Comparing the Candidates

Katie Harrington|May 24, 2016

 

Trump Clinton Sanders
Immigration Is going to build a wall which Mexico will pay for. Supports immigration, but believes that the Mexican immigrants are causing a rise in crime. Advocates for an easier path to full citizenship and opposes deportation saying that “Immigrants are vital to our economy.” Also advocates for a simpler citizenship process that is attainable for people currently in the U.S., and also calls for an end to the exploitation of illegal immigrants.
Guns Avid gun supporter, claims that if the Paris terrorist attacks had occurred in the United States that gun toting citizens would have put up a fight. Would like comprehensive backgrounds checks and fewer loopholes that allow for criminals and terrorists to own guns. Wants better background checks and will work to close the gun show loophole. Sanders also advocates banning assault rifles.
Abortion Is anti-choice and states that “Planned Parenthood has to stop with the abortions.” Pro-choice, except for late term pregnancies, unless there is a risk to the mother or the child. Believes that “the decision about abortion is a decision for a woman and her doctor to make, not the government.”
Foreign Policy Trump aims to “totally dismantle Iran’s global terror network.” Trump also believes that the U.S. military needs to be rebuilt, even though our defense spending is greater than the next 13 countries combined. Aims to keep America at the top of the food chain through “maintaining a cutting-edge military, strengthening our alliances, cultivating new partners, standing up to aggressors, defeating ISIS, and enforcing the Iran nuclear agreement.” Aims to solve more international conflicts peacefully, putting an emphasis on diplomacy and strengthening of allies rather than going to war.
Taxes States that he wishes to lower taxes for the poor and increase them for the rich. However, he also said, “I try and pay as little tax as possible, because I hate what they do with my tax money.” “I’ll give tax relief to working families who are struggling with costs from college to health care.” Believes that the wealthy should pay their fair share. Will also stop corporations from moving funds overseas in order to avoid tax breaks.
Healthcare Trump has been quite forward about his dislike of Obamacare and on several occasions said that he would like to repeal it, “and replace it with something terrific, for far less money for the country and for the people” Will maintain the Affordable Care Act, but will improve its success rate and reduce costs even further. States that “My view is simple: health care is a right, not a privilege,” and fully supports a Medicare-for-all society.
Environment Believes global warming and climate change is a hoax that only serves to impede job growth. “As president, I’ll say no to drilling in the Arctic. I’ll stop the tax giveaways to big oil and gas companies. And I’ll make significant investments in clean energy.” Plans to put a tax on carbon pollution and invest heavily in various sustainable energy resources. Believes that “global warming is the greatest threat facing our planet.”
Economy and Jobs Places a heavy emphasis on the need for more jobs and manufacturers in America rather than overseas. Plans to “start building those factories and those plants here instead of China.” Is now in support of the $15 minimum wage, as well as cutting taxes for the middle class. Additionally, she will “say ‘no’ to new trade agreements unless they create American jobs, raise wages and improve our national security.” Also wants to move minimum wage to $15 and is a strong advocate of workers’ rights. Also wants to “create a Clean-Energy Workforce of 10 million good jobs through a 100% clean energy system.”
Education “I’m a tremendous believer in education, but education has to be at a local level,” Trump said. Also would like to focus more on college finances and student loans Will reduce the amount of standardized testing and will “work to ensure every child—from every ZIP code—has access to a world-class education, including access to high-quality preschool.” Plans to make childcare universal and affordable, public schools and universties free, and equal access to high quality education.
Budget and Spending Has plans to “cut so much, your head will spin.” For example, he says, “We are going to cut the Department of Education.” ”I’ll pay for my proposals by closing corporate tax loopholes and asking the wealthiest to pay their fair share.” Emphasizes a more balanced economy in which money does not pool as heavily to the rich.
National Security Trump has put out a strong and aggressive attitude about international relations. In the context of nuclear warfare, he stated, “the fact is that we need unpredictability.” Clinton promises a strong, all-out war against terrorism: “This is a time for America to lead, not to cower. And we will lead, and we will defeat terrorists that threaten our friends and allies.” “Our intelligence and law enforcement agencies must have the tools needed to protect us, but there must be legal oversight and it must be done in a way that does not sacrifice our basic freedoms.”