Kerry vs. Bush. Think they’re the same? Think again.

>Archive - PWW Print Edition Archive - 2004 Editions - Sept 25, 2004


 

On Sept. 30, the first debate will be held between George W. Bush and John F. Kerry. It will focus on foreign policy.

Below are highlights some of the differences.

On security:

Kerry

* Favors international cooperation to ensure
security.
* Pledges to use diplomacy and other tools, not just military power, and to rebuild alliances.
* Has plan to end Iraq quagmire.
* Advocates restored funding to firefighters,
police, veterans.

Bush

* Favors unilateral, “first-strike” military policies over diplomacy and international law.
* Has withdrawn from and scorns multilateral treaties and international bodies.
* No plan to end Iraq war.
* Cut funding to firefighters, police, veterans.

On trade:

Kerry

* Favors environmental standards and workers rights to be written into trade deals.

Bush

* Opposes environmental standards or workers rights in trade deals.

On immigration:

Kerry

* Favors legislation to offer citizenship pathway, family reunification and workplace rights.

Bush

* Favors “temporary worker” program only with no possibility of citizenship and no workplace rights protection.

On weapons of mass destruction:

Kerry

* Favors global nuclear weapons reduction.

Bush

* Weakened nuclear weapons control agreements, favors creation of new generation of nukes.

On energy:

Kerry

* Favors energy “independence” and job creation by developing renewable, clean energy.

Bush

* Started war for oil; energy corporations are key component of Bush base.

Host a debate house party on Sept. 30! • Act. Organize. Vote.