AdvanceUSA Blog - Election 2008

“Scapegoating the Social Right”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:09:25 GMT

Ramesh Ponuru explains. Here’s a marvelously tongue-in-cheek excerpt:

In 2002 and 2004, Republicans ran hard on social issues and the courts — and scored victories at every level of politics. In 2006 and 2008, they left those issues off the table, and got walloped. It follows, naturally, that the social issues are to blame for the Republican defeats.

Read the full article here.

“Barack Obama Picks Staffer of Pro-Abortion Group as Communication Director”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:21:14 GMT

LifeNews reports.

Former Senate Leader Daschle Accepts HHS Post

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:13:37 GMT

In a move that worries pro-lifers, former Democrat Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has agreed to serve as Barack Obama’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. Daschle’s career was marked by opposition to pro-life legislation.

HT: FRC, LifeNews

“Social Conservatives as Scapegoats”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:19:43 GMT

G. Tracey Mehan III provides an important perspective when considering the results of the recent elections. Excerpt:

This scapegoating of the solid and most loyal of the three wings of the Reaganite coalition is inaccurate and just plain wrong. It is self-defeating in the long run. It is rank blame-shifting and a libel of a GOP constituency which has always supported low taxes, a strong defense and a constrained judiciary. All it asked for was fair consideration of its concerns with family and the culture of life.

Read the full article here.

HT: FRC

“Obama Executive Orders Will Force Abortion, Embryonic Stem Cell Funding”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:55:54 GMT

LifeNews reports. As does Bloomberg.

“Pro-Marriage Ballot Measures Succeed”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:42:20 GMT

Amanda Carpenter explains the good news about the passage of 3 out of 3 marriage amendments on Election Day.

“Democrats Add to Majorities in House, Senate”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:41:19 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

Two Important Thoughts on Marriage Protection

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:39:59 GMT

Here are two important articles from Townhall.com about what is at stake on November 4 for marriage.

Traditional Marriage is Vital to Kids and Education

By: Star Parker

A Vote Against Gay Marriage is a Vote FOR Tolerance

By: Frank Turek

“Group Reminds Voters Barack Obama Wants All Pro-Life Laws Overturned”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:37:11 GMT

LifeNews reports.

What’s At Stake: Why Christians Should Vote

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:18:06 GMT

Are you a Christian looking for a reason to “get out and vote” this year? The new website ValueVotersUSA.com might just give you some good reasons to exercise your Constitutional right and civic responsibility on November 4. With important issues like life, marriage, faith, and the future of the Supreme Court at stake, Christians need to be informed and involved. Check out this website and watch this inspiring video for more information.

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“President's Choice: An Activist Supreme Court”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:08:32 GMT

Wendy Long explains. Excerpt:

The sleeper issue of this presidential campaign is what the new president will do about the liberal, activist Supreme Court that recently convened its 2008-09 term.

Far from being in what Hillary Clinton calls a "right-wing headlock," the current Supreme Court — despite very modest moves in the direction of judicial restraint — is significantly to the left of the American public and persistently fails to uphold the Constitution in two ways.

Click here to read more.

“Palin Supports Federal Marriage Amendment”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:03:14 GMT

CitizenLink reports. And as the AP reports, this means Gov. Palin actually has a stronger position on marriage than Sen. McCain.

Judges Issue Finally Discussed in Final Presidential Debate

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:52:30 GMT

The Committee for Justice gives a run-down of how the judges issue played out in the third and final presidential debate.

AdvanceUSA Interview with Kristin Hansen

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:02:39 GMT

Daniel Herbster reporting

One of the most important causes in our nation today is the campaign to end abortion. While it is important to wage the legal and political battle so that our laws reflect true justice by recognizing the inalienable rights of the unborn, another crucial facet of this campaign is the battle for the hearts and minds of women. Pregnancy resource centers, which provide real options for women contemplating an abortion, do amazing work in our nation helping women and families make the choice for life. Care Net is a nation-wide network that serves pregnancy resource centers, and I’m happy to share with our readers my interview with Kristin Hansen about her work at Care Net and of the importance of pregnancy resource centers.

DH: As important as the legal/political aspect of the pro-life movement is, why do you think an emphasis on providing real options for women is also so important?

KH: The pregnancy center movement was started in the 1960s by people who were strongly opposed to abortion and also had a deep conviction about personally reaching out to help women find alternatives. Care Net was founded in 1975 as the Christian Action Council with its primary focus to educate and promote legislative change on abortion. However, in the 1980s, we found the most immediate path to saving lives was to offer women compassionate support and practical help, one woman at a time. We changed our name to Care Net and adopted a new mission to promote and grow a national network of pregnancy centers. Today, we serve 1,100 pregnancy centers across North America.

A grass roots, community-led movement, pregnancy centers have developed and grown very effective over the years. Today, nine out of ten women who visit a Care Net pregnancy center decide to carry their pregnancy to term. Truly, if it weren’t for pregnancy centers in our country, today’s abortion rate would be much higher.

DH: What are some of the services provided by pregnancy resource centers?

KH: Pregnancy centers offer a wide range of services depending on community needs. A pregnancy center in an urban inner city area may have a different focus than one in the suburbs or one adjacent to a college campus. However, the primary goal of all pregnancy center services is to empower women to make an informed pregnancy decision. All services are free, and that’s important. It indicates that the pregnancy center doesn’t have a financial interest in their client’s pregnancy decision, unlike abortion providers. Free services also send a message of grace and forgiveness to a client who feels afraid, alone, and perhaps ashamed.

Pregnancy center services may include: pregnancy tests, peer counseling, abortion risk information, adoption and parenting information, material support, parenting and childbirth classes, fatherhood support programs, and community referrals to other service providers. At pregnancy centers that offer medical services, licensed medical professionals may offer limited ultrasound, prenatal care, and STD/STI testing and treatment. Many pregnancy centers also run abstinence education programs in local schools, churches, and youth groups. Finally, pregnancy centers offer services to those in emotional pain because of a past abortion. Tens of thousands of people have found forgiveness and healing through a pregnancy center post-abortion support program.

All of these services are offered with the ultimate hope that each client that walks through the doors of a Care Net pregnancy center experiences the love of Jesus Christ.

DH: How does Care Net serve resource centers?

KH: Care Net is the behind the scenes partner to pregnancy centers, providing them the resources, education, and support so that they can do their job with excellence. When someone has a vision to start a pregnancy center, they often have little background in non-profit management. That’s where Care Net comes in, providing the guidance and education all along the way. Pregnancy centers choose to affiliate with Care Net to receive access to regional and online trainings and conferences, a network of regional consultants, support from partnering organizations such as ECFA, National Fatherhood Initiative, and Alliance Defense Fund, and a host of other educational and resource opportunities.

In addition, Care Net works to promote the work of pregnancy centers to women and men who need their help. Care Net jointly owns and operates with Heartbeat International the Option Line call center and website, (800-395-HELP) or www.optionline.org, a 24/7 operation where trained phone consultants connect those who call, email, or Instant Message to the help of a local pregnancy center. More than 800,000 people contact the Option Line for help every year and the majority of them are considering abortion. Care Net also serves as a national advocate for pregnancy centers which are coming under frequent attack by abortion groups that find centers’ growing effectiveness a threat.

Finally, Care Net seeks to come alongside communities and plant new pregnancy centers in places where they are needed the most – in particular, urban inner cities and college and university areas. We seek to raise awareness about these underserved areas and plant new pregnancy centers by partnering with organizations, churches, and ministries that are already serving in these communities.

DH: How could a woman contemplating an abortion get help? What are some ways she could get in touch with a local resource center?

KH: As I mentioned earlier, the best way to find a local pregnancy center is by using the pregnancy center locator system on the Option Line website or simply by calling 800-395-HELP. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On the website, click on “Find a Center”, enter your zip code, and then the ten closest pregnancy centers will pop up with a listing of their hours of operation and services offered.

Women facing unplanned pregnancies have shared that they felt alone and scared. But after visiting a pregnancy center, a woman feels like she’s had a calm moment to take a breath and talk to someone who is kind, compassionate, and well-informed. She leaves feeling no longer alone, hopefully, and empowered with all sorts of information about her options. Many women truly bond with their pregnancy center counselors and receive mentoring and support from the center throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

DH: How could our readers find out about their local resource centers, and what are some ways they could help them continue to do their important work?

KH: They too could use the Option Line pregnancy center locator system at www.optionline.org. Care Net has heard from a number of its affiliates that charitable giving to their organization is down in this economy, so donations are always gladly received. In addition, there are a host of ways someone can volunteer at a pregnancy center, from folding baby clothes and mailing newsletters to raising awareness at local churches or volunteering as a peer counselor. Many medical professionals are also donating their time generously to pregnancy centers and are welcome as volunteers.

DH: Is there any federal legislation that could endanger the work of pregnancy resource centers? Are there any typical kinds of state legislation to watch out for? In short, what are the greatest threats to their work?

KH: Yes, as I mentioned above, Care Net is working hard to advocate for the work of pregnancy centers both at the federal and state level where bills have been introduced to try and shut us down. Rep. Carolyn Maloney has introduced a bill that claims that pregnancy centers employ deceptive advertising practices and calls for the Federal Trade Commission to create and enforce rules on the matter. Sen. Robert Menendez has introduced a companion bill in the senate. Neither official can cite real examples of where such deceptive advertising is occurring.

At the local and state level, college students and other involved with groups like NARAL and Feminist Majority Foundation are posing as clients to gather information and harass pregnancy centers. State legislation in a handful of states seeks to impose speech on pregnancy centers. A bill in Maryland would have forced pregnancy centers to say to their clients, “We’re not required to provide you medically accurate information.”

None of these bills have succeeded, however the negative publicity surrounding them likely deter women from accessing our services.

Some influential medical groups, like American Psychological Association, are also getting involved and sadly putting politics before women’s health. After a biased review of the research, the APA claimed in August 2008 that there are no adverse mental health effects after a single abortion. If that is so, why do more than 13,000 women and men every year come to Care Net pregnancy centers for help dealing with the emotional pain of a past abortion? Care Net pregnancy centers accurately inform pregnant clients that there is a potential for depression, even suicidal thoughts, after an abortion. Groups like NARAL claim pregnancy centers are lying about such risks and then cite the APA to back them up.

These attacks are not unexpected when you’re dealing with a life and death issue of this magnitude. Whatever the politics surrounding this topic, pregnancy centers will remain committed to providing the most up-to-date, accurate, and comprehensive information about the potential risks of abortion. Women deserve the truth.

DH: Kristin, thanks for your time. Keep up the great work, and please keep us updated on this important pro-life issue.

KH: Thanks for the opportunity to inform your readers about our work! God bless!

Note: The views of any interviewee do not necessarily reflect the views of AdvanceUSA.

“Palin Attacks Obama’s ‘Appalling’ Refusal to Defend Babies Who Survive Abortion”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:16:11 GMT

CNS News reports.

“Palin Drubs Obama on Abortion”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:46:14 GMT

The AP reports. As does LifeNews.

“Pro-Life Advocates Upset Second Presidential Debate Didn't Address Abortion”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:40:33 GMT

LifeNews reports.

Abortion Nuances Fall Short, Obama’s Record Examined

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:25:52 GMT

Doug Johnson of the National Right to Life Committee has a piece at NRO debunking the commonly used “we want to reduce abortion numbers” excuse that pro-abortion politicians often resort to, and he sets the record straight on Barack Obama’s record on abortion.

“Obama Stem Cell Ad Ignores 'Adult Stem Cell' Diabetes Treatments, says Repair Stem Cell Institute Spokesman”

AdvanceUSA — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:12:14 GMT

This press release at Forbes reports.

“Born Alive”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:35:38 GMT

If Barack Obama had his way, Gianna Jessen wouldn’t be here today.

Ashley Herzog continues in her article at Human Events.

How Do the Candidates Compare on Pro-Life Issues?

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:35:19 GMT

National Right to Life has issued a helpful comparison of the two major presidential candidates’ positions on pro-life issues.

Website Helps Americans “Stand for Marriage”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:42:54 GMT

Do you know if your state has a ballot initiative to protect the traditional definition of marriage? Would you like to support the effort to protect marriage from radical legislatures and activist judges? Standformarriage.com provides you with information on the efforts to protect marriage across the country and allows you to support those efforts.

“Family Research Council Launches New PAC to Help Pro-Life Candidates”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:35:40 GMT

LifeNews reports.

Remember Judges!

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:45:32 GMT

As the nation nears the crucial November 4 elections, a reminder of the importance of judicial nominations is particularly apt. Whoever wins the presidential race will likely have two to three vacancies to fill on the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the U.S. Senate still has several highly qualified appellate court nominees waiting for the courtesy of an up-or-down vote.

As MSNBC and The Hill report, some delegates at the recent GOP convention attempted to keep the judges issue on the forefront of people’s minds.

Our friend Curt Levey from the Committee for Justice explains a strategy for getting the remaining appellate court nominees approved by a stubborn and partisan Senate.

“Obama Says He Was Too Flip[pant] on Abortion Question”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:24:32 GMT

The AP reports. Excerpt:

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama acknowledged Sunday that he was probably too flip when he said it was "above my pay grade" to answer a question about when is a baby entitled to human rights.

GOP Holds National Convention: Conservatives Pleased with Palin

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:07:31 GMT

Now that the major threat from Hurricane Gustav has passed, plans for a normal (if somewhat abbreviated) Republican National Convention will continue. LifeNews reports that the official GOP platform was approved with a strong pro-life plank.

According to a report from the Washington Post, conservatives and especially evangelicals are excited about Sen. John McCain’s selection of Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. The White House and others are urging the media to respect the Palins’ privacy as Gov. Palin’s daughter was recently discovered to be pregnant.

“McCain Picks Alaska Gov. as Running Mate”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:29:29 GMT

The McCain surprised media observers with his pick of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska to be his running mate. Pro-life and pro-family leaders began hailing McCain’s decision soon after rumors of Palin’s selection seemed credible. The AP reports.

Photo source: Yahoo

Democrats Approve Party Platform

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:21:40 GMT

The Wall Street Journal gives a quick run-down of the recently approved Democrat Party Platform, while LifeNews and William McGurn raise questions about the “abortion plank.”

The AP reports that the Republican platform while likely experience a dramatic cut in length but will probably not include many ideological surprises.

Sen. Obama Picks Sen. Biden as Running Mate

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:25:51 GMT

Brietbart reports. As does LifeNews.

Photo source: Chicago Tribune

“The Real Story of the Democrats’ Abortion Plank”

AdvanceUSA — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:42:12 GMT

Steven Waldman reports in the Wall Street Journal.

Who’s Lying?

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:47:45 GMT

National Right to Life responds to allegations by presidential candidate Barack Obama that NRL is lying about his opposition to “Born Alive Infant Protection” legislation while a state senator in Illinois.

Information on Presidential Candidate Forum

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:39:40 GMT

Saturday night’s presidential forum at Rick Warren’s church provided a clear distinction between the major candidates on various issues, especially on social conservative issues such as abortion, judges, and the rights of faith-based organizations. To read a transcript of the event click here. To view the entire broadcast via online video click here.

“Comparing McCain and Obama on Abortion and Same-Sex Marriage”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:20:33 GMT

Janice Shaw Crouse reports at Townhall.com.

McCain and Obama Split on California Marriage Amendment

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:35:34 GMT

The Sacramento Bee reports on Sen. Obama’s position. As mentioned on AdvanceUSA Blog two weeks ago, the Brody File first reported Sen. McCain’s position.

The Vital Voice and The Bay Area Reporter (both homosexual publications) also report.

“McCain Makes Clear Support for CA Marriage Amendment”

AdvanceUSA — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:25:22 GMT

The Brody File has this exclusive report.

“Obama Makes Promise to Planned Parenthood”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:36:30 GMT

CitizenLink reports.

“Where Do Obama and McCain Stand on Pro-Family Issues?”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:32:18 GMT

CitizenLink reports, concluding that “both candidates could do more for life, marriage, family.”

Barack Obama and John McCain on Abortion, According to the AP

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:25:50 GMT

Although clearly biased toward a pro-choice perspective-using terms such as “abortion rights”-this AP report paints a stark contrast between the two remaining major presidential candidates on abortion. Excerpt:

ABORTION

McCain: Opposes abortion rights. Has voted for abortion restrictions permissible under Roe v. Wade, and now says he would seek to overturn that guarantee of abortion rights. Would not seek constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

Obama: Favors abortion rights.

Obama Wins Montana and South Dakota Primaries: Appears to Have Sealed Democrat Nomination

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:09:21 GMT

Tonight Sen. Barack Obama defeated Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Montana and South Dakota Democrat primaries, apparently garnering enough delegates and super delegates to become the “presumptive nominee” of the Democrat party. There is still no word on whether Clinton plans to concede defeat.

RealClearPolitics reports that, according to some measurements, Clinton still maintains a lead in the popular vote while CBS News clearly shows Obama with the lead in delegates.

Montana results

South Dakota results

To see how Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain match up on twelve important issues check out AdvanceUSA’s 2008 Candidate Comparisons.

Clinton Wins Kentucky in Landslide, Obama Wins Oregon by Narrower Margin

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:27:04 GMT

Yesterday Senator Hillary Clinton won the Democrat Primary in Kentuky by a wide margin, while Senator Barack Obama won the contest in Oregon. Despite trailing in the delegate count, Sen. Clinton promises to continue campaigning, at least until June. Senator John McCain, as expected, handily won both states’ Republican primaries.

ABC News has the full results for Kentucky and Oregon.

Make sure you know where the remaining major presidential candidates stand on important issues with AdvanceUSA’s 2008 Candidate Comparisons.

“Electing the Supreme Court in 2008”

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:21:51 GMT

In her piece at Townhall.com Sandy Froman reminds us of the important of Supreme Court nominees in the upcoming presidential election. This is something we can’t be reminded of enough. Excerpt:

The political “hot button” issues of guns and judges have become intertwined in this election year. The fate of both issues will be decided by the candidate we elect as president. Why? Because over a four-year term, that president will likely appoint at least two and possibly three justices to the United States Supreme Court. Simply stated, this year when we elect a president, we will also cast our ballot for the next Supreme Court.

Clinton Wins West Virginia

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 14 May 2008 03:35:45 GMT

Vowing to continue her race for the presidency, Sen. Hillary Clinton won the West Virginia Democrat primary Tuesday by a wide margin. It doesn’t appear that the end of the Democrat Primary is yet in sight. Reuters reports.

Full results here.

Compare the remaining three major candidates on 12 important issues with AdvanceUSA’s 2008 Candidate Comparisons for the general election.

“Obama Wins North Carolina, Clinton Scrapes By in Indiana”

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:32:32 GMT

In the continuing Democrat Primary Sen. Barack Obama won North Carolina and Sen. Hillary Clinton barely won Indiana. The Wall Street Journal reports. LifeNews also reports.

USA Today has the full results for Indiana and North Carolina.

Compare the remaining presidential candidates on 12 conservative issues with AdvanceUSA’s non-partisan Candidate Comparisons for the 2008 general election.

John McCain Speaks Out on Judges

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:27:07 GMT

Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain recently spoke about federal judges in a speech at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

“Barack Obama Defends Opposition to Partial-Birth Abortion Ban in Interview”

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:54:41 GMT

LifeNews reports.

Hillary Clinton Beats Barack Obama in Pennsylvania

AdvanceUSA — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:01:32 GMT

Yesterday Sen. Hillary Clinton won the Democrat primary in Pennsylvania beating Sen. Barack Obama by almost ten points. Fox News has more information here.

For full results of the PA primary click here.

Find out how the three remaining major candidates stand on important issues with AdvanceUSA’s 2008 Candidate Comparisons for the general election.

Current Presidential Candidates Go “On the Record” On Obstruction of Judicial Nominees

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:48:07 GMT

ConfrimThem reports that the three leading presidential candidates have all responded to Sen. Arlen Specter’s letter on the obstruction of judicial nominees in the Senate Judiciary Committee. In light of the importance to our nation of confirming well-qualified, originalist judges to the federal bench, the candidates’ statements on this issue should be carefully scrutinized.

To see the three remaining major candidates’ positions on judges and eleven other conservative issues check out AdvanceUSA’s 2008 Candidate Comparisons for the general election.

UPDATE: Read the entire responses here.

“Barack Obama Doesn't Know When Life Begins, He and Clinton OK Abortion”

AdvanceUSA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:52:05 GMT

LifeNews reports.

Punished with a Baby?

AdvanceUSA — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:12:53 GMT

Barack Obama referred to being “punished with a baby” when confronted with a pro-life Democrat in Pennsylvania recently. Obama also disparaged abstinence education at the event. Politico has the details.

2008 Candidate Comparisons: General Election Edition

AdvanceUSA — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:07:21 GMT

Make sure you cast an informed ballot this November with AdvanceUSA’s 2008 Candidate Comparisons for the presidential election. AdvanceUSA compared the major presidential candidates on twelve important issues of concern for conservatives.

If you found our presidential primary comparisons helpful, you are sure to appreciate our general election match-ups which offer more detail and nuance.

Since it appears the Democrat nomination will not be determined until the party’s convention, AdvanceUSA has prepared match-ups for the two most likely scenarios (Clinton vs. McCain and Obama vs. McCain). AdvanceUSA hopes you find these a helpful resource for comparing the candidates and determining which most represents your values.

Sen. Clinton vs. Sen. McCain
Click here

ONLINE INTERACTIVE VERSION
(Coming Soon!)

Sen. Obama vs. Sen. McCain
Click here

ONLINE INTERACTIVE VERSION
(Coming Soon!)

Please tell your friends and relatives about this helpful resource. Email them this blog entry, or send them a link to http://www.advanceusa.org/.

Keep checking AdvanceUSA for our Online Interactive Version which will allow readers to see the supporting evidence for the candidates’ positions.

Note: You can still view the Candidate Comparisons for the primaries and caucuses here.