For the 2004 presidential election, Republican president George W. Bush is attempting to defend his post and reassure the American people that his political choices are the best for our country. His opponent, Democratic senator John Kerry believes that his political ideas will be better for a changing America. Four main topics debated on by the candidates are: Homeland Security, Civil Rights, Education (no child left behind), and the Economy. The two candidates have differing views on most of these topics. President George W. Bush believes that we need to stay our course.
With military action in Iraq, Bush is confident that in the next four years as president he will strengthen Homeland Security, improve our schools with higher standards for teachers, and boost our economy. John Kerry however, believes that he has a better plan for strength and security, world class education for all, and a stronger economy. Never before have preliminary polls shown a closer presidential race. With this paper I plan to separate the candidates and prove that there is a better candidate. Homeland Security : After September eleventh, President George W. Bush signed a congressional bill to create a department of Homeland Security.
This department examines the levels of security risk at airports, ship ports, railway stations, and other public transportation locations. Both candidates Bush and Kerry agree that homeland security is a priority. Furthermore, the candidates have stated that it is essential to provide the American people with a strong common defense. For example, both pledge to have the government spend more money to furnish first-responders-the police and firefighters who are the first to arrive on the scene of an accident or an attack-with the materials and equipment they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability (David Dulio).
The recent war in Iraq has divided the candidates on how to carry out the plan on homeland security. Bush believes that we must take a protective approach in Iraq to prevent further terrorist damage to the United States. Kerry on the other hand believes that the United States must seek international support in Iraq to insure safety at home and abroad. Civil Rights: The civil rights views of President Bush and Senator Kerry are not as clear cut as the others. The NAACPs reviews of President Bush states he has neither exhibited leadership on pressing civil rights issues, nor taken action that matched his words (Alternet. g).
President Bush simply draws attention to important matters. He rarely speaks about civil rights, and when he does it is for official duties only. Democrat Kerry has more sympathetic views on civil rights than his opponent. He has received a grade of A from the NAACPs Issues of Civil Rights Report card for his service in the Senate. As President, John Kerry plans to enforce our Nations civil rights laws, support affirmative action to expand opportunity, and enforce equal justice for all victims of hate violence (Johnkerry. com). Education: Education is a key issue between President Bush and Senator Kerry.
They both believe that education is at the core of Americas basic promise. Both candidates agree that the No Child Left Behind Act, implemented by the Bush administration on January 8, 2002, sets up a strong system to ensure our children the best education. President Bush believes that education is the key to opportunity and Americans best tool in an increasingly competitive global economy (gerogewbush. com). Mr. Bush plans to uphold this promise by promoting literacy, funding research, expanding reading programs, and increasing minority outreach. He believes this is the bold new direction that education needs to take.
John Kerrys plan for education is similar to that of President Bush. Kerry plans to establish a National Education Trust Fund to ensure American schools get the funding they need. He will also make No Child Left Behind work for schools and their teachers by rewarding schools that meet higher standards as well as schools that are able to turn around and improve. Both the candidates have very similar idealistic views on education. Economy: Where economics stands George W. Bush and John Kerry think about three things: Taxes, the Budget Deficit, and Jobs. Both Bush and Kerry agree on tax cuts rather than tax increases.
The tax cuts instituted by George W. Bush are scheduled to expire in 2011. Kerry believes in cutting middle class taxes and increasing taxes for those making over $200,000 per year. Another issue that is debated is the size of the budget deficit. (When the government spends more money than it collects in tax revenue it runs a budget deficit. ) Both President Bush and Senator Kerry have said that they will cut the deficit by the end of their next term. The job market plays a large role in our countrys economy. President Bush plans to create jobs through tax cuts.
John Kerry plans to create 10 million new jobs through changes in policies from corporate taxes to international trade. My Views: My view on George W. Bush is that he has taken a lot of heat for the actions performed during his term as President. I feel that if another President comes into office other than George W. Bush, there might be a significant loss of economic and security investments. For example, if we were to take the troops out of Iraq we would lose a lot of the money, time, and effort our troops have put into assure that country becomes a better place.
Also, if John Kerry were to be elected President, there would be a big controversy about the comments he has made that I do not believe he will come through on. Kerry and Edwards try to give the statistics on everything that Bush and Cheney have done the past four years. But the statistics chosen are negative. It seems to me that Kerry and Edwards are telling people what they want to hear about the war on terrorism, the tax cuts, and the educational issues they have talked about. It is my hope that the winner of the 2004 Presidential election is honest about their promises and comes through for the American people.
In conclusion, the candidates for the 2004 Presidential election have many ideas for building a better America. Each candidate believes that his ideas are the better. Throughout my paper I have discussed the differing and similar views of George W. Bush and John Kerry. The many important issues that have been debated upon by the candidates are key topics that voters should be educated on. Without understanding each of the candidates view points it will be difficult to choose a leader for the next four years.
After both sides were presented, stating good and bad about each candidate, it is my belief that George W. Bush will be the better choice to lead America through the next four years. His current plans already in place need to be carried out, he should finish what he started, so to speak. This is the closest Presidential election in the history of our country. The choices that are made by the voters on November 2nd will change our Nations History. Each candidate firmly stands for what he believes, it is our job as voters to choose who we believe will do the best job running our country.