November 2020
Volume VIII - Issue I
Special Coverage
ELECTION EDITION
2020 MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN
INSIDE: P. 2-4: MEET THE CANDIDATES P. 5-6: IN-PERSON VOTING VS. ABSENTEE BY MAIL P. 7: OTHER IMPORTANT MI ELECTIONS AND MEET AMY CONEY BARRETT P. 8: STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS P. 9: POLLING BREAKDOWN
1
MEET THE CANDIDATE
JOEBIDEN BASIC FACTS:
Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on November 20, 1942 Earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Delaware in 1965 and a law degree from Syracuse University Law School in 1968 Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama and the Congressional Patriot Award from the Bipartisan Policy Center, both in 2017
EXPERIENCE: Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017
MeetJoeBiden He's not Obama! by CASSIE ENGLISH Copy Writer
Although they are both Democratic politicians who worked together for two presidential terms, Joe Biden is running on his own platform that cannot be entirely chalked up to his time as Vice President under Obama. The 2020 Democratic platform focuses on dealing with issues such as the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, economic strength and fairness, universal and affordable healthcare, and immigration. Additionally, the platform commits time, energy, and money toward remedying the issue of climate change in America.
Senator for Delaware from 1973 to 2009 (Delaware’s longest serving Senator) Served on the New Castle County Council in Delaware from 1970 to 1972 Attorney in Delaware from 1968 to 1970
MAJOR PLATFORMS: Free Coronavirus testing for all, hiring 100,000 test administrators, opening at least ten testing centers in each state $15 federal minimum wage Two years of community college free and $10,000 in student loan forgiveness Rejoin World Health Organization and Paris Climate Agreement 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave Ending the gender wage gap Reforming criminal justice system
Biden’s campaign website outlines the stark differences between his campaign and platform and that of his opponent, President Donald Trump. Broad, declarative statements are made in every section about the negative impacts of the Trump Administration from the Biden campaign’s perspective. One such declaration defines Trump’s response to the novel Coronavirus with very definitive language. “Donald Trump is not to blame for the coronavirus. But he does bear responsibility for the response. The American people need and deserve a leader who will give them the truth,” stated Biden’s campaign website. The Biden campaign has sections on their website on nearly every topic imaginable. Biden has advocated for free Coronavirus testing for all, as well as hiring 100,000 test administrators and opening at least ten testing centers in each state. He supports state-wide mask mandates and sending federal aid and resources to states that need it. A noticeable difference between this Democratic campaign and the Trump campaign is the emphasis placed on the growing issue of climate change. The Republican platform, unchanged from Trump’s first election cycle in 2016, states that the party does not identify climate change as a “pressing national security issue.” Biden, however, has promised to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement and to invest two trillion dollars in clean energy. He has agreed with scientists in their goal to bring the United States and the world to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Some of Biden’s most controversial stances lie in the economic arena. He has promised to raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25 per hour to $15, and to restore workers’ rights to unionize. Biden has also spent his entire campaign trail claiming that his presidency will do incredible things for the middle class, and both his campaign website and the Democratic platform seem to support this idea. Biden has promised to end the gender wage gap and to provide paid family leave for all. He promotes extending loans to and investing in small businesses, providing $10,000 in student loan forgiveness, and creating a business investment fund for minorities. He has not, contrary to what the Republican party claims, given into the further left calls to defund the police, but supports reform and redistribution of some police funding.
2
MEET THE CANDIDATE
DONALDTRUMP BASIC FACTS:
Trump has 5 children: Donald Trump Jr. (42), Ivanka Trump (39), Eric Trump (36), Tiffany Trump (27), Barron Trump (14) Born in New York, New York in 1946 Education: Fordham University University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Finance, B.S. in Economics Owner of the Trump Company Host of The Celebrity Apprentice
FIRST TERM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Reshaped the Federal Judiciary by appointing judges that make up about 25% of all U.S. circuit court judges. Created a sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces - the Space Force. Reformed taxes through the Tax Cuts and Job Act. Passed the First Step Act, which reformed the criminal justice system. Defeated ISIS caliphate and worked with the U.S. Armed Forces to kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
MeetDonaldTrump
Donald Trump looks to capture a second term victory by ERYN STERN News Editor
“As I’ve said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign, but rather an incredible and great movement made up of millions of hard-working men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their families. It’s a movement comprised of Americans from all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs who want and expect our government to serve the people, and serve the people it will. Working together, we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream. I’ve spent my entire life and business looking at the untapped potential in projects and in people all over the world. That is now what I want to do for our country,” said the 45th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, during his 2016 victory speech on November 8. During President Trump’s first term, he accomplished numerous things. Some of these things included reshaping the Federal Judiciary by appointing judges that currently make up about 25% of all U.S. circuit court judges, creating a sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces - the Space Force, reforming taxes through the Tax Cuts and Job Act, and passing the First Step Act, which reformed the criminal justice system.
Passed trade agreements such as the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Other things the president did in his three and a half years included defeating the ISIS caliphate and worked with the U.S. Armed Forces to kill Abu Bakr alBaghdadi, will most likely have had three Supreme Court picks confirmed by the end of his first term, cut regulations, formed trade agreements like the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), pursued Pro-Israel policy and secured multiple peace deals between Israel and other Middle Eastern countries, increased military funding, and restored funding for Historically Black Colleges.
Pursued Pro-Israel policy and secured multiple peace deals between Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.
President Trump’s stances include pro-life, anti-illegal immigration, 2nd Amendment supporter, America first, and less regulation.
Increased military funding.
Though, no president is perfect, as some of Trump’s challenges includes his tax returns, past business deals, an Impeachment over the Ukraine call, questionable relationships with women, using unfriendly language in many of his tweets, and some accusations of discrimination.
Three Supreme Court picks confirmed Cut regulations
Restored Funding for Historically Black Colleges.
MAJOR PLATFORMS: Pro-Life
Trump has been holding four to five rallies daily across the nation, attracting enormous crowds, as the president is working to secure another four years in the White House.
Anti-Illegal Immigration 2nd Amendment supporter America First Less Regulation
3
VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
KAMALAHARRIS MIKEPENCE BASIC FACTS:
EXPERIENCE:
BASIC FACTS:
EXPERIENCE:
Birth date: October 20, 1964
Alameda County District Attorney
Birth date: June 7, 1959
U.S. House of Representative for the state of Indiana
Birth place: Oakland, California
City Attorney of San Francisco
Birth place: Columbus, Indiana
Parents: Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris
U.S. Senator for the state of California
Parents: Edward Pence,Nancy PenceFritsch
Marriage: Douglas Emhoff (2014)
Attorney General for the state of California
Marriage: Karen Pence (1985-present)
Education: Howard University (1986), University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Juris Doctor (1989)
CONTROVERSIES:
Children: Michael, Charlotte and Audrey
CONTROVERSIES:
Criminal Justice Record: Critics of her tenure as Attorney General allege that she failed to investigate multiple charges of police misconduct, including questionable shootings.
Education: Hanover College (Indiana), B.A., 1981; Indiana University School of Law, J.D., 1986
The Ukraine Scandal: Known to be involved in the attempt to gather information about Joe Biden’s son Hunter, despite Trump saying “he had no idea what he was doing.”
Track Record as Prosecutor: Many have opposed many of her decisions as prosecutor, including advocating for transphobic policies in prisons.
MAJOR PLATFORMS:
Religion: Baptist
MAJOR PLATFORMS: Anti-death penalty Anti-private prisons Anti-electoral college Pro-gun control Pro-choice Pro-LGBTQ+ rights Pro-legalization of marijuana Pro-peaceful protest Pro-immigration Pro-social security Pro-welfare
Contradictions: She pushed for programs that helped people find jobs instead of putting them in prison, but also fought to keep people in prison even after they are proven innocent. She also implemented programs to address police officers’ racial biases, but resisted calls to get her office to investigate certain shootings. Many critics have begun to label her as a ‘’cop’’- representative of a broken criminal justice system.
by LENNA PETERSON Copy Editor
Religion: Evangelical Christian
Pro-life Pro-religious Freedom Pro-peaceful protest Pro-death penalty Pro-renewable energy Pro-gun rights Pro-border security Pro-taxpayer protection Anti-police discrimination and brutality Anti-immigration Anti-Gay rights Anti-welfare Anti-social security
Republican Conference Chairman Governor of Indiana Vice President of the United States
Discrimination: In 2015, Pence passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana, which banned local governments from getting involved if a restaurant turned away a customer for religious reasons, mostly focusing on the religious beliefs intertwined with the LGBTQ+ community. Abortion: Pence was the first sitting vice president to ever speak at a rally for any side of the abortion issue, when he spoke at an anti-abortion rally in 2016. COVID-19: Pence made many hospital visits throughout the course of the pandemic, creating a stir among health professionals by not wearing a facemask during the majority of his visits.
by SETH KRUGER Managing Editor
4
IN-PERSONVOTING MAIL-INBALLOTS VS
In-PersonVoting:2020Edition
New regulations imposed for in-person voting
Mail-inballotsin2020election
Pandemic forces the most citizens to vote by mail in history by NOAH ROSLIN Section Editor
by ISA HALSBAND Social Media and Business Manager As the election approaches, the significance of in-person voting is repeatedly brought to the nations’ attention. Elected officials have had to prepare for a drastic increase in voters casting an absentee or mail-in ballot while also taking precautions in order to maintain safe in-person voting. “I’m honestly a little skeptical about how in-person voting is going to work with Coronavirus,” said senior Jane Appel. “It just feels a little risky, but I’m sure there are guidelines in place to keep people safe.” The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has enforced many regulations and COVID-19 protocols for election polling locations, among these protocols, the manufacturer guidance on cleaning election technology. The EAC is implementing procedures in which polling equipment, tabulation devices, marking devices, and mail ballot processing equipment are all thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. In addition, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released recommended precautions that are to be used when voting in person. “On April 22, [we] conducted a virtual hearing to discuss issues facing state and local election officials regarding elections and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the CDC. “This hearing included a discussion on considerations for in-person voting with state and local election officials, an advocate for voters with disabilities, and a representative from the CDC.” These steps will be taken in order to lessen the risk of exposure in the polling booths. However, in-person voting is not required, and absentee mail ballots are still an option for those who would rather stay safe. “If you’re worried, you can always do absentee or mail ballots,” said senior Autumn Kaelber. “If you’re going in person, wear a mask, stay six feet apart if you can and, of course, make sure you’re healthy and safe.”
Election day is soon to be upon us and this election is shaping up to possibly be the most important in recent American history. Michael McDonald, professor at the University of Florida Gainesville and head of the U.S. Elections Project, estimates that about 150 million people will vote in this election, which, at 62% voter turnout, would be the largest turnout in the last 50 years. With commercials and lawn signs for differing candidates, billboards and celebrities telling people to vote, and both sides as divided as ever, it has become obvious how crucial this election will be to our country’s future, which brings up another problem. How can a voter truly stay safe going to the polls on election day? For those who have no answer to that question and are at higher risk of either contracting or having complications with the COVID-19 virus, there is another option: voting with an absentee ballot. The direct definition of absentee voting is simply voting somewhere other than an official polling place. Whether online or mail-in, proxy voting (having a chosen representative vote for you) or early voting, absentee ballots can aid people unable to or unwilling to go to the polls. One must register to vote by way of an absentee ballot in advance and by a certain deadline (based on state) to get the votes in. The system was put in place originally so that Civil War soldiers could vote while on the battlefield, and has been used to increase voter turnout ever since. According to MIT Election Data, California was the first state to truly allow absentee voting without a clear excuse and since then, 26 more states have followed. Absentee voting was enacted largely to increase voter turnout, but, in today’s political climate, has become essential. People who are physically compromised, over or under a certain age, or living with breathing conditions such as asthma, do not
have to risk contracting the deadly Coronavirus by heading to the polls. The absentee system lets them vote from the comfort and safety of their own homes without unwanted exposure. There has been a healthy amount of controversy surrounding the use of absentee ballots, seemingly fitting in with most issues in the heat of this election. On September 25, President Trump tweeted a series of statements propping up absentee ballots while calling the practice of mail-in voting fraudulent. “Mail-In Ballot fraud found in many elections… 1% not even counted in 2016. Ridiculous! Just a formula for RIGGING an Election,” Trump wrote. This sparked significant confusion as most American citizens believed that mail-in ballots and absentee ballots are the same, which they are, more or less. Much like a square is a rectangle but a rectangle is not a square, mail-in ballots are absentee ballots, but absentee ballots are not necessarily mail-in ballots. According to CNN staff writer Marshall Cohen, Trump also insinuated that around twenty percent of the votes would be fraudulent ballots, and although that statistic is unconfirmed, there is something relatively concerning about absentee ballots. There has never been, and will probably never be a more prominent time for a voting system that is widely known, but not widely understood. Trump is no different than most in his misconception, making his skepticism merely the voice of the many who misunderstand the use of absentee ballots. That being said, the population, including the leader of the free world, must get accustomed to the absentee ballots and self educate as much as possible, as it is safer for people susceptible to the Coronavirus and will be another reliable way to vote this year.
5-6
IMPORTANT NON-PRESIDENTIAL RACES
MICHIGAN SENATE CANDIDATES
JOHN JAMES (R) VETERAN/BUSINESSMAN
GARY PETERS (D-INCUMBENT)
Anti-Affordable Care Act
Supports the Affordable Care Act
Supports Sec. DeVos' Education Plan
Expansion of technology and apprenticeship programs for students
Rebuild economy, pass second relief bill
Unemployment expansion, free testing, small business relief
Opposes Green New Deal, supports Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
Wants to hold oil companies accountable
Pro-life
Pro-choice
2nd amendment supporter with regulations
2nd amendment supporter with regulations and background checks; gun owner
by LINDSEY ZOUSMER Managing Editor
HEALTHCARE: EDUCATION: COVID-19: ENVIRONMENT: ABORTION: SECOND AMENDMENT:
Meet Judge Amy Coney Barrett Coverage on President Trump’s Supreme Court Pick by MADDY MOSS Staff Writer A month after Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination, she filled the Supreme Court seat left open by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing in September. Barrett is a devout Catholic and a mother to seven kids, two of whom were adopted from Haiti. Barrett is not a new face to the Supreme Court; she was a law clerk to the late Justice Antonin Scalia with whom she formed a personal relationship. She saw him as her political role model and, just like him, she practices originalism. “[Originalism is when someone] interprets the Constitution according to what adherents claim is the framers’ intent, and textualism, which interprets laws based on the meaning of the words rather than the intentions of the legislators,” said Tessa Berenson from TIME.
Originalism is used so judges can look into the facts and read the fine print in documents, ensuring they do not overstep their power to make the Constitution say what they want. Many argue that the Constitution is a living document that moves and changes with the times since its creation in 1787. Barrett’s philosophy of originalism was seen in her confirmation hearings, where she was asked many times about contentious issues and declined to answer them. Senator Kamala Harris directly asked Barrett about her opinion on climate change and healthcare and Barrett responded with the following: “You have asked me a series of questions that are completely uncontroversial, [on COVID-19 and smoking], and then trying to
analogize that to eliciting… an opinion from me on that is on a very contentious matter of public debate. And I will not do that,” said Barrett. Barrett is under fire for not answering many questions that the Senate Democrats asked her. Barrett cites that she did not answer some of the questions due to the ‘Ginsburg rule.’ The Ginsburg rule defines how a person should conduct themselves at a hearing. No suggestions, no indicators, and no sneak peeks into what their rulings may be in the future. “Justice Ginsburg with her characteristic pithiness used this to describe how a nominee should compose herself at a hearing. No hints, no previews, no forecasts. That had
been the practice of nominees before her. But everybody calls it the Ginsburg rule because she stated it so concisely,” said Barrett. However, many legal scholars say that the ‘Ginsburg rule’ is not a valid excuse for the Supreme Court nominees to evade questions asked on important topics. When Barrett filled the seat on October 26, it made her President Trump’s third appointment to the Supreme Court. This tipped the scale for a 6-3 conservative majority. Barrett was approved by the Senate with a 52-48 majority vote on October 25. Barrett was sworn in the next day, making her the 115th Justice to serve on the court. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case about the Affordable Care Act, sometimes known as ObamaCare, in June of 2021.
7
VOTE
VOTE
OV TE VOTE
Student Activism Rises at Polls Pandemic prompts new wave of student activism nationwide by SANJU SWAMY Managing Editor As the election draws closer, students all across the nation are being thrust into the political activity around them. This constant flow of information and calls to action have caused many individuals in high school, although most are too young to vote, to get politically involved. At BHHS, organizations such as the BHHS Junior State of America-Political Awareness Club have become a stable platform for those with a passion for politics to get involved. “JSA-PAC organized multiple forums/debates for a few local elections races ahead of the November 3rd election,” said sophomore JSA member Natalie Tsimhoni. “[Along with this, JSA on a national level works] with a goal of fighting apathy among high schoolers.” JSA does this by organizing activism initiatives, hosting events with highly-positioned officials and having conventions multiple times during the year. On a personal note, Tsimhoni has gotten involved politically as a fellow on Representative Mari Manoogian’s campaign along with her work on JSA-PAC. Tsimhoni continued on to discuss what other initiatives she
has been a part of in advance of this election. “I’ve also helped organize a lot of events through JSA-PAC, including forums with local politicians, voter registration drives and more, which are always really fun to put together,” said Tsimhoni. Along with Tsimhoni, many other BHHS students have become politically involved, even in the midst of a pandemic. Senior Noah Charness was a poll worker for his local West Bloomfield Township community. “I ran the August fourth primary, and encouraged my friend to work the November third election with me. Continually, I have become more politically aware,” said Charness. Charness also noted the significance of political awareness for high school students. “I think involvement in politics is extremely important, especially for our generation which is about to enter the workforce and become productive members of society,” said Charness. Similarly, Charness discussed the challenges that voters are faced with as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and how
important it is for individuals to have a voting plan. “Because of COVID-19, this year is like no other and that also applies to voting. Being a poll worker myself, I have seen the successes as well as the faults of voting altogether, which is why I would encourage someone to have a voting plan,” added Charness. Charness and Tsimhoni are just two examples of students within our student body who have gotten politically involved because of their passion and interest in politics. They encourage others to do so as well. “I think the best way to get into politics is to learn more about topics you’re passionate about [and] to contact a local politician,” said Tsimhoni. “Politicians are always excited to see students interested in politics.” Lastly, Charness made a final comment about how any kind of political involvement can have profound meaning. “Voting and politics are the best ways of steering the country towards a brighter future,” said Charness.
Credits: Vecteezy.com
8
2020PRESIDENTIALFORECAST
DATA PROVIDED BY FIVE THIRTY EIGHT | PROJECTION FROM 11.1.20 236
42
56
78
35
91
270TOWIN
BIDEN(334)ISPROJECTEDTOBEATTRUMP(204)
STRONG DEMOCRATIC
PROBABLY DEMOCRATIC
TOSS-UP DEMOCRATIC
TOSS-UP REPUBLICAN
PROBABLY REPUBLICAN
STRONG REPUGLICAN
9