2016 Presidential candidate political positions

Martin O'Malley- D Maryland

He is a former Baltimore mayor and two-term Maryland governor who now works as a professor of government at Johns Hopkins University. Martin O’Malley is known for his sweeping gun control push, cap-and-trade carbon emissions policy as well as his state’s flawed Obamacare roll-out and his now controversial get-tough-on-crime approach. Able to do a mean Johnny Cash impression, he was part of the inspiration behind a character on HBO’s “The Wire.”

Political Positions:

Banks and Wall Street: Separate commercial and investment banks. Increase penalties for financial crimes.

Budget: Mix spending cuts with tax increases. Restructure pension plans.

Climate Change: It is real and a “natural threat.” Government should regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Guns: Increase gun control. Ban dozens of assault weapons. Limit size of gun magazines. Require fingerprints to buy a handgun.

Immigration: Create a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally. Pass the DREAM Act. Allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates.

Obamacare and health care: Expand the Affordable Care Act. Move to an “all-payer” system.

Social issues: Legalize same-sex marriage. Allow access to abortion. Abolish capital punishment.

Taxes and wages: Use tax increases to fund government programs. Raise the minimum wage. Strengthen union bargaining.

Trade: Block the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Israel and Iran: Continue negotiations with Iran. Work for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/martin-omalley-believe-candidate-stands-11-issues/

Controversies:

Major land developer Edward St. John was fined $55,000 by the Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor for making illegal contributions to the O'Malley campaign.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jun/19/omalley-donor-gains-highway-access/

Compared George Bush's budget with the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9117-2005Feb8.html

edit- Many users in Maryland are commenting on his past decisions to raise taxes, he created over 40 new taxes, and still enlarge the deficit. He also put more priority into a small windmill farm than a military base which is a source of billions of dollars of economic stimulation. (Special thanks to @mapmaker)

Source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/gov-omalley-to-veto-bill-to-delay-wind-farm-projects-state-lawmaker-says/2014/05/16/51e89fda-dd01-11e3-bda1-9b46b2066796_story.html

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/gov.-martin-omalley-rings-up-9.5-billion-in-new-taxes/article/2531665

Hillary Clinton- D New York

Former first lady, senator and secretary of state. She is also a lawyer who worked on the Watergate investigation and a four-decade veteran of campaigns. Also a two-time presidential contender.

Political positions:

Education: Against No Child Left Behind. Position unknown on Common Core.

Immigration: President should waive deportation for some immigrants. Give undocumented residents a path to legal status.

Marijuana: “Wait and see” on overall legalization.

NSA: More transparency. Find the balance between security, privacy.

Obamacare: Keep it. Strengthen it. Tout it.

Social Issues: Abortion should be legal. So should same-sex marriage.

Taxes: Consider closing loopholes and cutting middle class taxes.

Israel: Work toward a two-state solution. Do not necessarily freeze settlement building

Iran: Support framework for nuclear deal. Continue diplomacy efforts and some sanctions.

Islamic State: No boots on the ground. Use regional troops.

Environment: Accepts the scientific consensus on global warming.

Source:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/hillary-clinton-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Hillary_Rodham_Clinton

Controversies:

Bill Clinton's well known affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Lives a life of luxury, and is positioning to be champion of the middle class

Used a private email for all political, private, and public uses during her time as secretary of state

Sauce: http://nypost.com/2015/04/12/hillary-clinton-faces-scandal-amid-expectant-presidential-run/

A good explanation the Benghazi controversy:

https://www.reddit.com/r/OutOfTheLoop/comments/30ki5d/what_is_the_controversy_surrounding_benghazi_and/

"There's an interesting timing issue over contributions to the Clinton Foundation with the selling of a majority holding in a uranium mine called "Uranium One" to the Russian state-owned nuclear energy company called "Rosatom" under the supervision of Hilary Clinton as Secretary of State. The story broke over a month ago, but it's hard to find facts on it because recently there was an outrageous book published about Hillary Clinton and the sale itself, so most articles are only approaching the inflated and false allegations made in the book rather than the content of the deal itself.
Simplest break-down: Hillary Clinton chaired a committee that was evaluating bids for purchase of a Canadian uranium mine (Uranium One). The Russian state-owned nuclear energy company put in a bid (Rosatom). The owners of the mine made donations to the Clinton Foundation in tandem with the owners of the Russian energy company while the sale/ bid was being considered. The sale went through and Uranium One is now owned by Rosatom.
Notable issues: the mine that provides 25% of the United State's uranium supply is now owned by a Russian - state backed - energy company. It is also illegal for presidential candidates and/ or their affiliate companies to receive donations from foreign parties (in this case Russian and Canadian) while campaigning. Whether the accusations are solid or coincidental, this belongs in the "Controversies" section."
-Courtesy of @ImadethistotalkaboutmodelUN

Bernie Sanders -Independent (running with democrats) Vermont

Brooklyn-born Bernie Sanders marched on Washington in 1963, moved to Vermont the next year and ultimately ran six statewide races there (lost four, won two). The nation’s only socialist member of Congress tells high school students to argue with their parents and teachers and is an ardent anti-war activist who fought for military veterans. He has been a popular mayor, a Senate committee chairman, an early social media and filibuster phenomenon and he once recorded a folk album in the style of William Shatner.

Political positions:


Campaign finance: Limit corporate and interest-group spending in campaigns.

Climate change: Charge companies for carbon emissions

Education: Two years free tuition at state colleges. Reform student loans.

Federal Reserve and banks: Break up big banks. Open up the Fed.

Guns: A mixed approach. No federal handgun waiting period. Some protection for gun manufacturers. Ban assault weapons.

Health care: Change to single-payer government-provided health care

Immigration: Offer path to citizenship. Waive some deportations now.

Taxes: Raise some taxes on the wealthy. Cut taxes for middle class.

Iraq, Islamic State and Afghanistan: Opposed the Iraq war. Calls for troop withdrawal as soon as possible.

Iran and Israel: Supports current talks with Iran. Critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

LGBT: Supports equal rights, same sex marriage

Abortion: Pro choice

Source: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/bernie-sanders-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/magazine/21Sanders.t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Controversies: Wrote an essay involving a rape scene in 1972 http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/05/29/410606045/the-bernie-sanders-rape-fantasy-essay-explained

Rick Santorum - R Pennsylvania

Virginia-born and Pennsylvania-raised, Rick Santorum was a lawyer who defended the World Wrestling Foundation, he’s a former congressman who helped author welfare reform and a father of seven who scored over a million points on Temple Run. He has been on both sides of political contests, most famously upsetting the Republican field and headline writers by winning the Iowa GOP caucus in 2012. The shoe-leather politician visited all 99 Iowa counties and won by 34 votes.

Political positions:

Budget: Balance the budget. Cap the size of the federal government.

Climate change: Not caused by human activity. Allow more oil and gas drilling.

Education: End Common Core. Keep federal government out of education policy.

Immigration: Block the DREAM Act and any pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers. Restrict legal immigration. Increase border security.

Obamacare: Repeal it. Set up alternate system with tax credits for low-income Americans and high-risk pools for those with previous illness.

Social issues: Ban abortion, with the exception of when the mother’s life is in danger. Pass a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Social Security: Raise eligibility age for future beneficiaries. Consider cutting cost-of-living increases.

Taxes and wages: Raise minimum wage. Simplify tax rates.

Iran and Israel: Ramp up sanctions on Iran. Strengthen alliance with Israel.

Islamic State: More air strikes. Deploy 10,000 U.S. ground troops.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/rick-santorum-believe/

Controversies:
Known for his traditional views and often is quoted saying some things that are insensitive.

http://theweek.com/articles/479083/9-controversial-rick-santorum-quotes

Rick Perry - R Texas

He is the son of tenant farmers who worked the Texas plains, a former Air Force captain, state agriculture commissioner and three-term governor. In Texas history, no one held the state’s top office longer. James Richard Perry has always been conservative but started in politics as a Democrat . He is the only presidential candidate currently under indictment, pleading not guilty to charges of abuse of power and coercion and selling t-shirts with his mugshot via his political action committee. He has two different signatures.

Political positions:

Budget: Cap federal spending at 18 percent of GDP. Pass a Constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget. Balance the budget within a decade.

Climate change and energy: Temperatures change naturally. Science has not proven that current changes are permanent or man-made.

Education: Close the Department of Education. Opposes any federal education standards.

Entitlements: Social Security may not be Constitutional. Consider raising retirement age and lowering benefits for the wealthy. States should be allowed to opt out.

Immigration: No immigration reform or path to citizenship until the border is secure. Allow undocumented students access to in-state tuition.

Obamacare: Repeal it. Let states replace it.

Social Issues: Ban abortion after 20 weeks, with an exception for life of the mother. Require sonograms before allowing abortion. States should decide whether to allow gay marriage.

Taxes: Overhaul income taxes by replacing current rates with a single flat tax of 20 percent

Iran and Israel: Block or invalidate any nuclear deal with Iran. A two-state solution is not realistic now.

Iraq and Islamic State: Send U.S. ground troops to fight Islamic State. Increase airstrikes.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/rick-perry-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/

Controversies:
Indicted for abuse of power. He allegedly veto'd funding in order to force the Texas DA to resign.

Source: http://theweek.com/speedreads/448042/texas-gov-rick-perry-indicted-by-grand-jury-alleged-abuse-power-da-funding-controversy

Jeb Bush - R Florida

He is a real estate developer turned two-term Florida governor. John Ellis Bush (J.E.B.) speaks fluent Spanish at home, chose to become a Texas Longhorn and is one of the Bush family’s middle children. The son and brother of presidents, he has only run for one other elected office before now.

Political positions:

Climate change: Climate change is a real concern. It is not clear how much is caused by humans.

Education: Implement Common Core. No Child Left Behind is flawed but should have been reauthorized.

Guns: Expand gun owners’ rights.

Immigration: Create a legal status, not a path to citizenship, for undocumented residents. Limit family-related legal immigration.

Marijuana: Each state should decide on legalization. Florida should not allow either recreational or medical marijuana to be legalized and widely sold.

Obamacare: Replace with “market-oriented” alternative.

Social issues: Ban most abortions after 20 weeks. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Not clear on how to react if Supreme Court rules otherwise.

Taxes: Oppose tax increases, but do not sign a pledge against them.

Iran and Israel: Cancel any nuclear deal President Obama reaches with Iran. Strengthen ties with Israel.

Islamic State and Iraq: Embed U.S. trainers with Iraqi troops. No decision yet on whether to send more ground troops. Build new U.S. base in Anbar province.

Russia: Consider putting U.S. troops in the region. Hold more robust military exercises.

Controversies:
Some controversial comments about the Iraq war

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/05/12/jeb-bush-on-iraq-war-comment-controversy-i-interpreted-the-question-wrong-i-guess/

Involved in scandal involving Rick Scott and the Koch brothers (Thanks @procrastinatingagain)

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/02/04/1361864/-EXCLUSIVE-Koch-Brothers-Rick-Scott-And-Jeb-Bush-Exposed-In-Florida-Pipeline-Scandal

Donald Trump - R New York

He is a cultural phenomenon, television showman and billionaire whose business runs from real estate to clothing to international beauty pageants. Donald John Trump earned an economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania and currently has, by far, the largest Twitter following in the Republican field, eclipsing @POTUS as of the publishing time for this piece. He has been an Emmy nominee, best-selling author and was twice named statesman of the year in Sarasota, Florida. The New Yorker has thoughts on the decor at the U.N. and follows leadership changes at the Federal Reserve.

Political positions:

Budget: Government must cut spending more.

Climate Change: It is a hoax.

Entitlements: Do not cut Social Security or Medicare benefits. Grow the economy to save those programs.

Gun Control: Limit restrictions on guns. Ban some assault weapons and extend the waiting period for purchase.

Immigration: No path to citizenship for undocumented workers. Allow more European immigration and a legal status to those graduating from U.S. colleges.

Obamacare: Repeal it. Replace it.

Social Issues: Abortion should be limited. Marriage is between a man and a woman and should be defined state by state.

Taxes: End corporate taxes. Lower individual rates. Consider a one-time tax on the wealthy to pay down the debt.

Iran and Israel: Walk away from nuclear talks. Increase sanctions.

Islamic State and Iraq: Send a limited number of combat troops on the ground.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/donald-trump-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/

Controversies:
Is there anything Trump does that isn't a little controversial?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8586475/Donald-Trump-the-tiffs-and-controversies.html

Ted Cruz - R Texas

WASHINGTON — Ted Cruz is senator, firebrand, former prosecutor, the son of a preacher-man (who was also a Cuban emigre), a Tea Party favorite and now a presidential candidate.

Political positions:

The Budget and debt: Mandate a balanced budget.

Corporations: Slash corporate tax rates to 15 percent. End some programs like the Export-Import bank and federal subsidies for renewable fuels.

Common Core: End it.

Immigration: Block any current effort that lets undocumented immigrants legally remain in the U.S.

The Internet: Do not tax access to the Internet and block “net neutrality.”

Obamacare: Repeal it.

Social Issues: States should be allowed to define “marriage” and set strict abortion limits.

Taxes and the IRS: Move toward a flat tax and abolish the IRS.

Iran: Increase and toughen sanctions. End current nuclear talks until Congress approves the outlines of a deal.

Islamic State: Don’t send U.S. ground troops, yet.

Climate change: A real issue, but not man made.

Source:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/energy/jim-inhofe-ted-cruz-and-marco-rubio-just-voted-to-say-climate-change-is-real-20150121

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/ted-cruz-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/

Controversies:
Controversial comments

http://mic.com/articles/28027/ted-cruz-is-becoming-a-big-problem-for-the-republican-party

Rand Paul - R Kentucky

Rand Paul is best known as a libertarian, Senate force-of-one and Kentucky Tea Party favorite. He is prolific (lead sponsor on 353 bills in four years) and the second generation in a father-son dynasty of doctors running for president.

Political positions:

The Budget: Balance the budget. Slash spending, but raise defense

Government power: Repeal the Patriot Act. End large-scale data collection.

Government size: Shut down Department of Education. And the TSA.

Immigration: Reform, with some requirements.

Justice: Allow more felons to vote. Reform sentencing.

Social Issues: Limit abortion, but do not overturn Roe v. Wade. Government shouldn’t be too involved in marriage.

Taxes: Institute a flat tax of 17 percent or lower.

Foreign Aid: End it.

Iran: Sanctions and diplomacy first

Islamic State: Arm the Kurds, declare war. Limited troops.

Social: "100% Pro-life", life starts at fertilization.

Climate: Believes it is a natural cycle of the Earth.

Source:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2014/05/12/where-the-2016-gop-contenders-stand-on-climate-change/

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/us/politics/26kentucky.html?_r=3&

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/rand-paul-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/

Controversies:

http://www.care2.com/causes/5-unforgettable-controversies-from-rand-pauls-career.html

Marco Rubio - R Florida

He’s the son of Cuban immigrants. A law school student who got his political start as a congressional intern and rose to become Florida’s youngest-ever state House speaker. And his favorite hip hop songs come from N.W.A, Eminem and Tupac Shakur.

Political positions:

The budget: Balance it. Prioritize defense.

Climate change: It is real. It is not caused by man.

Obamacare: Repeal it. Replace it with tax credits and fewer regulations.

The Internet: Oppose net neutrality.

Immigration: Work toward reform, piece by piece

Social issues: Ban abortion after 20 weeks. Marriage is between a man and a woman, but the Supreme Court will decide the law.

Taxes: Cut corporate taxes to 25 percent. Simplify individual brackets. Add $2,500 child tax credit.

Cuba: Block the Obama administration’s “normalization”

Iran: Toughen sanctions. Scrap proposed nuclear deal.

Islamic State: Increase the president’s power to combat.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/marco-rubio-believe-candidate-stands-10-issues/

Controversies:
http://www.factcheck.org/2015/04/factchecking-marco-rubio/

Waka Flocka Flame - Independent Georgia

A famous Atlanta rapper and probably the next president of the United States. Despite being only 29, he is the clear choice to be president.

Political positions:

#FreePalestine, #FreeKurdistan

Canada: Mad real.

Marijuana: Smoke weed all day erryday

Controversies:
None. Ever. Trust me