Question: Did Barack Obama Vote 94 Times to Increase Taxes?
Answer: During the October 3, 2008 vice presidential debate, Gov. Sarah Palin repeated something frequently stated during John McCain's campaign for U.S. presdient. Palin claimed that Barack Obama had voted to raise taxes 94 times.
Here are some truer statistics on how Barack Obama has voted on tax issues that were included in Palin's "94" vote count:
- 17 of Obama's tax-related votes were on only 7 different bills;
- He cast 7 votes that would have lowered taxes for many people but would raise taxes on corporations or affluent individuals; and
- He voted 23 times against tax cuts, which for count purposes is not the same as voting to increase taxes.
