Personality, not politics, has dominated the 1980 presidential campaign. Environmental, economic, and social issues have taken a back seat to name-calling and virtual character assassination. Jimmy Carter thinks Ronald Reagan is a warmonger and John Anderson, a spoiler. Ronald Reagan thinks Jimmy Carter is a malicious backstabber, and John Anderson, a spoiler. Anderson thinks both major parties have failed the electorate but that he can provide the "difference."

Still, since this is a presidential election, the candidates have had to stake out positions, inconsistent as they've been on many of them. Republicans have focused on the diseased American economy, while Democrats claimed the major issue was war and peace. Both claimed Anderson was a liberal/conservative masquerading in conservative/liberal clothing to win the youth vote.

What follows are very brief summaries of the candidates' positions--short outlines to show where they agree and disagree. Voters should remember positions often change and that campaign promises frequently become presidential memories.

Foreign Policy

Anderson

*Supports SALT II.

*Would not supply arms to China but would maintain normalized ties.

*Would not establish official relations with Taiwan.

*Supported Panama Canal Treaties.

*Supports release of hostages through negotiation.

*Advocates a strong defense of Israel. Affirms Camp David accords.

*Opposes establishing an actual Palestinian state. Doesn't recognize PLO.

Carter

*Supports SALT II.

*Would maintain relations with China, but not supply military arms.