I am ashamed to confess that in the 2004 Presidential Election I DID NOT VOTE! I guess if you were following Diddy’s whole vote or die thing, then I “died”. I have my reasons or excuses, none of which I am proud of. 1) I was not registered, I was confused about how to register since I go to school in DC but I am orginally from PA. At the time (19 years of age), I didn’t know about absentee voting. 2) I usually do not keep up with politics so I didn’t know much about the candidates. I wasn’t sure which “party” I belonged to.

This time around, I hope to be better prepared and more knowledgeable. I do not identify with either Democrat or Republican, but rather I believe in the candidate who has the BEST interest in mind for the United States of America.

I have put together a guide to assist those who may be like me and need a little help in determining who should run our country next….

Once again it is time to decide who will lead our country next. The 2008 Presidential Election is just around the corner with Primary Elections occurring between January and June. The question is raised: Who will be the next President? Your vote can provide that answer. Do you know all of your options within your respective party? Use this candidate profile as a guide to help you determine whose platform is best for the success and betterment of the United States of America.

The Democratic Party:

                                        Joe Biden

Senator Joe Biden promises to make changes. According to his official campaign website, Biden believes the Democratic Party has become too timid. His promise is restore the middle class and America’s standing in the world.

“The next Democratic leader, and this is what the presidential election is all about, has to challenge the American people, tell them the truth, and trust them.”

Biden’s platform includes these key issues:
Health Care
Iraq
Leadership on Darfur
Protecting the Environment
Jobs
Building a 21st Century Education System

To learn more visit the official website, Joe Biden for President

                                Hillary Clinton

“I will set a goal of universal health care coverage, of energy security and independence, of dealing with global warming, of ending the war in Iraq. I want to create a world where America is respected and seen as a force for good.”(The Undecided Voter’s Guide)

Senator Hillary Clinton is passionate about leading her country and making enormous transformations. She has spent many years in political positions and is fully equipped to become the first Mrs. President. A factor that some believe may help and/or hurt her. Is America ready for a woman president?

The Hillary Clinton Campaign includes these key issues:
Providing Affordable and Accessible Health Care
Ending the War
Reforming Our Immigrant System
Supporting Parents and Caring For Children
A Champion for Women
Promoting Energy Independence and Fighting Global Warming Energy
To learn more visit the official website,Hillary Clinton for President

                                     Chris Dodd

Senator Chris Dodd is described as a respected leader who brings people together to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. His major plan of action is ending the war in Iraq. Dodd offers his take charge attitude, partisan pride, and reliability.

The Chris Dodd for President campaign includes these key issues:
Ending the War in Iraq
Health Care
Restoring the Constitution
Labor and Economic Opportunity

To learn more, visit the official website Chris Dodd for President

                                       John Edwards
“I am running for president to end the corrupt system in Washington, and return the power of this government back to the hard-working people of America.”

John Edwards is no new comer to the presidential election process. He has run for president and vice president in the past and is back in the running to serve America. Edwards publicly acknowledges his mistake in voting for the war and promises to work hard to bring the war to an end. John Edwards is running for president with visions to build one America, where every American can work hard and build a better life. His platform is divided into three categories, Standing up for Regular Families, Restoring America’s Leadership in the World, and Investing in our Future and our Communities.

“This is our government. This is our America. And this is our moment to take it back. Stand with me today. And together, we can change this country.”
John Edward’s Build One America Campaign includes these key issues:
Health Care
Government Reform
Ending the War
College Affordability
Ending Poverty
To learn more, visit the official website John Edwards for President

                                   Mike Gravel
Mike Gravel’s campaign includes these key issues:
Gravel on the Issues
The Iraq War
Global Warming
Reproductive Rights
Universal Health Care

To learn more, visit the official website Mike Gravel for President

                                   Dennis Kucinich
“I come to the political system as an advocate for people, not an advocate for any special interest group. That is what distinguishes me from anyone else in this race.”

Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate that voted against the war and its funding. Kucinich is influenced by the notion of nonviolence as an organizing principle in our society. His platform, Strength through Peace is reflective of his spirituality and political viewpoints.

The Strength through Peace Campaign includes these key issues:
Saving Capitalism
Ending Poverty
Survival of the Middle Class
A Healthy Nation

To learn more, visit the official website Dennis Kucinich for President

                                     Barack Obama

Senator Barack Obama is the candidate for change. Obama represents generational change, attitudinal change, and policy change (The Undecided Voter’s Guide). Obama also represents a change in race relations, being the first African American candidate is realistically close to winning the general election.

“Americans want to reclaim our American dream. That’s why I’m running for President of the United States. Because in this country, that dream is worth fighting for – not just for ourselves, but for each other. I think you deserve a President who you can trust will fight for your dreams every hour of every day for the next four years. That’s the change we need.”

The Obama for America Platform includes these key issues:
Creating a Health Care System that Works
Plan to End the Iraq War
Improving Our Schools
Immigration and the Border
Promoting a Healthy Environment

To learn more, visit the official website Barack Obama for President

                                         Bill Richardson

Bill Richardson is running for president so that America’s challenges can be met. Richardson believes that Americans need to work together not as red and blue states, but as American states. His promise is to bring the divided and partisan country together and restore civility. Richardson’s goals are to build a nation of opportunity and prosperity, guaranteeing security for all.
“I am optimistic about the future. America should not be afraid. We have to be bold, patriotic and confident that we can resolve problems and bring peace by working together. We need hope, faith, and optimism. These qualities have always represented and defined the American spirit and are desperately needed now at a time when the nation has so many problems and is no longer a leader abroad.”
Bill Richardson’s platform includes these key issues:
Ending the War
Energy
Jobs & The Economy
Health Care
Immigration Reform
To learn more, visit the official website Bill Richardson for President

…The Republican Party…

Rudy Giuliani

“In choosing a president, we don’t choose a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or liberal. We choose a leader.” Rudy Giuliani is no stranger to politics and leadership. As mayor of New York, crime and murder rates were significantly decreased, an improved welfare-to-work program was established and after the tragedy of 9/11 Giuliani led his city into recovery. His plan for his presidency includes lower taxes, smaller government, and strong national security. Can Rudy Giuliani be the candidate to change or strengthen his party?

The Join Rudy 2008 Campaign includes these key issues:

Abortion
Cutting Taxes
Winning the War on Terror
Public Safety
Fiscal Discipline

To learn more, visit the official website Rudy Giuliani for President

Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee feels the country needs a reawakening. Under his leadership, he plans to address the issues of the US that needs the most improvement; these issues include a failing health care system, the nation’s infrastructure, education system, and environmental policy.

Mike Huckabee’s Faith. Family. Freedom. Campaign includes these key issues:

Immigration
Sanctity of Life
Health Care
Taxes and the Economy

To learn more, visit the official website Mike Huckabee for President

Duncan Hunter

The Duncan Hunter for President 2008 Campaign includes these key issues:

Life
United Nations
Illegal Immigration
Taxes
Health Care Reform

To learn more, visit the official website Duncan Hunter for President

Alan Keyes

The America’s Revival campaign includes these key issues:

Pro-Life
Pro-Family
Pro-Security
Pro-Economy
Pro-sovereignty

To learn more, visit the official website Alan Keyes for President

John McCain

John McCain has led the fight for fight for reforming Washington, eliminating wasteful government spending, and strengthening our nation’s armed forces. He plans to continue this work as your next President. With his strong military influence and background, McCain values duty, honor, and service of country.

“I am running for President of the United States because I believe in the greatness of this nation as a beacon of goodwill throughout the world. My friends, each and every one of us has a duty to serve a cause greater than our own self-interest”

He is a common sense conservative who believes in a strong national defense, a smaller, more accountable government, economic growth and opportunity, the dignity of life and traditional values.

McCain Tax Cut Plan
Straight Talk on Health System Reform
Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Border Security and Immigration Reform
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To learn more, visit the official website John McCain for President

Ron Paul

Ron Paul is dedicated to working for limited constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies. He is described as the leading advocate for freedom in our nation’s capital. Ron Paul is a unique candidate in which his platform is structured by his own beliefs and not by traditional Republican standards. Paul opposes the war in Iraq, is prolife, opposes the amendment banning gay marriage, advocates tax cuts, and advocates a reduction in size of federal government.

“Ron Paul personifies the Founding Fathers’ ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are,” taken from his official website, by one of his supporters.

The Ron Paul Hope for America 2008 Campaign includes these key issues:

Debt & Taxes
Border Security & Immigration Reform
American Independence & Sovereignty
War & Foreign Policy
Health Care

To learn more, visit the official website Ron Paul for President

Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney is strongly committed to family and public service. His skills in debate and with fundraising give him some strong points needed in our next President. He has a three point focus: economics, national security, and family values.

“It is time for less talk and more action in government,” – Mitt Romney on the current status of America failing school system, war, oil use, people without health care and federal spending.

The Strategy for a Stronger America Campaign includes these key issues:

Ending the Tide of Illegal Immigration
Curbing Out of Control Federal Spending
Raising the Bar on Education
Reduce Spiraling Health Care Costs
Keeping Americans Safe at Home and Abroad

To learn more, visit the official website Mitt Romney for President

Tom Tancredo

To learn more, visit the official website Tom Tancredo for President

Fred Thompson

As president it can be expected that Fred Thompson will cut government size, and reform many programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security by crafting bipartisan deals. Fred Thompson plans to tackle America’s big issues including, the ongoing threat of Islamic terrorism, the need for lower taxes, the need to support and protect families and children, and the need to secure our borders.

Fred Thompson’s Security.Unity.Prosperity Campaign includes these key issues:

Federal Budget
Health Care
Immigration
Tax Reform
National Security

To learn more, visit the official website Fred Thompson for President

* Resources: The Washington Post Presidential Candidate Profile Guide, The Undecided Voter’s Guide, Official Campaign Websites