The 2012 presidential election is underway, and to many it’s one of the most intense yet. Several polls indicate that President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney have a 50-50 chance of winning the election this November.

President Obama advocates for the average American family. He believes a strong nation relies on a flourishing middle class. Obama plans to repeal Bush tax cuts for households that earn a salary of over $250,000 (the one percent). This long term agenda could dramatically reduce the 16 trillion dollar deficit.

Obama also plans to focus on illegal immigration by encompassing the borders with an abundant amount of security and giving illegal immigrants the privilege to obtain an education.  Further, Obama wants to keep Obamacare and provide coverage for preexisting conditions.

In terms of foreign policy, President Obama promises a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan by 2014. Regarding Iran, the president wishes to tighten bonds and make sure nuclear weaponry isn’t obtained even though Joe Biden stated during the vice presidential debate that engagement with Iran isn’t necessary. Obama supports gay rights and believes women have the right to control their own bodies.

Governor Romney draws from his extensive business experience when discussing economic policy. He does not want to tax the one percent any higher than the middle class and the insolvent. He believes all Americans should be taxed equally. One alternative method proposed to lower the deficit would be to cut government spending by five percent. He plans to repeal Obamacare and give individuals the opportunity to purchase their own private sector health insurance policies.

Romney doesn’t believe that illegal immigrants should be given equal opportunities as compared to American citizens. In a recent CNN debate Romney stated America needed to “turn off the magnets like tuition breaks or other breaks that draw people into this country illegally.” Romney also aims to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by 2014 and to keep a strong lookout on Iran to block further nuclear capabilities. Romney does not support gay marriage or abortion.

Campaigning has been pushing forward for over a year: Governor Romney stood with many Republicans and made his way past Herman Cain, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich. President Obama has faced the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. One of the greatest things about the United States of America is that we are a democracy. We have the right to vote and express our opinion. You followed them, watched the debates, and were given the facts. Whose side are you on?