SYG 2000 Principles of Sociology
Task:
Which Democratic Presidential nominee for 2020 best represents our core values? Be sure to take a sociological perspective and integrate a discussion of Core American Values (Williams, 1965) while crafting a 2-page argument.
Background Information:
After almost three years in office it’s clear our current President will not be uniting the nation. In response, the Democratic nominees for the 2020 Presidential election have clearly distanced themselves from the character of President Trump while outlining their campaign promises. You will have the chance to make a difference and vote for one of them on Tuesday, March 17. However, according to Florida law, you must be a registered Democrat by February 18. Here’s some background information on a few choice candidates still left in the running… Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’s (https://berniesanders.com/) progressive 2016 campaign set the stage for the current field, as his once radical policies such as $15 minimum wage and tuition-free college have now been embraced by others. Nevertheless, he addresses inequality by proposing increases to estate taxes on the ultrawealthy, including a 77% tax on inheritances over a billion dollars. Doubts center around whether Sanders, who recently suffered a heart attack, is too old.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren (https://elizabethwarren.com/) also promises to address raising inequality by increasing taxes on the ultrawealthy, and like Sanders has a plan to address our two-tier system of medical care by extending Medicare to all citizens without raising income or payroll taxes.
Opponents of such policy proposals worry about losing their private insurance and about who is going to pay for such an ambitious healthcare plan. A more moderate candidate, former Vice-President Joe Biden (https://joebiden.com/) promises a return to the Obama years. He cites his foreign policy experience as what separates him from the rest of the candidates, and promises to reunite the country and not to rock the boat too much. Grading Rubric Used in this Assignment
Quality of writing and argument:
Proper length:
Discussion of Core American Values:
Discussion of candidate, including policy proposals
Use of properly cited material to support argument
Proper citations, including a works cited page
Argument based on evidence
Spelling and grammar: