The Republican Debates: A Democratic Perspective

By: Ira Adnaik

Recently, the 2024 Republican Debates focused primarily on concerns regarding issues in discussion with the border with Mexico, economics, abortion, and foreign policy. The recent Republican debates stand as a significant battleground for ideas within the American Democratic ideas.

(AP News)

To begin, one must have a broad idea regarding what the Republican debates are and what Democrats tend to believe regarding these areas of concern. The Republican debates are debates and discussions that take place between party members/candidates for the Republican’s nomination for their presidential candidate. From economic policies to social issues, these debates have provided a platform for Republican candidates to articulate their visions and proposals. The debates have assumed a pivotal role as a forum for the representation of diverse policy perspectives. In general, some of the main discussed concerns in the Republican debates are social issues, foreign policy, economic policies, and healthcare. Specifically, the topics that were covered in the most recent Republican debates were immigration and education covered within social issues, the economy and United Auto Workers Strike and Oil gas production for economic policies, and child care under healthcare according to FOX Business.

Many of the candidates, in regard to the issue of immigration, believe that the “Biden administration' [has done a] poor handling of the crisis at the border,” according to FOX Business' “Issues addressed at the second Republican presidential debate.” Several of the candidates believe that it is important for the country to remain a country with laws, defending and upholding their laws when it comes to illegal immigrants. However, in a Democratic perspective, immigration is not viewed as a threat and rather supported. Democrats.org explains that “Democrats know the importance of our country’s history as a (CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images) nation of immigrants. We honor our fundamental values by treating all people who come to the United States with dignity and respect, and we always seek to embrace — not to attack — immigrants.” Education additionally was discussed regarding African-American history curriculum and even discussed some social issues, such as transgenderism.

The Democratic view includes inclusive policies that promote equality, diversity, and social justice, placing emphasis on the need for compassionate solutions for such complex social issues. The Republicans had very harsh views on these topics, with

Ramaswamy considering the regret that may follow many alteration surgeries for transgenders under the age of 18. Furthermore, Ramaswamy believes it is right for parents to be informed about “transgenderism,” and even calling it a “mental health disorder.” Moreover, the economic policies for Republicans involve many government interventions and reforms regarding taxes made. However, Democrats believe that it is necessary for a balanced approach regarding economic policies, one that helps the economy to prosper but also addresses concerns that have to deal directly with the people, rather than the government intervention being required. Lastly, child care was discussed in the Republican debates.

According to FOX News, Scott, a candidate, directly said that “The challenges that we see today under the Biden administration is that the costs for day care has gone over $15,000 per child and the build back broker plan, he called it a build back better plan, it was going up to $29,000.” FOX News, additionally, brings into account how “the expiration of the funds [regarding child care] has accelerated a Democratic backed initiative known as the Child Care Stabilization Act.” The Child Care Stabilization Act will be “providing $16 billion in mandatory funding each year for the next five years to continue the successful Child Care Stabilization Grant Program,” according to Senator Murray. Democrats think more broadly, supporting nine in every 10 families, according to New York Times, with child care. The cap for child care, with a democratic ideology, would include more families and simply provide for the people more.

All in all, the Republican debates allow the solutions and ideas regarding issues that are faced right now to be illuminated. The Democratic perspective regards recognizing consequences along with solutions, which tend to differ morally and statistically with the Republican candidates ideologies.