February 21st, 2019
Maeve Cassidy '22
Democrats
Current Senator of California; Harris represents solutions to prominent social justice issues and a comprehensive platform intended for the middle class. She was elected for District Attorney of San Francisco (2003-2007-2011), along with Attorney General (2011-2017), and most recently, Senator of California. Several elements of Harris’ senate campaign will carry over into her presidential agenda. These policies include implementation of universal healthcare, reformation of tax cut legislation, raising the minimum wage, decreasing nationwide gang and human trafficking activity, and protection of working Americans from exploitative corporations. She also vows to protect the rights of immigrants and to fully utilize a prison reform “Back on Track” program which aids first-time offenders in the workplace after release.
Massachusetts Senator and 2008 Chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel, Warren established her presidential campaign to address social justice, prominent middle-class concerns, and “strengthening democracy.” Her primary agenda includes a raise to minimum wages, the addition of universal healthcare, company accountability, fair tax distribution, and prevention of monopolies. Warren plans to decrease America’s institutionalized racism by means of a criminal justice system reform, managing student loans, decriminalizing marijuana, and demilitarizing police, along with raising accountability for corrupt and unjust politicians. Changes in foreign policy, such as the opposition of NAFTA, withdrawal of international troops, and decreasing the defense budget in exchange for increased diplomacy, are expected to arise under a possible Warren presidency.
Senator of New Jersey; Booker maintains a simplistic platform centered on community and “coming together.” He advocates for a raise of the minimum wage, improvement of retirement benefits, and a criminal justice system reform. Booker’s campaign consists of his message: “The lines that divide us are nowhere near as strong as the ties that bind us. When we join together and work together — we will rise together.”
Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and former San Antonio mayor (2009-2014). Castro’s primary focus of his 2020 presidential campaign is immigration reform. As a second generation American, Castro stresses the importance of community, preservation of DACA, and immigrant rights, while also focusing on an end to climate change and improving national education. In his announcement speech, Castro declared that under his presidency, Americans "[would] say no to building a wall and say yes to building community.” Such a heavily prioritized immigration platform could either complement or complicate the current primarily Republican Congress.
The presidential campaign of John Delaney, Maryland congressman and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2004), promises a more opportune and stronger America. Delaney emphasizes the removal of unjust policy and legislation, such as gerrymandering, inaccessible education, unaffordable housing, and the unaffordable costs of medication. His presidential agenda also entails: gun regulation, raising of the minimum wage, increase and stabilization of trade, promotion of small businesses, implementation of Universal Healthcare, and the strengthening of American infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Amy Klobuchar
Potential candidate, limited information.
Potential candidate, limited information.
Bernie Sanders
Newly declared candidate.
Kirsten Gillibrand - exploratory bid
Current New York Senator (2009-present) and former House Representative (2007-2009). Gillibrand’s campaign, similar to many others running, centers on the need for universal healthcare, improving public education, and reducing corruption within Washington. However, Gillibrand has also centered on increased social mobility and creating a way for lower class citizens to be able to ascend into the middle class more simplistically. As a senator, Gillibrand advocated for consequences to sexual assault and an increase in elected women. Formerly, Gillibrand has held conflicting beliefs on gun-regulation policies.
Gabbard, Hawaiian congresswoman, Iraq veteran, and vice chair of the DNC, has added her name to the list of 2020 exploratory bids for the presidency. Her policies include a reformation of the criminal justice system, address of climate change, implementation of universal healthcare, accessibility to women's healthcare, and changes to foreign policy to promote peace, especially in Iran. While Gabbard’s platform admirably appeals to democratic interests, her opinions on marriage equality diverge from approved legislation; she states that Democrats “should be representing the views of the people, not a small number of homosexual extremists.” After a polarizing era of Pence, the 2020 presidency should refocus on rebuilding ties with the LGBT community, as America would be adversely affected by further divide.
Former Indiana Mayor (2011-2013) and Afghanistan veteran, launched an exploratory bid for the presidency on the slogan, “Freedom, security, and democracy.” At the age of 37, Buttigieg believes that American politics demands a refresh, catalyzed by a younger generation. The openly gay mayor promises to revitalize America with unconventional, and modernized policies, just as he did in his mayoral position.
Others
Several Democrats have entertained the idea of nomination, yet have not officially announced their campaign. Candidates include Senator Sherrod Brown, Governor Steve Bullock, former senator and vice president Joe Biden, Governor John Hickenlooper, and US representative Beto O’rourke. Two Republicans have been highly recommended for candidacy: Senator Ben Sasse and Senator Jeff Flake.
Republican -
In contrast to the surplus of Democrat nominations, the amount of 2020 Republican candidates is limited. In numerous speeches, current president Donald Trump has suggested a 2020 campaign; however, an official statement has not been issued. Other Republicans, such as Governor Larry Hogan, former Governor John Kasich, former Governor and US Ambassador Nikki Haley, Senator Bob Corker, and former Governor Bill Weld, are all expected to publicize an official presidential bid or have discussed their eligibility for candidacy.
Potential
Comments