ELECTION 2012

Barack Obama

ECONOMY AND JOBS

He believes that investing in education, clean energy and companies that bring jobs back to the U.S. will help the economy.

TAXES

He says that no family earning less than $250,000 should face a tax hike. Under his plan, millionaires and billionaires would pay more in taxes.

EDUCATION

He urges states to have high standards in public schools and to develop new programs. He says it is necessary to train teachers well and to reward them for good work.

HEALTH CARE

He signed a law that requires all Americans to have health insurance beginning in 2014. His goal is to help everyone have affordable health care.

DEFENSE

He wants to cut defense and military spending. He would continue to decrease military costs in Iraq and Afghanistan. He promises to improve veterans' benefits.

Mitt Romney

ECONOMY AND JOBS

He wants to reduce government costs to make the U.S. more competitive. He says he will encourage growth and innovation in business.

TAXES

He says that lowering tax rates will encourage businesses and economic growth. He promises to reduce government spending to allow for more tax cuts for individuals and corporations.

EDUCATION

He wants parents to have more choices in their kids' education. He supports giving more control to local government and reducing the federal government's role in education.

HEALTH CARE

He believes that the federal government should not require citizens to have health insurance. He would give each state the power to create its own health-care plan.

DEFENSE

He wants the U.S. to rebuild its military strength. He would stop cuts and spend money to modernize the military. He promises to set in motion reforms that will help veterans.

The candidates' positions are pulled from their websites and other primary sources.

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