This past week, the Democratic National Convention cemented the Harris Walz ticket for the presidential election. Weeks prior, the Republican National Convention solidified the Trump Vance ticket. Both parties have provided their policy agenda, and it is imperative to make side-by-side comparisons to scrutinize further the differences in their approaches, priorities, and path forward over the next four years. Let's discuss some of the comparisons and contrasts.
Preambles Review
Republican Party Policy Agenda Preamble Excerpts – Download Policy Agenda
“America First. A Return to Common Sense.” - RNC
For decades, our politicians sold our jobs and livelihoods to the highest bidders overseas with unfair Trade Deals and blind faith in the siren song of globalism. They insulated themselves from criticism and the consequences of their bad actions, allowing our Borders to be overrun, our cities to be overtaken by crime, our System of Justice to be weaponized, and our young people to develop a sense of hopelessness and despair. They rejected our History and our Values. Quite simply, they did everything in their power to destroy our Country. In 2016, President Donald J. Trump was elected as an unapologetic Champion of the American People.
Common Sense Principles Stated:
In President Trump's words, common sense tells us, "If we don't have a Border, we don't have a Country.” We must secure our Southern Border by completing the Border Wall that President Trump started. Hundreds of miles have already been built and work magnificently. The remaining Wall construction can be completed quickly, effectively, and inexpensively. We must not allow Biden’s Migrant Invasion to alter our Country. It must not stand. Under the Trump Administration and a Republican Congress, it will be defeated immediately.
Common sense tells us that if we don't have Domestic Manufacturing with low Inflation, not only will our Economy—and even our Military Equipment and Supplies—be at the mercy of foreign nations, but our Towns, Communities, and People cannot thrive. The Republican Party must return to its roots as the Party of Industry, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Workers.
Common sense tells us that we must unleash American Energy to destroy Inflation and rapidly bring down prices, build the Greatest Economy in History, revive our Defense Industrial Base, fuel Emerging Industries, and establish the United States as the World's Manufacturing Superpower. We will DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and become energy-independent and even Dominant again.
Common sense tells us clearly that if we don't have a Strong Military, we won't be able to defend our interests, and we will be at the mercy of Hostile Nations.
Common sense tells us that the Republican Party must advocate Equal Treatment and ensure the equal application of law to all, regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs.
Democratic Party Policy Agenda Excerpts – Download Policy Agenda
“What kind of America will we be? A land of more freedom, or less freedom? More rights or fewer? An economy rigged for the rich and powerful, or where everyone has a fair shot at getting ahead? Will we lower the temperature in our politics and come together, or treat each other as enemies instead? The stakes in this election are enormously high.” - DNC
We’ve created nearly 16 million jobs, a record number of small businesses are being started, and factories are coming home.
We lowered families’ health insurance premiums and challenged Big Pharma to lower prescription drug prices.
We're helping students catch up on learning loss and forgiving millions of crushing student loans.
We passed the first significant gun safety law in decades and made record investments in public safety, putting more police officers on the beat; today, violent crime is at its lowest in 50 years.
We’re fighting climate change, reducing pollution, and fueling a clean energy boom.
We’re rebuilding our nation’s roads, bridges, highways, ports, airports, water systems, and more.
We’re seizing record amounts of fentanyl and securing our border in the face of Republican inaction.
We’re closing the racial wealth gap and the gender pay gap.
We’ve expanded benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans.
We’re strengthening NATO and restoring American leadership in the world.
There is so much more to do. Democrats will fix the tax system so everyone has a fair shot. We will restore the right to choose. We will continue to bring down costs for families. We will continue to reject political violence of all forms and give hate no safe harbor.
Overall, both parties have started their policy approach by explicitly prioritizing the American people; one approach prioritizes the traditional principles associated with American independence on the international playing field, and the other approach looks to strengthen the American people through domestic issues plaguing citizens socially and economically. Both policy agendas care significantly about the economy, the border, and the safety of American citizens. However, each approach has decided on who among the American population to prioritize. The Republican party has committed to be the party of Industry, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Workers. The Democratic party has committed to strengthening the middle class of America.
Based on the preambles, there are many comparisons to come in outlining the many chapters in the policy proposals. Each week, we will continue to tackle a topic of discussion. Through the policy review, the goal is to illuminate the pure essence of each party without the political rhetoric that can sometimes muddy the water of thoughtful discourse. Both Policy Agendas are available for download on felderofficial.com.
Next week, we dive into the comparisons chapters on the vision for our economy.
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Rebuttals are always welcome,
Jade M. Felder, Ed.D.
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