It’s no secret that President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden have extremely different platforms. But where exactly do they stand on the issues that matter most? Remember, before you vote, it’s essential to know what the candidates believe in. Being an informed voter remains an extremely important aspect when exercising your civic responsibility.

Overview

Trump is running as a Republican, and his policies generally reflect conservative viewpoints. Biden, a Democrat, has revealed highly liberal policies to contrast, likely to garner the support of voters who supported progressive candidates like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.

Abortion

Trump has often been dubbed the “most pro-life president in history,” a fact that delights those supportive of the pro-life movement and frightens pro-choice activists fighting for greater reproductive freedoms. Biden, on the other hand, has indicated his belief in a women’s right to choose and advocates for a federal law that protects abortion rights outlined in Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade. 

Healthcare

Biden served as Vice President under former President Barack Obama, who was instrumental in creating the Affordable Care Act , also commonly referred to as ObamaCare. As such, Biden hopes to expand this insurance program. By contrast, Trump has repeatedly used executive orders in unsuccessful attempts to end the ACA. He has not yet created a comprehensive healthcare plan, although he vows to repeal the ACA if reelected to office. 

Immigration

Trump has made his views on immigration quite clear: one of his main campaign promises is to continue the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a project he started during his first term. He wants to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and instituted a travel ban on immigrants from several Middle Eastern countries. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he wants to limit immigration. Biden has generally contrasting views on all of these issues. He wants to protect DACA, end the construction of the border wall and continue to allow immigration to the U.S. during the pandemic.

Climate Change

Biden and Trump differ on climate change in terms of extremity. While they both publicly state that they wish to end the effects of climate change, Trump’s plan is generally less expansive than Biden’s. Where Biden wants to continue climate diplomacy, Trump removed the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. Biden wants to significantly reduce fracking; Trump does not. Biden wants to spend $2 trillion to focus on reversing the effects of climate change while Trump does not wish to increase U.S. spending on the issue. 

Economy/COVID-19

During COVID-19, Trump hopes to reopen the economy as soon as possible to prevent further damage, whereas Biden wants to take things more slowly to prevent further virus cases. As one of the biggest parts of Trump’s platform, the success of the economy is vital to his reelection chances. Another huge part of the debate regarding the economy occurs over taxes. Biden has said his plan includes raising taxes on those who make over $400,000 a year, where Trump does not.