Scott and Warren discuss policy in speeches

By Jonah Freund and Andrew Gelman

(Sydney Hastings-Wilkins)

Silver Spring, Md. -- On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Tim Scott went into depth about their policy platforms. Scott went into policy for the first time, while Warren expanded on the policies she briefly discussed at a previous press conference.

The function started with an announcement from South Bend, IN mayor Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg, who announced that he was running for president as a third party on Monday, said that he was dropping out of the race, in order to become a future member of Warren's cabinet. This announcement was pleasant news for democrats, as Warren will no longer have to deal with vote splitting. Conversely, Scott will now have to be worried about vote splitting, as Senator Lindsey Graham announced his candidacy for President on Monday afternoon.

Senator Scott began his speech with the theme of his policy platform, which he dubbed “Opportunity America”. He then said that he plans to focus on three main things in the U.S. that allow for expanded opportunity- schools, the workforce, and the criminal justice system. Scott stated that everyone should have access to a quality education, and then discussed school choice.

Next, Scott delved into opportunity in the workforce. Scott said that he wants to increase job opportunities throughout the country, as unemployment leads to higher crime rates. He said that many people who cannot find jobs resort to crime. Scott also discussed tax reform, and talked about his previous actions in Congress. He told about the Leap Act, an act he introduced in the Senate to increase the amount of registered apprenticeships in the U.S. as a way to create more job opportunities.

Next, Scott touched on the criminal justice system. He said that the criminal justice system currently does not provide enough opportunity to former criminals, and brought up the First Step Act, an act he endorsed in the Senate that provides job training, and drug recovery programs to former criminals.

After discussing his three main issues, Scott listed a few other issues and his positions on them. Scott stated that he supports lowering international tariffs, and creating a merit-based immigration system similar to that of Canada’s. He also said that he wants to focus on supporting the U.S.’ allies around the world, and that he promotes continuing our close friendship with Israel.

Warren unveiled a multi-faceted platform with multiple foreign and domestic policies. Warren prioritized international cooperation, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and increasing participation in the United Nations human rights council. When addressing climate change, Warren said that climate change was, “literally a life or death situation.” Warren also said that she plans to pull out of the NAFTA 2.0 agreement, saying that it only helps the rich and powerful.

Warren then went on to discuss her policies on civil rights. She began by stating that no matter someone’s religion, race, etc., everyone should be given basic human rights and an equal chance to succeed. She said that she wants to create an immigration program that prevents illegal immigration, but also creates a clear path to citizenship for legal immigrants.

“The criminal justice system is one of the most pressing issues facing America today,” Warren said. Warren stated that the criminal justice system gives too many benefits to CEOs and bank executives, while being too harsh on young people, and she called the system “broken”. Warren also stated that the country must address the racial disparities in arresting and sentencing for crimes, and she wants to focus on easing the severity of sentences for non-violent crimes.

“I’ve had enough of young lives being ruined by small mistakes,” Warren said. Warren went on to talk about the wealth gap in the United States.

“It’s time to give the middle class the support it deserves,” Warren began. She voiced her support of a strong anti-trust system, and cancellation of student debt to fuel a new wave of small business creation. Warren ended her speech by saying that she supports common sense gun control legislation. She also continued her theme of persistence that she established in her announcement speech Monday morning.