Jobs, trade, economy and foreclosures are some of the issues important to Metro Detroiters in the Presidential race. Listed below is a snap-shot summary of each candidate's position on these Michigan issues. The candidates are listed by party and by their stance on free trade, from most protective to least restrictive.
Helpful Abbreviations:
- NAFTA = North American Free Trade Agreement
- CAFTA = Central American Free Trade Agreement
- WTO= World Trade Organization
- MFN = Most Favored Nation
Democrats:
Barack Obama (Democratic Senator)
- Unions: Pro
- Raise minimum wage: Yes
- Gay anti-discrimination legislation: Yes (Co-sponsored legislation)
- Foreclosure plan: Yes
- Jobs: He will spur job growth by increasing education in science, math and technology; spearheading green technologies; and increasing the renewable energy sector. He will work for non-tariff barriers on U.S. exporters and expand Fund Trade Adjustment Assistance to service workers. He would invest in rural areas and communities burdened by globalization.
- Trade stance: Fair trade. While he believes in globalization ultimately, he believes displaced U.S. workers must be addressed. He believes labor and human rights standards must be a part of trade agreements, including NAFTA and CAFTA.
Hillary Clinton (Democratic Senator)
- Unions: Pro
- Raise minimum wage: Yes (She will tie minimum wage to congressional salaries)
- Foreclosure Plan: Aggressive
- Jobs: She will strengthen unions, harness innovation, get tough with China and reduce tax breaks to corporations that export jobs. She will expand the Earned Income Credit, local colleges and scrutiny of CEO pay.
- Trade stance: Fair trade. She now believes NAFTA hurts American workers. She believes in real trade adjustment assistance and that labor and environmental standards must be part of every trade agreement. She does not support CAFTA or Fast-Track authority. She supports MFN for China, but she doesn't believe Thailand should be admitted to the auto market. She believes existing trade agreements should be enforced.
Republicans:
John McCain (Republican Senator)
- Unions: Against. He considers them monopolies.
- Raise minimum wage: No. He supports letting states opt out of existing federal minimum wage legislation.
- Farmers: McCain supports crop insurance and a reduction in inheritance tax. He will end the sugar subsidy.
- Foreclosure Plan: Hands off
- Jobs: McCain believes that the American worker must adapt through education and skill development. He believes a dynamic economy (through lean government and open/competitive markets) can support job change.
- Trade stance: Free trade with no tariffs or environmental standards. McCain supports admitting China to the WTO based on their concessions, but would keep his eyes open. He believes economic isolation inhibits economic growth and fans fears.
Sources:
- Ontheissues.org
- Candidates on Trade & Manufacturing, AFL-CIO
- Candidate's websites
