The race for the 2020 Democratic candidacy shows no signs of slowing down, as the fourth debate recently occurred. This article aims to provide a short rundown of the current forerunners and their views.
Seven candidates participated in the fourth debate, of which there are three leaders of the pack. Former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Currently topping many polls is frontrunner candidate, upfront progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts. Active in politics since 1995, Warren won her Senate seat in 2012. Retaining her seat since then, she uses her core message of tackling corruption in Washington and putting economic and political power in the hands of the people to connect with voters across the nation.
Previously leading the poles was Joe Biden. Four-time Delaware Senator and former Vice President under President Obama, Biden has used his long-time extensive political experience to support his campaign. On the political scale, Biden presents himself as a moderate, taking a neutral stance on issues to appeal to center-tending citizens on both sides. Examples include his plans for healthcare, immigration, and drug legalization.
The second progressive leaders in the race is Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Sanders, an independent politician running for the Democratic nomination, has been in the office of both Senator and House of Representatives, since acquiring his first government position in 1990. The Vermont senator has termed himself as a “Democratic Socialist:” an advocate for the broadening of labor laws, universal healthcare for all, and the Green New Deal.
Other front and center candidates include Former Texas Representative Beto O’Rourke, closely defeated in the 2018 Texas Senate Election, playing an unconventional campaign.
There’s Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He is a veteran and the only openly gay candidate with liberal outlooks on issues ranging from immigration, gun policy, and climate change.
Businessman Andrew Yang, with a substantial online presence, garners support from Republicans and Democrats, with a plan to provide a set basic monthly income for all working Americans.
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey is the first African-American in his state to serve in the Senate, taking the chance to raise $1.7m for his campaign.
Julián Castro, mayor and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, once regarded as a possible Vice President, is now running for President. He emphasizes equality and an equal start for everyone.
California senator Kamala Harris, at one point a potential poll-leader, is currently falling in ranks, aiming to mitigate the criminal justice system and take on Wall Street Banks to benefit the middle class.
Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota has passed over 100 bills and plans to end the opioid crisis, human trafficking, protecting consumer rights, and strengthening election security.
Senator Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii is a military veteran and the first Hindu in Congress. She focuses on investing in quality healthcare, education, and a green economy.
Finally, billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer is fighting against corporate interests and aiming to give power “back to the people.”
There’s a long road ahead for the candidates, and each of their unique ideologies will continue to get put to the test. And right up until the election itself, we Americans must observe and think about who would serve our country best.