Redistribution/distribution of "wealth" has existed for millenia and millenia, etc., -- through taxation.
This is nothning new whether in the "western" economies and/or the centrally planned economies [ Russia and the former soviet/commumist bloc ].
The tier/structure of income levels are the focused issues regarding the differences with Obama's and McCain's proposals.
Obama's proposal places more money into the hands/pockets of wider segments of society where each individual/business.corporation can use the money for his/her specific preferences.
McCain's proposal places more money into the hands of the super-rich individuals/corporations with the hope that benefits will "trickle down" to the broader base of society.