Where They Stand: Jim and Ben
by Taylor Derrisaw | published Nov. 1st, 2015
In today’s media-heavy world, it can be difficult keeping track of candidates’ political views. Fortunately, Reporter’s here to give you another concise look at two candidates’ views.
Jim Webb: Democratic/Independent Candidate
What are Jim Webb’s Political Credentials?
Webb has served as the Virginian senator from 2007 to 2013; he has also served as the Secretary of the Navy from 1987 to 1998.
How is he on social issues?
Webb has supported both same sex marriage and easy access to abortion. However, Webb noted in 2006 that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Webb is a strong supporter of keeping government out of people’s private affairs.
Webb also supports public education systems, saying “education is the only way to level the playing field.”
What about Immigration?
Webb has shown support for securing the border, but allowing undocumented citizens a path to citizenship. In 2007, he helped prevent the passing of the McCain-Kennedy immigration reform bill.
Although he doesn’t support a “fence,” of sorts, he believes revisions to the nation’s “outdated” immigration policies should be made.
What kind of healthcare system does he support?
Although Webb voted yes for the Affordable Care Act in 2009, Webb has been sharply critical of how Obama handled the policy during its implementation. Webb has said that the way Obama handled the issue “cost Obama credibility as a leader.”
What about foreign policy?
Webb has been unsure of using troops to combat ISIS. Webb told NewsHour that he does not want the U.S. military to become an occupying force. He has mentioned that the U.S. needs a clear set of policies to combat issues like these when they come up, something he believes the US is lacking.
Ben Carson: Republican Candidate
What are Ben Carson’s political credentials?
Ben Carson has no political experience; however, he has received two Presidential Medals of Freedom for his neurosurgery efforts.
How is he on social issues?
Carson was sharply critical of the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage, but has admitted that it is “now the law of the land.” Carson believes that marriage is a “religious service”, rather than a government institution.
What about immigration?
Carson recently came under fire for defending his immigration plan by saying that undocumented immigrants should be able to work in “the agricultural sphere.” Carson has suggested sealing up the border while allowing those with clean records the ability to work as guest workers.
What kind of healthcare system does he support?
Recently, Carson has said that he would abolish the Medicare and Medicaid programs, a stance that other Republicans have been hesitant to take.
In place of these programs, Carson would create savings accounts in which the government could make yearly contributions of $2,000. This ideology has separated from other candidates, who have supported keeping Medicare and Medicaid around.
What about foreign Policy?
Carson has had few opportunities to discuss foreign policy, and instead focuses more on domestic issues. However, Carson supports arming pro-U.S. groups in the Middle East so that they can independently fight. Carson opposed the war in Iraq, saying that he suggested that Bush not go to war. Carson has also said that: “the US should use every resource available to destroy global jihadists before they destroy the U.S.”