In the post 9/11 age, National Security is high on every American’s priority list. This week NSNS takes a look at the presidential candidates’ stances on National Security. While Senator’s McCain and Obama agree in some areas, such as slowing nuclear proliferation, they strongly disagree in others. Though both voted “Yes” to renew the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act, Obama voted against expanding wiretapping while McCain voted for it. McCain has taken a very vocal stance against torture, but voted against Habeas Corpus for Guantanamo Bay prisoners, and voted against requiring CIA operatives to make full reports of investigations. Obama voted to instate Habeas Corpus for detainees and cites a strong correlation between prisoner torture and extremist attitudes toward America.  From the candidates own web sites, McCain’s plan for National Security involves military force abroad while Obama largely cites the need to secure vulnerable targets at home.

More on McCain from the National Center for Policy Analysis
More on Obama from the National Center for Policy Analysis
More from Senator McCain's campaign website
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More on Senator McCain's voting record
More on Senator Obama's voting record