The 2008 Presidential Election has evolved into a historic event to determine who will lead the United States for the next four years. The race for the White House between Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama and Republican nominee Senator John McCain is about more than the power struggle between political parties and their personal attacks on each other. The United States will face tremendous challenges in the coming years, and the candidate who is best prepared to help the country overcome these obstacles must be elected President. John McCain is the clear choice in this election.

We live in a world where a nuclear Iran is becoming a reality, Iraq continues to be a volatile situation, tensions with Russia are moving toward Cold War levels, and Al Qaeda remains hidden in Pakistan. We must have a president ready to confront these grave threats to our national security. McCain is a decorated Vietnam veteran who spent over five years in horrific conditions as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. This experience alone does not qualify him to be president. Yet, he is in the unique position of having lived through the repercussions of war and understands its consequences.

McCain has two decades of tenure in the Senate representing Arizona. During his tenure, McCain was heavily involved on every national security issue. In 2006, at a time when many in Congress were declaring Iraq a failure, McCain was the primary advocate of the troop “surge” into Iraq. From June 2007 to March 2008 the number of deaths of coalition forces and civilians was reduced by 70 percent. In recent months, a number of provinces in Iraq have been secured and turned over to the Iraqis. McCain has proven he understands how to succeed in Iraq and will make sure the over 4,000 lives lost there will not have been in vain.

The U.S. also faces many challenges here at home, with the highest unemployment rate in five years, major companies needing to be bailed out by the government, the housing crisis, a failing healthcare system and the rising price of gas. While he will be unable to solve all the country’s problems, McCain does present some fresh solutions. McCain advocates a pro-growth tax policy that is meant to encourage business to expand and stay in the U.S. McCain promises to cut the corporate tax rate by 10 percent to make it possible for corporations to remain in the U.S. instead of out-sourcing jobs overseas. Also, McCain has pledged to keep taxes low along with banning internet and cell phone taxes. His premise for keeping taxes low is the fact that the U.S. government actually took in 20 percent more money after cutting taxes in 2001 and 2003. Obama has offerred a very different approach toward the economy.

“I would look at raising the capital gains tax,” Obama said during a debate in April. Obama said this despite the fact that revenues have dramatically increased as the capital gains tax has been lowered from 28 percent in the 1980s to its present rate of 15 percent. If Obama wants to implement his plans for universal healthcare, he will undoubtedly have to raise taxes to fund the program. McCain has pledged to work to lower the cost of healthcare while maintaining a high standard of care. Obama’s plan is reminiscent of healthcare plans in Canada and Europe. In each instance, taxes are extremely high and the quality of care is minimal.



“An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied,” American humorist Arnold H. Glasow said. Glasow captured the essence of what is required for someone to be a successful president. McCain has an extensive history of taking action to solve problems. He crossed party lines to enact legislation with Democratic leaders such as Ted Kennedy and Diane Feingold. Barack Obama has offered many interesting solutions to problems throughout the campaign but has no history of coming through on his promises. These difficult times call for proven leaders who will take action and John McCain is that man in this election.