Climate Change

On April 15, 2008, climate change advisers to McCain, as well as Clinton, and Obama, spoke at a panel hosted by the Society of Environmental Journalists on what their candidates would do to fight global climate change.

In an op-ed piece for The Boston Globe co-written with Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Senator McCain wrote “There is now a broad consensus in this country, and indeed in the world, that global warming is happening, that it is a serious problem, and that humans are causing it.” He has named climate change one of the top three issues of his presidency. In the Senate he co-introduced the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act (S. 280) with Senator Lieberman which seeks to lower greenhouse gas levels to 60% of 1990 levels by 2050 through an annually ratcheted emissions cap and a system that will allow companies to trade emissions credits.

McCain's campaign announced its climate change plan to cap-and-trade green house gas emissions in a speech on May 12, 2008. The plan would place a cap on the amount of green house gas emissions that are permitted to be released by companies within certain industries, and then slowly decrease the amount of allowed emissions over time. Companies will have a certain amount of allowable emissions that will be purchased in an auction, and then they will be able to buy or sell their emissions permits in accordance with the amount of green house gases they emit. Companies that can find ways to decrease emissions through invention or technological improvement can sell their extra permits to other companies. The targets of the program are to decrease emissions to 2005 levels by 2012, and eventually reduce emissions to 60% of 1990 levels by 2050. In time, some of the proceeds from the auction of emissions will be used to fund the research and development of low-carbon energy sources such as hydrogen and nuclear power. Details of the plan include:

• The plan covers the electric power, transportation fuels, industrial businesses, and commercial businesses. Small businesses are exempt.
• It would allow companies to "borrow" and "bank" permits so that emissions reductions can be achieved in the most economically efficient times.
• It would integrate the U.S. cap and trade plan with other international plans, allowing access to low-cost permits.* It would establish a Strategic Carbon Reserve as a source of permits during economically hard times.

The New York Times noted in an article on the speech that McCain has missed several votes in the Senate on increasing fuel economy standards and has opposed tax breaks for alternative energies.^[1]

On June 23rd, 2008, McCain proposed a $5,000 tax credit for consumers who purchase zero-emission vehicles.

According to The Washington Post, on June 24th, 2008, Senator McCain announced that he wants to "put the purchasing power of the United States government on the side of green technology." He vowed to make existing buildings more efficient, and apply higher standards to newer buildings.

Education

McCain said his plan for improving the American educational system is to "overhaul the entire system and bring more competition into the market for schools," rather than an increase in funding. He believes that spending money on bringing science into everyday pop culture to increase interest is a waste of our resources. ^[2]

McCain has stated that the existing education system “seeks to avoid genuine accountability and responsibility for producing well-educated children.” The general principles of his philosophy governing his education policy is based upon “empowering parents by greatly expanding the ability of parents to choose among schools for their children.” ^[3] By emphasizing freedom of school choice, he hopes to create a market force type competition among educational institutions that compete for students and teachers. ^[4]

McCain “believes all federal financial support must be predicated on providing parents the ability to move their children, and the dollars associated with them, from failing school.” ^[3] His education plan would add less than $1 billion to the national education budget, while utilizing the existing $70 billion more effectively by redirecting the focus of a variety of programs in place. ^[5]

Affirmative Action

On a question on anti-affirmative action ballot initiatives in two states question from the Association for Women in Science and the Society of Women Engineers, McCain showed his support for these initiatives, saying "I support the initiatives because they are limited to preventing preferences on the basis of race, sex, or ethnicity in state programs. In my view, our efforts to create opportunity should focus on those who are disadvantaged, regardless of race, sex, or ethnicity."

Early Childhood Education

McCain’s plan for early childhood education is centered around better utilizing existing federal funds. His campaign states that “[s]tate and federal funding for early childhood care and education programs is over $25 billion each year. The list of programs includes Head Start, Title I preschool programs, Early Head Start, Even Start, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, Early Reading First, the Social Services Block Grant, the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. There is much to be achieved by leveraging and better coordinating these programs to increase availability of high quality programs. When used effectively this approach has had a tremendous impact on the wellbeing and educational outcomes of children.” ^[6]

Regarding the Head Start program, McCain believes that “far too many Head Start centers have fallen prey to the same institutional flaws that have undermined the larger public education system. They lack quality instructors; they lack accountability to parents; and they are focused on process, not outcomes.” In order to alleviate this problem he advocates building “Centers for Excellence in Head Start that actually leads to excellence in all of the pre-K and early learning programs that taxpayers support.”^[6] As part of McCain's plan, at least one Centers in Education in Head Start would be chosen by the Secretary of HHS in each state. The Secretary would provide at least $200,000 per year to each center, and those funds would be used to expand the program to more children, spread the center's best practices to other Head Starts, and improve coordination of early childhood education. ^[6]

Funded Programs

The McCain’s campaign cite regarding his positions on funded programs includes:

• expanding the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.
• reforming the Enhancing Education Through Technology Program.
• allocating $250 million to expand online educational opportunities.
• providing funding so students can pay for online tutors and enroll in virtual learning programs.

Health

McCain cites the fact that since “healthy children learn better, partnership grants and targeted federal funding can be used to encourage and facilitate early screening programs for hearing, vision and immunizations for preschool age children to ensure that all children are able to reach their full potential.” Therefore, he will “ensure that there are no federal prohibitions against preschool programs offering basic healthcare screenings to children (with parental consent) in their care.” These measures include “developing partnerships with rural and community health clinics, teaching hospitals and other public health institutions to lend their expertise to ensuring that poor health and easily diagnosed conditions are detected and addressed before they undermine a child’s ability to learn and reach his or her potential.”^[6]

Higher Education

McCain's policies regarding higher education include:

• simplifying higher education tax benefits and federal aid programs.
• improving research by eliminating earmarks.
• reform the current student loan system.

Instruction Training and Curriculum

McCain has stated that preparing and educating instructors is a “primary objective”. Addressing the “income parity” between instructors in early childhood education programs to that of those in elementary schools will be necessary to “attract quality instructors.” McCain supports promoting the “replication of professional development programs with a proven record of preparing our children for kindergarten and encourage more research to determine what skills and training make the most difference for young children.” ^[6]

Regarding curriculum, McCain “will require all federally supported preschool programs to offer a comprehensive approach to learning that covers all significant areas of school readiness, notably literacy/language development, as well as math readiness and key motor and social skills."^[6]

No Child Left Behind

McCain states that he will build upon the lessons learned from No Child Left Behind (NCLB) by placing an “emphasis on standards and accountability.” McCain believes that NCLB has been “invaluable in providing a clear picture of which schools and students are struggling, it is only the beginning of education reform.” ^[7] He wants to “improve it, don't discard it.” ^[8] Rather than utilizing group averages, he believes the focus should be “to inspire every child to strive to reach his or her potential.” ^[7]

Building upon NCLB is predicated upon giving parents greater choice in the schools in which their child attends. McCain believes that “choice is the best way to protect children against a failing bureaucracy. But parents must have more control over the money.” ^[7]

Teachers and Principals: Training and Development

McCain cites attracting quality teachers to a failing school as the single biggest challenge. His plan for more effectively accomplishing this includes:

• encouraging alternative certification methods for teachers.
• providing bonuses for high performing teachers who relocate to under performing schools.
• providing teachers with training in technology.
• giving principals more control over school funds.

Women in Science and Engineering

In response to a question from the Association for Women in Science and the Society of Women Engineers on the equality of Title IX funding in regards to academics and athletics, McCain said that he will enforce the law in its original intent of law, but also said "I am concerned, however, that the Clinton administration took unwise liberties in interpreting Title IX, with the consequence that many schools have adopted policies of strictly equal funding for male and female athletic programs. Unfortunately, many popular athletic programs have been cut because the overall amount of funding available for athletics programs will not sustain identical men’s and women’s programs in every sport. I will bring people together to work to find ways to help make Title IX accomplish its original intent without causing the elimination of athletic programs. And I will not let this flawed interpretation adopted by the Clinton administration affect the funding of academic programs."

Energy

Energy Proposals

On July 14, 2008, RTT News reported on McCain's position on energy policy, as outlined by his senior aide. McCain would seek to reduce America's foreign oil dependence through establishment of a cap-and-trade system and research on alternative fuels that would include coal and nuclear power. McCain would support construction of new coal-fired power plants and sanctioning of oil exploration on the outer continental shelf. Since he strongly links America's energy policy to national security, McCain would expand domestic energy production and reduce oil consumption. To accomplish it, McCain has proposed $5000 tax credits to consumers buying zero-emission vehicles and a $300 million prize for the development of better batteries for commercial plug-in cars. Finally, McCain supports storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain.

Alternative Energy

On July 7th, 2008, McCain announced a new economic plan in which he vows to repeal the 54 cent tax on imported sugar-based ethanol. He would also repeal corn-based ethanol mandates that add to the rising price of food.

Energy Efficiency

According to a July 7th, 2008 press release, McCain plans to upgrade America towards a more efficient electricity grid that would one day be able to re-charge electric vehicles. He also hopes to promote SmartMeter, which would give consumers a better picture of their energy consumption, so that they could use energy more efficiently.

Energy Independence

On June 25th, 2008, Senator McCain announced the Lexington Project: "A Comprehensive Plan To Ensure Our National Security, Economic Prosperity And Clean Environment By Breaking Our Dependence On Foreign Oil." As a part of the Lexington Project, McCain hopes to reduce dependence on foreign oil by increasing domestic exploration and production. He wants to lift the moratorium on off-shore drilling, and dip into our oil reserves. This would also stop sending as much money overseas and instead put money back into our own economy. Senator McCain also hopes to reform the transportation sector through a zero-emissions car tax credit, and a $300 million prize for the developer of an improved battery for fully electric automobiles. Although McCain supports ethanol as an alternative energy, he does not support subsidies for it. McCain also pledged to invest $2 billion annually in clean coal technology. He also vows to encourage wind, hydro, and solar energy production.

In a speech in Arlington, VA on June 25th, 2008, Senator McCain said "When we buy foreign oil, we are enriching some of our worst enemies. And in the Middle East, Venezuela, and elsewhere, these regimes know how to use the power of that wealth...These are some of the most stagnant and oppressive societies on Earth, held back by oil-rich elites who would not last long if their own people had a choice in the matter. From these elites, we get the oil that fuels our productive economy. From us, they get the money that preserves their unjust power."

Fuel Economy

In a July 18, 2008 press release, Sen. McCain announced his plan to support innovation in the automobile sector through implementation of his Lexington Project. Specifically, McCain addressed his plan for creating jobs and ensuring America's energy independence; committing a tax credit of $5000 to every consumer who purchases a zero carbon emission car; awarding a $300 million prize for the development of a battery package for full commercial development of plug-in hybrid and fully electric automobiles; calling on automakers to switch to producing Flex-Fuel Vehicles; and expanding the market for alcohol-based fuels as an alternative to gasoline.

According to excerpts of his speech obtained by Reuters, on June 23, 2008, Senator McCain pushed for car makers to build more environmentally friendly cars that have engines that can use alcohol-based fuels, and will propose tax breaks to encourage consumers to buy cars that cause less pollution. Specifically, he committed a $5000 tax credit for each customer buying a zero-emissions car, and wants to increase financial penalties levied on car makers for not complying with fuel efficiency standards. These are his strategies to fight global warming and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

On April 23, 2007, Senator McCain gave a speech where he supported using flex-fuel vehicles, ethanol-based fuels, plug-in cars, and caps on green house gas emissions. Senator McCain supports further developing nuclear energy to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels. However, he has long been opposed to ethanol subsidies, including voting against the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6) because of concerns that ethanol mandates would raise gas prices. He also believes that the United States should not join international climate change agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol until China and India agree to join as well.

As part of his economic plan, released in a speech on April 15, 2008, McCain proposed a temporary "gas-tax holiday"--a summertime repeal of federal taxes on gas from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The taxes which he wants Congress to temporarily suspend are the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax. He also said that America should suspend filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for the same time period because it is increasing the price of oil.

Senator McCain also supports a large increase in Flex-Fuel Vehicle (FFVs) that can use E85 ethanol as well as traditional gasoline.

Nuclear Energy

According to an article in The New York Times, Senator McCain set a goal of establishing 45 new Nuclear Reactors by 2030. He mentioned that China, Russia, and India will be developing new reactors, and that several countries in Europe derive a larger percentage of their electricity from nuclear power compared to the United States. Although his goal was 100 reactors, his chief domestic policy advisor said that [McCain] arrived at the number 45 to be consistent with his desire to expand nuclear power, yet remain cognizant of restraining factors such as permits and construction times.[1]

According to an October 2008 article in the L.A. Times, the 45 nuclear reactors that Senator McCain plans to build would reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from the United States by 420 million metric tons each year. The same article states that the United States currently receives half of its electricity from coal, which emits 1.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Renewable Energy

According to a July 2, 2008 article from the Los Angeles Times, Senator McCain does not support subsidies for alternate forms of energy such as wind and solar power, but does support subsidies for nuclear energy.

Off Shore Drilling

USA Today reported that while on a August 19 tour of an offshore oil rig, McCain said that "It is time for America to get serious about energy independence, and that means we need to start drilling offshore at advanced oil rigs..." and that new rigs could operate "with even greater efficiency and environmental safety."

According to an article in The New York Times, due to concerns about the rising cost of gasoline and its affects, Senator McCain wants to lift the off-shore drilling ban to provide an increased supply of oil^[9]

Evolution/Intelligent Design

During a New York campaign stop, Senator McCain stated that he believes in evolution, stating: “From a personal standpoint, I believe in evolution. When I stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon and I see the sun going down, I believe the hand of God was there."

Environment

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Senator McCain has voted against drilling in the ANWR ^[10].

Healthcare

In a September 22, 2008 MSNBC article, John McCain's health care plan is summarized as being "based on classic conservative philosophy that focuses on market-driven solutions and strong individualism."

According to a news article in The New York Times, Sen. McCain has proposed the Guaranteed Access Plan with the aim of making the insurance marketplace more equitable and competitive. He would end and replace the exclusion from income taxes of health benefits paid by employers with refundable health care tax credits of $2500 per person and $5000 per family. Such proposal would allow high-risk pools - those with chronic diseases without the protection of group coverage - to enjoy insurance benefits.

According to a press release from July 9, 2008, Senator McCain issued a statement on the Medicare vote by the Senate, upholding the aspect of the bill that provides funding for the health care system to ensure quality care for seniors. However, he claimed that the bill is insufficient in terms of providing proper reimbursements to Medicare physicians, legislating reforms, and decreasing drug premiums.

Senator McCain unveiled his healthcare plan during a speech at a campaign stop in Iowa on October 11, 2007. Based mostly on insurance reforms and decreasing costs, the plan would eliminate tax codes favoring employee-based plans and allot tax credits of $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families to assist with insurance costs. McCain's plan also calls for insurance to be portable instead of tied to employment. In the Senate, McCain has worked to make prescription drugs more affordable to U.S. consumers by introducing legislation that supports prescription drug importation from other countries.

In a speech on his new economic plan given on April 15, 2008, McCain proposed increasing Medicare prescription drug prices for more affluent seniors, saying "Those who can afford to buy their own prescription drugs should be expected to do so."

On April 29, 2008, McCain released the details of his vision for health care during a speech at the University of South Florida. The plan specifies:

• Allowing people to purchase insurance across state lines.
• Working with state governments to develop a "Guaranteed Access Plan," a best practices model which would include a reasonable limit on premiums and assistance to low income Americans.
• Using availability of information technologies to allow doctors to practice across state lines.
• Passing tort reform legislation.

According to a preliminary report by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, McCain's plan would cost $1.3 trillion over 10 years and would cover 5 million more people than are currently covered by insurance.

On October 15, 2008 the McCain and Obama campaigns took part in a candidate forum on health care held be the New England Journal of Medicine. Watch a video of the forum here.

Stem Cell Research

McCain supports expanded federal funding for research on embryonic stem cells and voted in favor of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (S. 5), which was later vetoed by President Bush. He voted for similar legislation in 2006.

Sex Education

In a 2007 interview, Senator McCain said that sex education in the United States should follow President Bush's policy of abstinence-only education.

HIV/AIDS

"It's critical that we face this crisis head-on, which is why I have consistently supported the most aggressive global AIDS program in the history of this pandemic, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Afflicted nations with whom we partner to fight this disease must also know that we expect a level of governance, transparency and effectiveness from them in order to make the fullest use of AIDS assistance so we can make the greatest impact on people's lives. Our commitment must be sustained, and our nation must always be faithful to those at home and abroad as they cope with the ravages of HIV/AIDS."^[11]

To combat HIV in the United States, McCain plans to emphasize abstinence programs and establish "guaranteed access plans" for affordable insurance for those with pre-existing conditions such as AIDS. ^[12]

Technology

Proposals

In August of 2008, the McCain campaign released its technology plan. The proposal focuses on encouraging innovation through market forces and government tax credits for research and development. Details include:

• Establishing a 10% tax credit for research and development equal to 10% of wages spent on research & development.
• Reducing the corporate tax rate to 25%.
• Allowing companies to expense the cost of new equipment or technology in the first year of business.
• Fully funding the America COMPETES Act.
• Expanding the number of people hired through HB-1 visas and allowing the Department of Labor to set HB-1 visa limit to be appropriate to the labor market conditions.
• Preventing the government from creating "burdensome" regulations regarding the internet. The plan also details McCain's stance on net neutrality, stating "John McCain does not believe in prescriptive regulation like “net-neutrality,” but rather he believes that an open marketplace with a variety of consumer choices is the best deterrent against unfair practices."
• Encouraging local governments to promote the expansion of broadband services in areas where the private industry has failed to do so.
• Establishing a "People Connect Program" that allows companies that offer high-speed internet services to low income customers to offset costs through their tax liability for the service.
• Increasing the use of Cooperative Research and Development Agreements between government and industry.

Broadband Access

McCain believes that the government should encourage market forces to work in expanding broadband infrastructure, but does not see it as the role of the government itself to expand access. In a January 2008 interview with CNet News.com, McCain said "We should place the federal government in the role of stimulator, rather than regulator, of broadband services, remove state and local barriers to broadband deployment, and facilitate deployment of broadband services to rural and undeserved communities."

Internet Tax

In 1997, McCain co-sponsored the Internet Tax Freedom Act (S. 442) to establish a national policy against state and local government interference in interstate internet commerce and to place a three year moratorium on internet taxation. In 1999, McCain introduced legislation to amend the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make the moratorium on state and local taxes permanent. In 2007 he co-sponsored similar legislation, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007 (S. 156), to ban state and local taxation of the internet.

Net Neutrality

According to All Things Digital, Sen. McCain believes that there should be minimal government regulation in broadband, and that the market should solve the net-neutrality issue. He was quoted as saying "When you control the pipe you should be able to get profit from your investment."

National Security

Nuclear Safety

In a May 27th, 2008 speech prepared for delivery at the University of Colorado in Denver, Colorado, McCain cited a need to prevent proliferation. He argued that the United States must be a leader in this regard. According to his website, McCain said "If you look back over the past two decades, I don't think any of us, Republican or Democrat, can take much satisfaction in what we've accomplished to control nuclear proliferation." Senator McCain wishes to significantly lower the number of nuclear weaponry to the minimum necessary for security requirements. According to John McCain's speech, nuclear weapons "represent the most abhorrent and indiscriminate form of warfare known to man." In an effort to prevent countries from using nuclear fuel as a cover up for a nuclear weapons program, McCain wants to implement international nuclear enrichment centers and establish an international repository for spent nuclear fuel.

Border Security

John McCain proposes a two-step process to reform the immigration system. The plan includes

1. John McCain wants to finish securing our borders, while ensuring the training facilities and support staff receive the proper funding for resources, technologies and infrastructure.
2. John McCain wants to implement an electronic employment verification system that would screen for work eligibility using protected electronic biometric data to check a worker's identity. He would also implement a temporary worker plan aimed at fulfilling the need for employees in high and low-tech sectors.

Research

Government Budgets

A September 2008 article in Science detailed Senator McCain’s plan to freeze all discretionary spending for one year if elected President. The freeze would effect the research budgets of many government organizations, including the NSF, DOD, NIST, and DOE. An October 14, 2008 article in The Hill, however, quoted senior policy adviser Ike Brannon as saying that science funding is exempt from the budget wide freeze McCain has planned. "You’ll definitely see, under John McCain, more spending on research," said Brannon.^[13] <p>McCain often criticizes a $3 million study on the DNA of grizzly bears as an example of wasteful spending--even featuring the study in a campaign commercial in March of 2008. The Washington Post reports, however, that the study is an important piece of work in determining whether the population of grizzlies in Montana have rebounded to the point that they can be removed from the endangered species list.^[14]

In the last two Presidential debates, Senator McCain also criticized an earmark that Senator Obama requested for an optical projector for the Adler Planetarium in Chicago as an $3 million dollar 'overhead projector.' Approximately 400,000 school children visit the Adler Planetarium each year; the projector currently in use was installed in 1969.

Technology

In August of 2008, the McCain campaign released its technology plan. The proposal focuses on encouraging innovation through market forces and government tax credits for research and development. Details include:

• Establishing a tax credit for research and development equal to 10% of wages spent on research & development.
• Reducing the corporate tax rate to 25%.
• Allowing companies to expense the cost of new equipment or technology in the first year of business.
• Fully funding the America COMPETES Act.

According to a July 7th, 2008 press release, Senator McCain plans to "establish Permanent Tax Credit Equal To 10 Percent Of Wages Spent On R&D." He believes this will add greater incentive for innovation. Senator McCain also supports having a first-year deduction (expensing), which will support promote competitiveness and reward the use of cutting-edge technology. In the same July 7th, 2008 press release, McCain vowed to keep the internet free of taxes.

Battery Powered Vehicles

On June 23rd, 2008, the Los Angeles Times quoted Senator McCain as saying "We are the country of Edison, Fulton and two brothers named Wright." With the idea of ingenuity in his mind, McCain proposed a $300 million prize for the developer a new battery that could effectively power vehicles at a town hall event at Fresno State University.

Space

Proposals

In the summer of 2008, the McCain campaign released its plan for space exploration and NASA. The plan includes:

• Committing funding to NASA's Constellation program including resources for human space exploration.
• Completing construction on the ISS National Laboratory.
• Making an effort to ensure that the U.S. has access to space during the time between the retirement of the shuttle and the replacement vehicle.
• Maintaining the United States' space and satellite infrastructure and support system.
• Investing in aeronautics research.

An August 13th article describes his policy as similar to Obama's. McCain commits to maintaining U.S. space leadership, maximizing the use of the international space station, and supporting earth science satellites^[15] . An August 19th article in The Houston Chronicle, however, noted that McCain had opposed a bill that called for an additional $1 billion in funding for NASA after the Columbia accident ^[16].

NASA

According to McCain's campaign website:

"John McCain is a strong supporter of NASA and the space program. He is proud to have sponsored legislation authorizing funding consistent with the President's vision for the space program, which includes a return of astronauts to the Moon in preparation for a manned mission to Mars. He believes support for a continued US presence in space is of major importance to America's future innovation and security. He has also been a staunch advocate for ensuring that NASA funding is accompanied by proper management and oversight to ensure that the taxpayers receive the maximum return on their investment. John McCain believes curiosity and a drive to explore have always been quintessential American traits. This has been most evident in the space program, for which he will continue his strong support."

In 2004, McCain also introduced the NASA Authorization Act of 2004 (S. 2541), which authorized appropriations for NASA from FY2005 to FY2009 for work relating to the International Space Station, human and robotic technology, and space shuttle and space flight support.

Speeches on Science and Health Issues

June 25, 2008 Remarks by John McCain on his Comprehensive Plan for Energy Security

June 24, 2008 Remarks by John McCain on Energy Security and Safeguarding Our Environment

June 23, 2008 Remarks By John McCain on Energy Security and Our National Security

June 18, 2008 Remarks By John McCain On Energy Security And The Economy

June 17, 2008 Remarks By John McCain On Energy Security

May 27, 2008 Remarks by John McCain on Nuclear Safety

May 12, 2008 Remarks By John McCain on Climate Change Policy

April 29, 2008 Remarks by John McCain On Health Care On Day Two Of The "Call To Action Tour"

April 15, 2008 Remarks by John McCain on the Economy

January 12, 2008 Prosperity Michigan Summit

December 10, 2007 Center for Hydrogen Research

November 5, 2007 Bio Economy

October 11, 2007 Healthcare

April 23, 2007 Energy Policy

November 5, 2007 Bio Economy

SCIENCE IN THE DEBATES

General Presidential Debate at Hofstra University, October 15, 2008

Moderator:The question is this: the U.S. spends more per capita than any other country on education. Yet, by every international measurement, in math and science competence, from kindergarten through the 12th grade, we trail most of the countries of the world. The implications of this are clearly obvious. Some even say it poses a threat to our national security. Do you feel that way and what do you intend to do about it?

McCain:Well, it's the civil rights issue of the 21st century. There's no doubt that we have achieved equal access to schools in America after a long and difficult and terrible struggle. But what is the advantage in a low income area of sending a child to a failed school and that being your only choice?

So choice and competition amongst schools is one of the key elements that's already been proven in places in like New Orleans and New York City and other places, where we have charter schools, where we take good teachers and we reward them and promote them. And we find bad teachers another line of work. And we have to be able to give parents the same choice, frankly, that Senator Obama and Mrs. Obama had and Cindy and I had to send our kids to the school -- their kids to the school of their choice. Charter schools aren't the only answer, but they're providing competition. They are providing the kind of competitions that have upgraded both schools -- types of schools.

Now, throwing money at the problem is not the answer. You will find that some of the worst school systems in America get the most money per student. So I believe that we need to reward these good teachers.

View Transcript

General Presidential Debate at Belmont University, October 7, 2008

Moderator:Senator McCain? [on healthcare]

McCain: Well, thank you for the question. You really identified one of the really major challenges that America faces. Co-payments go up, costs go up, skyrocketing costs, which make people less and less able to afford health insurance in America. And we need to do all of the things that are necessary to make it more efficient. Let's put health records online, that will reduce medical errors, as they call them. Let's have community health centers. Let's have walk-in clinics. Let's do a lot of things to impose efficiencies.

But what is at stake here in this health care issue is the fundamental difference between myself and Senator Obama. As you notice, he starts talking about government. He starts saying, government will do this and government will do that, and then government will, and he'll impose mandates. If you're a small business person and you don't insure your employees, Senator Obama will fine you. Will fine you. That's remarkable. If you're a parent and you're struggling to get health insurance for your children, Senator Obama will fine you.

I want to give every American a $5,000 refundable tax credit. They can take it anywhere, across state lines. Why not? Don't we go across state lines when we purchase other things in America? Of course it's OK to go across state lines because in Arizona they may offer a better plan that suits you best than it does here in Tennessee.

Moderator: Quick discussion. Is health care in America a privilege, a right, or a responsibility?

McCain: I think it's a responsibility, in this respect, in that we should have available and affordable health care to every American citizen, to every family member. And with the plan that -- that I have, that will do that. But government mandates I -- I'm always a little nervous about. But it is certainly my responsibility. It is certainly small-business people and others, and they understand that responsibility. American citizens understand that. Employers understand that.

View Transcript

CNN/L.A. Times/Politico.com Republican Debate, January 30, 2008

General Presidential Debate at the University of Mississippi, September 26, 2008

Moderator:Respond directly to him about that, to Senator Obama about that, about the -- he's made it twice now, about your tax -- your policies about tax cuts.

McCain:. . .So the point is, I want people to have tax cuts. I want every family to have a $5,000 refundable tax credit so they can go out and purchase their own health care. I want to double the dividend from $3,500 to $7,000 for every dependent child in America. . .

View Transcript

CNN/L.A. Times/Politico.com Republican Debate, January 30, 2008

Question: Senator McCain, Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed that California be allowed to implement much tougher environmental regulations on emission requirements than apply to the rest of the country. This is an initiative that conservatives generally oppose, and the Bush administration rejected California's request. Do you side with the governor or with the Bush administration?

McCain: Well, there's some physical danger. I have to agree with the governor. Look, I'm a federalist. And I believe the states should decide to enormous degrees what happens within those states, including off their coasts. The people of California have decided they don't want oil drilling off their coasts. The people of Louisiana have decided that they do. I applaud the governor's efforts and that of other states in this region and other states across America to try to eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change.

Now, suppose that the governor and I are wrong, and there's no such thing as climate change. And we adopt these green technologies, of which America and the innovative skills we have and the entrepreneurship and the free market which is embodied by Senator Lieberman's and mine cap-and-trade proposal is enacted, and there's no such thing as climate change. Then all we've done is given our kids a cleaner world. But suppose we do nothing. Suppose we do nothing, and we don't eliminate this $400 billion dependence we have on foreign oil. Some of that money goes to terrorist organizations and also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Then what kind of a world have we given our children?

The state of California and the state of Arizona, we Westerners care very much about our environment and we want to act. And it's no secret that I have disagreed with the Bush administration in not being more active in addressing the issue of climate change, whether it be through cap-and-trade, through tax incentives for R&D for green technologies and many other measures that I think need to be taken. We are feeling here in California pollution from China. It is a global issue, and we have to address it globally. And I would not agree to any global agreement without India and China being part of it.

But I want to assure you that we have an obligation to try to stem these greenhouse gas emissions. And one of the ways is through the use of nuclear power. The French generate 80 percent of their electricity with nuclear power. I think that -- by the way, we now have a pro-American president in France, which shows if you live long enough, anything is possible in this world. But the point is, young Americans care. Californians care. People all over this country care. And we have to address this issue. We can do it. The greatness and strength of America is in our innovative capability and our ability to develop these green technologies. General Electric, the world's largest corporation, is committed to green technologies. We can do it. And to somehow believe that it will cost more money if we unleash the innovative and entrepreneurship of America I think does not have confidence in the ability of Americans to address this issue.

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NBC Presidential Debate, January 24, 2008

Question: Senator McCain, you are in favor of mandatory caps.

McCain: No, I am in favor of cap-and-trade. And Joe Lieberman and I, one of my favorite Democrats and I, have proposed that it's, and we did the same thing with acid rain. They're doing it in Europe now, although not very well. And all we are saying is, look, you can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions; you earn a credit. Somebody else is going to increase theirs; you can sell it to them.

And meanwhile we have a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. We need a global agreement, but it has to include India and China. We need to go back to nuclear power. We cannot be dependent on $400 billion a year paying for foreign oil. There's a nexus here.

But climate change, in my view, is real. It can affect states like Florida dramatically because I think it has to do with violent weather changes, as well. But I am confident, I am confident American technology can -- and the embrace of green technologies, many of the things that Rudy just talked about, and nuclear power being one of them -- we can reduce these greenhouse gas emissions.

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FOX News Republican Debate, January 10, 2008

Question: Senator McCain, some of these ideas that are being talked about, like education and research and development, are longer term. If we're talking about a recession in the next few months, in 2008, what kind of short-term, more immediate government fixes would you propose to try to keep the slowdown diminished or to reverse it? And would you support them even if they added to the government deficit?

McCain: …The second thing that we need to do, of course, is stop spending $400 billion a year overseas to oil-producing countries that come right out of our economy immediately. Some of that money goes, unfortunately, to fund terrorist organizations. We've got to -- and we can use Detroit for this, where there's tremendous technology in the state of Michigan, and tremendous abilities to develop technologies to reduce this dependency on foreign oil, and eventually eliminate it, and stop this outflow of some $400 billion a year. Education and training is obviously important, but stop the spending.

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’’Des Moines Register’’ Republican Debate, December 12, 2007

Question: Considering that poverty and abuse are often blamed for fostering terrorism, should we alter trade policies with those countries? Senator McCain.

McCain: Well, obviously we should make sure that every nation respects human rights, and we should advocate that and try to enforce it. But I will open every market in the world to Iowa's agricultural products. I'm the biggest free marketer and free trader that you will ever see. And I will also eliminate subsidies on ethanol and other agricultural products. They are an impediment to competition; they are an impediment to free markets. And I believe that subsidies are a mistake, and I don't believe that anybody can stand here and say that they're a fiscal conservative and yet support subsidies which distort markets and destroy our ability to compete in the world, and destroy our ability to get cheaper products into the United States of America. …

Question: We're going to follow up on that, but what I need to know is who believes global climate change is serious and caused by human activity.

<crosstalk>

McCain: And I think climate change is real, and I –

McCain: I've been involved in this issue since the year 2000. I have had hearings. I've traveled the world. I know that climate change is real. But let me put -- put it to you this way. Suppose that climate change is not real, and all we do adopt green technologies, which our economy and our technology is perfectly capable of. Then all we've done is given our kids a cleaner world. But suppose they are wrong. Suppose they are wrong, and climate change is real, and we've done nothing. What kind of a planet are we going to pass on to the next generation of Americans? It's real. We've got to address it. We can do it with technology, with cap-and- trade, with capitalist and free enterprise motivation. And I'm confident that we can pass on to our children and grandchildren a cleaner, better world.

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MSNBC/CNBC Republican Debate, October 9, 2007

Question: Senator McCain, Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Conoco Phillips this past year earned a combined $72 billion in profits. Is that too much? Should the oil industry pay higher taxes, or should it be required to use some of those profits to help solve our energy problems?

McCain: I would hope that they would use those profits to further the cause of alternate energy, nuclear power, a lot of other ways that we have to employ in order to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. By the way, I wouldn't drill off the coast of Florida unless the people of Florida wanted to. And I wouldn't drill off the coast of California unless the people of California wanted to, and I wouldn't drill in the Grand Canyon unless the people in Arizona wanted to.

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CNN Republican Debate, June 5, 2007

Question: Senator McCain, do you have a problem at this time with these oil companies making these huge profits?

McCain: Sure, I think we all do. And they ought to be reinvesting it. And one of the areas that they ought to be involved in is nuclear power. Nuclear power is safe, nuclear power is green — does not green — emit greenhouse gases. Nuclear power is used on Navy ships which have sailed around the world for 60 years without an accident. And of course we ought to be investing in alternate energy sources.

Recently there was a group of retired military officers who said that climate change an energy independence is a national security issue. It is. We’ve got to reduce our dependence on imported oil. We can do it through a wide variety of alternative fuels. But we have to be serious about it, and we’re going to have to go places where we have never gone before. And nuclear power is one of the major issues, but also all kinds of ethanol as well, so.

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MSNBC/Politico.com Republican Debate, May 3, 2007

Question: Senator, embryonic stem cell federal funding.

McCain: I want to thank Mrs. Reagan for the many kindnesses extended to me many -- and my fellow prisoners of war many years ago when we came home to this wonderful state. I believe that we need to fund this. This is a tough issue for those of us in the pro-life community. I would remind you that these stem cells are either going to be discarded or perpetually frozen. We need to do what we can to relieve human suffering. It's a tough issue. I support federal funding.

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Columbus Dispatch In September 2008, the Presidential debate schedule was posted in the 'Columbus Dispatch'. The First Presidential and Vice Presidential debate has already occured, but the following were also listed dates:

October 7, 2008 9pm EDT in Nashville, TN. "Subject: Issues raised by audience members and sumbitted by Internet participants, in town-hall format. Moderator: NBC's Tom Brokaw."

October 15, 2008 9pm EDT New York. "Subject: Domestic policy. Moderator: CBS' Bob Schieffer."

Endnotes

1. ↑ Elizabeth Bumiller and John Broder, McCain Differs with Bush on Climate Change, The New York Times, May 13, 2008, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/13/us/politics/13mccain.html?pagewanted=1.
2. ↑ Sarah Lai Stirland. "Science and Math Education Needs An Overhaul, Say Candidates During Final Debate." Wired. October 15, 2008. http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/10/science-and-mat.html
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} McCain Campaign Education 1 http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/issues/19ce50b5-daa8-4795-b92d-92bd0d985bca.htm
4. ↑ NPR Article on McCain Campaign Education http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93004032
5. ↑ SF Gate on McCain Campaign Education http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/19/MN2913CB28.DTL
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5} McCain Campaign Early Childhood Education http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/read.aspx?guid=3883232c-bdeb-44e5-9387-22d1316e75ed
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1 7.2} McCain Campaign Education Issues http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/PressReleases/read.aspx?guid=2ca6f926-4564-4301-87cd-a5f35e68c0d4
8. ↑ EducationdotCom McCain Article http://www.education.com/magazine/article/John_McCain/
9. ↑ Michael D. Shear and Juliet Eilperin. "McCain Seeks to End Offshore Drilling Ban." The New York Times. June 17, 2008. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/16/AR2008061602731.html?sid=ST2008061700079
10. ↑ http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SP2358:
11. ↑ Statement By John McCain On World AIDS Day. December 1, 2007.http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/news/pressreleases/d94d7240-e810-441d-aeac-4391f957cc28.htm
12. ↑ How Obama, McCain Differ On HIV/Aids. October 14, 2008. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/14/eveningnews/main4522423.shtml
13. ↑ Young, Jeffrey. "McCain won't freeze science funding, adviser says." 14 October 2008. The Hill.http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/science-funding-wont-be-frozen-under-mccain-adviser-says-2008-10-14.html
14. ↑ Joel Achenbach. "McCain Sees Pork Where Scientists See Success." The Washington Post.March 10, 2008.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/09/AR2008030902152.html?nav=rss_nation/science
15. ↑ Robert Block, Space Race is On; Obama Staff in Florida, McCain has New Policy, OrlandoSentinel.com, August 13, 2008, available athttp://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_space_thewritestuff/2008/08/space-race-is-o.html.
16. ↑ Powell, Stewart. "McCain, Obama compete to be seen as friend of NASA." The Houston Chronicle. August 19th, 2008, http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/space/5954137.html