This poll is based on a blog entry on Anonalous Data (local mirror). The intent of this informal poll is to compare the candidates on their issues, and not on their character. This poll is not scientific in any way. I did my best to keep it as unbiased as possible, but it's hard when I'm only using verbiage from their official sites. All statements are totally random, and thus you may see the same statement twice. All statements are copy and pasted directly from the offical Bush and Kerry websites. Yes I know some of the questions are vague, but so are the candidates, nothing I can do about that.

On the topic of 'Economy'

Making the Tax Relief Permanent - Many of the tax cuts - including the new, low 10 percent tax bracket, the reduction in the marriage penalty, the doubling of the child tax credit, the phase-out of the death tax, and the increase in small business expensing - are set to expire. This tax relief must be made permanent so families and businesses can plan for the future with confidence.
Middle-class taxes will go down. Ninety-eight percent of all Americans and 99 percent of American businesses will get a tax cut under the plan.

On the topic of 'National Security'

Free America From Its Dangerous Dependence On Mideast Oil. To secure our full independence and freedom, we must free America from its dangerous dependence on Mideast oil. By tapping American ingenuity, we can achieve that goal while growing our economy and protecting our environment.
Restructure American forces overseas to use existing forces more effectively and to support servicemen, servicewomen, and their families more efficiently.

On the topic of 'Marriage'

We don't need a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. We need to find a way to provide all American families with full and equal rights.
Urge Congress to send to the states for ratification an Amendment to the Constitution to define and protect the institution of marriage in the United States.

On the topic of 'Energy'

Seek to promote environmentally sound domestic oil production in just one percent of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which could provide up to 1 million barrels of oil a day for nearly 20 years.
Tomorrow's energy economy will be fueled by new energy sources. Plan will invest in the research and exploration needed to turn ideas into fuel and develop renewable energy sources.

On the topic of 'Abortion'

Ensures women's access to the highest quality and most advanced health care available. Only nominate individuals to the federal bench whose records demonstrate a respect for the full range of constitutional rights, including the right to privacy and the right to choose.
Will vigorously defend the Federal law banning the violent and brutal practice of partial birth abortion. Enforce restrictions that prevent the expenditure of Federal funds to support or promote abortion.

On the topic of 'Health Care'

Propose a tax credit for low-income families and individuals to purchase health insurance, or to purchase a low-premium, high-deductible health plan and an HSA. Families will receive up to $2,000 for their premiums and $1,000 cash to put in their HSAs to help meet the deductible. Individuals will receive up to $700 for their premiums and $300 for their HSAs.
Today, approximately 25 percent of health care costs are wasted on paperwork and administrative processing. Harnesses American ingenuity to cut waste, save billions, and take new steps to ensure patient privacy.

On the topic of 'Education'

Strong supporters of after-school programs. They give students extra help, keep them out of trouble, and offer peace of mind to working parents. "School's Open 'Til 'Six" initiative will offer after-school opportunities to 3.5 million children, through programs that are open until 6 p.m. and offer safe transportation for children.
Provide $250 million annually to extend state assessment of student reading and math skills.

On the topic of 'Environment'

Enact a Conservation Covenant with America to ensure balanced protection for our public lands and adequate resources to enhance our national parks.
Aggressively implement programs that will dedicate a record $40 billion over a decade to restore millions of acres of wetlands, protect habitats, conserve water, and improve streams and rivers near working farms and ranches. This commitment will include early re-enrollment and contract extensions for the Conservation Reserve Program and expansion of quail and wetlands habitat.

On the topic of 'War'

Launch And Lead A New Era Of Alliances - The threat of terrorism demands alliances on a global scale - to utilize every available resource to get the terrorists before they can strike at us. Will lead a coalition of the able - because no force on earth is more able than the United States and its allies.
Lead a worldwide coalition to fight terrorists abroad so we do not have to face them here at home.