Barack Obama vs. John McCain - Side by Side Senate Voting Record for Easy Comparison (Paperback)

~ Barack Obama (Author), John McCain (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

It is often difficult to ignore the hype and find out what the candidates really believe in. During this election, however, voters have the unique advantage of access to the actual voting records of both candidates. ***** This book lists every legislation considered by the U.S. Senate between January 6, 2005 and May 22, 2008 and shows you how Senator Obama and Senator McCain voted on each of these issues. ***** Here are hundreds of votes each of them cast (or didn't cast-the book also shows every legislation the candidate didn't vote on). Each candidate's votes are listed side by side for easy comparison. *****The book also includes a one-page summary of votes that shows, among other statistics, how many times each has voted with the other and how many times each has voted against the other. ***** Finally, for those readers who want to obtain more extensive details on the legislation mentioned in this book, the book gives clear instructions on how to access such information using the internet (there is no cost for accessing this information).

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Arc Manor (June 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604502495
• ISBN-13: 978-1604502497
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #759,177 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not very helpful., August 19, 2008

By	Christopher R. Hoskins "dingo727" (Gardena, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book presents all the same pieces of legislation Obama and McCain have voted on since they were both simultaneously members of the senate. The book provides the date of the vote, a short description, and a Yea/Nay/Did Not Vote for both of the presidential candidates.

I have two problems with this guide.

First, the bills are presented in chronological order. It would be a lot better if they were sorted by issue type (foreign policy, energy, military affairs, etc.) than in chronological order. That way, I could cut to the chase and compare votes on the issues I feel take priority and not have to waste time flipping through issues I feel to be less important. Real example: "On the Resolution S.Res 38: A resolution commending the people of Iraq on the January 30, 2005 national elections."

Second, most of the bills are summarized very hastily. Many of them end in "and for other purposes." I have googled the exact text of some of these and there is a great deal to these "other purposes." I wonder how unbiased the summarizer was and exactly what all is left out of the summary. I can understand the need to summarize, but am wary of blindly trusting that these are completely fair.

20 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just the Facts, August 17, 2008

By	Carolyn Rampone "Carolyn D'Amico Rampone" (Plantation, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In an election year where neutral and non-partisan news reporting seems to be dead, we all need facts, not more opinions based on personal choice. Start here with Barack Obama vs. John McCain - Side by Side Senate Voting Record for Easy Comparison and make an informed decision based on what has already been done, not what each candidate is promising now. I see our election system as the world's most expensive audition for actors, all playing a role in order to convince you they can pull off the performance of a lifetime. Once in office, they usually fall back to what they have done in the past which is why this book is the most valuable tool you can have at your disposal. We all hear the almost evangelical speeches, the screaming crowds, the promises and the stories of past torture and courage, now read what they do when push comes to shove and they are choosing for all of us. Remember, the best predictor of future behavior is past actions. Pay attention this year, it's more important than ever to make a choice based on education, not emotions. Choosing our president involves a lot more than promises,hope,or dancing ability. It involves using your brain and choosing what is right, not what "feels" right.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Obama Vs. McCain Voting Record, September 29, 2008

By	Michael Walsh - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a fantastic comparison of the 2 senators voting records, with many surprising votes by McCain when compared to his campaign messaging. The one improvement I would have liked to see is more detail in the Vote Question section for each motion/amendment/bill.