Meet the Candidates: Learn about the leading candidates in the 2020 Presidential Election.

With the 2020 Presidential Election right around the corner, both the Republican and Democratic Parties are narrowing down their potential nominee fi eld. The Democrats especially have made sacrifi ces, with only 10 of the original 26 candidates qualifying for the next Democratic National Convention (DNC) debate, hosted by ABC News on October 15 and 16. 

Joe Biden retains his steady lead, with Real Clear Politics having him with an 11.8 positive spread, an average of numerous national polls. He’s followed by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, both running on a similarly progressive platform. 

Firstly, former Vice-President Joe Biden has had a legendary career, becoming Barack Obama’s running mate in their 2012 bid. Following their election win, Biden served a relatively quiet two terms as Vice-President. Biden decided to announce his entry into the Democratic Primary race back in April 2019, saying, “We can’t forget what happened in Charlottesville.” 

Biden’s criticisms come in many different forms. Progressive Democrats have drawn issue with his campaign accepting large contributions from Wall Street Goliaths like Goldman Sachs and MNBA. His voting record also raises eyebrows, voting in favor of the Iraq War and leading the way for War on Drugs inspired crime bills. His opposition to Medicare for all has been a repeated target, a policy that 70% of Americans support, according to a Reuters analytic. To read more on Biden’s Platform visit: https:// joebiden.com/ 

In addition, Bernie Sanders made himself into a household name following a fiery 2016 Democratic Nominee campaign. Though he was ultimately beaten by former Secretary Hillary Clinton, Sanders had brought a fresh progressive breath of air into his party. An open Democratic Socialist, Sanders is running on an ultra-progressive platform. His calls for Medicare-for-all, complete elimination of student debt and higher taxation of the 1% have brought him both praise and scorn. 

Many of Sanders’ policy proposals have been labeled as extremist, as many economic centrists have been turned off  by Bernie’s intense critiques of capitalism. Billionaire media mogul Haim Saban said in an interview with Hollywood Reporter, “I profoundly dislike Bernie Sanders, and you can write it. I don’t give a hoot. He’s a Communist under the cover of being a socialist. He thinks that every billionaire is a crook. He calls us ‘the billionaire class.’ And he attacks us indiscriminately. ‘It’s the billionaire class, the bad guys.’ This is how communists think.” To read more on  Sanders’ Platform visit: https://berniesanders.com/ 

Polling only slightly less than Sanders, Warren is no stranger to fighting for what she believes in. While formerly a Republican, Warren’s platforms are as progressive as they come, with the main differences from Sanders’ being minuscule.  “Warren is a social democrat. Sanders is a democratic socialist. The difference between the two is best explained by how Warren and Sanders convey their skepticism toward capitalism,” said Sheri Berman, a political scientist with Barnard College via VOX, a trait which potential consequences have yet to clearly manifest. For more info on Warren’s Platform visit: https://elizabethwarren.com/ 

On the Republican side, to say the Trump Administration has been controversial would be the understatement of the century. Sitting around a 39% approval rating (Reuters), the Trump administration has been highlighted by a continually shuffled candidate, swarfs of tax cuts and deregulations and many scandals, including allegations of colluding with the Russian government, multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault and an endless amount of accusations of racism.   

Trump, of course, being no stranger to bad publicity, is confident in his administration’s successes. “I would give myself an A+,” Trump said, appearing on Fox and Friends. Trump is again running on the issues of border security and job reform, engaging in many populist conservative talking points. His controversial ‘zerotolerance’ immigration enforcement has resulted in the detainment of tens of thousands of Latin American immigrants, including around 15,000 children, via The Guardian. To learn more about Trump’s Platform visit: https://www.donaldjtrump.com/  

While far from a household name, Bill Weld may become a crucial player in the Republican Party. The former Libertarian announced that Trump’s personality is the main factor in his decision to run. “I’m a real Republican. I believe in balancing the budget and then some. I was ranked the most fiscally conservative governor in the United States when I was in office, and that’s following Michael S. Dukakis in the state of Massachusetts. That took some doing, but it’s true. My issues, I think, play to millennials.” With Trump’s antics potentially alienating many suburban voters, it wouldn’t be a surprise if voters look for alternative options. For more on Weld’s Platform visit: https://www.weld2020.org/ 

While still relatively early in the race, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.  

Sources: Vox, The Guardian