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Q and A: Barack Obama

How would you finish this sentence? "Sept. 11 is the day that ..."

We recognized that we are no longer protected by oceans or by our own power, and a new generation was challenged to come together to develop new capabilities to secure our homeland and defeat our enemies abroad.

Should we stop divvying up the money for counterterrorism among all 50 states, as we do now, and move to a formula that is entirely risk-based? Why, or why not?

I would make this risk-based approach a centerpiece of my homeland security strategy . .. We have to put resources where we our most vulnerable.

How should the U.S. government manage the influx of illegal immigrants?

We need comprehensive immigration reform that creates a system that is fair, consistent, compassionate, and emphasizes both maintaining the rule of law and the security of our borders while working to keep families together and putting the undocumented on an earned path to citizenship.

What's the role of bilingual education in American schools?

The federal government should be doing more to encourage transitional bilingual education. Federal spending on bilingual education is stagnating while the number of students who lack English proficiency is growing rapidly. Spending on bilingual education should at least keep pace with the expanding need.

What can the federal government do to bring down gasoline/oil prices?

I will crack down on oil companies that try to manipulate markets and force out cheap and clean renewable fuels like ethanol from gas pumps ... my administration will put America on the path to energy independence by expanding production of American-grown renewable fuels and increasing fuel efficiency standards.

What's the role of the federal government in efforts to check soaring local property taxes?

As part of my economic stimulus plan, I have proposed immediate, temporary funding to state and local governments so that the decline in property values does not cause them to slash critical public services, raise local taxes, or cut vital infrastructure spending . .. I have proposed a middle-class tax cut plan that will restore fairness to the tax code and provide 150 million workers the tax relief they need.

What would you do to boost job growth in areas like Long Island?

We must expand federal funding for basic research, expand the deployment of broadband technology, and make the research and development tax credit permanent so that businesses can invest in innovation and create high-paying, secure jobs . . . I will invest in making college education affordable by creating a new $4,000 American Opportunity tax credit for working families.

When would the last U.S. soldier leave Iraq if you are elected president?

I support beginning immediately to withdraw our forces from Iraq at a pace of 1-2 combat brigades per month. At that pace, when I am president we can have all our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of 2009.

Should the U.S. government guarantee health care coverage for every American?

I have pledged to sign a universal health bill into law by the end of my first term in office. My plan will ensure that all Americans have health care coverage through their employers, private health plans, the federal government or the states. For those without health insurance I will establish a new public insurance program.

What two things should New Yorkers know about you personally?

I lived in New York as a student and young adult. And I made my decision to serve people through community organizing while I was living in New York.