A Comprehensive Guide to the 2020 U.S. Presidential Elections

The United States of America is by far one of the most important world powers. Whether we like to admit it or not, the fate of the U.S. affects everybody around the world. Therefore, all of our lives are connected to the country in some way or another, which is why the U.S. presidential election is garnering so much attention. People from all across the world are interested because they have as much at stake in this presidential gamble as American citizens themselves do. The 2020 elections are also very controversial because of the involvement of President Trump.

In the U.S, the two most important political parties with the largest voter bases are the Republican and Democratic parties. The Republican Party is known for being more right-wing or conservative while the Democratic Party is known for its more liberal policies and opinions. They are also differentiated by their colors, blue for the Democrats and red for the Republicans.

The previous U.S. presidential elections took place on November 8 of 2016, with two primary contenders, Hilary Clinton, and Donald Trump, who eventually won.

Donald Trump’s presidency has been controversial, with some declaring him to be a raving mad lunatic, and others proclaiming him to be the president America needed, but had previously never gotten. He is not only famous for his stance on topics such as immigration, climate change and the female genitalia but also for his immaculate tweeting abilities. He announced his re-election campaign for the 2020 presidential elections within weeks of being elected, back in 2016. His running mate will be Mike Pence, the incumbent vice-president.

Along with Donald Trump and Mike Pence, many others have announced their intention to run. Currently, 15 Democrats and two Republicans have announced their bid, with more still likely to join.

Below is a list of prominent nominees in this election, and their backgrounds.

Kamala Harris (Democrat)

Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964. She is a Democrat who has previously held positions like the District Attorney of San Francisco and the Attorney General of California. She has also been the Senator of California since 2017. Her campaign focuses on her support for Medicare-for-all, reducing taxes for the middle class while increasing it for the higher class and the legalization of recreational marijuana (New York Times). She is of Jamaican and Indian ancestry.

Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat)

Tulsi Gabbard is a 37-years-old Samoan-American and the first Hindu member of Congress. She is also a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a former member of the U.S.Army. Her campaign focuses on opposing US military intervention in other countries. Tulsi Gabbard has been outspoken on her opposition to American involvement in the Venezuelan crisis (New York Times).

Bernie Sanders (Democrat)

Bernie Sanders was a contender in the 2016 elections. He is 77-years-old and is a founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Bernie Sanders has been the Senator for Vermont since 2007. Along with being a member of the House of Representatives, he is also a part of the Senate Budget Committee. He is a staunch advocate for paid paternal leave, free college tuition and healthcare for all (New York Times). He is most known for his support of labor rights and redefining the economic status quo in the U.S.

Donald Trump (Republican)

Donald J. Trump is the 45th president of the United States of America (Brittanica). He is 72-years-old and a member of the Republican Party. His campaign is strongly based upon securing and preserving the security of the U.S, most notably by constructing a “wall” along the U.S.-Mexico border. During his presidency, he has imposed a travel ban on citizens from predominantly Islamic countries and pulled out of the Paris Agreement regarding climate change. He is also a supporter of denuclearizing North Korea and has on a few occasions even met with North Korean president Kim Jong Un.

William F. Weld (Republican)

William F. Weld is 73 years old and a member of the Republican Party. He is a former governor of Massachusetts and former prosecutor. He is against policies Trump has made and has criticized him publicly regarding the mass deportation of immigrants. He supports the legalization of marijuana, free trade, and immigration reforms (New York Times).

Many people have also wondered whether Hillary Clinton will run again, but as of yet, she has not given any indication that she will. Joe Biden, the former vice-president of the U.S. and a lifelong Democrat is rumored to be likely to run, but there have not been many signs from his side. Kanye West, a famous rapper and the husband of Kim Kardashian, announced in 2016 that he intended to run for president in 2020, but people doubt that he will join the race.

For more information regarding confirmed candidates for the 2020 elections, click here.