DemocraticUnderground sides with Virgil Goode on 21% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.
Issues they side on...
the Economy
More Important
Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?
Virgil Goode: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
58% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
24% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs
6% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment
6% of DemocraticUnderground: No
3% of DemocraticUnderground: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution
Domestic Policy
Somewhat Important
Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?
Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet
64% of DemocraticUnderground: No
16% of DemocraticUnderground: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
9% of DemocraticUnderground: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government
7% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet
Foreign Policy
More Important
Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?
Virgil Goode: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
70% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
11% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
9% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, bring a majority of the troops home but maintain a strong diplomatic presence
6% of DemocraticUnderground: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No
Least Important
Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?
Virgil Goode: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country
61% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
19% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place
16% of DemocraticUnderground: No
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country
Social
Less Important
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Virgil Goode: Yes
39% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
35% of DemocraticUnderground: No
16% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed
10% of DemocraticUnderground: Leave it up to the states
Issues they do not side on...
Social
Most Important
What is your stance on abortion?
Virgil Goode: Pro-life
63% of DemocraticUnderground: Pro-choice
17% of DemocraticUnderground: Pro-life
8% of DemocraticUnderground: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health
6% of DemocraticUnderground: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion
5% of DemocraticUnderground: Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Ban after the first trimester
More Important
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Virgil Goode: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
69% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
19% of DemocraticUnderground: No
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No, allow civil unions for same-sex couples but don't call it marriage
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Let each state decide
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
More Important
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Virgil Goode: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead
52% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
33% of DemocraticUnderground: No
9% of DemocraticUnderground: No, it should be covered like any other prescription
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate
Healthcare
More Important
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Virgil Goode: Reform
35% of DemocraticUnderground: Reform
27% of DemocraticUnderground: Expand
20% of DemocraticUnderground: Keep "as is"
16% of DemocraticUnderground: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Dismantle
Most Important
Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
Virgil Goode: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs
37% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
29% of DemocraticUnderground: No
13% of DemocraticUnderground: No, institute a universal healthcare system
10% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects
7% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, institute a mandatory single payer system
3% of DemocraticUnderground: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Let each state decide
Less Important
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Virgil Goode: No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offenders
50% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
22% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it
21% of DemocraticUnderground: No
6% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but only for medical use
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses
the Economy
More Important
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Virgil Goode: Keep "as is"
33% of DemocraticUnderground: Expand
22% of DemocraticUnderground: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
16% of DemocraticUnderground: Keep "as is"
10% of DemocraticUnderground: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account
7% of DemocraticUnderground: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer
4% of DemocraticUnderground: Dismantle
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth
More Important
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus
47% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
29% of DemocraticUnderground: No
15% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but it was not big enough
6% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and enact legislation to inject the economy with a stimulus every time the GDP falls below a certain level
2% of DemocraticUnderground: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus
2% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus
More Important
Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?
Virgil Goode: Reform to a flat tax system
46% of DemocraticUnderground: No
25% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
24% of DemocraticUnderground: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Reform to a flat tax system
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Abolish all income taxes
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and enact more across the board cuts to aid all income levels
Less Important
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Virgil Goode: No
38% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
29% of DemocraticUnderground: No
22% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but include small and organic farmers
11% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies
Somewhat Important
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Virgil Goode: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
69% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
14% of DemocraticUnderground: No
11% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year
6% of DemocraticUnderground: Leave it up to the states to decide
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
More Important
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Virgil Goode: No
37% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
37% of DemocraticUnderground: No
13% of DemocraticUnderground: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
6% of DemocraticUnderground: No, cut spending
6% of DemocraticUnderground: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession
Somewhat Important
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Virgil Goode: No
42% of DemocraticUnderground: No
24% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
16% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but with more restrictions
10% of DemocraticUnderground: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but only on the condition that top management be fired without compensation
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and nationalize all big banks
2% of DemocraticUnderground: No, remove the federal reserve and go back to the gold standard
the Environment
More Important
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Virgil Goode: No
70% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
11% of DemocraticUnderground: No
9% of DemocraticUnderground: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels
7% of DemocraticUnderground: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control
2% of DemocraticUnderground: There is not enough evidence to determine this
Somewhat Important
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Virgil Goode: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
46% of DemocraticUnderground: No
33% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy
4% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Nationalize the energy sector
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, end all offshore oil drilling
More Important
Should U.S. National Parks and Forests continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government?
Virgil Goode: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much land
93% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Let each state determine which areas to protect
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more land
2% of DemocraticUnderground: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much land
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining
Less Important
Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?
Virgil Goode: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come
55% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
23% of DemocraticUnderground: No
13% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy
4% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas
3% of DemocraticUnderground: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies
Science
Somewhat Important
Should the federal government fund stem cell research?
Virgil Goode: No
69% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
13% of DemocraticUnderground: No
10% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells
8% of DemocraticUnderground: No, leave funding and research to the private sector
More Important
Do you believe the theory of Evolution?
Virgil Goode: No, and it should not be taught in public schools
51% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
14% of DemocraticUnderground: No
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism
9% of DemocraticUnderground: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school
6% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, Evolution is a fact
5% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and should be required in public schools
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Up for debate
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and it should not be taught in public schools
Less Important
Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?
Virgil Goode:
48% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
21% of DemocraticUnderground: No
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Not during a recession
11% of DemocraticUnderground: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Regardless, we should only use government funds for national defense purposes and leave exploration to the private sector
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Leave funding and research to the private sector
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Regardless, we should not use space-based technology for military purposes
Domestic Policy
Somewhat Important
Do you support the Patriot act?
Virgil Goode: Yes
60% of DemocraticUnderground: No
26% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers
7% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
7% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance
More Important
Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?
Virgil Goode: The federal government should not be involved in education
71% of DemocraticUnderground: No
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Let each state decide
6% of DemocraticUnderground: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states
Less Important
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Virgil Goode: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment
40% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
29% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity
25% of DemocraticUnderground: No
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and laws should be passed requiring all federal agencies to give favorable treatments to minorities
Somewhat Important
Do you support increased gun control?
Virgil Goode: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws
40% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
34% of DemocraticUnderground: No
9% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No, only for assault weapons
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons
3% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and ban all guns from public use
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws
Less Important
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Virgil Goode: No, we should pass tougher drug laws
41% of DemocraticUnderground: No
32% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but not all drugs
21% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
4% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, we should pass tougher drug laws
Somewhat Important
Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?
Virgil Goode: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment
59% of DemocraticUnderground: No
23% of DemocraticUnderground: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns
17% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment
Foreign Policy
Somewhat Important
Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?
Virgil Goode: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about
35% of DemocraticUnderground: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community
22% of DemocraticUnderground: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security
21% of DemocraticUnderground: No
11% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
4% of DemocraticUnderground: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks
3% of DemocraticUnderground: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and use the military to preemptively strike any hostile nations perceived as a threat
2% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and dramatically decrease our military while abolishing the CIA and NSA
Somewhat Important
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Virgil Goode: No, cut all support and aid
41% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
20% of DemocraticUnderground: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.
15% of DemocraticUnderground: No, we should be less involved
10% of DemocraticUnderground: No
7% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors
5% of DemocraticUnderground: Not the current regime
2% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and increase funding to support the Israeli government’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem
2% of DemocraticUnderground: No, cut all support and aid
Somewhat Important
How should the U.S. deal with Iran?
Virgil Goode: Ignore their threats and cease all contact
47% of DemocraticUnderground: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons
22% of DemocraticUnderground: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities
18% of DemocraticUnderground: Isolate through trade embargoes
10% of DemocraticUnderground: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon
3% of DemocraticUnderground: Ignore their threats and cease all contact
Least Important
How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?
Virgil Goode: Do not get involved
72% of DemocraticUnderground: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
23% of DemocraticUnderground: Do not get involved
5% of DemocraticUnderground: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy
Somewhat Important
Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?
Virgil Goode: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.
77% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
11% of DemocraticUnderground: No
6% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect U.S. interests
4% of DemocraticUnderground: Scale back our current involvement
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.
Less Important
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
Virgil Goode: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts
28% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
28% of DemocraticUnderground: No
16% of DemocraticUnderground: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture
15% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay
8% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods
Less Important
Should the government cut military spending?
Virgil Goode: Yes
67% of DemocraticUnderground: No
17% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
17% of DemocraticUnderground: Do not change current military budget
Immigration
Less Important
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Virgil Goode: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported
45% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
21% of DemocraticUnderground: No
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, if they were born here
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship
5% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but after 4 years of military service or earning a college degree
4% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and abolish all national borders
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported
Less Important
Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?
Virgil Goode: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare
45% of DemocraticUnderground: No
20% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
19% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, if they pay taxes
5% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but their children should have access
5% of DemocraticUnderground: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases
4% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare
1% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, and grant them citizenship
Less Important
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Virgil Goode: No, remove them from the U.S.
30% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes
27% of DemocraticUnderground: No
20% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals
12% of DemocraticUnderground: Yes, but only if they pay taxes
8% of DemocraticUnderground: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants
2% of DemocraticUnderground: No, but allow them to stay
1% of DemocraticUnderground: No, remove them from the U.S.