Campaign Trail Results: Game #785537
Play The Campaign Trail
This Game:
- Year: 2012
- Player Candidate: Barack Obama
- Running Mate: Joe Biden
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Winner Take All Mode?: Yes
- Game Played:
blake.todes
View overall results, or a specific state:
| Candidate | Electoral Votes | Popular Votes | Pop. Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| ---- Barack Obama | 347 | 68,150,154 | 52.64 |
| ---- Mitt Romney | 191 | 60,101,725 | 46.43 |
| ---- Gary Johnson | 0 | 876,884 | 0.68 |
| ---- Jill Stein | 0 | 328,903 | 0.25 |
Visits:
- Indiana:11
- Missouri:1
Answers:
- Should the Confederate flag be removed entirely from the South Carolina statehouse grounds?The Confederate Flag is a symbol of slavery, racism, and rebellion against the United States. It's abominable that in 2012, any state could consider flying such a symbol.
- A recent Supreme Court decision affirmed an Arizona law allowing officers to check suspected illegal immigrants for proof of immigration status. Do you think this law is a good idea?This is an unconscionable violation of civil rights and will certainly lead to racial profiling.
- To what extent should offshore drilling be permitted in the Gulf of Mexico?The drilling we have in place now is sufficient. What the fiasco with BP proves is that as we reach further and further down for more marginal sources, we increase the risk of accidents.
- What is your position on gay marriage?Gay marriage should be protected at the federal level. The Defense of Marriage Act should be repealed.
- Should military women serve in combat roles?Separate is inherently unequal. There is nothing preventing women from serving in combat roles.
- Do you support allowing the Bush Tax Cuts to expire for high-income households at the end of 2012?I support letting the cuts expire. It's time that wealthy Americans paid their fair share for the opportunities our society gives to them.
- Overall, are you satisfied with the trade relationship between the U.S. and China?The U.S.-China relationship has destroyed middle class jobs for close to three decades. We need drastic changes including more protection for American manufacturing.
- Do you support continued subsidies for the production of ethanol fuel?Ethanol has the potential to radically change our energy equation, and to provide a clean source of renewables. We should continue these subsidies.
- Would you sign a bill to make English the Official Language of the United States?While English is our common language, I don't think it's wise at this point to declare it an 'official language' or to forbid other languages in government business.
- What is your opinion on the 'gunwalking' tactics that led to the 'Fast and Furious' scandal?It makes sense to track gun sales over a period of time, to get a better picture of who is buying them, and to try and arrest more important cartel leaders.
- Should middle school students learn about contraception in health class, or will this simply encourage them to experiment?This is a sensible policy that will reduce teen pregnancies and help our children make informed decisions.
- The Affordable Care Act (i.e. 'Obamacare') will cap annual premiums, require minimum coverage levels, and outlaw discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. What do you think?I'm convinced that this program will work. This is a good compromise allowing private insurers to conduct business, while securing access to health insurance for more Americans. If anything, the increased transparency will reduce insurance costs.
- Do you think the Death with Dignity Act in Oregon could be a model for broader federal legislation on the issue?That's ridiculous. Of course not.
- Should Angela Merkel be doing more to preserve to Euro as the European Union's common currency?If Merkel fails in this mission, we all will be affected negatively. I have the utmost faith that she realizes this and will act accordingly.
- Would you consider a default on some U.S. debt obligations if the financial situation of the country continues to deteriorate?Under no circumstances would the United States consider that as a course of action.
- Should the Social Security Trust Fund be purchasing U.S. Treasury bills? Should it be allowed to invest in other bonds and securities to potentially increase its rate of return? Or conversely, should the funds be held in a 'lockbox' to guarantee benefit payments?I think anyone who has managed money can tell you there is a place for U.S. Treasuries in any professional portfolio. Allowing the Social Security fund to invest in other securities opens a huge number of potential problems and conflicts of interest.
- Would you advocate cutting Peace Corps funding to help address the deficit?This is a valuable component of our international presence. We should maintain the funding we have in place, which is miniscule in proportion to our overall budget.
- Should military spending be cut to help reduce the deficit? If so, by how much?Compared to our potential adversaries, we spend a colossal amount on our military infrastructure. Certainly any attempt to reduce our deficit should include a few cuts in the military.
- Without divulging a preference for any particular religious group, do you believe that America was founded as a Christian nation?This is an arcane debate. The First Amendment guarantees religious freedom in the U.S., and the personal beliefs of the founders are not a relevant policy issue.
- The Supreme Court will be deciding an affirmative action case this fall involving the University of Texas. Should colleges be allowed to consider the race of an applicant when deciding whether to admit them?I oppose discrimination in all of its forms. Colleges should be forced to admit based on the merit of their applications, in a color-blind fashion.
- Your former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is currently engaged in a high-profile struggle with the Chicago Teachers Union. Do you hope that he succeeds?This is a local issue that Chicago needs to figure out. It's probably best for me not to comment on this.
- Some liberals say that you have done more to help Wall Street banks than hard-working Americans. Are you open to a more universal program of mortgage write-downs if housing prices continue to decline?The financial system is unstable enough without bringing a policy like this into play. I think it is well-intentioned, but it wouldn't necessarily be very helpful.
- What will be the overriding theme of your nomination speech at the Democratic Convention?I will talk at great length about how we've drifted from the tradition of liberalism that was built by the likes of Roosevelt, Johnson, and Humphrey. I will reaffirm my commitment to this vision in my second term.
- What is your guiding foreign policy philosophy?American Exceptionalism -- Providence has given America to the world as an inspiration, and we must vigorously defend the ideals of peace and freedom wherever they may be threatened.
- In the most general terms, what will be your overall campaign strategy against Romney?I will promise a fresh start in overcoming the gridlock in Washington. In my second term I will reach out to moderates and sensible Republicans to find common, pragmatic solutions to our most pressing issues.