Category: Candidate Comparisons

Abortion, defined as a medical intervention to end a pregnancy, has remained a contentious issue in American politics and the judicial system for decades. The right to an abortion was first granted in the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment right to personal privacy” included the right to an abortion without “extreme” government restriction. After the ruling, some areas of the country remained “resistant to abortion”, and legislators tested the extent of the ruling via state-level restrictions on abortion access. One such abortion restriction law was appealed to the Supreme Court in 2022, leading to the monumental Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision which overturned the right to abortion established in Roe. The Dobbs ruling asserted that the Constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion, thereby leaving the regulation of abortion to individual states. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, abortion rights have become a pivotal issue, with measures related to abortion appearing on ballots in 10 states. 

Kamala Harris: Harris has strongly urged Congress to pass legislation that would federally codify the right to an abortion. During the past presidential debate, she promised to sign such a bill into law if it crossed her desk as President. Harris has stated that she supports the abortion limitations set in Roe. Wade, which protect abortion up until the point of fetal viability. As Senator, Harris cosponsored legislation that would ban states from imposing restrictions on abortion access. During her time as Vice President, Harris worked to protect access to FDA-approved abortion medication, promote reliable sources of information on abortion, and support those who must travel to seek reproductive health care.

Donald Trump: Throughout his political career, Trump has vocally opposed abortion. In 2016, he ran on the promise that he would appoint Supreme Court justices to overturn Roe v. Wade. Trump kept that promise, nominating three Supreme Court justices who gave the court a 6-3 conservative majority that later overturned the right to an abortion in the Dobbs decision. More recently, Trump’s outward stance on abortion has become less staunch. In March, Trump suggested that he would support a federal abortion ban after 15 weeks gestation. However, in October, he tweeted that he would “not support a federal abortion ban under any circumstances.” When questioned on his abortion stance during the last presidential debate, Trump refused to answer whether or not he would sign a federal abortion ban, stating that abortion restrictions should be left to the states to decide. 

Jill Stein: Stein strongly supports restoring abortion access nationally, stating “reproductive care should be part of a comprehensive system of healthcare” in an August interview. In an Instagram post on September 21st, she stated that “safe abortion access is a human right” and that abortion bans are “killing women.” In the same post, she criticized Democrats for failing to codify Roe v. Wade. 

Cornel West: West is an advocate for “unfettered access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare,” including “safe and legal abortion.” In 2022, West participated in Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights protests for abortion access in front of the Supreme Court. West also strongly supports the national codification of abortion rights.

Social Security and Medicare are central topics in the 2024 Presidential election as they play crucial roles in ensuring the economic security and health care access of Americans. Social Security is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to retired or disabled individuals and their dependents. It’s funded through payroll taxes and provides benefits such as retirement income, disability income, and survivor benefits. Furthermore, Medicare, also a federal program, offers health insurance primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. Medicare primary aim is to help cover various medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. 

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Keneddy holds views on Social Security emphasizing the importance of protecting low-income seniors. He opposes raising the age for Social Security, because it would disadvantage low-income seniors with lower life expectancies compared to wealthier seniors. Additionally, Kennedy’s stance on Medicare aligns with his broader views on social welfare, advocating for fair treatment and support for those in need within the American societal structure. He believes that the federal government should be allowed to negotiate drug prices for Medicare and that we overall need to increase funding of healthcare for low income individuals to guarantee healthcare for everyone.

Quotes:

“No, this will disadvantage low-income seniors whose life expectancy is lower than wealthier seniors”-  Kennedy on raising the retirement age for Social Security

“I would say my highest ambition would be to have a single-payer program... where people who want to have private programs can go ahead and do that, but to have a single program that is available to everybody”- Kennedy on the topic of Medicare for All 

Jill Stein:

Stein advocates for progressive policies on Social Security and Medicare. She supports expanding Social Security benefits, ensuring financial security for seniors, and opposes any cuts to the program. Regarding Medicare, Stein advocates for a Medicare-for-All system, aiming to transition away from the current private health insurance model to provide universal healthcare coverage for all Americans. Overall, her views align with a focus on social welfare and equitable access to healthcare services. 

Quotes:

“I will cut health care costs – a major, growing driver of the budget deficit – by cutting the wasteful, expensive administrative overhead of private insurance through a cost-saving Medicare-for-all system”

 “Strengthen rather than cut Medicare and Social Security. Remove the cap on Social Security taxes   above a certain level of income” 

“This proposal to turn our Social Security system over to private corporations would lead to huge losses for retirees who depend on Social Security. And it would create investment risks that cannot be tolerated in our Social Security program.”- Stein on privatizing Social Security 

Cornel West:

West supports Medicare for All, advocating for a universal healthcare system that provides coverage for all Americans. He emphasizes the importance of expanding and strengthening Social Security, likely supporting measures such as removing the cap on Social Security taxes for higher-income individuals to ensure the sustainability of the program. His views on these issues are built on a foundation of addressing inequality and social justice to ensure that essential services like healthcare are accessible to all.

Quotes:

“Go beyond Medicare for All towards true health justice”

“Habeas Corpus Healthcare, free healthcare for any and all residents of the United States “

Marianne Williamson:

Marianne Williamson’s views on Social Security and Medicare are centered around protecting and expanding these vital social welfare programs. She emphasizes the importance of Social Security in providing financial security for seniors, highlighting its role in reducing poverty among the elderly and disabled. Williamson opposes privatizing Social Security and advocates for eliminating the cap on income subject to Social Security payroll tax to ensure the program’s long-term solvency. Additionally, she supports Medicare for All as a means to provide universal healthcare coverage, aiming to save costs and guarantee comprehensive medical care for all Americans. Williamson’s stance underscores the significance of these programs in promoting dignity, security, and equality for all individuals in society

Quotes:

“Medicare for All would actually save us $5T over the course of 10 years. The question is not how will we pay for it? The question is why we are allowing ourselves to pay such a high cost for NOT having it: 68,000 people in America are dying every year from lack of healthcare. We are paying for that with our lives.”

“Under no circumstances should we put Social Security at risk. We need to protect this successful and compassionate program that retiring Americans have relied on for nearly eighty-five years.”

“ I will veto any attempts to privatize Social Security.”

Donald Trump: 

Trump promises to protect Social Security and Medicare, however he also proposes budget cuts to these federal programs to help address national debt. His administration’s budget proposals include spending cuts to Social Security, primarily by targeting disability benefits, and Medicare, largely by reducing provider payments. Overall, Trump’s stance on Social Security and Medicare has been a mix of advocating for reforms to address financial challenges while also asserting his commitment to safeguarding these social welfare programs. 

Quotes:

“I will never do anything that will jeopardize or hurt Social Security or Medicare. We’ll have to do it elsewhere. But we’re not going to do anything to hurt them”

“There is a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting and in terms of also the theft and the bad management of entitlements”- Trump on the possibility of cutting Social Security and Medicare

“Cut waste, fraud and abuse everywhere that we can find it and there’s plenty of it. But do not cut the benefits our seniors worked for and paid for their entire lives. Save Social Security, don’t destroy it”

Joe Biden: 

President Biden’s views on Social Security and Medicare are centered around protecting and strengthening these essential social welfare programs. His budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 aims to extend the life of the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund permanently by asking the highest-income Americans to pay their fair share and rejecting any proposals to cut benefits. Biden also opposes benefit cuts and privatization of Social Security and wants to ensure that higher-income individuals contribute proportionally. Additionally, he supports improving financial security for seniors and individuals with disabilities, enhancing benefits, and investing in Social Security Administration services to ensure Americans can access the benefits they have earned. 

Quotes:

“If anyone here tries to cut Social Security or Medicare or raise the retirement age I will stop them.”

“And on my watch, for the first time in 10 years, seniors are getting an increase in their Social Security checks.. So, checks are going to be up and Medicare payments are going to be down.”

“I won’t cut social security. I won’t cut Medicare. Instead of … giving tax breaks to the wealthy, I will protect and strengthen social security and Medicare and make the wealthy begin to pay their fair share.”

In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down the preclearance requirement of the Civil Rights Act which required some states to get prior approval before changing their election laws in order to protect voting rights of minority groups. Since then, the issue of voting rights in recent election cycles has been entangled with concerns of election security. Republican politicians cite the need for secure elections when passing laws, such as the controversial voter ID laws, restricting early voting, or laws requiring citizenship verification. Democrats claim that this type of legislation interferes with the rights of Americans to vote and have proposed legislation to protect the right to vote for all Americans.

President Biden and Voting Rights

President Biden has been vocal in his opposition of Republican claims that legislation is necessary to protect our elections. Biden has emphasized the importance of ones right to vote and has pursued legislation aimed at protecting that right for all Americans. When such legislation failed to make it through Congress President Biden called for an end to the requirement of a 60 vote minimum to pass voting rights bills. Despite the lack of success in Congress, President Biden has taken executive action “directing an all-of-government effort to promote access to voting.”

Quotes:

“You know, for the right to vote and to have that vote counted is democracy’s threshold liberty.  Without it, nothing is possible, but with it, anything is possible.”

“This fundamental right remains under assault. The conservative Supreme Court has gutted the Voting Rights Act over the years. Since the 2020 election, a wave of states and dozens and dozens of anti-voting laws fueled by the ‘Big Lie’ and the election deniers now elected to office.”

“But as an institutionalist, I believe the threat to our democracy is so grave that we must find a way to pass these voting rights bills. Debate them, vote, let the majority prevail. And if that bare minimum is blocked, we have no option but to change the Senate rules, including getting rid of the filibuster for this.”

Donald Trump and Voting Rights

While in office former President Trump put together a commission to investigate election integrity due to his ongoing belief that there is widespread election fraud. Donald Trump is a vocal supporter of requiring identification in order to vote. In fact, many of the proposals which are perceived as violating voting rights can be traced back to former President Trump and his repeated claims of widespread fraud in U.S. elections. 

Quotes:

“It’s also time for Democrats to join with us to protect the sacred integrity of our elections by supporting voter ID.”

On mail in voting: “I will, but those ballots get lost also… You know, they send them in, and all of a sudden, they’re gone.”

“No debate on Election Security should go forward without first agreeing that Voter ID (Identification) must play a very strong part in any final agreement. Without Voter ID, it is all so meaningless!”

“I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.”

“This is a fraud on the American public. This is an embarrassment to our country. We were getting ready to win this election. Frankly, we did win this election…We want all voting to stop.”

Marianne Williamson and Voting Rights

Marianne Williamson believes that claims of voter fraud are not credible, but rather used as a political tool to tighten election laws. Marianne Williamson proposes the elimination of some requirements to vote, such as voter ID laws, automatic voter registration, prepaid vote by mail for all elections, lower the voting age to 16, and securing voting systems from all threats. Williamson would make election day a national holiday and expand polling locations and hours to allow ease of voting. Marianne Williamson is also a proponent of ensuring that people convicted of felonies have their right to vote restored. 

Quotes:

“Voter fraud is not a problem in the U.S., and is a distraction intended to draw attention away from the real problem. The real problem is NOT people voting who should not (which is virtually non-existent), but rather efforts to suppress the vote by knocking qualified voters off the voter rolls and limiting voting locations and hours. We must stop voter suppression and make it easier, not harder, to vote.”

“There is NOT equal access to voting in the U.S. Equal access was guaranteed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but after the Supreme Court gutted major provisions in 2013, voting access has become increasingly restricted. We should restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act…”

“An attack on our voting system is core to this anti-democratic assault. Voter suppression laws are being passed throughout the country.”

Cornel West and Voting Rights

Cornel West has promised to make election day a national holiday, promote ranked choice voting and institute automatic voter registration. While Cornel West is an advocate for economic justice he focuses on the need to provide an alternative to the two-party system and he aims to attract people who are disillusioned by the electoral system in the United States. 

Quotes:

“One of the problems of the two party system is what Margaret Thatcher used to call ‘Tina’… there is no alternative.”

“But I happen to be focusing on the 40% that don’t vote at all, and I happen to be pulling from the 62% of folk who do vote but who would never vote for the two parties. So, if there is some taking from both parties, it’s going to be very, very small.”

Jill Stein and Voting Rights

Jill Stein has not taken a vocal stance on voting rights or election fraud in the 2024 election cycle. Instead Stein emphasizes that there is no real democracy without real choice, which means having an alternative to the two party system, a gap she means to fill. In 2016, Stein did have concerns about election security and called for vote recounts in states where Trump narrowly won against Clinton. 

Quotes:

“The political system is widely perceived as being bought and paid for, by wall street, by the military industrial complex… People really feel like they are at the end of their rope and very much under attack by our political system and that we really don’t have a democracy.”

“63% of Americans now actually say they want another party that serves the people because the two that we have done such a bad job of serving ordinary working people so I think it’s anti-democratic to say that democracy is supposed to serve the political elites rather than serve everyday working people and voters that’s who the system is for.”

“I think it’s really anti-democratic to suggest that voters don’t have a right to choose. Voters do have a right to choose who to vote for.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Voting Rights

            Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes the American electoral system is rigged due to the duopoly the Republicans and Democrats possess. Like Jill Stein, Robert F. Kennedy has not directly remarked on restricting voting laws, voting rights, and has not spoken about election fraud since 2004. 

Quotes:

“Democracy has become sort of a film set. We have all these little things that tell us we’re a democracy, elections, and things. But none of us really feel like we have any impact about what the government does.”

“The Democrats are frightened that I’m gonna spoil the election for President Biden and the Republicans are frightened that I’m gonna spoil it for President Trump. The truth is, they’re both right: My intention is to spoil it for both of them.”

“I think that I have an opportunity to actually break that [partisan] logjam because right now, any issue that comes before Congress is siloed into the Republican or Democratic camps, and the other side can’t vote for it”

Education remains a focal point in presidential elections, with costs, curriculum, access, and educational disparities emerging as significant concerns for voters. Republicans generally advocate for parental choice in education, emphasizing traditional values and are against student loan forgiveness. They often advocate for the inclusion of conservative values and principles in education and oppose certain progressive educational reforms. Conversely, Democrats typically prioritize equality and public investment in education, advocating for increased funding for public schools, efforts to reduce educational disparities, and lower costs for higher education. They also often advocate for approaches to address social issues within the education system, such as providing resources for low-income students and supporting teacher unions.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy proposes promises to address the challenges of higher education, particularly the burden of student debt. He advocates for systemic reforms aimed at relieving the financial strain on students and improving the quality of education. His platform includes making college debt dischargeable in bankruptcy, allowing refinancing of student loans, and abolishing interest on student loans. Overall, Kennedy’s views prioritize relieving the financial burden on students, enhancing access to education, and aligning educational offerings with the evolving needs of the workforce.

Quotes:

“You know, I had a choice of where I was going to send my kids to school, just because I have resources and it, and all Americans should have that choice.“

“I will also take steps to reduce education costs for students. When I was their age, a college education cost about one-seventh of what it is today. A young person could work their way through college and graduate debt-free. If we devoted even a fraction of our military budget to higher education, it could be virtually free to all” 

“We need to expand the concept of higher education to include the trades. Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, builders, paralegals, and technicians of all kinds are just as important to America’s prosperity as the laptop class. Maybe more important. They are what keep America working”

Jill Stein:

Stein has advocated for the elimination of student debt for all colleges and universities, arguing that if the federal government was able to intervene during the 2008 financial crisis, it should also assist students. She has endorsed tuition-free education for students attending public colleges and promises that as President she will erase all student loan debt, which is an estimated $1.3 trillion. Additionally, Stein calls for higher wages for teachers, an increase in federal funding for public schools, and to put an end to standardized testing. 

Quotes:

“We will bail out millennials and others in student debt. We did it for the crooks on Wall Street – it’s about time to do it for the millennials and the generation held hostage in debt.”

 “In general, high stakes testing is more than counterproductive–it is destructive. It is used as a political tool against teachers–targeting low-income and people of color. Our educational system should target lifetime learning–with full and equitable funding; and eliminating disparities by race”

“We will provide tuition-free higher education, since it’s comparable to a high school education in the 20th century – you need a higher education degree in the 21st century economy and it should be provided as a basic right.”

Cornel West:

West advocates for education reform aimed at achieving equity and justice. He emphasizes the need to prioritize public schools over charter schools, aiming to center public education while addressing disparities in resources between affluent and low-income areas. West proposes free tuition for state and community colleges, along with increasing the minimum wage for all public school teachers. He aims to tackle the school-to-prison pipeline by removing police and School Resource Officers from public schools. Additionally, West calls for the cancellation of all student loan debt and the reinstatement of fair admissions policies considering race, ethnicity, and class. He also seeks to abolish state laws that restrict the study of U.S. history accurately and advocates for increased federal funding for Historic Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Quotes:

“End the nexus of quality education and tax base – there is no reason why a public school in Beverly Hills should be “better” than a public school in Lowndes County, Alabama”

“Minimum wage of $80,000 for all U.S. public school teachers K-12”

“Dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by removing police and so-called School Resource Officers from all public schools” 

Marianne Williamson:

Williamson’s views on education are grounded in the belief that education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. She stresses the importance of providing quality education to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic background, as a means to empower individuals and strengthen society. Williamson criticizes the current education system for perpetuating inequality and calls for comprehensive reforms, including free tuition for public colleges and trade schools, the elimination of student loan interest, and the forgiveness of all student debt. She advocates for ending equity gaps in higher education, investing in teacher training and retention, and improving education infrastructure. Williamson also emphasizes the need for safety in schools, addressing concerns about gun violence and corporate influence on policy making. She proposes an administration’s education plan, called the “Whole Student Plan,” which aims to transform every public school in America into a hub of comprehensive learning, culture, and the arts.

Quotes:

“Tuition free access to higher education is a path to greater prosperity, and to self actualization. It is necessary for the functioning of a vital democracy” 

“the U.S. must implement a “Whole Student Educational System” focused not only on a student’s intellectual performance and growth but also on developing a student’s cultural, emotional, and psychological well-being.”

“Every public school in America should be a palace of learning, culture, and the arts. These are the kinds of changes we should be thinking about for the post Covid era. We should massively front end our resources in the direction of childhood.”

“Students are too often burdened with school loans that hold them back from following their dreams. Forgiving all student debt will allow students to work in a career they love, launch a business, or buy a home”

Donald Trump: 

Trump takes a conservative approach in regards to education as he strongly opposes all student loan forgiveness programs/ debt cancellation and liberal indoctrination in our education system..  His 2024 education policy plan advocates for slashing federal funding from educational institutions that incorporate critical race theory, gender ideology, or other racial, sexual, or political content into their curriculum. It further pledges to launch civil rights inquiries into school districts accused of race-based discrimination and promises to uphold the exclusion of men from women’s sports.

Quotes:

“Today, the Supreme Court also ruled that President Biden cannot wipe out hundreds of billions, perhaps trillions of dollars, in student loan debt, which would have been very unfair to the millions and millions of people who paid their debt through hard work and diligence; very unfair,” 

“I said the other day I will bring back parental rights into our school system, and the place went crazy,” … as president, I’ll fight to expand that right to every single state in America.” 

“Critical race theory, the 1619 Project, and the crusade against American history is toxic propaganda, ideological poison that, if not removed, will dissolve the civic bonds that tie us together. It will destroy our country,”

Joe Biden: 

President Joe Biden has strongly advocated for public education, partnering with parents and educators to strengthen public schools and expand opportunities for all students from all communities. He has established gun violence prevention legislation in efforts to keep schools safe and advocates for increasing teacher wages. Biden has also taken measures to expand access to higher education by expanding and providing student loan relief. The Biden Administration has launched the SAVE Plan (Saving on a Valuable Education), an income-driven repayment plan that calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size, instead of their loan balance. 

Quotes:

“I’ve directed my team to develop a plan to forgive federal student debt relating to the cost of tuition currently held by low-income and middle-class people for undergraduate public colleges and universities, as well as private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and private, underfunded Minority-Serving Institution (MSIs).”

“Community college should be we free and we can afford it,”

“Education is a ticket to a better life.”

“I made a commitment that we’d provide student debt relief.  And I’m honoring that commitment today. Using the authority Congress granted the Department of Education, we will forgive $10,000 in outstanding federal student loans.”

 The conversation surrounding the balance of gun rights and community safety can be a politically divisive issue. As it stands the Second Amendment protects the right of gun ownership, however the increasing rates of gun violence sparks questions on what level of restrictions are necessary and permissible. Positions on the issue tend to fall along party lines. Democrats prioritize the need for restricting firearm access in order to protect the community, while Republicans tend to focus on the importance of one’s Constitutional right to own a gun. Common gun control methods include background checks to prevent those with a violent record from owning a firearm, red flag laws which seek to prevent those in a mental crisis from possessing a firearm, and banning certain classes of firearms or attachments.

President Biden and Gun Policy

            President Biden makes gun control a principal issue in his administration. He put together a White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. President Biden has also used executive orders, legislation, and public calls on the gun industry to help achieve his goals of reducing the amount of gun violence in the United States. President Biden signed an executive order increasing the number of background checks required by law and increasing awareness of red flag laws which aim to keep firearms out of the hands of high risk individuals. Biden championed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act which, in part, improved the background check system, increased community violence intervention programs, and expanded access to mental health services. 

Quotes:

“At the end of the day, whether they’re Democrats or Republicans, we all want our families to be safe. We all want to go to school, houses of worship, grocery stores, gyms, malls, movies without constant anxiety. We all want our kids to have the freedom to learn how to read and write in school instead of duck and cover, for God’s sake. And it matters.”

“The epidemic of gun violence is ripping apart families and communities every day. Some make the news. Much of it doesn’t. But all of it is unacceptable. We have to decide who we are as a country. For me, we’re a country where people should have the right to go to school, to go to church, to walk the street and to attend a Super Bowl celebration without fear of losing your life to gun violence.”

“I’m not going to rest until we do all we can to prevent more families, more communities from being torm apart by gun violence.”

Donald Trump and Gun Policy

            Donald Trump has not maintained a consistent stance regarding gun policy since 2016. At times former President Trump opposed background checks, assault weapons bans, and red flag laws. Other times he supported such policies. However, while in office Donald Trump pledged his support of red flag laws, banned bump stocks, and voiced support for universal background checks. Most recently Donald Trump vowed to undo gun control actions taken by the Biden administration his first week back in office if elected while falsely claiming he did nothing on guns while in office previously. 

Quotes:

“We must make sure that those judged to pose a grave risk to public safety do not have access to firearms and that if they do, those firearms can be taken through rapid due process. That is why I have called for red flag laws, also known as extreme risk protection orders.”

“I think background checks are important. I don’t want to put guns into the hands of mentally unstable people or people with rage or hate, sick people. I’m all in favor of it.”

“I was proud to be the most pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment president you’ve ever had in the White House. And with your support in 2024, I will be your loyal friend and fearless champion once again as the 47th president of the United States.”

Marianne Williamson and Gun Policy

Marianne Williamson believes we have an epidemic of gun violence in the United States and vows to address the issue accordingly while protecting Americans Second Amendment right, citing the text of the amendment which includes the words “well regulated.” Williamson pledges to declare a national emergency for the epidemic of gun violence, to work with national and local organizations on a comprehensive gun control plan, expand background checks, end gun show loopholes, and require training, licensure and periodic renewal like we have with drivers licenses in order to possess a fire arm.

Quotes:

“The argument over gun rights is less about the Second Amendment and more about profit maximization for gun manufacturers.”

“The short term profits of the gun manufacturers are placed before the safety of our citizens and how long are the American people going to take this?”

“I will establish a U.S. Department of Peace. Gun violence is a symptom and we must also address the cause. Many elements foster violent behavior, and I will lead a national effort to create a nonviolent society.

Cornel West and Gun Policy

            Cornel West would take a holistic approach to gun policy. West believes we must look into the underlying causes of gun violence including poverty, inequality, unemployment, and systematic injustice. Only when we eliminate these factors will the problem of gun violence be solved. Cornel West also believes there is a place for gun control and requirements to own firearms. However, without strong communities he believes that those aims are not possible. 

Quotes:

“I don’t think guns are the place to start. That’s why I’m an abolitionist about poverty, indecent housing, unavailable healthcare, and not enough jobs with a living wage.”

“If we create the kind of communities then we can still have access legitimate forms of gun control without people pointing guns at each other.”

“Even if all the guns were gone in California, if your spirit is such, you’re dealing with poverty, desperation, shattered families and communities, you’re gonna find something else to kill somebody.”

Jill Stein and Gun Policy

            Jill Stein does not make gun control a primary issue of her campaign; however she is an advocate for gun control. Stein is an advocate for increasing background checks, a ban on assault weapons, red flag laws, and tighter regulations on gun sales. Jill Stein believes to reduce gun violence we must also address the root causes including mental health, poverty, and racial disparities.

Quotes:

“We certainly need an assault weapons ban, but we need more than that… So, we need to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. We need background checks, so that the mentally ill are not possessing and using guns. And we need to end the gun show loopholes, as well…”

“We have to address the other drivers of community violence. That includes ensuring that mental health services are available to everyone. But in addition, we need to end the culture of drug violence, which also is a major driver of gun violence.”

“It is more dangerous to the occupants of a home to have a gun than not…It’s an enormous public health problem in our cities, there are tragedies every day where young people are being shot, as victims of gun crimes…We’re not arguing that nobody should have a gun–but public safety should factor into constraints.”

Robert F. Kennedy and guns

            Robert F. Kennedy believes in the importance of Americans Second Amendment rights but does advocate for common sense gun control legislation. He is not a supporter of red flag laws. RFK believes the rise in gun violence can be attributed to the increase of mental health medication, which is inline to his While he has said he would sign an assault weapon ban as President he believes there is nothing that can realistically be done about gun violence in the United States due to the Second Amendment. 

Quotes:

“Guns, the proliferation, clearly, abets violence, but anybody who tells you that they can remove enough guns, AR-15s, by tinkering at the margins and get to the situation they have in western Europe is puling your leg. It’s not going to happen.”

“I had two family members who were killed by gunfire, so I understand the anguish and the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. We must figure out a way to deal with it but talking about taking people’s guns away at this point in history is not a solution.”

On red flag laws: “I don’t think you should be able to call the police in this country and tell on your neighbors. I’m just uncomfortable with it.

The issue of immigration is a complex one. In the context of U.S. elections, the question of immigration usually centers around two facets: southern border security and the people who are in the United States without legal status. Many people think of illegal border crossings as the primary way for a person to be here without legal status, however visa overstays are almost as common, even more common at times. This is only one of the reasons why the solution to what some call the “immigration crisis” is complex and will require a comprehensive plan.

President Biden and Immigration

President Biden believes the immigration system is in need of reform and has called the current system “broken”. Most recently the President supported a bipartisan national security bill which would have increased border security and implemented much needed reforms to the immigration system, that bill did not pass in Congress. Although President Biden does not believe physical barriers are the answer to border security, his administration waived environmental laws to continue construction of a physical barrier at the southern border. President Biden has also increased border security by mobilizing National Guard personnel to work with the Department of Homeland Security. The Biden administration has worked to expedite and increase removals of individuals who are not in the country legally.

Quotes:

“But instead of safe and orderly process at the border, we have a patchwork system that simply doesn’t work as it should. We don’t have enough asylum officers or personnel to determine whether people qualify for asylum. There’s a standard by what you have to meet… we don’t have enough immigrant judges, immigration judges to adjudicate the claims of immigrants.”

“And until Congress passes the funds, a comprehensive immigration plan to fix the system completely, my administration is going to work to make things better at the border using the tools that we have available to us now”

On the partisan nature of immigration voting: “So instead of playing politics with the issue, why don’t we just get together and get it done.”

Donald Trump and Immigration

Donald Trump has made immigration a primary issue of his campaign. He plans on reinstating many of the policiesfrom his prior time in office including his “remain in Mexico” policy, continuation of the physical barrier at the southern border, banning travel from some countries, and institute mass deportations. Donald Trump proposes an immigration system based on merit, and making it more difficult to get a visa. He has been an avid opponent of DACA and would seek to end the policy again. Notably, Donald Trump is cited as being responsible for killing a comprehensive national security bill which would have reformed the immigration system and  increased border security.

Quotes:

“Under our leadership, you were safer, your family was safer, your communities were safer, your children were safer, your borders were safer and your whole country was safer, a lot safer.”

“We have to protect our own borders first before we defend the borders of foreign countries.”

“Under my leadership we will quickly restore the most secure border in U.S. history… We will use all necessary state, local, federal, and military resources to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.”

Marianne Williamson and Immigration

Marianne Williamson supports comprehensive immigration reform which would target the root causes of immigration, increase border security, and streamline the asylum system. Key proposals of her immigration plan include a path to citizenship for those in the currently in the country who have not criminal record, expanding visa access, increase humanitarian aid to Latin America, increased hiring in the immigration and asylum systems, and increase funding for border patrol agents.

Quotes:

“As President I would wish to see an entirely different paradigm, regarding immigration to the United States.”

“I was taught from an early age about the often desperate plight of the immigrant and the blazing hope that America held out to them. The immigrant story of today contains no less richness, variety, and contribution than it did a hundred or two hundred years ago.”

“Asylum is… part of the sacred ideal of the United States.”

Robert F. Kennedy and Immigration

Robert F. Kennedy’s immigration stance focuses on securing the southern border. RFK believes the influx of people crossing the southern border is an “existential threat.” Kennedy is a proponent of remain in Mexico policy, which required all asylum claims to be adjudicated in Mexico. Robert F. Kennedy would end the so-called catch and release policy and increase deportation. RFK would seek to increase border security through a physical barrier and other infrastructure, including high tech options to monitor the border.

Quotes:

“The major thing is to shut down the border, which we can do pretty much overnight.”

“Texas is right. Biden’s failure to secure the border leaves states no choice but to take matters into their own hands. As President, I will end this humanitarian crisis once and for all. I will secure the border and destroy the business model of the drug cartels. A country without borders is not a country at all.”

“Our border has come under the control of criminal drug cartels that traffic in desolation, and in fentanyl, and in busloads of desperate human beings.” 

Cornel West and Immigration

In keeping with his campaigns focus on justice, Cornel West’s proposals on immigration center on the idea of restoring justice to our immigration system. West’s proposals include making the pathway to citizenship and permanent residency less cumbersome while focusing on ethical policies. Cornel West would abolish ICE and end militarization of the southern border while simultaneously ending the policies that result in family separation. 

Quotes:

“In the quest for justice and a currency of morality, migrants/asylum seekers at the Southern Border deserve humane practices. However, POTUS recent openness to policies like expelling migrants without asylum screenings contradicts our call for dignity and empathy.”

“That’s a matter of a step-by-step process of making sure that you have some connection with the leaders of the various countries where these folk are coming from. And at the same time, you let your folk know that they will not be in any way treated with less dignity than any other human being.”

“Treating every migrant and asylum seeker with dignity and implementing fundamental changes in immigration policies.”

Jill Stein and Immigration

Jill Stein opposes the increased militarization of the southern border and mass deportations, instead Stein believes we should focus on rehabilitating the economies of Latin American countries to work on the root causes of immigration. She is a proponent of pathways to citizenship for individuals already living and working in the U.S.

Quotes:

“There are problems with temporary visas for immigrants — there’s a real downside to that, in that they become second class citizens and they become subject to a whole other tier of low wages. This is partly why we call for full citizenship for immigrants who have been here. That’s the bulk of the issue.”

“Our nation of immigrants needs a just immigration system that won’t allow the ruling elite to divide working people. That means halting deportations, passing the DREAM Act, and creating legal status and a path to citizenship for hard-working, law-abiding undocumented immigrants.”

“People ask me ‘what are you going to do about immigration?’ I say we’re going to stop causing it . . . through wars and NAFTA, the war on drugs, coups and military interventions. We need to connect the dots.” 

The issue of international affairs during the US presidency encompasses a wide range of diplomatic, economic, and security challenges. This includes managing relationships with other countries, negotiating treaties and trade agreements, addressing global threats, and promoting American interests and values abroad. Currently, prominent foreign matters include, relations between China, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the tensions in Gaza involving Israel and Palestine. Given the significant impact of foreign affairs on the economy and human rights, voters especially prioritize issues of international conflict, making them pivotal factors in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.has emerged as an outspoken critic of U.S support for Ukraine against Russian forces. He claims that the West deliberately disrupted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 and that the U.S. wants to remove Russia’s authoritarian president, Vladimir Putin. Kennedy’s views also include his belief that NATO expansions provoked the Ukraine conflict and that Biden is putting Ukraine before Americans. He believes that the U.S. is a militaristic imperial power and advocates for a new peace movement, to reject hostile escalation and to shift towards peace rather than an empire.

Quotes:

“I abhor Russia’s brutal and bloody invasion of that nation,” 

“But we must understand that our government has also contributed to its circumstances through repeated deliberate provocations of Russia going back to the 1990s.”

 “not too late for us to voluntarily let go of empire and serve peace instead.”

Donald Trump: 

Former President Donald Trump’s primary aim is to safeguard America from any form of threats and keep America out of unnecessary foreign wars. To protect Americans specifically  from the threat of nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles, he promises to build an advanced missile defense shield. Trump has a long history of criticizing NATO and has claimed that under his presidency, America would fundamentally rethink NATO’s purpose and mission. Furthermore, Trump has maintained good relations and connections with authoritarian figures such as Russia, China, and North Korea’s leaders and he continues to show his support to Israel amidst the conflict. He also promises to secure our Southern border with Mexico, by continuing his previous project of building a wall and utilizing special forces to attack Mexican drug cartels. 

Quotes:

“ My foreign policy will always put the interests of the American people and American security above all else. It has to be first. Has to be.”

“When I am president, it will be the policy of the United States to take down the cartels, just as we took down ISIS and the ISIS caliphate”

“Finally, we have to finish the process we began under my Administration of fundamentally reevaluating NATO’s purpose and NATO’s mission”

“Our foreign policy establishment keeps trying to pull the world into conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia based on the lie that Russia represents our greatest threat. But the greatest threat to Western Civilization today is not Russia … It’s the abolition of our national borders. “

Joe Biden: 

President Biden has pledged unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of preventing Russia’s invasion to maintain global security and has given $200 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine. Regarding China, Biden aims to address its aggression by strengthening alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, he has demonstrated support for Israel, providing military aid while also advocating for a temporary ceasefire.

Quotes:

“We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack. There is no justification for terrorism.  There is no excuse.”

“we must start with diplomacy rooted in America’s most cherished democratic values: defending freedom, championing opportunity, upholding universal rights, respecting the rule of law, and treating every person with dignity. That’s the grounding wire of our global policy — our global power.”

“as the President has promised, diplomacy – not military action – will always come first” – the Biden Administration