Final Debate: Complete Breakdown Of Obama’s Lies & Distortions

OBAMA DISTORTION #1: Barack Obama Will Cut Taxes For 95% Of American Taxpayers

Barack Obama once-again repeat the line that his tax plan means a tax cut for 95% of American taxpayers. This is NOT TRUE. Forty percent of Americans don’t pay income taxes but Barack Obama is proposing a refundable tax credit which “in the real world is known as ‘welfare.'”

The Wall Street Journal‘s Kimberly Strassel: Barack Obama Says He Will Cut Taxes For 95% Of Americans Even Though 40% Don’t Pay Taxes. “To kick off our show tonight, Mr. Obama will give 95% of American working families a tax cut, even though 40% of Americans today don’t pay income taxes! How can our star enact such mathemagic? How can he ‘cut’ zero? Abracadabra! It’s called a ‘refundable tax credit.’ It involves the federal government taking money from those who do pay taxes, and writing checks to those who don’t. Yes, yes, in the real world this is known as ‘welfare,’ but please try not to ruin the show.” (Kimberly Strassel, Op-Ed, “Obama’s Magic,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/10/08)

OBAMA DISTORTION #2: John McCains $5,000 Health Care Tax Credit Goes Directly To Insurance Companies, Leaving Families On Their Own To Pay McCains Tax On Health Insurance Benefits

Barack Obama once-again claimed that John McCain’s $5,000 health care tax credit goes directly to the insurance companies leaving families to pay a tax on health insurance benefits. This is NOT TRUE. If Barack Obama was honest about the health care system, he would conclude like PolitiFact that there is “excellent reason that the credit goes to the insurance companies.”

PolitiFact: “Excellent Reason That The Credit Goes To The Insurance Companies.” “But then the ad says, ‘McCains own Web site said it goes straight to the insurance companies, not to you, leaving you on your own to pay McCains health insurance tax.’ McCain’s Web site does say that, but there’s an excellent reason that the credit goes to the insurance companies. It’s so people don’t blow the tax credit on cigarettes and beer (or whatever else they’d like) instead of health insurance. Under McCain’s plan, workers would pay taxes on the health exemption, but they would get $2,500 knocked off their health insurance bill. If workers come out ahead and there’s money left over, that would go into a health spending account for them to spend on health-related incidentals.” (“McCain’s Plan Includes Tax Switch,” PolitiFact, 10/3/08)

OBAMA DISTORTION #3: John McCain’s Health Care Plan Will Hurt Middle-Income Families

Tonight, Barack Obama will once-again claim that John McCain’s health care plan will hurt middle-class families. This is NOT TRUE. According to independent third party sources, middle-class families would see a rise in after-tax income.

A Middle Class Family Under John McCain’s Plan Would See Their After-Tax Income Rise. “To take Biden’s comparison one step further, consider his $40,000 family whose insurance cost $12,000. That family is in the 15 percent tax bracket. So, multiplying that additional $12,000 in income by 15 percent means that the family in Biden’s example currently gets an $1,800 federal income-tax break. McCain’s tax break for that family would be $5,000.” (Kevin Freking, “Biden Misleads With Accusation Of Tax Increase,” The Associated Press, 9/26/08)

Tax Policy Center: “But Low- And Middle-Income Workers Would Still See A Rise In After-Tax Income.” “By 2018, high-income households would be worse off under McCain’s plan than they would have been under current law because the credit would be worth less than the current tax exclusion. But low- and middle-income workers would still see a rise in after-tax income, the center projected.” (Kevin Freking, “Biden Misleads With Accusation Of Tax Increase,” The Associated Press, 9/26/08)

OBAMA DISTORTION #4: John McCains Tax Plan Favors Oil Companies.

Tonight, Barack Obama will once-again claim that John McCain’s tax plan favors oil companies. This is NOT TRUE. John McCain’s tax plan favors all companies in the United States, will create jobs here, and is even being considered by Barack Obama.

FactCheck.org: Barack Obama Claim Is “Misleading” Because “McCain Is Not Proposing Any Special Tax Breaks For The Oil Industry.” “The ad’s claim that ‘McCain wants to give [oil companies] another $4 billion in tax breaks’ is also somewhat misleading. McCain is not proposing any special tax breaks for the oil industry. What he’s proposing is a reduction in the corporate income tax rate for all companies.” (Brooks Jackson And Emi Kolawole, “Obama’s Overstatement,” FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/obamas_overstatement.html, 8/4/08)

Obama Economic Policy Director Jason Furman: “[Barack Obama] Would Like To Cut The Corporate Tax Rate, And It’s A Question That We’re Studying.” “Here are two things you don’t often hear mentioned in the same sentence: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and a lower corporate tax rate. But it appears the Illinois senator is at least considering such a measure. ‘He would like to cut the corporate tax rate, and it’s a question that we’re studying,’ Jason Furman, Obama’s director of economic policy, told Forbes.com in an interview this week. Obama’s Republican rival, Arizona Sen. John McCain, proposes to lower the maximum corporate tax rate from 35% to 25% (see: ‘McCain And The Economy’). Obama hasn’t made such a pledge, and Furman won’t say by how much or when Obama might slash corporate tax rates. But if it does happen, Furman says, ‘It’ll be much better for the economy and much better for businesses than what John McCain has proposed.'” (Brian Wingfield, “Obama’s Taxing Policies,” Forbes.com, 7/31/08)

OBAMA DISTORTION #5: John McCain Will Cut Social Security Benefits In Half

Tonight, Barack Obama may claim that John McCain will cut Social Security benefits in half. This is NOT TRUE. Numerous independent fact check organizations have said that Barack Obama is using this “false” charge “to frighten seniors.”

On September 19, 2008, FactCheck.org Criticized Obama-Biden For Launching A “False” Social Security Ad. “In a Sept. 19 article we criticized an Obama-Biden ad for its false insinuation that Sen. John McCain favored massive cuts in current Social Security benefits.” (Brooks Jackson, “More Social Security Spin,” FactCheck.org, 10/2/08)

On September 20, 2008, FactCheck.org Criticized Barack Obama For Making “False” Social Security Attacks On The Campaign Trail. “And in a Sept. 20 article we criticized Obama for claiming in a stump speech that Social Security recipients would have had their money tied up in the stock market if the plan McCain once endorsed had been enacted. That was also false.” (Brooks Jackson, “More Social Security Spin,” FactCheck.org, 10/2/08)

FactCheck.org: Obama Ad That Says The “Bush-McCain Privatization Plan” Will Cut Social Security Benefits In Half Is A “Falsehood Sure To Frighten Seniors.” “A new Obama ad characterizes the ‘Bush-McCain privatization plan’ as ‘cutting Social Security Benefits in half.’ This is a falsehood sure to frighten seniors who rely on their Social Security checks. In truth, McCain does not propose to cut those checks at all.” (Lori Robertson and Brooks Jackson, “Scaring Seniors,” FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/scaring_seniors.html, 9/19/08)

PolitiFact: Obama-Biden “Using Some Scare Tactics” On Social Security. “We also think Obama may have been guilty of using some scare tactics here.” (“Obama Overstates McCain’s Plan, Whatever That Is,” PolitiFact.com, 9/20/08)

DEBATE FACT #1: BARACK OBAMA HAS MUCH TALK BUT NO LEADERSHIP

Summary:.

Barack Obama talks about his economic leadership but he was “mum” on the crisis for weeks.

The Facts About Barack Obama:

Barack Obama Did Not Make Calls To Round Up Votes For The Economic Recovery Package

Obama Aides Concede Obama Did Not Make Calls To Round Up Votes. ABC’s JOHN BERMAN: “The McCain campaign has been hammering Obama suggesting he did not take a leading role in the financial negotiations.” SEN. MCCAIN: “At first, he didn’t want to get involved. Then, he was monitoring the situation.” BERMAN: “Indeed, Obama aides say he did not make any calls to help round up votes.” (ABC’s “Good Morning America,” 9/30/08)

Barack Obama “Hinted That Had He Known Earlier The Deal Was Going Down To Defeat He Would Have Worked The Phones Even Harder.” “Obama also hinted that had he known earlier the deal was going down to defeat he would have worked the phones even harder, especially given that some of those who voted no, were some of his early supporters.” (Lee Cowan, “Obama Places No Blame, But…” MSNBC’s “First Read” Blog, http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/30/1471678.aspx, Posted 9/30/08)

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) Said He Did Not Feel Pressure To Vote For The Bailout Bill. “Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., told me yesterday that he felt no pressure at all to vote for the bill. ‘For me it was an easy decision,’ Johnson said. ‘The bill has nothing in there that mandates workouts of these foreclosures that are pending. We have up to 5 million that are meant to occur over the next year.'” (Jake Tapper, “And What About Those 95 Democrats?” ABC News’ “Political Punch” Blog, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/and-what-about.html, Posted 9/30/08)

Barack Obama Was “Mum” On The Financial Crisis

The Washington Times: “Obama Mum On Market Crisis.” “Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama opted Friday not to divulge details of his recovery plan for the financial crisis after a morning meeting with his top economic advisers – fearing it would stir Wall Street jitters.” (S.A. Miller, “Obama Mum On Market Crisis,” The Washington Times, 9/20/08)

Barack Obama “Opted Friday Not To Divulge Details Of His Recovery Plan For The Financial Crisis.” “Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama opted Friday not to divulge details of his recovery plan for the financial crisis after a morning meeting with his top economic advisers — fearing it would stir Wall Street jitters.” (S.A. Miller, “Obama Mum On Market Crisis,” The Washington Times, 9/20/08)

Fox News’ Major Garrett Reported That Barack Obama Would Not Take A Position On Whether Or Not He Supported Or Opposed The Government Rescue Of AIG. GARRETT: “On the biggest financial issue of the day, Barack Obama would not say if he supported or opposed the government-backed rescue of insurance giant AIG.” BARACK OBAMA: “We don’t know all the details of the arrangement with AIG and the Federal Reserve must ensure that plans protect the families that count on insurance.” GARRETT: “Obama also wants taxpayers protected but executives and shareholders exposed but on the central question to intervene or not, Obama sidestepped. Advisers said lack of details forced caution. The larger political truth: advisors believe anxiety alone is enough to lift Obama in the polls. That is why on the trail, Obama doesn’t talk about specifics of the moment but the nation’s overall direction.” (Fox News’ “The Special Report,” 9/17/08)

Joe Biden On The AIG Bailout: “It’s Hard To Judge That Right Now.” JOE BIDEN: “Its hard to second guess. I havent spoken with the Secretary. I mean theres no good answer because it was the spot the policies of the last eight years that put us in. So its hard to judge that right now, in my spot right here.” (ABC’s “Good Morning America,” 9/18/08)

3) DEBATE FACT #2: BARACK OBAMA HAS A STRONG TAX INCREASE AGENDA

Summary:.

Barack Obama has a strong tax increase agenda that will impact small businesses.

The Facts About The Obama-Biden Agenda And Barack Obama’s Record

Obama-Biden Has Called For Higher Income Taxes, Social Security Taxes, Capital Gains And Dividend Taxes, And Corporate Taxes, As Well As “Massive New Domestic Spending.” “Obama’s transformation, if you go by his campaign so far, would mean higher income taxes, higher Social Security taxes, higher investment taxes, higher corporate taxes, massive new domestic spending, and a healthcare plan that perhaps could be the next step to a full-scale, single-payer system. Is that what most Americans want, someone who will fulfill a Democratic policy wish list?” (James Pethokoukis, “Barack Hussein Reagan? Ronald Wilson Obama?” U.S. News & World Report‘s “Capital Commerce” Blog, 2/12/08)

Obama-Biden Will Increase Capital Gains And Dividend Taxes. Obama Economic Advisors Jason Furman and Austan Goolsbee: The top capital-gains rate for families making more than $250,000 would return to 20% The tax rate on dividends would also be 20% for families making more than $250,000, rather than returning to the ordinary income rate. (Jason Furman and Austan Goolsbee, Op-Ed, The Obama Tax Plan, The Wall Street Journal, 8/14/08)

Tax Policy Center: Obama-Biden Would Raise Taxes On One Out Of Every Three Senior Households. “Even though Senator Obama’s plan eliminates individual income taxes for seniors with incomes less than $50,000, his plan would raise taxes for almost 10 million senior households, over a third of the total (not shown in table). On average, seniors would face a tax increase of about 2 percent of income.” (Burman et al., “A Preliminary Analysis of the 2008 Presidential Candidates’ Tax Plans,” The Tax Policy Center, 6/11/08)

Obama-Biden Would Raise Income Taxes. Obama: “[I] would roll back the Bush tax cuts for those making over $250,000.” (Sen. Barack Obama, CNN Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Manchester, NH, 6/3/07)

U.S. Department Of Treasury: Small Business Owners “Are Frequently Subject To The Highest Individual Income Tax Rates.” (“Topics Related To The President’s Tax Relief,” U.S. Department Of Treasury, http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/reports/president_taxrelief_topics_0508.pdf, May 2008)

Obama-Biden Would Raise Social Security Taxes. “Obama’s proposal would impose social security taxes on income above $250,000 per year. He would continue to exempt income between $102,000 and $250,000 from social security taxes.” (Teddy Davis, Sunlen Miller, and Gregory Wallace, “Obama Kisses Billions Goodbye,” ABC News’ “Political Radar” Blog, blogs.abcnews.com http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/06/obama-kisses-bi.html, 6/18/08)

Obama-Biden Called For A Tax On Coal And Natural Gas. Obama: “What we ought to tax is dirty energy, like coal and, to a lesser extent, natural gas.” (“Q&A With Sen. Barack Obama,” San Antonio Express-News, 2/19/08)

Obama-Biden Called For A Tax On Oil. Obama: “I think it is appropriate for us to impose a windfall profits tax on our oil companies.”(Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Charlotte, NC, 5/2/08)

The Washington Post: Barack Obama’s Tax On Oil Companies Will Only Lead To “Higher Prices At The Pump.” (Editorial, “Tapping Tired Wells,” The Washington Post, 8/6/08)

FactCheck.org: “Obama’s Votes Indicate A Willingness To Raise Taxes.” “Certainly Obama’s votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes.” (“The $32,000 Question,” FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/the_32000_question.html, 7/8/08)

4) DEBATE FACT #3: BARACK OBAMA IS “MISLEADING” ON TAX CUTS FOR OIL COMPANIES

Summary:.

Barack Obama is wrong when he says John McCain supports tax cuts for oil companies.

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Record:

Barack Obama’s Claim Is “Misleading” According To Non-Partisan Fact-Check Organizations

FactCheck.org: Barack Obama Claim Is “Misleading” Because “McCain Is Not Proposing Any Special Tax Breaks For The Oil Industry.” “The ad’s claim that ‘McCain wants to give [oil companies] another $4 billion in tax breaks’ is also somewhat misleading. McCain is not proposing any special tax breaks for the oil industry. What he’s proposing is a reduction in the corporate income tax rate for all companies.” (Brooks Jackson And Emi Kolawole, “Obama’s Overstatement,” FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/obamas_overstatement.html, 8/4/08)

PolitiFact: Obama’s Statement “Barely True,” As Obama Is “Cherry-Picking” On Tax Cut, As “The Corporate Tax Rate Reduction Would Apply To ALL Corporations.” “Obama is cherry-picking here. The corporate tax rate reduction would apply to ALL corporations. Yes, Exxon Mobil, but also to Wal-Mart, General Motors and Home Depot, to name a few of the other Fortune 50 biggies. Even everybody’s favorite, Starbucks, would get the same tax break. Obama’s statement is technically true, but singling out oil companies suggests McCain has targeted oil companies for tax breaks. He hasn’t. We rate Obama’s statement, and the claim in the ad, Barely True.” (“Big Oil, Like All Companies, Would Get Tax Break,” PolitiFact.com http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/563/, Accessed 8/4/08)

Barack Obama Said That He Too Supports Cutting Taxes For Corporations

In A Wall Street Journal Interview, Barack Obama Said That He Was Considering Lowering Corporate Taxes. “Sen. Obama’s nod to lowering corporate taxes comes as Republicans have been attacking him for proposals that would raise the cost of doing business, such as his pledge to raise the tax rate on capital gains, and his vow to increase the top income-tax rates, which are often used by small, unincorporated enterprises. He didn’t say how deeply he would cut the rate, but said it could be trimmed in return for reducing corporate tax breaks, simplifying the tax system.” (Bob Davis and Amy Chozick, “Obama Plans Spending Boost, Possible Cut In Business Tax,” The Wall Street Journal, 6/17/08)

Obama Economic Policy Director Jason Furman: “[Barack Obama] Would Like To Cut The Corporate Tax Rate, And It’s A Question That We’re Studying.” (Brian Wingfield, “Obama’s Taxing Policies,” Forbes.com, 7/31/08)

Barack Obama Voted For The 2005 Energy Bill Containing Billions In Tax Breaks For Big Oil

Barack Obama Voted For The 2005 Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #152: Motion Agreed To 92-4: R 53-1; D 38-3; I 1-0, 6/23/05, Obama Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #158: Passed 85-12: R 49-5; D 35-7; I 1-0, 6/28/05, Obama Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, Obama Voted Yea)

The 2005 Energy Bill Included $2.8 Billion In Subsidies For Oil And Natural Gas Production. “The conference agreement provides for $14.6 billion in tax breaks and credits between 2005 and 2015, including: — $2.8 billion for fossil fuel production…” (Toni Johnson, “CQ Bill Analysis: HR 6,” Congressional Quarterly‘s “CQ Bill Analysis,” http://www.cq.com: http://www.cq.com/, Accessed 7/14/08)

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY): “When It Came Time To Stand Up Against The Oil Companies, To Stand Against Dick Cheney’s Energy Bill, My Opponent Voted For It And I Voted Against It.” (Aaron Burns, “Clinton Questions Obama’s Oil Company Claims,” Fox News’ “Embeds” Blog, 4/25/08)

5) DEBATE FACT #4: WHAT IS 95%?

Summary:.

Barack Obama is talking about 95% but it is misleading.

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Record:

The Wall Street Journal‘s Kimberly Strassel:Barack Obama Says He Will Cut Taxes For 95% Of Americans Even Though 40% Don’t Pay Taxes. “To kick off our show tonight, Mr. Obama will give 95% of American working families a tax cut, even though 40% of Americans today don’t pay income taxes! How can our star enact such mathemagic? How can he ‘cut’ zero? Abracadabra! It’s called a ‘refundable tax credit.’ It involves the federal government taking money from those who do pay taxes, and writing checks to those who don’t. Yes, yes, in the real world this is known as ‘welfare,’ but please try not to ruin the show.” (Kimberly Strassel, Op-Ed, “Obama’s Magic,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/10/08)

Tax Policy Center: Over 10 Years, Barack Obama Will Devote $1.05 Trillion To Households Paying No Income Tax – An Additional $647.51 Than Under Current Law. (Table T08-0191, “Senator Barack Obama’s Non-Health Tax Proposals As Described By His Economic Advisors: Impact On Outlays And Tax Units With No Individual Income Tax Liability, 2009-18,” Tax Policy Center, 7/25/08)

Tax Policy Center: Under Obama’s Plan, He Would Direct $100.6 Billion In 2009 To Households Who Pay No Income Tax. (Table T08-0191, “Senator Barack Obama’s Non-Health Tax Proposals As Described By His Economic Advisors: Impact On Outlays And Tax Units With No Individual Income Tax Liability, 2009-18,” Tax Policy Center, 7/25/08)

According To The Tax Foundation, Under The Obama Tax Plan 63 Million Americans “Would Have No Income Tax Liability And Most Of Those Would Get A Check From The IRS Each Year.” “The Tax Foundation estimates that under the Obama plan 63 million Americans, or 44% of all tax filers, would have no income tax liability and most of those would get a check from the IRS each year.” (Editorial, “Obama’s 95% Illusion,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/13/08)

The Wall Street Journal: Barack Obama’s Tax Plan Has “Several Sleights Of Hand.” “It’s a clever pitch, because it lets him pose as a middle-class tax cutter while disguising that he’s also proposing one of the largest tax increases ever on the other 5%. But how does he conjure this miracle, especially since more than a third of all Americans already pay no income taxes at all? There are several sleights of hand, but the most creative is to redefine the meaning of ‘tax cut.'” (Editorial, “Obama’s 95% Illusion,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/13/08)

New York Post: “[O]bama’s ‘Tax Cuts’ Really Amount To A Sizable Expansion Of Welfare.” “In other words, Obama’s ‘tax cuts’ really amount to a sizable expansion of welfare. That leaves American taxpayers to foot the bill – both directly, and through the lost economic opportunity that’s sure to follow Obama’s promised tax hikes on income, dividends and capital gains.” (Editorial, “Ready, Set Spend!” New York Post, 10/14/08)

The Washington Times’ Donald Lambro: Some Say Barack Obama’s Tax Plan Looks “Suspiciously Like Welfare.” “Barack Obama says he will give 95 percent of all American workers a tax cut but does not mention that his plan would send checks to tens of millions of tax filers who pay no personal income taxes – payments that critics say look ‘suspiciously like welfare.'” (Donald Lambro, “Obama Tax Cut ‘Refunds’ Those Who Don’t Pay,” The Washington Times, 10/13/08)

Americans For Tax Reform: “‘Refundable Tax Credits’ Means That If You Zero Out Your Income Tax Liability, The Government Gives You A Welfare Check. This Isn’t An Income Tax Cut-It’s Spending.” “Most of the ‘tax cuts’ Obama claims credit for is in fact spending. ‘Refundable tax credits’ means that if you zero out your income tax liability, the government gives you a welfare check. This isn’t an income tax cut-it’s spending. According to the Tax Foundation, one-third of households don’t have an income tax liability.” (Americans For Tax Reform, “Americans For Tax Reform Calls Obama ‘Tax Calculator’ Inaccurate And Misleading,” Press Release, 10/14/08)

6) DEBATE FACT #5: WHO IS JOE THE PLUMBER?

“That’s the American Dream to me. You work hard. Youre going to get what you want eventually. It’s not going to happen overnight by no means, but if you work hard enough you will get it. I resent the government or Obama’s plan to take more away from me.” – Joe Wurzelbacher, AKA Joe The Plumber

Watch Joe here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpZLMPoQ8VI

FOX News’ “Your World”

October 14, 2008

Neil Cavuto: “Well, you know, you’re the type of guy who these tax increases of his could affect, or with a cutoff that his could affect, and you don’t fit this gazillionaire model. In other words, you’re not the Henry Kravis types, but you’re in that group that would see your taxes hiked. What do you think of that?”

Joe Wurzelbacher: “Well, it’s, you know – I don’t know how much of the video is shown, but I’m living in a simple middle-class home. Most of the homes go from anywhere from $90,000 at the lowest to maybe $140,000 at the highest. You know, just working, and when I do purchase the rest of this company and move forward, I will be living there still, because, one, I don’t want to keep up with the Joneses, and two, I just couldn’t really afford a bigger house. Im going to have to work harder to make that company go. I want to put more trucks on the road and his tax increases kind of hurts that aspect.”

Cavuto: “Some people interpreted his remark as sort of like Robin Hood-ish, Joe, that it was a redistribution of wealth. Taking from guys like you to help people who are not as well off as you. What do you think of that?”

Wurzelbacher: “Robin Hood stole from greedy rich people and redistributed it to the peasants, so to speak, so if hes calling us peasants, I kind of resent that. I’m the same class of people that went from paycheck to paycheck living to finally being able to save some money, and its just – you work and hard work. That’s the American Dream to me. You work hard. Youre going to get what you want eventually. It’s not going to happen overnight by no means, but if you work hard enough you will get it. I resent the government or Obama’s plan to take more away from me.”

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpZLMPoQ8VI The FOX News Report

DEBATE FACT #6: BARACK OBAMA HAS NO INTEREST IN REDUCING THE DEFICIT

Summary:.

Barack Obama talks about priorities but he has proposed billions in new spending with no way to pay for it.

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Record:

If Barack Obama Could Enact All Of His Campaign Proposals, Taxpayers Would Be Faced With Financing Over $1 Trillion In New Spending Over One White House Term. (Barack Obama’s Spending Proposals: http://www.barackobama.com/index.php, Accessed 8/19/08)

PolitiFact Discredits Obama’s Claim That His Proposals Are Paid For; Says His Rhetoric Is “Disingenuous.” “Until he fleshes out his economic plan considerably more, it’s disingenuous to go around claiming his proposals are ‘paid for.’ And that claim is even more suspect considering that his proposals would leave a larger deficit than would the tax laws currently on the books. We find his claim to be Barely True.” (“‘Paid For’ Without Real Money,” St. Petersburg Times’ “PolitiFact.com,” http://www.politifact.com http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/533/, 6/16/08)

The New York Times’ David Brooks Said For Barack Obama To Fund His Domestic Programs, He Will Have To Break His Pledge Not To Tax The Middle Class. “Both [Obama and Clinton] promised to not raise taxes on those making less than $200,000 or $250,000 a year. They both just emasculated their domestic programs. Returning the rich to their Clinton-era tax rates will yield, at best, $40 billion a year in revenue. It’s impossible to fund a health care plan, let alone anything else, with that kind of money. The consequences are clear: if elected they will have to break their pledge, and thus destroy their credibility, or run a minimalist administration.” (David Brooks, Op-Ed, “No Whining About The Media,” The New York Times, 4/16/08)

Chicago Tribune: Barack Obama Hasn’t Been Talking About Balancing The Budget And “Has A Full Plate Of Spending Initiatives.” “Obama’s campaign on Monday scoffed at the McCain proposals. But Obama hasn’t been talking boldly about the certain path to a balanced budget. He promises to cut taxes for most Americans . . . and he has a full plate of spending initiatives.” (Editorial, “Failure Of Nerve,” Chicago Tribune, 7/8/08)

Los Angeles Times: Barack Obama “Has Not Identified New Revenue Sources Or Spending Cuts To Pay For Some Of” His Proposals. “The Obama campaign responds that tax cuts, once enacted, are usually renewed and do not expire. Therefore, they say, Obama can legitimately claim to be recouping money for other purposes by scaling back the tax cuts. Obama has not identified new revenue sources or spending cuts to pay for some of what he wants to do.” (Peter Nicholas, “Adding Up The Cost Of Obama’s Agenda,” Los Angeles Times, 7/8/08)

ABC News: Barack Obama Can Not “Pay For Every Dime” Of New Spending He Has Proposed. “Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., said during Friday’s presidential debate that he would ‘pay for every dime’ of his spending. But according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, ‘without substantial cuts in government spending’ Obama’s plan – and McCain’s, too -‘would substantially increase the national debt over the next ten years.’ The Tax Policy Center has estimated that Obama’s proposed tax policies would increase the debt by $3.5 trillion over ten years.” (“Fact Check: ‘Pay for Every Dime’? Not Quite,” ABC News’ “Political Radar” Blog, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/fact-check-pay.html, Posted 9/26/08)

Barack Obama Has No Interest In Eliminating Deficit Spending

Barack Obama: “I Do Not Make A Promise That We Can Reduce [The Budget Deficit] By 2013.” “‘I do not make a promise that we can reduce it by 2013 because I think it is important for us to make some critical investments right now in America’s families,’ Obama told reporters this week when asked if he’d match McCain’s pledge.” (Nedra Pickler, “Analysis: Obama Won’t Try For McCain’s Budget Goal,” The Associated Press, 7/8/08)

Chicago Tribune: Barack Obama Has “No Interest In Eliminating Deficit Spending.” “Since winning the nomination, Obama reportedly has been moving toward the middle of the political spectrum. But on the budget, he still sounds left of center, with no interest in eliminating deficit spending.” (Editorial, “Failure Of Nerve,” Chicago Tribune, 7/8/08)

8) DEBATE FACT #7: BARACK OBAMA VOTED WITH BUSH “FOR THE MOST PART”

DEBATE FACT #7: BARACK OBAMA VOTED WITH BUSH “FOR THE MOST PART”

Summary:.

Why is it that Barack Obama says he voted with President Bush “for the most part”?

The Facts:

“Factually Inaccurate” To Say McCain Is Like President Bush

The New York Times‘ David Brooks: Democrats Saying McCain Represents The Third Bush Term Are “Just Factually Inaccurate.” “Finally, the Obama people are too convinced that they can define McCain as Bush III. The case is just factually inaccurate. McCain will be able to pull out dozens of instances, from torture to global warming to spending, in which he broke with his party, as Rush Limbaugh will tell you.” (David Brooks, Op-Ed, “Calling Dr. Doom,” The New York Times, 6/3/08)

Seattle Times‘ Danny Westneat: “This Guy Ain’t Bush, Folks.” “I have been feeling out of step lately with my fellow Seattle liberals. The reason is that when politics comes up, the knee-jerk gist of the conversation is that John McCain equals George W. Bush. This guy ain’t Bush, folks. No matter how many times you say it. (And it is said incessantly by Democratic groups.)” (Danny Westneat, Op-Ed, “Beyond The Bush Formula,” The Seattle Times, 5/14/08)

Barack Obama Says He Voted With President Bush “For The Most Part”

Barack Obama Says He Voted With President Bush “For The Most Part.” REPORTER: “For a couple of days, they’ve been saying you voted to raise taxes something like 94 times. That seems to be the drumbeat that’s going to happen during this campaign. Are you going to raise taxes in a big way for average Americans?” OBAMA: “I mean this is the standard fare of politics. And the truth of the matter is that the only bills that I voted for, for the most part, since I’ve been in the Senate were introduced by Republicans with George Bush. You know, they were the majority for a big chunk of the time I was there.” (KMOV [St. Louis, MO], 6/10/08)

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhST5Nuw6bc Barack Obama’s KMOV Interview

In 2004, Barack Obama Said There Wasn’t Much Difference Between His Iraq Position And President Bush’s

In 2004, Barack Obama Said There Was Not Much Of A Difference Between His Position And The President’s Position On Iraq. “‘On Iraq, on paper, there’s not as much difference, I think, between the Bush administration and a Kerry administration as there would have been a year ago,’ Obama said. ‘There’s not much of a difference between my position and George Bush’s position at this stage.'” (John Kass, “Obama’s A Star Who Doesn’t Stick To The Script,” Chicago Tribune, 7/27/04)

In 2005, Barack Obama Joined With President Bush To Pass The Bush-Cheney Energy Bill Giving The Oil Companies $2.8 Billion In Taxpayer Money:

Barack Obama Voted For The 2005 Bush-Cheney Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #152: Motion Agreed To 92-4: R 53-1; D 38-3; I 1-0, 6/23/05, Obama Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #158: Passed 85-12: R 49-5; D 35-7; I 1-0, 6/28/05, Obama Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, Obama Voted Yea)

The 2005 Energy Bill Included $2.8 Billion In Subsidies For Oil And Natural Gas Production. “The conference agreement provides for $14.6 billion in tax breaks and credits between 2005 and 2015, including: — $2.8 billion for fossil fuel production…” (Toni Johnson, “CQ Bill Analysis: HR 6,” Congressional Quarterly‘s “CQ Bill Analysis,” http://www.cq.com: http://www.cq.com/, Accessed 7/14/08)

9) DEBATE FACT #8: A FALSE CLAIM OF BIPARTISANSHIP FROM OBAMA

Summary:.

Barack Obama talks about reaching across the aisle but he hasn’t done so in the Senate.

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Record:

The Associated Press: “None” Of Barack Obama’s Touted Bipartisan Efforts Paced Him “At Odds With The Leaders Of His Own Party Or Gave Significant Offense To Outside Interest Groups With Democrats.” (David Espo, “Bipartisanship Marks McCain’s Senate Tenure,” Associated Press, 7/2/08)

NPR’s Juan Williams: Barack Obama “Doesn’t Have The Record” Of Bipartisanship That John McCain Has. NPR’S JUAN WILLIAMS: “You think about everything from campaign finance to immigration and on, and there’s John McCain working across party lines. Senator Obama doesn’t have a record. Now, he can make the claim and he can hold himself up as pure and trying to reach to a new generation of post partisan politics, but he has to do so largely based on rhetoric and wishful thinking because he doesn’t have the record.” (Fox News’ “Special Report With Brit Hume,” 5/7/08)

The Washington Post‘s Richard Cohen: “There Is Scant Evidence The Illinois Senator Takes Positions That Challenge His Base Or Otherwise Threaten Him Politically.” (Richard Cohen, Op-Ed, “McCain’s Core Advantage,” The Washington Post, 6/24/08)

Politico‘s Jonathan Martin: “He’s Pretty Much A Conventional Liberal On The Issues And Has Few Examples Of Breaking With His Own Party, So How Does Obama Try To Pull Off Being ‘Post-Partisan?'” (Jonathan Martin, “Obama’s Third Way: It’s All In The Tone,” Politico, 6/30/08)

Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK): “His Record Does Not Reflect Working In A Bipartisan Fashion.” “Boren, the lone Democrat in Oklahoma’s congressional delegate, said that while Obama has talked about working with Republicans, ‘unfortunately, his record does not reflect working in a bipartisan fashion.'” (Tim Talley, “Okla. Dem Calls Obama Liberal, Declines To Endorse,” The Associated Press, 6/10/08)

The Weekly Standard‘s Fred Barnes: “Despite Polarization, The Senate Is An Opportunity-Rich Environment For Bipartisan Compromise. But Obama Has Never Been A Leader In Crossing The Aisle.” (Fred Barnes, “To Tell The Truth,” The Weekly Standard, 4/26/08)

“The Record Shows Obama To Be A Fairly Doctrinaire Liberal Democrat” (Editorial, “Obama’s Rhetoric Soars, But What Does His Record Suggest?” USA Today, 1/28/08)

In 2007, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 97 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, http://www.cq.com http://www.cq.com/, Accessed 3/3/08)

10) DEBATE FACT #9: THE OBAMA-AYERS RELATIONSHIP

Summary:

Bill Ayers is much more than a someone Barack Obama knows from a board.

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Relationship:

First, Barack Obama Only Said “This Is A Guy Who Lives In My Neighborhood.” “This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who’s a professor of English in Chicago, who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He’s not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.” (Sen. Barack Obama, ABC Democratic Presidential Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 4/16/08)

Barack Obama’s Relationship With Ayers “Went Much Deeper, Ran Much Longer And Was Much More Political Than Obama Said.” CNN’S DREW GRIFFIN: “Barack Obama confirmed during a primary debate that he knew Ayers and when pressed, said they served on a charitable foundation board together. And Obama condemned Ayers support of violence. But the relationship between Obama and Ayers went much deeper, ran much longer, and was much more political than Obama said.” (CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” 10/6/08)

Mayor Richard Daley On Ayers And Obama’s Relationship: “They’re Friends. So What?” “Obama says he was 8 years old when the bombs went off. But he was a grown man when he sought Ayers’ political blessing, and when they worked on the same education projects. ‘They’re friends. So what?’ Mayor Daley said in August.” (John Kass, “Daley Reins In Radicals – The Chicago Way,” Chicago Tribune, 10/12/08)

Axelrod Has Previously Said Obama And Ayers Are “Certainly Friendly.” AXELROD: “They’re certainly friendly, they know each other, as anyone whose kids go to school together.” (Ben Smith, “Ax On Ayers,” http://www.politico.com: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0208/Ax_on_Ayers.html, 2/26/08)

In 1995, When Barack Obama Was 34, During Barack Obama’s First State Senate Campaign, William Ayers And Wife Bernadine Dohrn Hosted A Meeting Of Chicago Liberals At Their Home For Obama, Which One Attendee Said Was Aimed At “Launching Him.” “In 1995, State Senator Alice Palmer introduced her chosen successor, Barack Obama, to a few of the district’s influential liberals at the home of two well known figures on the local left: William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn.” (Ben Smith, “Obama Once Visited ’60s Radicals,” The Politico, 1/22/08)

From March Of 1995 Until September Of 1997, Barack Obama And Ayers Attended At Least Seven Meetings Together Relating To The Chicago Annenberg Challenge. (Chicago Annenberg Challenge, Board Of Directors Meeting, Minutes Of The Board, 3/15/95, 3/31/95, 4/13/95, 6/5/95, 9/30/97; National Annenberg Challenge Evaluation Meeting, List Of Participants, 5/24/95; Chicago Annenberg Challenge, Chicago School Reform Collaborative Meeting, Minutes, 10/23/96)

In 1997, Barack Obama Praised Ayers’ Book On The Juvenile Justice: “A searing and timely account of the juvenile court system, and the courageous individuals who rescue hope from despair.” (Chicago Tribune, 12/21/97)

“[Obama And Ayers] Have Also Appeared Jointly On Two Academic Panels, One In 1997 And Another In 2001.” (Russell Berman, “Obama’s Ties To Left Come Under Scrutiny,” The New York Sun, 2/19/08)

From 1999 To 2002, Barack Obama Served With Ayers On The Board Of Directors For Woods Fund Of Chicago. “[Ayers] served with [Obama] from 1999 to 2002 on the board of the Woods Fund, an anti-poverty group.”(Timothy J. Burger, “Obama’s Chicago Ties Might Fuel ‘Republican Attack Machine’,” Bloomberg, 2/15/08)

During The Time Obama And Ayers Served Together On The Woods Fund, Ayers Was Quoted Saying “I Don’t Regret Setting Bombs … I Feel We Didn’t Do Enough.” (Dinitia Smith, “No Regrets For A Love Of Explosives,” The New York Times, 9/11/01)

While Obama And Ayers Were Serving On The Woods Fund Together, Ayers Posed Standing On An American Flag For An Article In Chicago Magazine Entitled “No Regrets.” (Marcia Froelke Coburn, “No Regrets,” Chicago Magazine, 8/01)

“William Ayers … [Was] A Founding Member Of The Group That Bombed The U.S. Capitol And The Pentagon During The 1970s.” (Russell Berman, “Obama’s Ties To Left Come Under Scrutiny,” The New York Sun, 2/19/08)

11) DEBATE FACT #10: THE OBAMA-ACORN RELATIONSHIP

Summary:.

Despite what he said tonight, Barack Obama has a long relationship with ACORN that extends back to the early 1990s.

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Record:

ACORN’s Political Action Committee Endorsed Barack Obama For President. “[A]CORN’s political action committee endorsed Barack Obama for President. The endorsement reflects a belief that Obama – who worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago – understands that change must come from the ground-up, as part of a working coalition, rather than from position papers.” (Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Op-Ed, “ACORN: Obama Gets It,” The Nation, 2/23/08)

Barack Obama’s Campaign “Paid More Than $800,000” To ACORN For Get-Out-The Vote Efforts; The Campaign Originally “Misrepresented” The Group’s Work To The FEC. “U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign paid more than $800,000 to an offshoot of the liberal Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now for services the Democrat’s campaign says it mistakenly misrepresented in federal reports. An Obama spokesman said Federal Election Commission reports would be amended to show Citizens Services Inc. — a subsidiary of ACORN — worked in ‘get-out-the-vote’ projects, instead of activities such as polling, advance work and staging major events as stated in FEC finance reports filed during the primary.” (David M. Brown, “Obama To Amend Report On $800,000 In Spending,” Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 8/22/08)

Barack Obama Directed Project Vote And Later Taught Classes For “Future Leaders Identified By ACORN And The Centers For New Horizons.” “In 1992 Obama took time off to direct Project Vote, the most successful grass-roots voter-registration campaign in recent city history. Credited with helping elect Carol Moseley-Braun to the U.S. Senate, the registration drive, aimed primarily at African-Americans, added an estimated 125,000 voters to the voter rolls–even more than were registered during Harold Washington’s mayoral campaigns. ‘It’s a power thing,’ said the brochures and radio commercials. Obama continues his organizing work largely through classes for future leaders identified by ACORN and the Centers for New Horizons on the south side.” (Hank De Zutter, Op-Ed, “What Makes Obama Run?” Chicago Reader, 12/8/95)

In 1992, Barack Obama Was Hired By ACORN To Run A Voter Registration Effort. “Indeed, Mr. Obama has extensive connections with the granddaddy of activist groups, Acorn (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), which has gotten millions in government grants for its low-income housing programs. In 1992, Acorn hired Mr. Obama to run a voter registration effort. He later became a trainer for the group, as well as its lawyer in election law cases. Acorn’s political arm has endorsed Mr. Obama while its ‘voter education’ arm has pledged to spend $35 million to register people this fall — despite a history of vote fraud scandals that have led to guilty pleas by many Acorn employees.” (John Fund, “Obama’s Liberal Shock Troops,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/12/08)

Barack Obama Was Part Of Team Of Lawyers Who Represented ACORN In A Suit Against The State Of Illinois. Obama was part of a team of attorneys who represented the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in a lawsuit against the state of Illinois in 1995 for failing to implement a federal law designed to make it easier for the poor and others to register as voters. (Mike Robinson, Obama Got Start In Civil Rights Practice, The Associated Press, 2/20/07)

ACORN Received Grants From The Woods Fund When Barack Obama Served on The Board Of Directors

The Chicago ACORN Received Grants Of $45,000 (2000), $30,000 (2001), $45,000 (2001), $30,000 (2002), And $40,000 (2002) From The Woods Fund. (Donors Forum Website, ifs.donorsforum.org: http://ifs.donorsforum.org/ , Accessed 6/10/08)

NOTE: From 1993 To 2002, Barack Obama Served On The Board Of Directors For The Woods Fund. (Tim Novak and Fran Spielman, Obama Helped Ex-Boss Get $1 Mil. From Charity, Chicago Sun-Times, 11/29/07)

12) McCain Tonight: “I am not President Bush”

John McCain: Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush, if you wanted to run against President Bush you should have run four years ago. I will take this country in a new direction.”

Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLAK2RXuoj0

And longer version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R1OHKSPWRI

13) Obama Misleads on ACORN Tonight

This from Obama on ACORN is obviously false:

OBAMA: The only involvement I’ve had with ACORN is, I represented them alongside the US justice department in making Illinois implement a motor voter law that helped people get registered at DMVs.

See full extent of relationship here:

ACORN’s Political Action Committee Endorsed Barack Obama For President. “[A]CORN’s political action committee endorsed Barack Obama for President. The endorsement reflects a belief that Obama – who worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago – understands that change must come from the ground-up, as part of a working coalition, rather than from position papers.” (Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Op-Ed, “ACORN: Obama Gets It,” The Nation, 2/23/08)

Barack Obama’s Campaign “Paid More Than $800,000” To ACORN For Get-Out-The Vote Efforts; The Campaign Originally “Misrepresented” The Group’s Work To The FEC. “U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign paid more than $800,000 to an offshoot of the liberal Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now for services the Democrat’s campaign says it mistakenly misrepresented in federal reports. An Obama spokesman said Federal Election Commission reports would be amended to show Citizens Services Inc. — a subsidiary of ACORN — worked in ‘get-out-the-vote’ projects, instead of activities such as polling, advance work and staging major events as stated in FEC finance reports filed during the primary.” (David M. Brown, “Obama To Amend Report On $800,000 In Spending,” Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 8/22/08)

Barack Obama Directed Project Vote And Later Taught Classes For “Future Leaders Identified By ACORN And The Centers For New Horizons.” “In 1992 Obama took time off to direct Project Vote, the most successful grass-roots voter-registration campaign in recent city history. Credited with helping elect Carol Moseley-Braun to the U.S. Senate, the registration drive, aimed primarily at African-Americans, added an estimated 125,000 voters to the voter rolls–even more than were registered during Harold Washington’s mayoral campaigns. ‘It’s a power thing,’ said the brochures and radio commercials. Obama continues his organizing work largely through classes for future leaders identified by ACORN and the Centers for New Horizons on the south side.” (Hank De Zutter, Op-Ed, “What Makes Obama Run?” Chicago Reader, 12/8/95)

In 1992, Barack Obama Was Hired By ACORN To Run A Voter Registration Effort. “Indeed, Mr. Obama has extensive connections with the granddaddy of activist groups, Acorn (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), which has gotten millions in government grants for its low-income housing programs. In 1992, Acorn hired Mr. Obama to run a voter registration effort. He later became a trainer for the group, as well as its lawyer in election law cases. Acorn’s political arm has endorsed Mr. Obama while its ‘voter education’ arm has pledged to spend $35 million to register people this fall — despite a history of vote fraud scandals that have led to guilty pleas by many Acorn employees.” (John Fund, “Obama’s Liberal Shock Troops,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/12/08)

Barack Obama Was Part Of Team Of Lawyers Who Represented ACORN In A Suit Against The State Of Illinois. Obama was part of a team of attorneys who represented the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in a lawsuit against the state of Illinois in 1995 for failing to implement a federal law designed to make it easier for the poor and others to register as voters. (Mike Robinson, Obama Got Start In Civil Rights Practice, The Associated Press, 2/20/07)

ACORN Received Grants From The Woods Fund When Barack Obama Served on The Board Of Directors

The Chicago ACORN Received Grants Of $45,000 (2000), $30,000 (2001), $45,000 (2001), $30,000 (2002), And $40,000 (2002) From The Woods Fund. (Donors Forum Website, ifs.donorsforum.org http://ifs.donorsforum.org/, Accessed 6/10/08)

NOTE: From 1993 To 2002, Barack Obama Served On The Board Of Directors For The Woods Fund. (Tim Novak and Fran Spielman, Obama Helped Ex-Boss Get $1 Mil. From Charity, Chicago Sun-Times, 11/29/07)

14) DEBATE FACT #11: ACHIEVING ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

Summary:.

Barack Obama’s energy plan will “do nothing to answer the nation’s long-term needs.”

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Record

The Detroit News: Barack Obama’s Energy Plan Will “Do Nothing To Answer The Nation’s Long-Term Needs.”“The latest additions to Sen. Barack Obama’s energy plan, outlined during an appearance in Lansing Monday, may win the Democratic presidential candidate some votes from disgruntled consumers in November, but they’ll do nothing to answer the nation’s long-term needs.” (Editorial, “Obama’s Energy Plan Is Fueled By Populism,” The Detroit News, 8/5/08)

Barack Obama Opposes Offshore Drilling. Obama: “Now the latest scheme is well, we’re going to drill offshore. Now, I want to be absolutely clear to everybody about this. If I thought that I could provide you some immediate relief on gas prices by drilling off the shores of California and New Jersey, I understand how desperate folks are. I met a guy who couldn’t go on a job search that lost his job, couldn’t go on a job search because of the high price of gas. Just couldn’t fill up his tank. I met a teacher in South Dakota who loved her job as a teacher on an Indian reservation, she had to quit because the drive was too far, it was taking up too much of her paycheck. I know how bad people are hurting. So If I thought that by drilling offshore, we could solve our problem, I’d do it.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Springfield, MO, 7/30/08)

Barack Obama Opposes Immediate Gas Tax Relief For American Families. Obama: “I think John McCain’s proposal for a three month tax holiday is a bad idea.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Blue Bell, PA, 4/21/08)

Barack Obama Opposes Encouraging Battery Innovation. Obama: “In this campaign, John McCain is offering the same old gimmicks that will provide almost no short-term relief to folks who are struggling with high gas prices. Gimmicks that will only increase our addiction for another four years.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Las Vegas, NV, 6/24/08)

Barack Obama Does Not Support Nuclear Power. Obama: “I start off with the premise that nuclear energy is not optimal. I am not a nuclear energy proponent.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Town Hall Event, Newton, IA, 12/30/07)

15) DEBATE FACT #12: THE “MOST PRECTIONIST U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN DECADES”

Summary:.

Despite his claims, Barack Obama is the “most protectionist U.S. presidential candidate in decades.”

The Facts About Barack Obama’s Record:

The Wall Street Journal:”On The Record So Far, Mr. Obama Is The Most Protectionist U.S. Presidential Candidate In Decades.” (Editorial, “Change You’ll Have To Pay For,” Wall Street Journal Asia, 5/28/08)

The Wall Street Journal: “Mr. Obama Is Promising Change You Can Believe In. But On Trade, It Is Closer To The Status Quo Americans Will Be Paying For.” (Editorial, “Change You’ll Have To Pay For,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/28/08)

Barack Obama Pledges To Renegotiate NAFTA With The Threat Of A “Potential Opt-Out.” NBC’s Tim Russert: “A simple question. Will you as president say to Canada and Mexico, this [NAFTA] has not worked for us, we are out?” Obama: “I will make sure that we renegotiate in the same way that Senator Clinton talked about, and I think actually Senator Clinton’s answer on this one is right. I think we should use the hammer of a potential opt-out as leverage to ensure that we actually get labor and environmental standards that are enforced.” (Sen. Barack Obama, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Debate, Cleveland, OH, 2/26/08)

Barack Obama Opposes The Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Obama: “The violence against unions in Colombia would make a mockery of the very labor protections that we’ve insisted be included in these types of agreements.” (WHTM-TV Harrisburg’s “News,” 4/7/08)

Barack Obama Opposes The South Korea Free Trade Agreement. “‘Senator Obama does not support the South Korea free trade agreement in its current form,’ Obama spokesperson Jen Psaki tells ABC News.” (Teddy Davis, “Clinton And Obama Follow Edwards On Trade,” ABC News, abcnews.go.com http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3070540&page=1, 4/23/07)

Barack Obama Voted Against CAFTA Twice. (S. 1307, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 54-45: R 43-12; D 10-33; I 1-0, 6/30/05, Obama Voted Nay; H.R. 3045, CQ Vote #209: Adopted 55-45: R 43-12; D 11-33; I 1-0, 7/28/05, Obama Voted Nay)

“[M]r. Obama Would Have Voted Against Giving The President ‘Fast Track’ Authority To Negotiate More Trade Deals.” (Greg Hinz, “Keyes Guarantees Rocky Ride For GOP,” Crain’s Chicago Business, 8/16/04)

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Criticized Obama’s Economic Isolationism, Saying It Will “Affect Every Industry” And “Hold Back The Development Of The World.” Prime Minister Brown:”We cannot allow protectionism to become the dominant mood because that will affect every industry and it will hold back the development of the world. If you go to America, the debate is about how they can restrict imports from China and other countries; if you go to parts of Europe, the debate is about heavy-handed regulation of hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds, or other instruments of finance; … there is absolutely no doubt that protectionist sentiment is growing, particularly in America and Europe.” (Sarah Arnott, “Protectionist Mood In US Threatens Progress, Says Brown,” The [London] Financial Times, 5/20/08)

Foreign Minister David Milibrand Urged Barack Obama To Commit To Free Trade After He Opposed Other Free Trade Agreements. “Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband is to urge the United States to remain committed to free trade, he said in comments published on Monday as he begins a five-day visit there. The Financial Times quoted Miliband as saying that Washington must remain committed to global trade ‘in a very fundamental way’ after Democratic Party hopefuls for the US presidency both spoke against free trade pacts.” (“British FM To Push US To Remain Committed To Free Trade: Report,” Agence France Presse, 5/19/08)

“Peter Mandelson, European Trade Commissioner, Has Said The Protectionist Stances Taken By The US Presidential Candidates Risk Taking The World Trading System Back By Decades.” (Alan Beattie, “EU Trade Chief Hits At Democrat Hopefuls,” Financial Times, 5/7/08)

“Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper Says The United States Should Not Reopen Talks On The North American Free Trade Agreement As The Two U.S. Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Have Proposed.” (“Canada’s Prime Minister Warns US It Would Be Making A Mistake To Reopen NAFTA,” The Associated Press, 2/28/08)

“Colombia’s President Sharply Criticized U.S. Presidential Contender Barack Obama On Wednesday For Opposing A Trade Deal With His Country, Calling The Democrat Out Of Touch With The Realities Of The South American Nation.” (“Colombia’s President Criticizes Obama,” The Associated Press, 4/3/08)

16) DEBATE FACT #13: BARACK OBAMA’S COSTLY HEALTH CARE PLAN

Summary:

Barack Obama has proposed a costly health care plan with “zero credible evidence” it will help anyone.

The Facts:

Despite Earlier Claims That It Would Cost Less, Barack Obama Recently Said His Plan Will Cost $150 Billion

Barack Obama Said On “60 Minutes” That His Plan Would Cost $150 Billion. CBS’ Steve Kroft: “How much is it going to cost?  Obama: “$150 billion it’s going to cost, right from the start.”