This poll is based on a blog entry on Anomalous 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 copied directly from the offical McCain and Obama 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 'Health Care'

When families are informed about medical choices, they are more capable of making their own decisions and often decide against unnecessary options. Health Savings Accounts take an important step in the direction of putting families in charge of what they pay for.
Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums.

On the topic of 'National Security'

Preventing terrorism begins abroad, where the majority of those who would harm us are planning, training and raising resources. Working with our allies, [this] Administration will find and disrupt terrorist organizations and their financing and ensure that weapons of mass destruction do not fall into terrorists hands.
Believe that we have not exhausted our non-military options in confronting this threat; in many ways, we have yet to try them.

On the topic of 'Education'

Will quadruple Early Head Start, increase Head Start funding and improve quality for both.
Far too many Head Start centers have fallen prey to the same institutional flaws that have undermined the larger public education system. They lack quality instructors; they lack accountability to parents; and they are focused on process, not outcomes.

On the topic of 'Energy'

Eliminate Our Current Imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 Years
Believes In Promoting And Expanding The Use Of Our Domestic Supplies Of Natural Gas. When people are hurting, and struggling to afford gasoline, food, and other necessities, common sense requires that we draw upon America's own vast reserves of oil and natural gas.

On the topic of 'War'

Will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq
Believes it is strategically and morally essential for the United States to support the Government of Iraq to become capable of governing itself and safeguarding its people. He strongly disagrees with those who advocate withdrawing American troops before that has occurred.

On the topic of 'Marriage'

Believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. It is only this definition that sufficiently recognizes the vital and unique role played by mothers and fathers in the raising of children, and the role of the family in shaping, stabilizing, and strengthening communities and our nation.
Supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples.

On the topic of 'Economy'

Will enact a windfall profits tax on excessive oil company profits to give American families an immediate $1,000 emergency energy rebate to help families pay rising bills.
Believes that globalization is an opportunity for American workers today and in the future. Ninety-five percent of the world's customers lie outside our borders, and we need to be at the table when the rules for access to those markets are written.

On the topic of 'Environment'

Will increase fuel economy standards 4 percent per year while providing $4 billion for domestic automakers to retool their manufacturing facilities in America to produce these vehicles.
Will establish a market-based system to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mobilize innovative technologies, and strengthen the economy. He will work with our international partners to secure our energy future, to create opportunities for American industry, and to leave a better future for our children.

On the topic of 'Abortion'

A consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women's rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.
Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat.