2008 Woodie Awards
Nader poses threat of splitting Kerry, Bush vote
Alissa Brew and Courtney Kretz
Issue date: 9/16/04 Section: News
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Kerry and Bush have squared off in the past year, questioning each others' ideas when it comes to running the nation.
The war in Iraq still creates controversy between the two candidates, as Bush still adamantly supports the reconstruction of Iraq and maintaining troops despite the setbacks that the post-war violence and scandals have caused. Kerry, who did at one time support the war effort, reclaimed his opinion saying that Bush misleading the nation with exaggerated reports of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Bush also said that he will not increase the size of the army, but said he wants to increase the military budget by 4.2 percent, to $380 billion.
Bush made sure to point out his opponent's wavering opinions.
"Look, no matter how many times my opponent flip-flops, we were right to make America safer by removing Saddam Hussein from power," Bush said as quoted in a Boston Globe article.
Kerry and Bush also take different stances on abortion. Kerry is pro-choice and wants to appoint only pro-choice justices to the Supreme Court. He does oppose third-trimester abortions unless there is a health issue. Bush opposes abortion except in cases in which the woman's life is in danger. He signed a law banning late- term partial-birth abortions.
The candidates' positions on gay marriage do have similarities. Bush proposed an amendment to the Constitution, to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. He does support state decisions on civil unions for gay couples. Kerry does not back Bush's quest for an amendment but does oppose gay marriage. He said he sees nothing wrong with allowing states to decide whether or not to uphold civil unions.
The issue of how to boost the economy further separates the political candidates. Bush promises to enforce trade agreements so that U.S. producers are competing on the same level with other countries. He also proposes spending more on training at community colleges and vocational schools. Kerry predicts that he will create 10 million jobs by 2009. He also said that within the first 120 days of being in office, he will check that exporting countries meet labor and environmental laws.
The war in Iraq still creates controversy between the two candidates, as Bush still adamantly supports the reconstruction of Iraq and maintaining troops despite the setbacks that the post-war violence and scandals have caused. Kerry, who did at one time support the war effort, reclaimed his opinion saying that Bush misleading the nation with exaggerated reports of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Bush also said that he will not increase the size of the army, but said he wants to increase the military budget by 4.2 percent, to $380 billion.
Bush made sure to point out his opponent's wavering opinions.
"Look, no matter how many times my opponent flip-flops, we were right to make America safer by removing Saddam Hussein from power," Bush said as quoted in a Boston Globe article.
Kerry and Bush also take different stances on abortion. Kerry is pro-choice and wants to appoint only pro-choice justices to the Supreme Court. He does oppose third-trimester abortions unless there is a health issue. Bush opposes abortion except in cases in which the woman's life is in danger. He signed a law banning late- term partial-birth abortions.
The candidates' positions on gay marriage do have similarities. Bush proposed an amendment to the Constitution, to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. He does support state decisions on civil unions for gay couples. Kerry does not back Bush's quest for an amendment but does oppose gay marriage. He said he sees nothing wrong with allowing states to decide whether or not to uphold civil unions.
The issue of how to boost the economy further separates the political candidates. Bush promises to enforce trade agreements so that U.S. producers are competing on the same level with other countries. He also proposes spending more on training at community colleges and vocational schools. Kerry predicts that he will create 10 million jobs by 2009. He also said that within the first 120 days of being in office, he will check that exporting countries meet labor and environmental laws.