At a glance: Republican presidential candidates
The 2016 presidential election is coming quick, and Utah State University students are starting to form their opinions on the candidates. Here is a run-down of two republican candidates’ views on issues to help inform student voters.
John Ellis “Jeb” Bush: Born on Feb. 11, 1953 in Midland, Texas. He was a former real estate developer and the Governor of Florida from 1998-2007. He is politically affiliated by surname: his father, George H. W. Bush, was the 41st president, and his brother, George W. Bush, was the 43rd president. The presidential bloodline, although beneficial in some aspects, has stained Jeb’s attempt at a campaign unique to his own views and opinions.
Education: Unlike any other Republican candidates, Jeb has been an outspoken advocate for the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Common Core is a set of standards students in grades K-12 should be able to meet at the end of each year. It is controversial among Republican candidates because education is traditionally handled on a state-by-state basis. They believe it would compromise state autonomy in education.
Immigration: Jeb hopes to create legal status for those people living illegally in the United States. The status would have to be earned on a basis of certain requirements such as paying taxes, learning English, etc. He has campaigned heavily with Hispanic communities, because he boasts a bicultural family that he started with his wife, who was born in Mexico.
Environment: Jeb has acknowledged our hand in environmental issues. He addressed that the climate is in fact changing and that we should be concerned about it. But he voiced his concern for our economic situation taking precedence over climate change.
Social Issues: Jeb is anti-abortion rights. He believes in every citizens’ right to the second amendment. He says that states can decrease gun violence without federally imposed laws. Lastly, he promotes traditional marriage between a man and woman, but thinks we should respect any couple wanting to make a lifelong commitment to one another.
Foreign Policy: Bush wavered in his opinion on his brother’s invasion of Iraq. He awkwardly answered the question a different way each time after being asked at multiple different events. Ultimately, he concluded that he would not have gone into Iraq. Jeb is Pro-Israel but opposes friendship with Cuba, as well as any deal Obama has with Iran. Jeb has said he doesn’t want to send troops in to fight the Islamic State, but that some troops should “train and assist” Iraqi forces.
Marco Rubio: Born on May 28, 1971 in Miami, Florida. He is a United States senator of Florida and former Speaker of the Florida House. He is a Cuban-American and a former law school graduate.
Education: Rubio does not support Common Core standards and believes education should be controlled on state and local levels. He does support federal loans and Pell Grants because of his costly higher education experience.
Immigration: Rubio advocates for a path to citizenship for those living illegally in the United States, not just for legal status. Rubio was part of a piece of legislation called the Gang of Eight. This was an immigration reform bill that froze in the House. A few defining characteristics were to create a citizenship path for undocumented immigrants: expedite permanent residence statuses for university graduates with advanced degrees in any STEM fields. Focus on the current backlog of visas, and improve work visas for low-skill workers in the agricultural workforce.
Environment: Rubio acknowledges that the climate is changing, but does not believe human activity is causing it. He also stated that any reform or legislation to be passed on this issue will only harm the economy.
Social Issues: Rubio signed a bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks. His personal belief is that marriage should be between a man and a woman, but opposes discrimination against same-sex couples.
Foreign Policy: Rubio, although a Cuban-American himself, opposes Obama’s attempt at normalizing Cuba. Rubio would get rid of the Iran Deal and advocate to toughen sanctions. On fighting the Islamic State, he would like for there to be more support for the moderate rebels, even if that’s means a permanent U.S. presence there.
This is part of series, in which every week two presidential candidates will be highlighted, for students’ information.
— lilywachtor3@hotmail.com