We’re officially weeks away from the most important election of our lifetimes, and after last week’s intense debate, we need to think about which candidate will best handle important issues. During the debate, (which seemed more like an SNL skit gone wrong than an actual debate), we learned where the US presidential hopefuls, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, stand on a variety of important topics.
Moreover, President Trump, who’s a Republican, and Democratic nominee, former US Vice President Biden have opposing views on literally every single issue. So here’s a breakdown of where each presidential candidate stands on the important issues that every millennial cares about:
COVID-19
Trump
- Insisted that he’s known about COVID since February and that the virus won’t last long.
- Claims that a vaccine is weeks away, which contradicts his previous statements claiming that he wants to “slow down testing.”
- Does not believe in wearing masks to stop the virus’ spread and will not create a federal mask mandate.
Biden
- Frequently expressed the desire to offer free COVID-19 testing to all Americans.
- Wishes to increase funding for contact tracing and supplying PPE.
- Hopes to create a plan that will alleviate financial hardship for small business owners.
- If elected, will make a mask mandate immediately if elected.
Racial Injustice
Trump
- Stated that he doesn’t support the Black Lives Matter movement.
- Refused to denounce white supremacy during the presidential debate and instructed the violent alt-right group Proud Boys to “stand by.”
- Has previously made other racist comments, even about COVID-19.
Biden
- Has condemned the violence at the George Floyd protests after the grand jury ruling in Breonna Taylor’s death.
- Acknowledged that racial injustice is a systemic issue in America.
- Selected the first black female vice-presidential candidate, Kamala Harris.
Police Reform
Trump
- Insisted that America shouldn’t defund the police.
- Signed an order that allows Americans to report officers who have been fired or found to have used excessive force.
- Believes that the police keep “law and order.”
Biden
- Not supportive of defunding the police.
- Believes in police reform.
- Pushes for funding to continue police training and also to require police to wear body cameras.
Gun Violence
Trump
- Insists bearing arms is a constitutional right.
- Made no effort to take action towards decreasing school shootings and other gun violence.
- The NRA supports Trump.
Biden
- Encouraged prioritizing gun safety and supported banning assault weapons.
- Pushed for background checks and a federal gun buyback program to take guns off of the streets.
Healthcare
Trump
- Plans to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
- Will sign an executive order that protects Americans with pre-existing conditions.
- Claims that he wants to lower the cost of certain prescription drugs, but press statements have contradicted his claims.
Biden
- Has proudly supported Obamacare since its introduction during his vice-presidency.
- Plans to expand Obamacare to offer a public option that anyone can sign up for.
- Doesn’t support free universal healthcare.
- Supports access to abortions by protecting Roe v. Wade.
Climate Change
Trump
- Has stated numerous times that he “does not believe in climate change.”
- Proudly stated that the US is the “cleanest country,” even though according to Factcheck.org, we are only 10th best in air quality and 29th in water and sanitation.
- Has rolled back policies that address climate change and supports the fossil-fuel industry.
Biden
- Since his vice-presidency has emphasized the importance of tackling climate change.
- Promised to rejoin the Paris Agreement, which Trump backed out of.
- Created a plan that allocates nearly $4 trillion in climate policy investment to help the climate crisis.
Reproductive Rights
Trump
- Has attacked women’s health rights numerous times.
- Reinstated the global gag rule, which restricts access to safe abortions for women overseas.
- Supported the March for Life movement, which attacks women’s rights to choose abortion.
Biden
- Plans for the Affordable Care Act to cover contraception and abortions.
- Doesn’t support abortion, but wants to protect Roe v Wade and stop abortion restrictions.
- Plans to reverse Trump’s decision on the global gag rule.
- Will restore federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
These are just a few of the many election issues that impact Millennials the most. Therefore, the world is counting on you to cast your vote this November. So get out to the polls,and do your duty as an American citizen. Your vote can make a difference.
Featured Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash.
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