Your Guide to the Top Democratic Candidates - Ella T. Lifset

Your guide to the Top Democratic Candidates

By Ella T. Lifset

Joe Biden Age: 77 “One of the things I’ve never been accused of is not caring about people.”

Policies that Biden supports include a substantial increase in federal funding for low-income public schools, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), and a firmer stance on climate control that mirrors the Green New Deal. Biden’s primary campaign strategy revolves around his promise to return to an era that mirrors the Obama administration. Biden initially led the polls, although his polling numbers have since experienced a decline, largely due to voter uncertainty regarding his age and potentially antiquated political views.

Michael Bloomberg

Age: 78 “We will go forward... we will never go back.”

Bloomberg has consistently supported abortion rights, gun control, and environmentalist legislation--topics that would be considered socially liberal. However, in regards to foreign and economic issues, Bloomberg generally backs more conservative viewpoints. These include support for the Iraq War as well as balancing the national budget. Early polls show Bloomberg as an unpopular candidate in comparison to the other Democratic candidates. Additionally, as the eighth richest man in America and mogul of Bloomberg News, he has an obvious advantage in terms of advertisements and campaign funding.

Pete Buttigieg

Age: 38 “Greatness will come by looking forward--untethered from the politics of the past and anchored by our shared values--and by changing our nation’s future.“

The Mayor of South Bend, Indiana has supported several policies, including stronger climate change legislation and criminal justice system reform. However, Buttigieg’s most prominent proposition is his more moderate healthcare plan, or “Medicare for All Who Want It,” which gives citizens a choice to opt-in for a public program. As the only openly gay candidate running for the presidency, Buttigieg has risen considerably in popularity throughout his campaign. However, he still polls less than 1% with African American voters.

Age: 78 “Democratic socialism means that we must create an economy that works for all, not just the very wealthy.”

Despite being the oldest candidate, Sanders is known for his leftist views as a selfdescribed “democratic socialist.” His supported policies include tuition-free college, estate tax increases, and the Green New Deal. Of course, perhaps his most contentious plan is Medicare for All, which would create a government-run program with no private insurance option, except for elective procedures. Sanders primarily draws support from young, diverse voters and is one of the top contenders for the nomination.

Elizabeth Warren

Age: 70 “What I’ve learned is that real change is very, very hard. But I've also learned that change is possible-- if you fight for it.”

Jokingly referred to as the candidate with “a plan for that,” Warren has supported and rolled out numerous policy ideas such as stricter environmentalist regulation with the Green New Deal, a tax plan that would target those above a certain pay grade and could fund a universal child care program, and a Medicare for All healthcare plan. Although similar to Sanders, Warren is more of a social democrat, believing capitalism needs to be adjusted in order to properly function. The senator has risen considerably in the polls, appealing to a variety of voters across the Democratic Party.

Andrew Yang

Age: 45 “I’m a capitalist, and I believe that universal basic income is necessary for capitalism to continue.”

When Andrew Yang comes to mind, people often do not focus on his support for vocational training as opposed to free college tuition, three-tiered gun violence prevention system, or a combination between a government and private healthcare structure. Rather, his unique Universal Basic Income (UBI) proposal, or the plan to give every American adult $1,000 each month, has captured the eye of the American public and has increased Yang’s popularity with those looking for a more moderate candidate that supports capitalism.

Shown below are two polls, with CCA’s opinions on the left and national opinions on the right. National opinions sourced from the Harvard-Harris poll.