Ok, just remember you asked. I am not a huge fan of either, and to be honest I have never done this much research before, my decision has normally been cut and dry. This time it was not, and I feel more informed then ever in my decision. I hope you are ready for the book...
First both their plans on the economy are not that great, which is not good as either could falter. However one is less damaging right off then the other. While Obama gives back loads of money to the middle class, don't count on it. See he needs to pay for all this Socialistic Health Care Plans and such, not only will that come from the amounts he claims to save on the deficit, but might have to come from reducing the extra money he is claiming he will give us with tax cuts. His tax plans will also hurt the majority of small businesses in the United States with higher taxes, either making them reduce staff, raise prices of go under. While large companies employ alot, the small businesses employ more and if they are affected so is our economy and not in a good way. Lastly all the economists I have listened to have said raising anyone's taxes in times like this is not good for the economy, and Obama is raising taxes in the higher brackets and small businesses and inheritance taxes. McCain is also giving tax breaks to America, and with not having socialistic programs in his agenda there is no reason for him to not follow through. Advantage McCain
As for foreign policy Obama has no experience, has not had any face time with leaders of other worlds, while McCain has. This is a tough call, as maybe with Obama there would be no preconceived notions, but he has also said he would negotiate with terrorists, can you say more abductions? It is also hard to take a hard line with terrorists when you have such good friends that are former, and they are only former after being caught and forced to back off. This is William Ayers. He is a former weatherman, a group who murdered Americans, and Williams parents at one point asked for children to kill their parents to create anarchy. William got caught, but due to a technicallity got off. To this day he states they did not do enough. William Ayers home is where Obama announced his run for Senate, and William held meet and greets for Obama to rally additional backers. While McCain may have Keating 5 on his down side, McCain cut the ties back in teh early 90's and learned from his mistake, Obama still has not learned. Advantage McCain
I don't want a racist for president. Obama attended Reverend Wrights church, who is open with his racist comments, and his dislike towards America, this is his quote not mine, Reverend Wright: "Not God Bless America, God Dam America". Obama attended this reverends church for 20 years and only stopped so he could run for president. That in no way says you don't believe what the Reverend you supported for 20 years, just that you are side stepping it to currently try to distance yourself. Advantage McCain.
Michelle Obama shows support for both Ayers and Wright with her comments like I am just now for the first time proud to be American. Huh? In addition Michelle donates to womens groups, Cindy not only donates funds to those same groups, but is also on some of the board of directors, so she puts her money and time where her mouth is. Advantage McCain (Cindy)
Both candidates want to get our troops out of Iraq, and want them to go finish the campaign in Afghanistan. They just don't agree on a time line. Obama wants to cap it at 16 months, which is great, but I think you need to be honest, do you pull out if it means the whole effort fails or adjust as needed to ensure it succeeds? McCain wants the shift, but no time line. Slight advantage to McCain since it is more realistic, but only if he does not abuse the lack of timeline and keep the troops there for another 10 years.
Obama has voted 96% of the time with his party. He runs the party line pretty much down the entire line. McCain has voted with Republicans 90% of the time. Still a pretty tight line, but more often then Obama McCain has crossed the party line for a bi-partisan solution. Advantage McCain.
Another issue is the entire re-distribution of the wealth. Obama wants to take money and re-distribute it to those not making as much, his health care for everyone that the government will pay for if you can't, etc... these plans are not capitolism, they are socialist reforms. Last time I checked we are a free society, look at socialist countries and tell me how many have the freedoms we have? Here are a few: (Cuba, North Korea, China, Vietnam, Syria) So how on earth is putting in socialist plans going to help us again? We worry about parity now between tax brackets, however here in the USA we have an upper tier, middle class and lower class. Those countries listed above only have two, rich and poor. Do you want to live in those countries? if so vote Obama and you will know what it is like. Advantage McCain
While some 3rd party candidates may agree, none are going to win, and right now a vote for a 3rd party is a vote for Obama as it will take away a McCain vote. In addition I have heard the 3rd party slam Palin due to her beliefs so I doubt they hold belief in God as highly.
While it may not be the President's job in you mind I beg to differ. The President selects candidates for the Supreme court who makes many of the rulings like Roe vs Wade, and the President's opinions in these areas will have a direct reflection on his pics to present before congress for approval. So while it may not be his job to decide them directly, he indirectly does have a hand in it. Advantage McCain
I agree with Skatchkins, I am pro life, pro gun, pro marriage (man/woman only), belief in God and those do have an affect on how they run the country, the legislation they sign into law or veto, who they present for judge on the supreme court. Advantage McCain
I say no to racism, say no to terrorism, say no to socialism, say no to a guy who does not learn from his mistakes, say NObama.
Hope this helps, I just can't find any reason to vote for Obama, the more I looked for one the more reason I found not to. Last sometimes you know that gut feeling you get when you just don't trust someone, I don't trust Obama