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 'Environment'

Proposes A Cap-And-Trade System That Would Set Limits On Greenhouse Gas Emissions While Encouraging The Development Of Low-Cost Compliance Options. A climate cap-and-trade mechanism would set a limit on greenhouse gas emissions and allow entities to buy and sell rights to emit, similar to the successful acid rain trading program of the early 1990s.
Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

On the topic of 'Health Care'

An important part of his plan is to use competition to improve the quality of health insurance with greater variety to match people's needs, lower prices, and portability. Families should be able to purchase health insurance nationwide, across state lines.
Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.

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.

On the topic of 'Economy'

Entrepreneurs are at the heart of American innovation, growth and prosperity. Entrepreneurs create the ultimate job security - a new, better opportunity if your current job goes away. Entrepreneurs should not be taxed into submission.
Reward companies that create good jobs with good benefits for American workers. The legislation would provide a tax credit to companies that maintain or increase the number of full-time workers in America relative to those outside the US.

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 'War'

Has been a leading advocate of the "surge" and the counterinsurgency strategy carried out by General David Petraeus.
Will launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to reach a comprehensive compact on the stability of Iraq and the region. This effort will include all of Iraq's neighbors-including Iran and Syria, as suggested by the bi-partisan The Iraq Study Group Report.

On the topic of 'Marriage'

Supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples.
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.

On the topic of 'Energy'

Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.
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 'National Security'

The size and composition of our armed forces must be matched to our nation's defense requirements. As requirements expand in the global war on terrorism so must our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard be reconfigured to meet these new challenges.
Believe that it was reckless for Congress to give George Bush any justification to extend the Iraq War or to attack Iran.