Happy 2016 everyone! It seems like just yesterday President Obama was sworn in for his second term, beating Mitt Romney in the general election. Yet, Obama’s presidency is coming to an end and another election year is upon us. We all hear about the campaign trail everyday, whether it’s regarding polls, controversies, (…usually involving Trump) or political advertisements. Because of the heightened media frenzy surrounding the election, it can be hard to keep track of all of the candidates, especially with 12 Republican nominees! This is why we’ve compiled a list of the top Democratic and Republican candidates, with a few of their political positions and current poll numbers, courtesy of RealClearPolitics.com.
DEMOCRATS
HILARY CLINTON – 51.6%.
The former first lady, senator, and secretary of state. Also worked on the Watergate investigation. This is her second presidential race.
● Against No Child Left Behind
● Waive deportation for some immigrants and give undocumented immigrants an easier path to citizenship
● Close tax loopholes and cut middle class taxes
● Commit to two-state solution in Israel and Palestine
● Use U.S. air support and regional forces, such as Iraq, against ISIS
BERNIE SANDERS – 37.2%.
The Vermont senator who’s on the rise and quickly gaining on Hil. Are you feeling the Bern?
● Charge companies for carbon emissions
● Two years free tuition at state colleges
● Raise taxes on the wealthy and cut taxes for the middle class
● Withdraw troops from Afghanistan and Iraq ASAP
● Ban assault weapons
MARTIN O’MALLEY – 2.2%.
Governor of Maryland from 2007-2015. Pretty much in the shadows of Hilary and Bernie.
● Separate commercial and investment banks
● Regulate greenhouse gas emissions
● Ban assault weapons and require fingerprint to buy a gun
● Let undocumented students pay in-state tuition
● Abolish capital punishment
REPUBLICANS
DONALD TRUMP – 35.8%.
Business tycoon turned politician. Yikes….
● Climate change isn’t real
● Repeal and replace ObamaCare
● Reduce government spending
● No path to citizenship for illegal immigrants
● Do not cut Social Security or Medicare
TED CRUZ – 19.6%.
Junior U.S. Senator from Texas.
● Make a 15% corporate tax rate
● Eliminate Common Core education standards
● Block net neutrality
● Repeal ObamaCare
● Abolish the IRS
MARCO RUBIO – 10.2%.
Junior U.S. Senator from Florida. Florida’s youngest House speaker.
● Repeal ObamaCare and replace it with tax credits
● Climate change isn’t real
● Cut corporate taxes to 25%
● Work on a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants
● Get rid of Iran nuclear deal
BEN CARSON – 7.6%.
Retired neurosurgeon, and now, Republican candidate.
● Climate change isn’t real and is a “distraction” from the political process
● Limit gun ownership for exclusively mentally ill and those convicted of a serious crime
● Put boots on the ground to fight ISIS
● Eliminate IRS
● Ban abortion after 20 weeks
JEB BUSH – 4.8%.
Brother of George W. Bush and Governor of Florida from 1999-2007
● Let states decide on legalization of marijuana
● No tax increases
● Get rid of Iran nuclear deal
● Put troops in Russia
● Expand gun owners’ rights
To find out more about each candidate’s platform, visit his or her campaign website. For an average of all political polls, go to RealClearPolitics.com.