Candidates' fault lines on issues emerge

Taxes: Favors rolling back President Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.

Iraq war: Favors a cap on troop levels and phased withdrawal, with the U.S. out by 2009.

Healthcare: Working on a plan for universal healthcare. Would require insurers in federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid to cover prevention. Would end discrimination against those with preexisting conditions.

Guantanamo Bay: Favors closing U.S. detention center.

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JOHN EDWARDS

Taxes: Favors rolling back Bush tax cuts for those making more than $200,000 a year and using a portion of the revenue to finance expanded healthcare.

Iraq war: Favors capping funding for troops at 100,000 and withdrawal of all combat troops over the next 12 to 18 months.

Healthcare: Would require employers to provide coverage or help workers buy it, and allow employers or consumers to join regional pools to purchase in bulk and hold down premium costs. Wants to expand Medicaid and other public health programs.

Guantanamo Bay: Favors closing detention center.

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BARACK OBAMA

Taxes: Would roll back Bush tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 a year to finance expanded healthcare.

Iraq war: Supports capping troop levels at 130,000 and completing pullout of combat brigades by March 31, 2008.

Healthcare: Would expand federal role in regulating insurers and paying for costliest cases. Would require most employers to contribute to worker coverage; require parents to obtain insurance for children.

Guantanamo Bay: Favors closing detention center.

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RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI

Taxes: Supports making Bush tax cuts permanent.

Iraq war: Supported the president's "surge" plan and opposes establishment of a timetable for withdrawal. Would keep troops in Iraq until the country is stabilized.

Healthcare: Backs moving individuals from employerbased plans to the free market, with tax deductions to help pay for insurance. Opposes governmentmandated universal care.

Guantanamo Bay: Supports a wide range of interrogation tactics; no position on Guantanamo closure.

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JOHN MCCAIN

Taxes: Supports making Bush tax cuts permanent.

Iraq war: Voted for the invasion; criticizes the conduct of the war. Believes a pullout would lead to further instability and conflicts in the region.