Presidential Candidates in Review

Presidential+Candidates+in+Review

Donald Trump:

Donald Trump, 69, is a real-estate mogul who built his billion-dollar fortune from a “small loan of one million dollars.” He has since gone on to star on the reality show “The Apprentice,” as well as participate in WWE Wrestlemania 23. Known for his bluntness and contempt for political correctness, Trump has become the icon of the public’s distrust and disenchantment with modern politicians. Some of his biggest talking points include his widely-covered and contested promise to build a wall bordering Mexico, as well as the promise that Mexico will pay for it. Trump remains the GOP front runner, and is drawing a huge media following due his bombastic and at times crass off-the-cuff remarks aimed towards everyone from the media to rival politicians. For now, he remains the man to beat in the heated Republican Primary.

 

Ted Cruz:

Ted (real name Rafael) Cruz, 45, is a second generation Cuban immigrant. He graduated cum laude from Princeton and then Harvard Law School. A rough-and-tumble senator from Texas, he is famous for his filibusters and strict conservative views. Cruz remains Trumps primary rival for control of the GOP. Republican voters see Cruz as an attractive alternative to Trump, as well as a stout defender of religious liberty and constitutional values. Cruz is the first hispanic american to win a state caucus, seizing a surprise victory in Iowa. Cruz struggles to find across-the-aisle appeal, however, as few Democrats and Republicans in the senate support him. He is not afraid to criticize his own party, calling fellow Republicans out as “squishes” on gun-control issues during a Tea Party rally.

 

Marco Rubio:

Marco Rubio, 44, is a Florida senator and a Cuban immigrant as well. He has excited the GOP field with his youthful energy and ability to reach both the hispanic voters as well as the younger members of the Republican Party. Out of all featured candidates, he has the longest odds, as both Cruz and Trump continue to gain ground. Rubio has received both positive and negative attention from the numerous presidential debates, as he either shines or seems to be too robotic in his responses. Overall, he has strong conservative views, especially when it comes to foreign policy.

 

 

Hillary Clinton:

 

Hillary Clinton, 68, was a New York senator as well as being a the former Secretary of State. Serving under Barack Obama’s first tenure as President, Clinton remains closely politically aligned to the Democratic party, as well as Obama’s in-office policies. Clinton remains arguably the most polarizing figure in the race, as multiple allegations of criminal activity continue to hamper her campaign. Currently, she is under investigation by the federal courts for her handling of classified emails under a private account. As the only woman in the race, Clinton is relying on the woman vote, as well as her progressive views and years of experience to carry her to the White House. She remains the Democratic front-runner, after strong showings in multiple caucuses.

 

Bernie Sanders:

Bernie Sanders, 74, is an independent senator from Vermont. Sanders had been the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history, and was born and raised in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, graduating from the University of Chicago in 1964. He was a civil rights protest organizer for the Congress of Racial Equality and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Sanders’ campaign is characterized by his push for universal health care, as well as an increased minimum wage. However, Sanders has also been criticized for his “socialist” views, which may be too radical for conservatives and older voters. Sanders calls for a “political revolution,” relying upon the youth vote who agree with his policies.