start the discussion... I'm sure none will want to as they may have just now realized how much of a dangerous hypocrite he is...
Leo McDermott
Johson is, if nothing else, consistently Libertarian.
Marshall Sroge
I don't agree with everything he says, But I saw him speak lastnight at UNLV and he's more interested in preserving our country than either of the "Mainstream Candidates" a vote for Obamney or Robama is a vote for World War 3.
Steve Adams
Romney scares me, wow! Johnson does too. Glad I stopped by and I do hope that Jill Stein and Gary Johnson are allowed in the upcoming presidential debates since they are on the ballots in 48 states.
Marcie Cobbaert Haselden
Why the heck does Johnson scare you?
Diane Robertson
We're still wondering, Marcie, why Johnson scares you.
Diane Robertson
I tried to respond but there wasn't a reply button yesterday. I'm very afraid of privatizing too much, we've seen what privatizing does; private companies are there for the interest to make money. I don't want to see education, science, food, water or anything of the sort privatized. Look at our privatized prisons, they are money makers. I would vote for Gary over Romney any day for sure, but I'm not with him completely on all the issues. I must say, despite what many people said today, I thought he was the better speaker, sort of has that gentle Carter about him. I'm still undecided but I will say it won't be a vote for either the Dems or the Rep and I think in this election, that is what counts most, giving it to the third party.
Marcie Cobbaert Haselden
the mainstream candates scare me not ron or gary there should be more partys not just two of them
Wade Camarillo
I don't disagree Wade, absolutely. RObama scares me more for sure. I just want to be mindful of private companies taking over anything because they are always out to make money, not good for the jail system, education and anything to do with basic human rights (food, water, healthcare, air). I do understand under the Dems and Rep they have indeed let this get out of hand. I'm leaning more towards Jill Stein simply because I side with her more on the issues, but I'm still keeping an open mind to other candidates, just not Obama and Romney. Peace!
Marcie Cobbaert Haselden
How many of you took this political quiz? It's super fun, you should do it! And let me know what you get.
Diane Robertson
I got: Johnson 90%, Romney 76%, Obama 55%.
Don Ellis
I RESOUNDINGLY "SIDED WITH" GARY JOHNSON AT 97% AND MITT ROMNEY ONLY AT 73%! Vote for the Most Qualified Candidate! Vote for Good! Vote for the Libertarian Party to Grow! Vote for Political Censorship to Die! Vote for Fiscal Responsibility! Vote for Social Tolerance! Vote for the Constitution! Vote for Job Creation! Vote for More Political Choice! Vote for a Strong Economy! Vote for Ending the Military Wars! Vote for Balancing the Budget! Vote for Ending the War on Drugs! Vote for Reducing the Deficit! Vote for Ending Government Involvement in Marriage! Vote for Civil Rights! Vote for Reducing Government! Vote for Ending the Income Tax! Vote for a Fresh Political Party to Run Government! Vote for Leadership! These are "20 causes" that you would be supporting by voting for Gary Johnson for U.S. President! And, he doesn't "even have to win" the election! GARY JOHNSON: The Vote For Freedom Is Never Wasted! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izCXJZAIXMI
Jack Gannon
Nobody TOTALLY agrees with any party not even their own members, but for god sakes don't vote for a lesser of two evils when you have a 3rd competent politician that is working on all fronts to grant every individual the highest amount of personal liberty. That's what every American claims to want, and so few are willing to step outside the established two party mindset vote for someone trying to give them that. I'm voting Gary Johnson not because I want to throw a vote away but because I want to use it to try and better the country for everybody. "I believe every individual is entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruits of his labor so long as it in no way interferes with any other man's rights"-Abe Lincoln. That's what I believe.
Jase Lee Copeland
Yes. And it might not pay off in this election, but if we can get more people to start voting 3rd party, we actually have a better shot in the long run of breaking open the 2-party system and giving the American people better options.
Mallory Pickering
Just tell them that Gary Johnson will likely not win because he's a third party candidate. It would be ok with me if he won, but I'll be surprised. I think that Ron Paul is awesome, but he couldn't even get the Republican nomination, because the establishment wouldn't let that happen. What do you think will happen to Gary Johnson? If we had enough libertarians in congress, then I would have more hope for him.
Randy Hughes
GARYYYY
Fahad Butt