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 '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 'Economy'

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.
Will dramatically simplify tax filings so that millions of Americans will be able to do their taxes in less than five minutes.

On the topic of 'Education'

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.
Will quadruple Early Head Start, increase Head Start funding and improve quality for both.

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.
Will Commit Our Country To Expanding Domestic Oil Exploration. The current federal moratorium on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf stands in the way of energy exploration and production.

On the topic of 'National Security'

A secure border is an essential element of our homeland security and, as President, he will finish the job of securing our land borders, ports and airports. He knows our border must be secure and that while progress is being made, the federal government still has not lived up to its responsibility to make it fully secure.
Believe that it was reckless for Congress to give George Bush any justification to extend the Iraq War or to attack Iran.

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 'Health Care'

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.
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.

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 'Environment'

Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
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.