In just one year from this week, the presidential election will be conducted. On November 8th, 2016 our next commander-in-chief will be named and both their beliefs and actions as president will effect each and every one of us. They will become the face of our nation and one of the most powerful people in the world, so it is up to us to make an informed decision as to who that person will be.
We are currently in the presidential primaries, a brief period within the political timetable that dictates which presidential candidate is chosen to represent their respective party during the general election. Throughout the debates and various other public appearances, candidates will be able to present their current stances on the issues. Streamlined here are the democratic presidential candidates and their views on key issues such as women’s rights, the LGBTQIA+ community, minimum wage and higher education affordability.
Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State (January 21, 2009- February 1, 2013)
On women’s rights
Clinton is a strong supporter of planned parenthood as well as expanded access to birth control and contraceptives. A pro-choice advocate, she would ensure abortion remain safe and legal. At Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio she stated, “I would like these Republican candidates to look the mom in the eye who caught her breast cancer early because she was able to get a screening for cancer, or the teenager who didn’t get pregnant because she had access to contraception, or anyone who’s ever been protected by an HIV test.” In 2010, during her tenure as secretary of state, she was also noted stating, “…if we’re talking about maternal health, you cannot have maternal health without reproductive health. And reproductive health includes contraception and family planning and access to legal, safe abortion.”
On the LGBTQIA+ community
During her time as Secretary of State, she pushed for LGBT rights and according to the Huffington Post, her most notable moment on the issue was during her speech in Switzerland in December of 2011 where she stated, “Like being a woman, like being a racial, religious, tribal, or ethnic minority, being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.” Although she is now a supporter of gay marriage, she has also acknowledged that this was not always her viewpoint.
On minimum wage
She believes the minimum wage should be raised to $12 but sees $15 as unrealistic on Capitol Hill.
On higher education
Clinton proposed a plan in which higher education tuition would be cheaper, but not free, applying for aid and repayment would be simpler and current borrowers would be able to refinance their loans at favorable rates. Future borrowers would see lower rates and colleges would be held at higher standards.
For more information on Hillary Clinton, visit her official website here!
Martin O’Malley
Former governor of Maryland (January 17, 2007- January 21, 2015)
On women’s rights
O’Malley has described his view on abortion as pro-choice and while governor, he signed the Family Planning Works Act into law making Medicaid-funded birth control, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, cancer screenings and other essential services accessible to an additional 33,000 low and moderate-income women in the state.
On the LGBTQIA+ community
O’Malley also signed same-sex marriage into Maryland law in 2012 and in his blog post on the Huffington Post claimed, “Our efforts were in essence about the dignity of every child’s home. All of us, wherever we happen to stand on the marriage equality issue, can agree that all our children deserve the opportunity to live in a loving, caring, committed, and stable home, protected equally under the law.”
On minimum wage
He believes the minimum wage should be raised to $15 in order to lift families out of poverty and “to rebuild the American Dream.”
On higher education
Listed on his website are two steps to a more affordable higher education tuition. These steps include Congress allowing students to refinance the debt they already have and capping the monthly payments on student’s loans, “Our ultimate goal must be for every student, most especially low-income and middle-class students, to be able to go to college debt-free. But making sure our students get a far better deal on their loans is a crucial first step.”
For more information about Martin O’Malley, visit his official webiste here!
Bernie Sanders
US Senator from Vermont (January 3, 2007- Present)
On women’s rights
Sanders has advocated for extended maternity leave and planned parenthood. Along with the other democratic candidates he is also pro-choice. In regards to the gender wage gap, if elected he would sign the Paycheck Fairness Act to end gender discrimination within wages.
On the LGBTQIA+ community
Noted on his website is his claim that as president he will “sign into law the Equality Act, the Every Child Deserves a Family Act and any other bill that prohibits discrimination against LGBT people. ” He also vows to continue the great work of the State Department’s Special Envoy for LGBT Rights and ensure the United States helps protect the rights of LGBT people around the world. He also would like to advance policies to ensure students can attend school without fear of bullying and work to reduce suicides. Sanders would also require police departments to adopt policies to ensure fair interactions with transgender people and veto any legislation that purports to “protect” religious liberty at the expense of others’ rights.
On minimum wage
Sanders believes the minimum wage should be raised to $15.
On higher education
According to his website Sanders seeks legislation to enable tuition at public colleges and universities to be free for students, “We live in a highly competitive global economy. If our economy is to be strong, we need the best educated work force in the world. That will not happen if every year hundreds of thousands of bright young people cannot afford to go to college and if millions more leave school deeply in debt.”
For more information on Bernie Sanders, visit his official webite here!
Be sure to check back next week for another Newsworthy piece on our Republican candidates!
For more information on the 2016 election or to register to vote if you haven’t already done so, visit RockTheVote.com
Remember, knowledge is power so be aware and stay informed!