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THE ISSUES / DEFENSE
The Candidates:
• George W. Bush
• John Kerry
• Ralph Nader
• Third Parties
Showdown States:
The Conventions:
• Democratic
• Republican


<img src="http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/ELECTION/2004/special/president/issues/images/new.issues/noflash.nav.issues.byissue.gif" width="622" height="53" usemap="#IssuesMap" border="0" hspace="0" vspace="0">
Editor's note: This chart features brief summaries of candidates' viewpoints on some issues, based on their statements and records. Most candidates have offered more comprehensive explanations of their positions on these and other issues. More information may be found on their campaign Web sites.
National Missile Defense
Increase size of Army
Program budgets
Has ordered limited NMD system deployed by 2004
Has not proposed increasing the Army's size
Would increase military spending 4.2 percent to $380 billion
Opposes NMD, supports nonproliferation and arms control
Recruit more service members; start Community Defense Svc.
Invest in new equipment, technology; offer better pay, benefits
Opposes NMD, major critic of military 'overspending'
Criticizes deployment of forces in Europe, East Asia, Iraq
Curb funding for 'wasteful ... military industrial complex'
National Missile Defense
Increase size of Army
Program budgets
NOTE
• AG: Attorney General; ANWR: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; CAFÉ: Standards that provide tax and other incentives for consumers to purchase and alternative fuel vehicles; COPS: Community Oriented Policing Program; DOMA: Defense of Marriage Act; GLBT: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered; NCLB: No Child Left Behind; NMD: National Missile Defense.
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