What the hell, your australian!? never knew that :D

 I am also Australian, but I'm going for Obama.

First up, one of the most important rules of understanding economics is that at the end of the day, the market will always return back to a "normal" state, regardless of how much intervention there is from the governments, so long as there are people trying to maximise self benefit, the market will return to a stable position. That is why recessions will always be around and market booms will always be around.

In Australia, John Howard is a absolute genius. He used the time when the economy was naturally booming as a sign that he has good leadership (he does to an extent, but not that good). Now during the Labor years, the economy is going into a recession, partly to blame on the Labor government, but also because that is the way the economy will swing naturally. In essence, that is why Labor has always had a bad reputation for being a poor economic government, despite the fact that it is not actually entirely their fault. I hate it politicians promise to keep interest rates low when in fact they have little control over it.

My point is, Bush didn't bring about America's good economy and he didn't bring about the recession it's about to head into either. So you can't say Obama know's nothing about economics when all the government has control over is how long the decline is delayed for and to an extent how big it will be.

Personally, I'm going for Obama because I believe it's more important to have a coloured president than a female one. Not being sexist or anything, but the fact of the matter is, there are very few coloured leaders in non-african countries. Where as there are plenty of female leaders (the Queen, Prime Minister of NZ if she's still in office etc).

Also, I believe Obama is the most charismatic of the 3. 

Thats all good and what not if you want a man of color and charisma for the US presidency, but the fact of the matter is that the US is in a big hole. We have a dirty war, booming recession, and energy crisis which all needs immediate attention. I am voting for experience in these fields for President, aka McCain. As much as Obama is charismatic, I dont feel he has enough experience to get things done, maybe if he runs again in 4 years I will vote for him.

 As well, Hillary is too gung pow over healthcare instead of dealing with the real problems at hand. But no matter if Obama or McCain will win, they both are going in the right direction of change.

 Quote McCain:

"The issue of economics is something that I've really never understood as well as I should. I understand the basics, the fundamentals, the vision, all that kind of stuff,'' he said. "But I would like to have someone I'm close to that really is a good strong economist. As long as Alan Greenspan is around I would certainly use him for advice and counsel."

 None of them this time.

 The difference... and this is what worried me about Obama... he has a lot of very expensive programs that i'd be for if we had a much better economy.  I believe in universal healthcare, but I don't think the time to implement it is when we are in the middle of a recession.

We need less government spending right now, not more. 

I can give you a rundown as i know it... as i'm stuck between both legitmate candidates at this point.

Iraq

Clinton: Pull out within 2 years, with an option to go back if things get too bad. (and if public opinion agrees.)

Obama: Pull out within 2 years, with a small strike force situated in iraq to take out AlQueda and other terrorists in the state and other countries like pakistan. Whether Pakistan agrees or not.

McCain: Have American troops out in 5 years, with a small contingent of troops there like we do in countries like Japan and Germany. This contigent would not be used for day to day policing.

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Economy

Clinton: Grow green collar jobs with a universal healthcare plan that forces everyone to get healtcare. If you get treatment at a hospital and don't have healthcare you are given a fine. Stop the gas tax for the summer resulting in 20 cents off a gallon.*

Obama: Grow Green collar jobs with a universal healthcare plan that forces parents to provide healthcare for their children. If they get treatment and don't have healtcare they are given a fine.

Mccain: Veto any bill with Earmarks to greatly stop government spending. (Earmarks are what senators use to get money by attaching something unreleated to a bill that is going to pass anyway. Like 8 million dollars for port building in Montana in a bill to approve funding to fly out war widows to retrieve soldiers bodies.) Stop subsidiaries that make the cost of food rise. Stop the gas tax for the summer resulting in 20 cents off a gallon.*

* Most economists claim this would have almost no effecet as Gas Companies would just raise their prices 15-20 cents.

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Stem Cell Research

All three are for it

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Global Warming

All three believe in it and believe it should be stopped. Oddly McCain seems to be the most forcefull about it.

Any other issues?

no, do not vote democrat or republican. Vote 3rd party! Vote Nader!

 Is he even running?

 Yes, he is. This is why the democrats are pissed off. They knkow he will take away a ton of votes. Estimates say he actually has a chance of taking 10% - 15% of votes this election year.