Washington sides the most with Barack Obama on economic issues in the 2012 Presidential election.
They side on economic issues with...
Social Security
Somewhat Important to me
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Washington: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth
Obama's similar answer: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
Johnson's similar answer: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account
Economic Stimulus
Somewhat Important to me
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Washington and Anderson: Yes, but it was not big enough
Obama and Stein's similar answer: Yes, it was the correct size and amount
Taxes
More Important to me
Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?
Washington, Obama and Anderson: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
Farm Subsidies
Less Important to me
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Washington: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies
Obama and Romney's similar answer: Yes, increase federal funding for U.S. farmers
Minimum Wage
Somewhat Important to me
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Washington and Obama: No, there are more effective ways of reducing poverty than raising the minimum wage
Romney's similar answer: Leave it up to the states to decide
Johnson and Goode's similar answer: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
Debt Ceiling
Somewhat Important to me
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Washington and Stein: Yes, raise the debt ceiling to accomodate for added debt and avert a government shutdown
Obama's similar answer: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
Financial Regulation
Somewhat Important to me
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Washington and Anderson: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail
Obama's similar answer: Yes, but with more restrictions
Stein's similar answer: Yes, and nationalize all big banks
Welfare
More Important to me
Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?
Washington: Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution
Romney and Goode's similar answer: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
They do not side on economic issues with...
Social Security
Somewhat Important to me
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Stein and Goode: Kept "as is"
Romney: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer
Anderson: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
Economic Stimulus
Somewhat Important to me
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Romney: No, I disagreed with the plan
Johnson: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus
Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus
Taxes
More Important to me
Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?
Stein: No
Romney: Yes
Goode: Reform to a flat tax system
Johnson: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation
Farm Subsidies
Less Important to me
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Stein: Yes, increase federal funding for U.S. farmers
Johnson and Goode: No, end all federal farm subsidies
Minimum Wage
Somewhat Important to me
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Stein and Anderson: Yes, increase the federal minimum wage to reduce poverty
Debt Ceiling
Somewhat Important to me
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Johnson: No, cut spending
Anderson: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
Romney and Goode: No, drastically cut federal spending so no debt ceiling is needed
Financial Regulation
Somewhat Important to me
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Johnson, Romney and Goode: No, we should not let private enterprises rely on the government for bailouts
Welfare
More Important to me
Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?
Obama and Johnson: Yes
Stein: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor
