Barack Obama vs Gary Johnson on the issues of the 2012 Presidential election
Issues they side on...
Immigration
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Barack Obama: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship
Gary Johnson: Yes, if they were born here
Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?
Barack Obama: No, but their children should have access
Gary Johnson: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals
Foreign Policy
Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?
Barack Obama: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community
Gary Johnson: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security
How should the U.S. deal with Iran?
Barack Obama: Isolate through trade embargoes
Gary Johnson: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon
Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?
Barack Obama: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place
Gary Johnson: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country
the Economy
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Barack Obama: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
Gary Johnson: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Barack Obama: No
Gary Johnson: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?
Their answers: Yes
Social
What is your stance on abortion?
Barack Obama: Pro-choice
Gary Johnson: Ban after the first trimester
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Their answers: Yes
Science
Do you believe the theory of Evolution?
Their answers: Yes
Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?
Barack Obama: No
Gary Johnson: Leave funding and research to the private sector
Domestic Policy
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: No
Do you support increased gun control?
Barack Obama: No, only for assault weapons
Gary Johnson: No
Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?
Barack Obama: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
Gary Johnson: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government
Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment
the Environment
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
Issues they do not side on...
Science
Should the federal government fund stem cell research?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: No, leave funding and research to the private sector
Domestic Policy
Do you support the Patriot act?
Barack Obama: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers
Gary Johnson: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance
Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?
Barack Obama: No
Gary Johnson: The federal government should not be involved in education
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Barack Obama: No
Gary Johnson: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use
Social
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Barack Obama: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities
Gary Johnson: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: No
the Economy
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus
Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?
Barack Obama: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
Gary Johnson: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: No
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Barack Obama: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
Gary Johnson: No, cut spending
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Barack Obama: Yes, but with more restrictions
Gary Johnson: No
Foreign Policy
Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?
Barack Obama: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished
Gary Johnson: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations
How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?
Barack Obama: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
Gary Johnson: Do not get involved
Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: Scale back our current involvement
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
Barack Obama: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture
Gary Johnson: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay
Should the government cut military spending?
Barack Obama: Do not change current military budget
Gary Johnson: Yes
Should the U.S. military fly unmanned drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?
Barack Obama: Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism
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.
Healthcare
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Barack Obama: Expand
Gary Johnson: Reform
Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
Barack Obama: Yes
Gary Johnson: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Barack Obama: No
Gary Johnson: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it
the Environment
Should U.S. National Parks and Forests continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government?
Barack Obama: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more land
Gary Johnson: Let each state determine which areas to protect
Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?
Barack Obama: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas
Gary Johnson: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies
I was kicked off the beach for metal detecting on state beach. Change your opinion Mr. President... :P LEGALIZE ALL LAND.
David Addis-Hartsough
I sided with Gary by a landslide. Not sure about Israel aid and Federal Lands. Would like some more info.
Susan Taylor
I agree with Gary Johnsons more than other candidates, but I don't fully agree with him. How many things are you not sure about with other candidates?
me
I'm seriously considering Gary Johnson the more I learn about him. I'm nervous stepping outside of the two-party system, but hey...we need to be the change we want to see, right?
Nicole Alexis
better to vote based on convictions than to settle based on party lines :)
Mary E-g
HELL YEAH!
Alexander Gopoian
Yes I agree, I ask people to look at third party Gary Johnson and their response is, he is third party therefore he is not a good option so no one should vote for him. Those people are just narrow minded they only see one side to the entire picture.
Travis Latner
Go for it! It defeats the purpose if you don't vote with your heart.
David Stinnett
I've heard people say their vote will be wasted if they vote third party but if you just go with the crowd is that not also a wasted vote. Judging from this site if people voted on the issues and not advertising and slick talk Gary Johnson would have the best shot at beating Obama and Mitt wouldn't have a chance.
Brandon Mahoney
The two party system has failed us
LynThomas Brooks
He would not be our first independant pres. So maybe thinking outside the box is what this country needs.
Elizabeth Pegler Hale
Here's a way to vote third party without guilt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyggEs3dXA4
Linda Gonzales
You got it nicole!!!! Make that change!!
Aaron Wright
Gary Johnson looks pretty good,,,
Diana Lavery
Even though I do not agree with Obama on every single issue, I am voting for him ----- WARNING: Do not do anything to pull votes from Obama -- Gary Johnson has good points BUT is not well enough known and will never get in, what will happen is he will splinter the Obama vote so the GOP gets their idiotic candidate in - this is politics the way they play it folks, lie, divide and conquer, DOn't LET THAT HAPPEN!
Paul Jurewitz-Barrett
Romney and Obama are the exact same in the worst ways. Put your personal agenda and beliefs aside and you'll see that Pro-War, Pro-big spending, pro-higher taxes versus making actual real cuts... these things are what put us more into debt, make it harder for the economy to thrive, put our families at risk at home and abroad by constantly inciting hatred towards us that got us 9/11 in the first place, and make people more reliant on the government to take care of them with money they don't have. Both Romney and Obama support the Fed's policy of printing more money to solve all our problems when it simply increases them by making our money worth less and less EVERY day. They rely on people like yourself believing the exxagerated fears of the other candidate and looking the other way on your own. Because of people allowing themselves to compromise their principles by telling themselves they're saving the country by voting for evil... the lesser of 2 or not... both parties that have gotten us here (in congress and executive branch) for decades that are equally responsible... supress the chances of a 3rd party and better candidate from having a chance and both parties hold onto 40-60% of power EACH at ALL TIMES. By falling for the "lesser of two evils" reasoning... you end up becoming part of the problem. Jesse Ventura became governor as an independent because he got into the debates. Support Johnson until the last second to at least give him a chance to get in the debates and let people know what's really going on. People will wake up. Do you homework... and more than just this site. Look at Gary's proven 2 term governor record in new mexico that shows he has more executive experience in government than both Obama and Romney combined. Don't sabotage potential based on the past. We have the internet now and it changes politics forever... as desperate at the mainstream media, establishment cronies, and banks try to keep it from changing otherwise.
Alexander Gopoian
Yes, I see all the points about being idealistic and voting for who you agree with - I am not a "party voter" - I vote based on individuals and am totally bi-partisan. BUT, what will happen if these independent or little known candidates, as well thinking as they are, pull votes from Obama, and Romney and the highjacked right-wing deluded GOP gets in, we are going to have bigger problems than anyone can imagine - remember CHANGE for the sake of CHANGE is mis-guided.....change can be a bad thing too.
Paul Jurewitz-Barrett
Libertarian minded candidates pull equally from both parties. Socially liberal and fiscally conservative. Paul's and Johnsons main pull are independents as it is... so why let it sit somewhere in the middle of pulling votes when we can push it over the edge. You're voting on fear, not on principle. You'd rather choose how you die than the off chance that you might not have to. 2012 and 2016 are going to prove to be a 3rd parties best chances given the mainstream power of the internet. Even if you choose to support Johnson till voting day... it makes a difference. Jesse Ventura went from 10% to winning a 3 way race in his state for governor while running as an independent... and all the credit is due to getting into the debates. The same can be done for Johnson if enough support gets behind him, even if people were to change their mind last second if they didn't think he had a chance after the polls reflected where he was at post-debates.
Alexander Gopoian
translation...."I don't vote based on party, I vote based on fear of the other party"
David Stinnett
Like I said, it's nice to strive for the "ideal" but often not realistic in a timely fashion. Even though I agree with the concept of a 3rd party, it needs to be a common sense centrist party....and it is something that needs to be grown and nurtured further before it has the capability of taking a higher office such as President - it just simply won't have the votes. And in the meantime, if we let the likes of the current extreme right-wing hijacked GOP get into office (since they have bamboozled the majority of the Republican voters), they will put us further into a mess. And don't get me started on the concept of Separation of Church and State. I mean, if you look at the numbers, the Country is so divided, I would say it is becoming a perfect storm for a civil war of some sort.....there has to be a meeting of the minds and achieving common goals that will benefit the all, as opposed to the few.
Paul Jurewitz-Barrett
We will eventually get to the point that a 3rd party will have the teeth to prevail.
Paul Jurewitz-Barrett
But for now, my vote is for Obama.
Paul Jurewitz-Barrett
...and I don't see that changing.
Paul Jurewitz-Barrett
I do believe that ALL candidates have the right to participate in debates.
Paul Jurewitz-Barrett
Point being is that you're basing the inability of a 3rd party to get anywhere based on 4 and 8+ years ago. 4 years is a BIG difference when it comes to the internet and spreading information. Support your ideal till the very end... and THEN vote based on you fear.
Alexander Gopoian
Gary Johnson has a proven record that shows he has more executive experience than both Obama and Romney combined in goverment. Obama's failed and integrity lacking adminsitration... Romney's Governing record with 48th in the country for job growth. Johnson's Governing record of 2 terms with no tax raises, cutting taxes several times, 1 billion dollar surplus, balanced budget, 11.8% job growth, cut 1,800 state jobs WITHOUT firing anyone, pro marriage equality, pro civil liberties, against the failed drug wars that simply only make drug issues worse (other countries ended their drug wars and replaced jail with counselling and they're doing great!), etc etc etc. Do your homework. Don't compromise your vote. Don't put personal beliefs ahead of the things that will save this country from the path its heading down. Libertarianism means all of us respecting each others personal beliefs, and not forcing them on each other. www.GaryJohnson2012.com
Alexander Gopoian
Well, I like the way you think, and the way you look. How do you smell? Don't concern yourself with any downside in voting for the so-called third party candidate. Depending upon whether you live in a red, blue, or purple state, your vote for either of the two mainstream candidates could be of little or no consequence. However, only by voting for a thrid party candidate can we ever convince others that such a vote is not wasted. Is the primary argument against voting third-party not the wasted vote scenario? In 1992 Ross Perot (Independent) was included in the first presidential debates to ever feature three candidates. On Election Day, Perot finished in third place behind Clinton (the winner) and Bush. Perot received 19,743,821 votes, which accounted for 18.91% of the popular vote. Exit polls revealed that 35% of voters would have voted for Perot if they believed he could win. Contemporary analysis reveals that Perot could have won the election if the polls prior to the election had shown the candidate with a larger share, preventing the wasted vote mindset.
Robert Wilson
First to comment... ridiculous..I'm Gary's only freggen hope.
David Addis-Hartsough
Supprising how much people find they agree with Gary Johnson from this, over the two major candidates. 1) nobody seems to get Romney as their top guy, this tells me Republicanism, at least as it stands today, is on the way out. They will either take a more libertarian stand or die as a party.
David Stinnett
Yea Ron Pauls nomination or lack thereof destroyed the GOP, and they know it, I have no doubt that obama will win but that doesn't change the fact that I will still stand for freedom and liberty, not for the lesser of 2 evils.
Billy Ray
Well is voting a gamble like a kind of haphazard investment? Do I get a bigger payout if I choose the winner? No! Not unless I'm pulling the purse strings on some C.P.A.C. so why do people obsess on the idea of throwing away their vote? Are we just water buffalo seeking out which other buffalo to chase after the nearest watering hole so if we don't see a lot of buffalo marching behind a particular "bull" then nope, nope, not a wise choice. This is what I gather in our instinctive thinking on the most primordial evolutionary scale but it's also kind of a way of keeping ourselves in the dark. Sometimes, oftentimes in fact the path less taken is the best path. Plurality doesn't equal right. Yes it equals victory in a nominally "democratic" government. I get that but just starting from the thesis of making the best decision, no matter what anyone eases' judgement might be is a good start in "right", scratch that the correct direction.
Pat Rick
After reading this I am inclined to support Gary Johnson over the incumbent. I need to verify that this information is true and correct before making a final decision.
Shanda Gilman
It is, luckily! This website is quite good for reporting the true (and unsimplified) stances of the candidates.
Caroline Barraco
Really looking at Johnson too.
Elizabeth Pegler Hale
Government is by the people and for the people, and it needs our input to get it right. No or very little government just means we are ruled by the wealthy, whose only concern is to make more money.
Michael Petersen
This is why Gary Johnson is the clear choice! Who cares what party he is, the party system is a joke anyway!
Wide Awake
Don't hold your nose while you vote for the lesser of two evils. Consider Gary Johnson at least read what he has to offer to the American people.
Julius Gee
I'm trading votes with a family member like this guy describes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyggEs3dXA4
Linda Gonzales
I'm convinced the mass media decides our Presidential Elections... Gary Johnson filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the Commission on Presidential Debates. 5 days have passed and not one major news media outlet has reported this information. If they dnt report it unfortunately it doesn't exist in minds of voters... This election has done nothing but make me sad at the fact that so many Americans are so uneducated about politics...
Darvis Napier
http://www.facebook.com/LetsGetGaryJohnsonOnTv
Let's Get Gary Johnson Elected
Ron Paul was my 1st choice, Gary Johnson is my 2nd! If your choice is Romney or Obama you need to do a little more research...
Robert Hash
A wasted vote is a vote for someone you don't believe in or simply voting against someone else. I can only speak for myslef, but this will be the first election that I feel good about the candidate I am voting for, and for whom I will have no caveats or regrets. If we all voted this way, GJ would be battling Obama, not Romney.
Justin Sims
GJ should have ran under the republican ticket lied to all the wackos that are the base of the party...than showed his true colors in a debate vs. Obama
William Webster
I'm swapping votes with a family member like this guy talks about. No guilt voting, I love it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyggEs3dXA4
Linda Gonzales
Then he would have been accused of waffling :(
Caroline Barraco
Here's a comparison chart I put together, hope it is helpful: http://jmellicker.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/two-choices-this-november/
Josh Mellicker
Romney is behind by 10% in just about every poll out there now! So, even if you still vote for Romney, he's probably going to lose? Why can't we all come together and vote for someone hip and fresh like say.. Gary Johnson!
Garrett Szilard
Sadly, our votes do little to sway the real decision-makers: the Electoral College. It doesn't matter who you "vote" for. Yes, if your party wins the majority vote, your candidate can receive the electors from your state. But that's not a guarantee that the electors will vote the way the state did. But hey, at least we're all on here because we care about our country and want our voices heard as voters! Thanks, ladies and gents! Support the military, shrink our debt, love your momma!
Will Enfinger
That's very true, but being part of the debate is still really important. You don't get a voice in the debate without 15% of the popular vote. Having your ideas presented and dialog opened up is crucial to a society of free people. And I would put 'loving your momma' first on that list.
Linda Gonzales
Watching the debates was like watching a two-headed idiot fight with itself. Both want to increase spending and barely cut anything. Instead they want to cut the things that don't need to be cut, like PBS. It is funded majorly by it's viewers. I grew up watching it and I consider it a major reason I am the person I am today. I am voting for the guy they wouldn't let debate but has a mathematical possibility to win the election, and is on the ballot in 47 states. Gary Johnson. GaryJohnson2012.com
LynThomas Brooks
Aloha I live in NM gary was our governor back in the 90s I've met him he is a very intelligent person who was never tied to his party(republican) it was amazing he got elected here we are a predominate dem state now that he joined the libertarians I love him now more than ever. I wanted ron paul to convert to the libertarian because he is. I can't support the dems or the repubs so I fully intend to vote for Gary.
Gman Gimpywork
Mr. Johnson is sounding better and better.
Laureen Price