2008 US Election Studies

2008 U.S. Presidential Determination: The FDA, in an in-house evaluation, evaluated and ranked/graded the five main candidates running in the 2008 US Presidential election. The Committee evaluted the backgrounds and visions of the candidates, and the four key policy areas--economy, health, environment, and foreign affairs. Synopsis: The FDA evaluation committee ranked/graded the candidates as follows: 1. Nader 64.5/80 (80.6%) 2. McCain 48.5/80 (60.6%) 3. Obama 44.5/80 (55.6%) 4. Barr 44/80 (55%) 5. Baldwin 28.5/80 (36.6%) Despite polls like Zogby showing Nader only has support of 1%, Nader was ranked/graded 20% points ahead of the second place candidate. Nader achieved this result with a strong background, very strong vision for America, and strong policies in four areas for America. In contrast, Obama was weak in all sections of the evaluation, except for environmental policy. Regarding Obama further, the FDA recommends that people look beyond the smile, speaking ability, new face, and party slogans, and at what the candidate actually offers. The FDA found little difference overall between the policies of Obama and McCain, and this “change” which Obama keeps referring to was found wanting. An Obama administration, based on our policy evaluation, will do very little to solve the problems of American society. In fact, we think an Obama or McCain administration will worsen the American problems. We can see this in the foreign policies of both Obama and McCain in which there is little restraint in the foreign intervention and an emphasis on increasing significantly the size and capability of the US military. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (pdf file) of the FDA evaluation of the 2008 US Presidential election. FULL REPORT FULL REPORT (pdf file) of the FDA evaluation of the 2008 US Presidential election. Comparative Evaluation of Ranking/Grading and Election Results