The Republican View: Debates and Differences in Time of Crisis

By: Julia Moon

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic extended beyond public health, profoundly affecting economies, industries, education systems, and social interactions. The pandemic forced unprecedented measures, from stringent lock downs and border closures to mass testing, contact tracing, and the rapid development and deployment of vaccines. As the pandemic progressed, the world struggled with waves of infections, the emergence of variants, and the challenges of vaccine distribution and hesitancy. Although a threat to society and the lives of many, the American people will never agree on anything. With illness comes vaccination; however, not everyone believes in the effectiveness of vaccination nor the safety thereof. The response to COVID-19 and vaccination efforts has become a focal point for political parties, showcasing different approaches and perspectives.

Conservatives stressed personal freedoms and responsibility during the pandemic. They preferred less government involvement and worried about limits on personal freedom for health rules. Some doubted rules like lock downs, fearing the government might take too much control over healthcare. They focused on both

the economy and personal health, saying strict measures harm jobs and businesses more than they help some people's health.

Regarding vaccinations, while many conservatives supported the development of vaccines and acknowledged their effectiveness, there was hesitation about requirements and large-scale government-led vaccination campaigns. They stressed individual choice in deciding whether or not to get vaccinated, advocating for voluntary vaccination rather than mandates or government interference in healthcare decisions. In addition, many were worried about potential issues that might arise from these vaccinations as they were incredibly new and under-researched. Many also associated greatly with their religious beliefs and rejected relying on vaccinations made by research rather relying on their faith in natural solutions.

In comparison, liberals placed a strong emphasis on following scientific guidance and public health measures to combat the pandemic. They prioritized measures such as mask mandates, social distancing, and widespread vaccination campaigns as critical tools to control the spread of the virus and protect public health. From a liberal viewpoint, government intervention was seen as crucial in managing the pandemic. They advocated for robust government-led initiatives to ensure widespread access to vaccines, often promoting free or subsidized vaccination programs to reach as many people as possible. Liberals highlighted the importance of community health over individual liberties in this crisis.

Liberals believed in following the advice of experts and scientists. They placed significant importance on following recommendations from health authorities

and scientific experts to guide policy decisions, believing that adherence to such guidance was essential to controlling the pandemic effectively.

In conclusion, navigating the pandemic became a delicate balance between ensuring public health and respecting individual freedoms. In dealing with the pandemic, it was tricky to balance keeping people healthy and respecting their personal freedoms. Conservatives and liberals had different ideas on this, showing how people see the government's role and individual rights during crises. To handle the pandemic well, others needed to try to comprehend different views, use science, and show concern for everyone's health. Both parties had good points: conservatives wanted personal freedom and worried about government control, while liberals focused on public health and thought the government should do more. This debate affected rules, healthcare, and what rights people had during COVID-19.

https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/11/partisanship-colors-views-of-covid-19-handling-across-advanced-economies/#:~:text=Most%20people%20say%20the%20pandemic,country%20more%20united%20than%20before.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/for-covid-19-vaccinations-party-affiliation-matters-more-than-race-and-ethnicity/#:~:text=According%20to%20Gallup%2C%2040%25%20of,and%20just%204%25%20of%20Democrats.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9874793/