Joe Biden and Bill Clinton may be an odd comparison at this time. However, both are similar in age with Joe at 77 and Bill at 74. They are a part of the Democratic Party and both support or did support similar issues. They are uniquely different in their approaches to their parties, and some of them may surprise you.
Healthcare
Joe: His stance on this issue is he opposes Medicare for all but would “expand coverage” for both the Affordable Care Act and also stating to implement this with private health insurance. He would give more tax credits to lower and middle-class families to help out with public healthcare options.
Bill: Bill appointed a task force to try to create a “universal health care plan” led by his wife Hillary. The plan would have provided a “health care card” that entitled every citizen to health coverage. This received heavy backlash from every side of the political parties, both liberal and conservative alike. There was also a major campaign against this bill from big health insurance companies. Clinton’s attempt at universal healthcare failed.
The largest problem to overcome these types of views is that people do not like paying taxes. Universal healthcare and social healthcare both have taxes being raised to cover costs. This issue is not an easy answer and every president has tried “fixing” the system in place. None have been able to yet.
Equality
Joe: Though claiming to be a knight for equality, Joe has had many shady and disturbing comments on this issue. Though his views may have changed dramatically, he was a strong opponent against racial integration on public transportation when he was in the senate. Joe has also been caught saying things like “calling Obama the first ‘clean’ African-American President,” according to CNN. Through his party he is progressive but his history says otherwise.
Bill: Bill Clinton was very progressive for his time. Though unsuccessful, he supported allowing LGBT members into the military. He did compromise with the Don’t ask Don’t tell policy though. He also pushed for affirmative action and overturned DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act).
Both have a history of compromise and both have backed out or done things contrary to what they said. Being President is about compromise, and it is true that no matter what someone will not like what is happening.
Taxes
Joe: Along with increasing taxes for those earning six figures, he will also create a carbon emission tax for cities. We will also see taxes increase across the board to cover costs like two-year tuition, public health options, and pushing for clean energy solution tax benefits.
Bill: During his presidency, Clinton proposed raising taxes on energy and those collecting social security. This was during the time when the US debt was becoming a public issue. He raised taxes in almost every income bracket except low income; creating FICA and reducing their federal income tax.
Regardless of higher or lower taxes, they are necessary for our society. If you want certain things like “free healthcare” and “free college tuition” you will pay for it somehow, some way. Nothing is free, there is no exception to this.
Immigration
Joe: If elected Biden has stated to completely reform and “undo” the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Stating to dismantle restrictive Asylum policies which would allow an increase in undocumented illegal immigrants and bring more humanitarian relief aid to border cities. He would reinforce the Flores Agreement and has heavily emphasized keeping immigrant families together. He has also stated to end the construction of the wall as soon as he is in office.
Bill: During his presidency, he solidified communication from government entities to have information in languages other than English for citizens. Things like voting ballots and tax forms in Spanish, though many criticized by the Left for this decision as a hindrance motivation to integrate into US society. Although he supported immigration, some state he is the reason why immigration is the way it is today due to the act he signed nicknamed IIRIRA. The major takeaway from this act is that this gave the ability to deport illegal, undocumented immigrants because of “immigration violations” and also enacted detention during processing.
Immigration is a tough issue. Our country is founded and is fueled by people from every country. Ours is the dream of becoming something greater than one’s own circumstances. Laws have to be followed, but we shouldn’t deter people either.
Foreign Policy
Joe: He has taken to fighting and focusing on issues like equality and foreign intervention in elections. According to his site, during his first year in office, he has promised to hold a summit with world powers to discuss the next steps for human rights, defending against authoritarianism, and fighting corruption. He has also promised a tougher stance on Russia and stabilization of relationships with China, the Middle East, and other countries rivaling the US.
Bill: During his time as president he mainly focused on internal affairs. He was dealing with a post-cold-war world and had never dealt with international affairs before taking office. His largest dealings came from issues in Africa. President Bush during his final year sent troops to Somalia for a peacekeeping operation. This lead to a small war leaving Clinton to deal with; and when bodies of US troops were being dragged through the streets he had no choice but to withdraw the troops. There was also the genocide of the Tutsi people in Rwanda. He has stated it is one of his greatest mistakes not intervening.
International interaction is impossible to avoid in this day and age. We either need to cooperate or perish with these other world powers, but we also can’t give up our morals as a country.
