Let me try.
1. Are all the allegations of Obamas connection to the Islamic world true and if so is it something to be worried about?
They've been debunked multiple times by credible sources. People like to assume because his name is not Joe Smith, that he must have connections to the Islamic world. My own boyfriend was born in Saudi Arabia and lived there for the first years of his life, effectively giving him far more time in the middle east than Obama, and yet, because his name doesn't sound middle eastern, or like that of an infamous terrorist, no one questions his religious beliefs.
I could post multiple sources, but the best is still snopes response, as they've aggregated all of the sources together.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
2. Does anyone have information regarding Obama's experience in foreign affairs?
There aren't many senators at all who can claim foreign affair experience. Even sitting on the committees in Congress, as both McCain and Obama have done, doesn't give you the ability to prepare for some things you'll encounter in office as President. But his plans for foreign policy are readily available on his website. Biden, however, has served as Chairmen of Foreign Affairs in the Senate for many years, effectively placing him above the curve. I really think anyone interested in policies should look at both candidates websites. Its kind of an extreme to attempt that on a forum.
3. Does Obama favor gun control and if so to what extreme?
A quick rundown:
* Ok for states & cities to determine local gun laws. (Apr 2008)
* FactCheck: Yes, Obama endorsed Illinois handgun ban. (Apr 2008)
* Respect 2nd Amendment, but local gun bans ok. (Feb 2008)
* Provide some common-sense enforcement on gun licensing. (Jan 2008)
* 2000: cosponsored bill to limit purchases to 1 gun per month. (Oct 2007)
* Concealed carry OK for retired police officers. (Aug 2007)
* Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
* Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
* Bush erred in failing to renew assault weapons ban. (Oct 2004)
* Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
* Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
Its more or less an issue he leaves to municipalities, and states. He believes in a 2nd amendment with restrictions on semi automatics, closer gun dealer checks, and general common sense about guns.
4. What exactly will Obama do to help our ailing economy?
One important thing I dont think people understand about his tax plan is that it only taxes amounts over 250,000 dollars. I understand that there are several people in the miniature horse world who are affronted, but the thing is, the poor have been overly taxed for the last 8 years. That someone who makes enough to live comfortably is taxed more than someone skirting the poverty line is ridiculous.
A big thing is eliminating capital gains taxes for small businesses - which would also apply to real estate. The capital gains tax, as any real estate agent can tell you, is a huge problem when it comes to people selling their homes that aren't immediately buying another, and can cause people to lower the price of their homes in an effort to skirt it. Lowering house prices is not what the economy needs. In addition to helping real estate, it helps all small businesses, who are already taxed both more than individuals and corporations. Being self employed is costly.
5. Where did Obama get the money to support this very expensive campaign?
Donations. Lots and lots of Donations. All of which are recorded. He is also reaping the gains of several years of book deals. His public donations have set monthly and yearly records repeatedly, and the average donation was only something like 20 bucks. You can of course, research his donations here:
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib....p;cid=N00009638
http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/mapApp...nd_id=P80003338
I think it's especially noteable that only 8% came from PACs, which is fairly astounding in a public election.
6.As Obama supporters do you believe his campaign promises and if so why?
For my part, he's been my senator from Illinois since before I could vote. I've been following his political history for 13 years now. I believe him because I've had no reason in those 13 years to be turned off of him in disgust, and because his beliefs closely mirror mine.
This isn't something any republican is ever going to be able to get. Democrats and others believe in Obama for the same reasons you may beleive in McCain. Or Paul. Or Huckabee. There is no source that is going to sway you to believe him if you simple don't.
7. Is your choice for president whomever that is because of partisan politics or because you are choosing the lesser of two evils as many have stated? What are your REASONS for voting the way you are going to vote?
I'm voting for him because:
-He was the only state senator in Illinois to not act like Chicago was the only important part of the state. My college would have had its funding cut in half in the late 90s if Obama hadn't help junior senators in the lower half of the state pass an education bill.
-I agree on a majority of his policies, both national, local, and foreign.
-Largest, because I believe he will work as a representative of the people, and not the corporations.
Of course it's more involved than that, but I have no intention of this turning into a squabble about whether you agree with his policies towards Israel or not. I could go point by point on his policies for days. This isn't the place for it.
8. "This one for both sides do you think you can support the candidate who is elected even if it isnt your choice?
I cant, no. My home, car, wallet, and job cant take the hit of an economy built for people with 20 million dollar golden parachutes. I supported Bush through 2004, and couldn't take it any more.
9. HOw do you turn a blind eye when someone has been proven to be a liar or does that value not matter anymore.?
All politicians are liars. If you're going to only vote for honest people, then I suppose you aren't voting anymore, are you? I don't mean for that to come out offensive, but I have never, ever, known of a politician who hasn't broken promises, or lied. I'm not saying its a value that doesn't matter, but given that every single one of the four people up for election (both P and VP) have been caught in lies, I think its a moot point.
10. Do you think welfare is the way to run this country and if so why or why not?
Welfare doesn't run this country. No one complained about handouts when Bush's economy was handing us 600$ checks, but suddenly, people are griping about handouts. Face it: more and more people are slipping into poverty every day in this nation, and welfare is a necessary component of any government. Welfare is not going to disappear if McCain becomes president.
There are 10 of the questions that come to mind right off the top. Anyone feel free to add to them.
