The Democratic Party should be luxuriating in its choice of candidate. Both excellent, minimal differences in policy, both capable of leading the world’s (current) greatest nation.
So how to choose between them? The one most likely to beat McCain? Charisma? Or on policy?
Here is how the policies differences break down:
Foreign Policy
Iran: Obama negotiates, Clinton sanctions.
Iraq: Obama advisors anti-war; Clinton advisers pro-war.
Cuba : Obama to talk without preconditions, Clinton imposes pre-conditions.
Economic Policy
Sub-prime mortgage crisis – Clinton more interventionist, Obama more towards consumer protection.
Immigration – No meaningful differences.
Social Policy
Medicare – Obama support universal provision; Clinton supports universe mandate
Civil Rights, Abortion, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research, Death Penalty, Gay Rights – no real differences
Summary
Obama will engage with the outside world more, spend less of defence as USA will less antagnostic to its enemies.
Clinton is more of a interventionist than Obama, as indicated by the individual mandate on Universal Health Care Scheme and her response to the sub-prime crisis
Overall Obama has broader appeal within the Democratic Party and within the USA as a whole so is best placed to beat McCain.
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