New Jersey sides with Barack Obama on 53% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Most Important

What is your stance on abortion?

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

61% of New Jersey: Pro-choice

14% of New Jersey: Pro-life

7% of New Jersey: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health

7% of New Jersey: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion

7% of New Jersey: Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions

2% of New Jersey: Let each state decide

2% of New Jersey: Ban after the first trimester

Most Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=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

71% of New Jersey: Yes

13% of New Jersey: No

6% of New Jersey: No, allow civil unions for same-sex couples but don't call it marriage

5% of New Jersey: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision

3% of New Jersey: Let each state decide

1% of New Jersey: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman

More Important

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Evolution Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Evolution Source

62% of New Jersey: Yes

9% of New Jersey: No

9% of New Jersey: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

6% of New Jersey: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

5% of New Jersey: Yes, Evolution is a fact

4% of New Jersey: Yes, and should be required in public schools

4% of New Jersey: Up for debate

1% of New Jersey: No, and it should not be taught in public schools

More Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

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

68% of New Jersey: Yes

11% of New Jersey: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

11% of New Jersey: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

9% of New Jersey: No

More Important

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

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

64% of New Jersey: No

11% of New Jersey: Yes

10% of New Jersey: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet

8% of New Jersey: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government

6% of New Jersey: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet

Somewhat Important

Do you support affirmative action programs?

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

32% of New Jersey: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

32% of New Jersey: No

29% of New Jersey: Yes

6% of New Jersey: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and laws should be passed requiring all federal agencies to give favorable treatments to minorities

Somewhat Important

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

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

48% of New Jersey: No

25% of New Jersey: Yes

16% of New Jersey: Let each state decide

8% of New Jersey: The federal government should not be involved in education

3% of New Jersey: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states

More Important

Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?

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

66% of New Jersey: Yes

14% of New Jersey: No

11% of New Jersey: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels

4% of New Jersey: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control

3% of New Jersey: There is not enough evidence to determine this

2% of New Jersey: Regardless, we should not devote government resources to prevent it

More Important

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 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

85% of New Jersey: Yes

4% of New Jersey: Let each state determine which areas to protect

3% of New Jersey: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining

3% of New Jersey: Yes, but allow more public access

2% of New Jersey: No

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more land

1% of New Jersey: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much land

Somewhat Important

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

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

37% of New Jersey: Yes

36% of New Jersey: No

16% of New Jersey: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

5% of New Jersey: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

4% of New Jersey: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources

1% of New Jersey: Nationalize the energy sector

1% of New Jersey: No, end all offshore oil drilling

Less Important

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 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

56% of New Jersey: Yes

19% of New Jersey: No

10% of New Jersey: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

9% of New Jersey: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas

5% of New Jersey: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies

1% of New Jersey: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come

More Important

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

Barack Obama: Extend only for those making less than $250,000Passion=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

40% of New Jersey: No

28% of New Jersey: Yes

18% of New Jersey: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

5% of New Jersey: Reform to a flat tax system

3% of New Jersey: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation

3% of New Jersey: Yes, and enact more across the board cuts to aid all income levels

2% of New Jersey: Abolish all income taxes

More Important

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

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

60% of New Jersey: Yes

22% of New Jersey: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

7% of New Jersey: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work

4% of New Jersey: No

3% of New Jersey: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment

2% of New Jersey: Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution

1% of New Jersey: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor

Somewhat Important

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

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

38% of New Jersey: No

27% of New Jersey: Yes

14% of New Jersey: Yes, but with more restrictions

11% of New Jersey: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail

6% of New Jersey: Yes, but only on the condition that top management be fired without compensation

3% of New Jersey: No, remove the federal reserve and go back to the gold standard

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and nationalize all big banks

Somewhat Important

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

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

44% of New Jersey: Yes

36% of New Jersey: No

10% of New Jersey: Yes, but it was not big enough

5% of New Jersey: Yes, and enact legislation to inject the economy with a stimulus every time the GDP falls below a certain level

4% of New Jersey: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus

1% of New Jersey: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus

Less Important

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

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

37% of New Jersey: Yes

34% of New Jersey: No

18% of New Jersey: Yes, but include small and organic farmers

10% of New Jersey: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies

Somewhat Important

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

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

37% of New Jersey: Yes

25% of New Jersey: No

13% of New Jersey: Yes, if they were born here

10% of New Jersey: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship

6% of New Jersey: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship

6% of New Jersey: Yes, but after 4 years of military service or earning a college degree

2% of New Jersey: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and abolish all national borders

Somewhat Important

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

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

50% of New Jersey: No

18% of New Jersey: Yes

12% of New Jersey: Yes, if they pay taxes

6% of New Jersey: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

6% of New Jersey: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases

3% of New Jersey: No, but their children should have access

2% of New Jersey: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

1% of New Jersey: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare

1% of New Jersey: Yes, but they should be deported after treatment

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and grant them citizenship

Somewhat Important

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

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

30% of New Jersey: No

28% of New Jersey: Yes

18% of New Jersey: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

15% of New Jersey: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

5% of New Jersey: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

2% of New Jersey: No, remove them from the U.S.

1% of New Jersey: No, but allow them to stay

More Important

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 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

38% of New Jersey: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community

24% of New Jersey: No

19% of New Jersey: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

12% of New Jersey: Yes

3% of New Jersey: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks

2% of New Jersey: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and use the military to preemptively strike any hostile nations perceived as a threat

1% of New Jersey: No, and dramatically decrease our military while abolishing the CIA and NSA

Somewhat Important

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

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

40% of New Jersey: No

22% of New Jersey: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture

17% of New Jersey: Yes

8% of New Jersey: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

6% of New Jersey: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts

6% of New Jersey: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods

Somewhat Important

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

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

46% of New Jersey: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

30% of New Jersey: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

14% of New Jersey: Isolate through trade embargoes

6% of New Jersey: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon

3% of New Jersey: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

1% of New Jersey: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Somewhat Important

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

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

77% of New Jersey: Yes

7% of New Jersey: Scale back our current involvement

7% of New Jersey: No

5% of New Jersey: Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect U.S. interests

3% of New Jersey: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

Somewhat Important

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

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

40% of New Jersey: Yes

14% of New Jersey: No

13% of New Jersey: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

13% of New Jersey: No, we should be less involved

12% of New Jersey: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

3% of New Jersey: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

2% of New Jersey: Not the current regime

2% of New Jersey: No, cut all support and aid

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and increase funding to support the Israeli government’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and with more aid and support

Less Important

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

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

74% of New Jersey: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

23% of New Jersey: Do not get involved

3% of New Jersey: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Least Important

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 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

55% of New Jersey: Yes

19% of New Jersey: No

17% of New Jersey: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place

6% of New Jersey: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose

4% of New Jersey: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country

Somewhat Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

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

38% of New Jersey: No

28% of New Jersey: Yes

27% of New Jersey: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

8% of New Jersey: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

More Important

Do you support increased gun control?

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

46% of New Jersey: Yes

29% of New Jersey: No

9% of New Jersey: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

7% of New Jersey: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons

4% of New Jersey: No, only for assault weapons

3% of New Jersey: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes

2% of New Jersey: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and ban all guns from public use

Somewhat Important

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

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

40% of New Jersey: No

37% of New Jersey: Yes, but not all drugs

14% of New Jersey: Yes

5% of New Jersey: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use

3% of New Jersey: 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)?

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

53% of New Jersey: No

21% of New Jersey: Yes

20% of New Jersey: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

7% of New Jersey: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

Somewhat Important

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 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

27% of New Jersey: Keep "as is"

20% of New Jersey: Expand

12% of New Jersey: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

11% of New Jersey: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall

10% of New Jersey: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer

7% of New Jersey: Dismantle

7% of New Jersey: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program

7% of New Jersey: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth

Somewhat Important

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

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

51% of New Jersey: Yes

24% of New Jersey: No

13% of New Jersey: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year

10% of New Jersey: Leave it up to the states to decide

2% of New Jersey: No, eliminate all federal wage standards

More Important

Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?

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

45% of New Jersey: No

21% of New Jersey: Yes

14% of New Jersey: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending

9% of New Jersey: No, cut spending

8% of New Jersey: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

3% of New Jersey: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession

1% of New Jersey: The Federal Reserve should destroy the $1.6 trillion in government bonds it now holds

Somewhat Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

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

57% of New Jersey: Reform

16% of New Jersey: Keep "as is"

12% of New Jersey: Expand

10% of New Jersey: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments

3% of New Jersey: Dismantle

1% of New Jersey: Seniors should embrace responsibility for their own healthcare and leave the government out of it

Somewhat Important

Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

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

50% of New Jersey: Yes

20% of New Jersey: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

19% of New Jersey: No

9% of New Jersey: Yes, but only for medical use

2% of New Jersey: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses

1% of New Jersey: No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offenders

Somewhat Important

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

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

45% of New Jersey: Yes

31% of New Jersey: No

14% of New Jersey: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

5% of New Jersey: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

4% of New Jersey: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

1% of New Jersey: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead

Less Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

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

48% of New Jersey: Yes

27% of New Jersey: No

17% of New Jersey: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

7% of New Jersey: Leave it up to the states

Less Important

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

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

46% of New Jersey: Yes

19% of New Jersey: No

14% of New Jersey: Not during a recession

10% of New Jersey: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology

5% of New Jersey: Leave funding and research to the private sector

4% of New Jersey: Regardless, we should only use government funds for national defense purposes and leave exploration to the private sector

2% of New Jersey: Regardless, we should not use space-based technology for military purposes