Who are the top presidential candidates?
With the presidential election coming up later this year, this question is on all of our minds: will Donald Trump be replaced, or will he remain president? Trump is currently the front runner for the Republican party. The front runners of the Democratic party include former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
The presidential election will be Nov. 3, 2020. If you are not registered to vote in Blount County and need an absentee ballot, the deadline for requesting one will be Oct. 27, 2020.
Joe Biden
Many people might be familiar with the views of former Vice President Joe Biden. He served as VP to the 44th President Barack Obama. He also served as a senator of Delaware from 1973-2009. Biden is currently head-to-head with Sanders, coming in second in polls. Biden won Tennessee in the recent Democratic primary held on March 3.
Biden on top issues:
- Minimum wage: raise to $15.00 an hour
- College cost: two years should be free
- Student debt: create programs to help relieve student debt
- Teacher salary: boost it
- Nuclear power: new nuclear technology to fight climate change
- Assault weapons: create a voluntary buyback program
- Background checks: universal
- Abortion: pro-choice with some limits
- Healthcare: expand Medicare but not to all
- DACA individuals: grant citizenship
- Illegal entry: keep the same
- Trade: keep similar to current ways
Bernie Sanders
Sen. Bernie Sanders is leading on the Democratic side. He currently serves as a senator of Vermont and has since 2007. His career in politics started in 1991 when he became a representative of Vermont. Sanders is known for his highly progressive views.
Sanders on top issues:
- Minimum wage: raise to $15.00 an hour
- College cost: free public colleges and universities
- Student debt: cancel it all
- Teacher salary: boost it
- Nuclear power: supports closing down existing companies
- Assault weapons: create a voluntary buyback program
- Background checks: universal
- Abortion: pro-choice
- Healthcare: Medicare for all
- DACA individuals: give them citizenship
- Illegal entry: repeal the current laws
- Other: raise taxes on the wealthy, create new affordable housing programs
Donald Trump
Currently 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump has always sported his, now very recognizable, campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” Prior to becoming a politician, Trump was a businessman and a television personality. Today, Trump has put his business career on hold but still owns and has investments in numerous businesses and properties.
Trump on top issues:
- Minimum wage: implement programs to aid minimum wage workers
- College cost: leave the system as is
- Student debt: implement programs to help students pay back their loans
- Teacher salary: boost it
- Nuclear power: keep it going
- Assault weapons: leave policies as is
- Background checks: not necessary
- Abortion: pro-life
- Healthcare: implement new plans and repeal old ones
- DACA individuals: end protection
- Illegal entry: not allowed
- Trade: adjust most current policies
This article sources information from Politico and Fox News. Democratic candidate Tulsi Gabbard, along with Republican candidate William Weld, are not mentioned in this article as they are not considered top runners for 2020.