The following is a list of the top 18 issues that most Americans consider to be decision points for November 4. Examiners from all areas of the political spectrum break down the positions of each candidate.
| Issue | ||||
| Abortion | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Budget and Taxes | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Crime | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Disaster Preparedness and Relief | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Environment | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Foreign Affairs and Defense Issues | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Gun laws | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Health Policy | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Illegal Drugs | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Immigration | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Law and Civil Rights | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Race and Ethnicity | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Same-sex marriage | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Energy | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Stem cell research | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Education | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |
| Social Security | Barack Obama | John McCain | Ralph Nader | Bob Barr |