News

Super Tuesday: the candidates, the issues

Carey Davis and Max Donahue
February 29, 2016

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Hillary Clinton is a prominent political figure, serving as a the first lady to Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, senator to New York from 2000 to 2009, and Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. She ran for president in 2008, and after her loss, she decided to focus on working for the 2016 campaign. She has received backlash from conservatives and liberals alike for being dishonest with her campaign; these allegations are characterized by her email scandal, which has generated opposition for her cause. Though doubted by some, Hillary offers progressive policies for women, the economy, and foreign affairs. She has generally stayed on top of the polls, though Senator Bernie Sanders is gaining on her.

Bernie Sanders

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont served in the House of Representatives beginning in 1991 and then transitioned to the Senate in 2007. Prior to the 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders did not identify with either of the major parties but instead as a Democratic-socialist. He is currently running on a Democratic ticket, however, he is to the far left of the party. The Sanders campaign advocates a platform focusing on income inequality, accessible education, and campaign finance reform. Despite his political career, Sanders- along with Trump and Carson- is seen as an “outsider” who defies the establishment.

Ben Carson

Doctor Ben Carson is a prominent neurosurgeon who is running for the 2016 presidential election. He is known for being the first doctor to successfully separate Siamese twins. In 2001, Carson was named one of the United States’ 20 foremost physicians by TIME and CNN. He has conservative views and identifies with the Republican party. Carson’s polling has dropped significantly since the beginning of the campaign, which some attribute the to false rumor spread by the Cruz campaign that Carson had dropped out right before New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Ted Cruz

Senator Ted Cruz from Texas also carries political credentials as he was Solicitor General of Texas prior to his Senate election. Cruz is associated with the conservative wing of the Republican party and much of his foundation lies in the Evangelical base. Although Cruz won the Iowa caucus, Rubio and Trump prove to be touch competition for the Senator.

John Kasich

Governor John Kasich from Ohio carries a political background with experience as a Representative, Senator, and then Chairman of the House Budget Committee. Although it is disputed by many as to whether Kasich is moderate or conservative, his Republican notions cannot be challenged. Often described as “the GOP’s afterthought,” Kasich’s third place in the New Hampshire primary shocked fellow candidates. Whether or not he can continue to surprise and win is both supported and judged with skepticism.

Donald Trump

Donald J. Trump is a businessman turned politician for the 2016 presidential race. He allies with the Republican party. He has several real estate sites in New York City, with more placed around the world. He has conservative values typical of the Republican party. Trump has more radical conservative views and an unconventional style which has garnered him a large following; he has come out on top of many state caucuses and primaries. His unconventional style has been a large topic of discussion, from his plan to build a wall across the Mexican-American border to his statement to a protester saying he’d “like to punch him in the face.”

Marco Rubio

Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, incumbent Florida Senator Marco Rubio identifies as a Republican. He is a conservative who allies with establishment politics. Considering he is the son of two Cuban immigrants, his stance on immigration reform is more liberal than his fellow conservatives. Rubio and Cruz often jostle for second place behind Trump in the polls.