McCain mentioned last night that Obama “didn’t know the difference between a ‘tactic’ and a ‘strategy.’” I felt a little stupid because I didn’t know myself—McCain seemed to be in a wordplay league of his own. So I looked them up and tried to find the common—yet mysterious—denominator between the definitions.

A tactic is “a device for accomplishing and end” while a strategy is “a careful plan or method to accomplish an end.” So how do they differ? I would say that strategy is syntax, meaning that it’s a network of tactics that build on each other to reach a goal.

Quite simply: A tactic goes from point A to point B while a strategy runs the alphabetical gamut. A tactic is more direct, while a strategy takes extenuating circumstances into account and maneuvers around them. So, when it comes to environment policy, which candidate uses “tactics” and which uses “strategy?”

McCain wants to use an “A to B” tactic called a “cap and trade” system. The government will issue permits to industries according to their emissions ratings. For instance, a tire-making company is issued a permit with an emissions evaluation of 90. They invest in “greener machinery,” or begin to rely more on recycled materials to make their products. The government will lower their emissions permit to 70, the company can sell the margin (or an emissions evaluation of 20) to entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other organizations that want to buy them. Economic incentives will drive companies to lower their emissions standards in favor of a greater profit margin.

Obama uses strategy to empower American workers through job opportunities. Much like Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps, Obama’s environmental program will try to create 5 million “green collar” jobs through government intervention. Although this approach may not be as direct as John McCain’s, it takes into account an immediate need for jobs. Basically, Obama’s plan favors the creation of new green industries and distribution of green products and services, while McCain aims to make existing industries environmentally friendly. Of course there will be some overlap, yet these are the basic ideas that each candidate carries.

So now you know the difference between “tactic” and “strategy.” Choose whichever you feel is necessary—just don’t be confused.