 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click name for more |
|
|
BACKGROUND |
|
|
|
AGENDA |
|
|
|
CAMPAIGN QUOTE |
|
|
|
|
 George W
Bush |
|
|
Republican president. Has faced tough tests during first term, including the 11 September attacks, the war in Iraq and corporate corruption.
|
|
|
|
Is expected to base his re-election bid on his national security and economic track records.
|
|
|
|
"In our country we must work for a society of prosperity and compassion, so that every citizen has a chance to work and succeed."
|
|
|
|
|
John
Kerry |
|
|
Democrat. Massachusetts senator, served in Vietnam. Promises to keep America "safe from foreign threats and greedy special interests".
|
|
|
|
Supported the war in Iraq, but criticised diplomatic shortcomings. Emphasises his military background, would end tax cuts for the rich.
|
|
|
|
"An international policy where we stand alone is wrong. I will challenge George Bush for taking our country in the wrong direction."
|
|
|
|
|
Dennis
Kucinich |
|
|
Democrat. Ohio congressman. Says he offers a "different vision for America", seen as the most liberal of the candidates.
|
|
|
|
Anti-war, would withdraw US troops from Iraq and cut defence budget. Would cancel tax cuts, fund education and healthcare. Backs gay marriage.
|
|
|
|
"I am running to challenge this system which traps so many of Americans in fear, violence and poverty and makes us pay for wars we don't want."
|
|
|
|
|
Al
Sharpton |
|
|
Democrat. New York community leader and religious minister. Believes in the need to focus on domestic issues over international concerns.
|
|
|
|
Against the war in Iraq, backs UN-led reconstruction. Would repeal all Bush tax cuts. Proposes a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to healthcare and education for all.
|
|
|
|
"I'm running for president because we not only need a new director, we need a new direction. And this party must go back to representing the interests of people, working people."
|
|
|
|
|
John
Edwards |
|
|
Democrat. North Carolina senator. Lawyer, has devoted his professional and political career to championing populist causes and issues relating to ordinary people.
|
|
|
|
Supported war in Iraq and US-led reconstruction. Would repeal tax cuts for the rich, promote healthcare for all American children.
|
|
|
|
"We deserve a president who is close to our people, not the lobbyists... I will be a champion for regular people every day."
|
|
|
|
|
Howard
Dean |
|
|
Democrat. Former governor of Vermont. Says he is a "common-sense moderate", believes in social justice based on strong financial management.
|
|
|
|
Opposed war in Iraq, but committed to reconstruction. Would repeal Bush tax cuts, use money to provide health insurance for all Americans.
|
|
|
|
"This campaign is about more than issue differences. It is about something as important as our children. It's about who we are as Americans."
|
|
|
|
|
Wesley
Clark |
|
|
Democrat. Highly-decorated former general and Vietnam war veteran, commanded Nato operations in Kosovo in 1999.
|
|
|
|
Says his military background makes him the ideal candidate to fight terrorism. Has promised to cut budget deficits and reinvigorate the economy.
|
|
|
|
"We'll ask the tough questions. Why has America lost 2.7 million jobs? Why has our country lost our sense of security, and feels the shadow of fear?"
|
|
|
|
|
Dick
Gephardt |
|
|
Democrat. Missouri congressman. Believes in the need to set aside destructive political power games and focus on issues.
|
|
|
|
Would repeal tax cuts for high earners and spend money on healthcare. Opposed to Nafta, calls for free trade reform. Supported war in Iraq.
|
|
|
|
"Every proposal I'm making has a single purpose - to revive a failing economy and give working Americans the help and security they need."
|
|
|
|
|
Joe
Lieberman |
|
|
Democrat. Connecticut senator. Seen as progressive on social issues, moderate on taxation and budgets, conservative on defence.
|
|
|
|
Supported war in Iraq, backs reconstruction. Would repeal tax cuts for the rich, provide tax incentives for investment and job creation.
|
|
|
|
"I intend to talk straight to the American people. I will not hesitate to tell my friends when they are wrong - and to agree with my opponents when they are right."
|
|
|
|
|
Carol
Moseley
Braun |
|
|
Democrat. Former Illinois senator. Describes herself as an advocate of diversity, committed to social justice and good government.
|
|
|
|
Would repeal Bush tax cuts and spend the money on health. Supports gay marriage. Opposed the war in Iraq.
|
|
|
|
"This country is on the wrong track. Our economy is in the doldrums. Not because of any natural phenomenon or the threat of war, but because of failed leadership."
|
|
|
|
This at-a-glance guide is intended to give an overview of candidates' stances and policies only. More detailed information may be available on their individual campaign websites. |
One-Minute World News
News services
