Contemporary Crisis Background Guide - 2026 Model UN - Hofstra University

Hofstra University

Model United Nations Conference 2026

Contemporary Crisis

Patrick Bruso, Co-Chair

Craig Mannino, Co-Chair

Dear Delegates,

I’m ecstatic to co-chair the Contemporary Crisis committee this year! Without further ado, I’ll get the formalities out of the way first.

I’m Patrick Bruso (he/him), a Senior at Hofstra and pursuing a Political Science major with an International Relations focus. I’m a Massachusetts-born and raised guy who joined my high school’s MUN club freshman year and have been active in MUN circles since. In total, I’ve had seven years of MUN experience, and this will be my third conference that I’m chairing. I’m very excited for this opportunity, not onlyfor the abilityto moderatedebate, but alsofor theopportunity to meet you!

Formalities aside, this committee’s topic truly holds historical significance in both form and content. Being in Model UN for close to eight years now, the manner of which we debate, and how roles have been selected have always remained constant, this time we are twisting things up. As you will come to read, delegates participating in this committee will practice strong oratory skills alongside of strategic thinking to achieve their overarching goals. All of this set to one of the most consequential events in recent political history, the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Delegates will take the reins of the political apparatus of the day. As these figureheads, delegates will face the political dilemmas on the campaign trail, all while braving the unstoppable political winds that bore down that fateful November. Suffice to say, this committee will be set on a wild ride of staged debates, and political hijinks that could usher America into a new season. Whether that season be an American spring or an American winter, the choice is yours.

May the odds ever be in your favor!

Patrick

Bruso

Co-Chair, Contemporary Crisis HUMUNC 2026

Dear Delegates,

My name is Craig Mannino (he/him); I’m a senior Writing Studies and English major here at Hofstra. I’ve been participating in Model United Nations since high school — where I served as Secretary-General of the club — meaning I have awhopping six years of experience to drawfrom. That said, this will be my first time chairing a conference, so I am thrilled to be starting off strong with you all!

Outside of MUN, I have a deep interest in following contemporary politics, and — given the constant political upheavals we’ve experienced in the past few years — trying to answer the question, “Where do we go from here?” Hopefully, you feel the same about exploring the future, as over the course of the committee, we’re going to work to do just that.

This committee will bring us through the ups and downs of the 2016 election, from the primaries to the general election — wading through the media landscape, navigating the throes of social media, and defeating political apathy to ensure your supporters “Pokémon Go to the polls.” Work hard to work with (and against) yourfellowdelegatestoanswer thedozensof “What ifs?”America has wrestled since 2016, and, most importantly, have fun.

Good luck!

Craig Mannino Co-Chair, Contemporary Crisis HUMUNC 2026

Introduction to Committee

On Tuesday, June 16, 2015, businessman and reality TV star Donald Trump finally launched the presidential campaign that he had evidently been thinking about for decades. His angle is a unique one, self-funded and rooted on issues like the economy, defeating ISIS, and building a wall along the United States-Mexico border, all while claiming that he will “Make America Great Again” in a way that no established politician would be able to.1 The announcement came just one day after the former Florida Governor Jeb Bush officially announced his own candidacy, and several months after most other candidate announcements on both sides of the aisle.2

As of August 1, 2015, a total of seventeen Republican candidates — Senator Ted Cruz,3 Senator Rand Paul,4 Senator Marco Rubio,5 former CEO Carly Fiorina,6 retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson,7 former Governor Mike Huckabee,8 former Senator Rick Santorum,9 former Governor George Pataki,10 Senator Lindsey Graham,11 former Governor Rick Perry,12 former Governor Jeb Bush,13 Governor Bobby Jindal,14 Governor Chris Christie,15 Governor Scott Walker,16 Governor John Kasich,17 Governor Jim Gilmore,18 and Donald Trump – and five Democratic candidates – former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,19 Senator Bernie Sanders,20 former Governor Martin O'Malley,21 former Governor Lincoln Chafee,22 and former Senator Jim Webb23 — have formally announced their bid for president. Several more candidates on both sides are anticipated to announce bids in the coming weeks and months, and the current candidates have varying degrees of support at this point.

In the White House, the Obama administration is coming to the end of its second term, providing the new candidates for the presidency a chance to compare his successes and challenges to their own vision for the country. In his first term in office, President Obama took

steps toward stabilizing an economy plagued by the 2008 Great Recession by expanding government programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)24 and signing into law the Recovery Act, which some analysts believe prevented the country from slipping into another Great Depression.25 Also in his first term, President Obama signed his signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” which expanded health insurance to millions of previously uninsured Americans.26 Along with several strikes on terrorist organizations in the Middle East and an announcement of the end of American involvement in Iraq,27 the Obama administration successfully executed Operation Neptune Spear,28 which resulted in the death of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.

So far in his second term, President Obama has successfully negotiated the Iran Nuclear Deal, ensuring the limitation of Iranian weapons-grade plutonium production in exchange for the eventual reduction of sanctions from the international community.29 In terms of immigration, the Obama administration created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to delay adjudication of immigration cases “for young undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children” in order to free up resources to remove higher priority undocumented individuals. 30 More recently, the administration has begun reopening diplomatic relations with Cuba for the first time in decades,31 as well as supporting the repeal of the Clinton-era “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy32 and submitting briefs in favor of the legalization of same-sex marriage in United States v. Windsor33 and Obergefell v. Hodges. 34

However, through the many successes of the Obama administration, the Republican Party has been experiencing an unprecedented wave of solidarity through a policy of obstructionism.35 The 2008 election not only secured the White House for Democrats, it also saw Democrats retain both the House of Representatives and Senate.36 Republican obstructionism proved effective

almost immediately; Republicans were able to win the House of Representatives in 2010 and the Senate in 2014.37 Although Obama’s Recovery Act passed in the House of Representatives within a single week, it did so without a single Republican vote, despite an economy in “free fall.”38 While Republicans were unable to limit President Obama to a single term, policies “from Obamacare to climate to education reforms that conservatives supported until Obama embraced them” suddenly faced steep opposition.39

Delegates participating in this committee will represent one of the candidates and other major political figures from the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, where they will navigate key campaign events such as staged debates, addressing their positions on key events to the media that arise while campaigning, integrating responses via social media, and crafting messages to mobilize supporters to go to the polls in the primaries and the general election.

Relevant Foreign Policy Issues

Russia

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, many of the nuclear warheads produced by the USSR remained on Ukrainian territory, making it the third largest nuclear power in the world at the time.40 However, the world’s existing nuclear powers worried about the proliferation of nuclear weapons created by the fracture Soviet Union in 1991, and Ukraine agreed to transfer its nuclear weapons back to Russia in exchange for territorial recognition from the United States, United Kingdom and Russia, as well as the promise of military support should the sovereignty of Ukraine be threatened.41

In 2010, Ukraine elected President Viktor Yanukovych, a heavily Russian-backed politician. By 2013, President Yanukovych was facing severe backlash from the Ukrainian

public for several reasons, including “failing to sign the Ukraine-EU agreement,” propelling Ukraine to the edge of a civil war.42 Russian President Vladimir Putin capitalized on the deadly protests against Yanukovych, annexing the Crimean Peninsula in early 2014 and earning Russia sanctions for the act. Since the annexation, fighting has continued in the eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian and Russian-supported militias.43

The United States was opposed to Russian aggression in the Crimea and like most members of the United Nations, still recognizes the Crimean Peninsula as Ukrainian territory. Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the United States must take steps to punish Russia’s continued violation of international laws and norms, although there is some disagreement about how to resolve the situation. In the weeks following the invasion, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor suggested providing military assistance and natural gas exports to Ukraine, as well as petitioning the G8 (Group of Eight) to suspend Russia from the group.44 In the White House, the Obama administration had already committed a large sum of money to supporting the Ukrainian cause, and is said to be considering additional monetary support in the coming months.45 The administration has also been working with many of its European allies to impose broad sanctions on Russia in response.46

Middle East/Terrorism

Especially after the September 11th terrorist attacks on U.S. soil in 2001, the United States has maintained a particular interest in addressing and reducing terrorism globally. So far in 2015 alone, the world has experienced more than 12,000 individual terrorist attacks resulting in nearly 28,300 deaths.47 According to United States data collection, terrorism and terrorist attacks are “heavily concentrated geographically,” with fifty-five percent of attacks occurring in

Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Nigeria, and seventy-four percent of deaths from terrorist attacks occurring in Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, and Pakistan.48 ISIS continues to be the most active organization in the Middle East, while Boko Haram is the main perpetrator of attacks in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. During this period, ISIS attacks appear to have shifted in significant numbers from Iraq to Syria.49 Although al Qaeda is still active, the killing of Osama bin Laden began a process of severe decentralization of the organization, fracturing it into smaller, geographically localized factions.50 (As a note to delegates: both al Qaeda and ISIS originated as jihadist organizations, al Qaeda in Afghanistan and ISIS in Iraq, and although they are sometimes used interchangeably or in conjunction by public officials, you should understand that they are two different organizations.)

51

So far, three administrations — Clinton, Bush, and now Obama — have fought to eliminate the threat of terrorism against Americans. Al Qaeda, led by the infamous Osama bin Laden, first attacked the United States and issued an informal “Declaration of War” in 1996 during the Clinton administration.52 While Clinton authorized some anti-terrorist military action, the Bush administration significantly increased the American response to terrorism after the 9/11 attacks. Then-President Bush, along with forces from several European nations, launched Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 over erroneous claims of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The United States eventually captured Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who was later executed by the new Iraqi government, though both actions occurred after President Bush announced the end of “major combat operations” in Iraq.53

The United States continued the fighting in Iraq for many years and supplied several rounds of additional troops under the Bush administration. However, the Obama administration has so far taken a different approach than the Bush administration did. President Obama pulled

around 150,000 troops out of Iraq and refocused American anti-terrorism on eliminating al Qaeda and its activity in Afghanistan and Pakistan.54 With the rise of ISIS and its ability to inspire attacks abroad, such as the mass shooting attacks in San Bernardino, California in December 2015, President Obama has so far refrained from sending additional troops for a largescale campaign, despite some polls indicating a majority of Americans would support greater action against ISIS.55

Domestically, President Obama has consistently warned against those using the San Berardino attack as an opportunity for “declaring a war on Islam” and has expressed solidarity with Muslim Americans, as well as proposing gun control measures as a method of preventing attacks at home.56 Although anti-terrorism is another bipartisan issue, President Obama’s policy of drawing down the large deployments of the Bush administration and instead using targeted military operations to contain terrorists has drawn numerous criticisms from Democrats and Republicans alike, even though most critics are unable to articulate a more effective way of dealing with the issue.57

Iran

One of the defining moments of the Obama administration’s second term has been the negotiation of the Iran Nuclear Deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).58 Implemented on January 16, 2016, the main goal of the JCPOA is to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains “exclusively peaceful.”59 In return for halting many nuclear activities and opening its facilities to “extensive international inspections,” the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom), Germany, and the European Union agreed to lift sanctions on Iran.60

In general, the response by leading Democrats to the JCPOA is largely positive and in favor of the deal, emphasizing the need to prevent the expansion of the number of countries with nuclear weapons capabilities.61 Current Secretary of State John Kerry praised the ability of the group negotiating with Iran to come to an agreement favorable to the West while also significantly increasing the time need for Iran to achieve “breakout capability” to at least one year.62 Republicans, on the other hand, unquestionably disagree with the deal. Even before the deal with Iran was made official, nearly every Senate Republican signed an open letter to Iran promising that any deal made would be void once Obama left office. Notable Republican Senators that signed the letter include Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Rand Paul. Top Democrats, including Vice President Joe Biden, have “slammed” the Republican effort to undercut any progress made by President Obama, some even equating the letter with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu’s blanket opposition to any deal resulting in the lifting of sanctions on Iran.

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Although the deal has not yet been formally adopted, it is clear that Democratic leadership, especially those under Obama and aligned with his policies, are pleased with the outcome of the deal. Republicans, despite some hints of party division, seem relatively united against any deal with Iran, and many are sticking to the assumption that without Congressional approval, the deal would be rendered equivalent to an executive order.64 This understanding would mean that whoever is elected president in 2016 would have the power to revoke the deal.

Benghazi Attacks/Investigation

With the start of the “Arab Spring” revolts in 2011,65 where several Middle Eastern and North African countries deposed “entrenched regimes” in a relatively peaceful manner, Libyans

began protesting the forty-year rule of the authoritarian leader Muammar al-Qaddafi.66 However, instead of a peaceful power transfer, al-Qaddafi responded with immense violence against the protestors that resulted in the injuries and death of hundreds of Libyans.67 At the same time, al Qaeda militants took advantage of the continuing chaos in Libya, killing U.S. ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens and three other Americans in attacks on September 11, 2012. The assault on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi resulted in the first violent death of a United States ambassador in nearly twenty-five years. 68

At the time of the attacks, which occurred during President Obama’s first term, current Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was serving as Secretary of State. In response to the attacks, Clinton ordered an investigation into the motivation behind the attacks, as well as the conduct that allowed fatalities.69 The first published report on the Benghazi attacks came from the State Department under Clinton, and found that “[systemic] failures and leadership and management deficiencies at senior levels within two bureaus of the State Department … resulted in a Special Mission security posture that was inadequate for Benghazi and grossly inadequate to deal with the attack that took place.”70

An additional nine investigations were conducted after the original one completed by the State Department, of which the results for the last one have yet to be published. House Republicans, who are seemingly distrustful of accounts put forward by the State Department about the conduct of State Department leaders like Hillary Clinton, are leading this final investigation throughout spring 2016.71

In 2015, the investigation expanded from the mishandling of the Benghazi attacks alone to then Secretary of State Clinton’s use of a private email account instead of a governmentissued and approved one. During the information-gathering portion of the investigation into the

handling of the Benghazi attacks, Clinton was asked to turn over thousands of emails, almost all of which came from clintonemail.com.72 According to more than one federal statute, use of a personal email for government communication is illegal in nearly all circumstances.73 In some of the examples, Clinton may have even discussed matters considered either “private” or “top secret,” which has raised questions about national security domestically.74

In light of the upcoming election, Clinton and her team have repeatedly referred to the House investigation as politically motivated75 and meant to target her specifically.76 Without the results of the report expected until December 2016, it is difficult to determine if this will be an important factor in the election, but it is clear that Clinton and other Democratic leaders will need to be prepared to handle the results of the report should they come out before the election. Some Republicans, on the other hand, may see this as a small but useful attack on one of just a few Democratic presidential candidates.

China

One through-line in U.S. foreign policy for the past few years has been the general concern with China’s rising prominence. Democratic leaders, Republican leaders, and the public alike are focused on three main issues with relation to China: its growing prominence globally and economically, its increasing action in the South China Sea, and its relationship with Taiwan. And although not something that is often mentioned from either side of Washington, D.C., many in the public are growing increasingly concerned with China’s record of human rights and related policies.77

The United States continues to operate at a deficit with regard to trade with China, and many are concerned that China’s industrial policies are resulting in the loss of American jobs to

China.78 China holds the largest amount of American debt, and while this makes its slowing rate of growth and currency issues alarming for the American economy, China’s role helps keep interest rates for American consumers low.79

In addition to the many economic concerns, China has repeatedly made aggressive territorial claims to hundreds of miles of ocean in the South China Sea. These claims clash with those of Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines, even overlapping with the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of those countries.80 Defined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, an EEZ is a 200-nautical-mile extension of a nation’s borders and provides exclusive jurisdiction over the living and non-living marine resources.81 Satellite imaging from several points in 2014 also show that China has begun dredging projects in parts of the sea that it claims at an alarming rate, with some of the projects already producing islands large enough to accommodate the landing of some of China’s largest military planes.82

While the most concerning issues with these claims pertain to those countries that claim parts of the South China Sea, the United States has also been warned about its oceanic activity in the region which is an important transit route for the United States Navy.83 Any escalating conflict between the U.S. and China may eventually threaten the Philippines, a key American ally in the region.84

In a similar vein, late May 2015 saw the rare release of military information by the Chinese Government entitled “Chinese Military Strategy”, which among other things, details the way that China sees itself on the global military stage and that its “overarching strategic priority remains Taiwan,” particularly in terms of national security.85 Despite the diplomatic challenges it has created with the Chinese government, the United States has remained a close ally of Taiwan and continues to support Taiwan’s “‘confidence and freedom from coercion’”.86 Although

Taiwan’s defense is definitely an important point of American foreign policy, it ranks as the issue of lowest importance among the American public with regard to relations with China.87

Many of the Republican presidential candidates — particularly Donald Trump,88 Governor Scott Walker, Senator Marco Rubio, Governor Chris Christie, and former Governor Mike Huckabee — have taken on China as a major point in their campaign, being especially critical of President Obama’s attempts to engage China through traditional diplomacy without making enough progress on issues such as the amount of U.S. debt owned by China and the loss of American jobs to the Chinese labor market.89 Democratic leadership generally backs the views of President Obama, in particular with regard to maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan while also sticking officially to the “one China” policy.90

While Republicans in the public eye tend to share overtly critical statements regarding China, some Republican experts on China have concerns about such scapegoating. Former Republican ambassador to China Jon Huntsman describes the relationship between the United States and China as “the most complex and challenging relationship of the 21st century” because of the multi-faceted nature of American-Chinese disagreements.91 While China remains an emerging issue for some candidates to define their position, at the moment, candidates from both parties recognize that they could use China to define their foreign policy stances.

North Korea

Conflict between the United States and North Korea (DPRK) goes all the way back to American military involvement on the Korean Peninsula in the 1950s during the Korean War. Backed by the Soviet Union during the fighting and throughout the Cold War, the DPRK and the United States have never had a strong relationship. Furthermore, the United States has long

participated in a robust military partnership with South Korea that the DPRK is not fond of. Former President Bush also famously labeled North Korea as part of the “axis of evil” along with Iran and Iraq, which only served to worsen relations between the U.S. and DPRK.92

However, American foreign policy during the Obama administration has centered more on a policy that has been labeled “strategic patience,” where the United States publicly remains open to diplomatic discussions while continuing the harsh sanctions on the DPRK. President Obama also negotiated the Leap Day Deal in 2012, wherein the United States would provide immense amounts of nutritional assistance to the DPRK in exchange for the decommissioning of the country’s nuclear program. However, DPRK’s plan to test launch a satellite violated the deal and it was considered null after less than one year.93

Critics of American aid policy have voiced their discontent with linking humanitarian aid to progress on unrelated issues like denuclearization,94 even amidst the recent threats from North Korea to attack the U.S. with ballistic missile if it conducts military exercises with South Korea.95 Both parties tend to follow long-standing U.S. policy to work through UN Security Council sanctions to prevent North Korea from ever becoming a nuclear power.96 Because of the DPRK’s economic reliance on China,97 many Republicans believe that the United States should also take actions against China, like targeting their financial institutions, that would weaken the China-DPRK relationship and hurt both adversaries at the same time.98

Domestic Affairs Healthcare

Health insurance, or the lack thereof in many cases, has long been an issue on the minds of many Americans, particularly those who cannot afford health care under the current system.

As a result of Obamacare, the rate of Americans without some form of health insurance has dropped to just 9.1% this year, the lowest rate the United States has ever seen.99 Although the overall uninsured rate has dropped, large inconsistencies in insurance still exist between different racial and economic groups, with those experiencing poverty and people of color having the highest rates of uninsurance.100

According to a Kaiser poll, eighty percent of Democratic voters support Obamacare and additional Congressional action to restore it if the act were repealed, matched by fifty-eight percent of Independents and forty-nine percent of Republican.101 While elected Democrats tend to reflect the ideas of their constituents with regard to healthcare, elected Republicans seem to be less divided on the issue than their voter base. One of the main talking points of Republicans on Capitol Hill, especially with the upcoming presidential election, has been the repeal of Obamacare. Despite its successes, most elected Republicans support the repeal of Obamacare, often without providing any alternative.102

This sort of obstructionism with regard to health insurance is not unique to the Obama administration; instead, it is a continuation of anti-Clinton-era policies.103 Many elected Republicans (as well as a majority of Republican voters) hold the opinion that the health care system was functional as is, without government intervention. One of the main complaints is the cost of government plans like Obamacare driving up the deficit.104

Social Security

Although Social Security is always on the minds of older Americans, the 2016 election does not seem like it will place a large focus on it this time around. Social Security payments are currently operating at a deficit as the Baby Boomer generation retires and the birthrate has

heavily declined since then.105 Projections indicate that seventy-five percent of required payments would still be covered by incoming taxes in 2034 even with the deficit.106 A Pew Research poll indicates that Millennials, who are the furthest away from retirement, are the most likely to believe that cuts in Social Security should be considered, and still only thirty-seven percent think so.107

Because the issues revolving around Social Security are mostly budget based, Republican presidential candidates seem to be very divided on their stances. Budget-driven candidates with traditional Republican stances may take a view that would involve more cuts to the program, whereas others support expansion of the program.108 Less concerned with the issue of the deficit, Democrats generally support keeping the program as is, or implementing higher taxes to keep the program sustainable.109

Immigration

A major talking point on both sides of the aisle, a record high of nearly forty-three million immigrants currently live in the United States,110 including an estimated eleven million undocumented immigrants.111 Immigrant families, both legal and illegal, are much more likely to live in poverty (and thus utilize the appropriate welfare programs), less likely to have graduated high school, and more likely to work low-wage jobs.144 As a point of reference, seventy percent of both immigrant and native-born families have a job.112

Under both the Bush and Obama administrations, the amount of Border Patrol agents has increased significantly, to over 21,000 officials.113 Deportations accompanied this increase in Border Patrol during both Obama administrations so far, although the upward trend is beginning to reverse.114 Despite some media coverage indicating that Democrats are much more pro-

immigration than Republicans, elected officials from both parties seem to support the increases in Border Patrol and enforcement of immigration laws. In 2013, a bipartisan group of Senators led by Chuck Schumer (D-NY), known as the “Gang of Eight”, introduced the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The three main aspects of this bill would have increased the number of Border Patrol agents to more than 40,000, provided funding for the building of seven hundred miles of new border walls, and installing the use of the EVerify system for employers. When these measures were enacted, additional legislation would come into effect to provide pathways for some undocumented immigrants to become citizens and created a points-based system to encourage immigration for skilled workers. The bill passed in the Senate with a 68-32 vote,115 but the House of Representatives never considered the bill.116 The current pool of presidential candidates reflects a wide range of policy priorities on illegal immigration, marked by both Senators who were part of the Gang of Eight (Marco Rubio), as well as more hardline views, such as that of Donald Trump — who during his official campaign announcement — floated the idea of building a wall between the United States and Mexico, which he would have Mexico pay for.117 Democratic candidates remain generally in line with the Obama administration’s views and policies on illegal immigration.118

Economy

Of all the domestic issues that will likely play a part in this election, voters ranked the economy as the most important, according to a Pew Research poll.119 While just over twenty-five percent of the country would describe the current economic state of the United States as “good,” this number is markedly higher than polls before the 2012 election, indicating an improvement in

public perception of the economy over the course of the Obama administration.120 According to official government data, unemployment has fallen and GDP growth has increased.121

Democrats are much more likely to approve of President Obama’s handling of the economy and describe the economy as “good” nearly three times more than Republicans.122 Therefore, the Democrats on the campaign trail will likely aim to ride President Obama’s waves of success and promise a continuation of GDP and job growth.123 Consistent with Reagan Republicanism, all of the Republican candidates and Republican leadership will likely stick to the promises of tax cuts, even though much of the data from the Republican administrations of George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have not supported the aims established during the Reagan administration.124 In addition to those issues, Republican voters are concerned about the budget and growing debt in a way that Democratic voters are not, something that Republican candidates should ensure they address.125

One step that the Obama administration has taken economically that is different from past administrations is both committing to and investing in a “green economy.” President Obama announced the Climate Action Plan (CAP) on June 25, 2013, which focuses on the reduction of American carbon emissions as a major global contributor and preparing the United States to deal with the devastating effects of climate change.126 While most Democrats lauded the steps, Republicans continued their obstructionist policy, emphasizing that many jobs in the coal and mining industries would be lost as the price for transitioning to a green economy.127

In addition, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was negotiated by the first Bush administration in 1992, has received both praise and criticism. NAFTA “effectively created a free-trade bloc among the three largest countries of North America,” primarily by reducing tariffs. It laid the groundwork for the expansion of additional free trade

agreements by the George W. Bush administration (CAFTA with Central American countries in 2004, and separate trade agreements with the Dominican Republic in 2004, Colombia in 2006, and Peru in 2007) and the Obama administration (with Panama in 2011 and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is set to be signed in October 2015).128 Because trade with Canada and Mexico does not account for a large percentage of American GDP, neither the predictions of critics, nor proponents of NAFTA, came to fruition. Instead, the effects were relatively “modest” in terms of both job losses to Mexico and GDP increase from the free trade.129

Delegate Positions

The Democrats

Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State (2009-2013)

Although it is still early in the election cycle, many paint Hillary Clinton as the “presumed Democratic presidential nominee,”130 primarily because she has, according to one of her Democratic opponents, a “‘huge head start, has all the endorsements and all the money’”.131 On the campaign trail, she has been careful to keep in line with President Obama’s policies, especially from his first term, where she served as Secretary of State, while also offering criticisms of what she would do differently (and often how she would be more progressive).132 However, she has already needed to fend off attacks about her handling of the Benghazi attacks in 2012, generally considered one of her most significant missteps in her public service career. While being the wife of a former President is helpful for publicity, she should carefully frame her time as First Lady to avoid being seen as someone “out of touch” with average Americans.133

Tim Kaine, Senator from Virginia (2013- )

Before being elected as a Senator, Tim Kaine started as a civil rights lawyer before serving as the Mayor of Richmond and subsequently Governor of Virginia. 134 In 2008, Kaine was widely believed to have been Obama’s second pick for vice president, saying he was “the pick of my heart, but Joe is the pick of my head.”135 Even though he is not running for the nomination, his name still seems to be floating around in the speculation about choices for vice president, once again. As Governor and now in the Senate, Kaine’s priorities have been common sense gun control (especially after the Virginia Tech shooting), increasing jobs, working with the military, and expanding access to healthcare.

Bernie Sanders, Senator from Vermont (2007- )

Arguably the face of modern progressivism in the United States, Bernie Sanders recently announced his bid for the Democratic nomination after initially tapping Senator Elizabeth Warren to run as the progressive candidate.136 A self-described Democratic Socialist (who was elected as an Independent but caucuses with the Democrats), Sanders has focused his campaign on “political revolution” and rejecting donations from billionaires and Super PACs, setting him apart from all the other candidates, both Democratic and Republican.137 Avoiding identity politics in favor of economic policy, Sanders is expected to be a significant challenger but has struggled to secure Black votes.138

Joe Biden, Vice President (2009- )

First elected to the Senate in 1972 as a representative from Delaware, Joe Biden served in the Senate until 2008 until his selection as Obama’s vice president.139 President Obama indicated that Biden’s “moral conviction and clarity” and ability to work across the aisle made him the best pick for the office.140 Despite his highly successful tenure as vice president, Biden has not announced a bid for the 2016 nomination, and is expected not to do so following the death of his son Beau in May.141 Regardless, his seniority and recognition makes him extremely influential within the party.

Chuck Schumer, Senator from New York (1999- )

Chuck Schumer, widely considered to be the next Democratic leader in the Senate, currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.142 Despite his ranking, Schumer is not seeking the Democratic nomination, instead choosing to focus on his career in the Senate and supporting his constituents. Schumer focuses primarily on the economics of the Senate thanks to his seat on the Senate Finance Committee and his commitment to the middle and lower classes in New York.143 Schumer has immense support from New Yorkers as a result of his visiting every county in New York every year, a huge benefit with his seat up for reelection once again in 2016.144

Elizabeth Warren, Senator from Massachusetts (2013- )

Elizabeth Warren’s political career took a turn onto the national stage only recently, with her position as Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau during President Obama’s first term.145 In 2013, she became the first woman from Massachusetts elected to the Senate, where she currently serves.146 Although she has explicitly ruled out a presidential bid for 2016 in favor of Hillary Clinton’s candidacy, Warren says she remains committed to her own ambitions in office, which include raising the minimum wage and revitalizing Social Security.147 She should be considered among the most influential Democratic figures not seeking the nomination.

Bill Clinton, former President of the United States (1993-2000)

Someone who has been central to the political spotlight for decades, Bill Clinton, as expected, has been the largest supporter of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. In addition to appearing on the campaign trail and giving a number of speeches, Bill Clinton has been working to “redirect any criticism” of the Clintons as a family away from Hillary and on to himself.148 Although he cannot run again, his immense influence and numerous connections will undoubtedly prove to be critical for the 2016 election, whether in a positive or negative manner.

Martin O’Malley, former Governor of Maryland (2007-2015)

At the end of two sequential and popular terms as Governor of Maryland, Martin O’Malley announced his candidacy for president in late May.149 As governor, O’Malley was known for “gun control, support for gay marriage, and an increase in the minimum wage,”150 At the time he declared his bid for president, he criticism about his police policies as Mayor of Baltimore were revived during recent riots and unrest in the city related to the death of a man in police custody.151 In his campaign thus far, O’Malley has stressed the importance of criminal justice reform, several economically progressive policies like a minimum wage increase,191 and continued his unique stance as highly pro-immigration, favoring housing children crossing the border illegally rather than immediate deportation.152

Lincoln Chafee, former Governor of Rhode Island (2011-2015)

Involved in politics since the early 1990s, Lincoln Chafee’s term as Governor of Rhode Island finished earlier this year, a position for which he chose not to run for reelection.153 In 1999, Chafee was appointed as a Senator from Rhode Island after his father, who had previously held the position, died. Although not registered as a Democrat during either election cycle, Chafee publicly supported the Obama Campaign in 2008 and 2012.154 During his time in the Senate, Chafee was the only Republican to vote against the war in Iraq, something that has become a major talking point on the campaign trail so far since it was announced in June.155

Jim Webb, former Senator from Virginia (2007-2013)

Before his tenure in the Senate, Jim Webb served in Vietnam (and is a Purple Heart recipient) and was briefly appointed as Secretary of the Navy under President Reagan.156 Webb announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election on July 2nd, making him the most recent Democratic candidate to do so.157 A registered Republican until less than a decade ago, Webb holds more moderate views than most other Democrats in committee, focusing his work primarily on the military, economy, and government accountability.158 In its current state, his campaign appears to be a long shot against candidates with much more name recognition.

The Republicans

Donald Trump, Businessman

A man with no political experience, Donald Trump has had “numerous flirtations with a presidential run” before finally announcing one in June of this year (2015). His campaign unveiled his slogan, “Make America Great Again”, and focuses on traditional anti-establishment rhetoric, particularly as Trump entered the race without any political experience.159 Despite his new campaign and non-traditional approach to campaigning, recent polls show Trump ahead of other Republicans with ultra-conservative, moderate, and liberal voters, both voters over and under 50 years old, both male and female voters and those registered with the Tea Party comprising the majority of his base at this point.160

Mike Pence, Governor of Indiana (2013- )

A relatively unknown politician on the national stage until recently, Mike Pence’s name gained recognition recently when he became embroiled in a controversy surrounding Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in March161 which could enable religious objections against LGBTQ+ families in a variety of scenarios.162 Much of Pence’s tenure as Governor of Indiana so far has been marked by socially conservative policies like the RFRA, anti-abortion policies,163 and the expansion of legal gun possession laws.164

John McCain, Senator from Arizona (1987- )

A prominent war hero from the Vietnam War and the Republican nominee in 2008, John McCain is one of the longest-serving members of the Senate at the moment. Already a harsh critic of Republican frontrunner Donald Trump,165 McCain is well-respected by almost everyone, both for his service and his strong loyalty to his political principles.166 McCain has come to be known as a maverick for these strong viewpoints, often breaking Republican voting lines, and is more than anything a champion of bipartisan cooperation in a time of increasing political polarization.167

Marco Rubio, Senator from Florida (2011- )

In the Senate so far, Marco Rubio has followed a relatively traditional Republican stance, supporting lower taxes (in the Lee-Rubio Plan),168 opposing background checks for gun purchases,169 and working with Senator Schumer and others in the Gang of Eight to draft an immigration reform bill.170 Rubio, despite his comments that those in government positions should be fired for not doing their jobs, has the worst voting record in this Congress, missing forty-two percent of votes since he announced his bid for President.171 At this point in the election cycle, Rubio is considered to be in the top three Republican candidates.

Ted Cruz, Senator from Texas (2013- )

One of the newer members of the Senate, Ted Cruz is continuing the rhetoric that won him a surprise victory in the Senate — ultra-conservativism.172 Current polls have him among the top

three Republican candidates, with some hope that current Trump supporters may view Cruz as someone with similar ideas but backed by political experience.173 His main focuses are in national security, plans to abolish the IRS, and addressing illegal immigration. He also takes issue with Planned Parenthood, speaking against federal funding for the organization and aiming to have it investigated for unethical and criminal conduct.174

Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey (2010- )

Currently in his second term as Governor, Chris Christie had an incredibly successful first term, before hitting some roadblocks during his second term. The most famous of these incidents has been dubbed “Bridgegate,”175 where several lanes in Fort Lee were closed by officials in Christie’s administration, apparently for political retaliation against the mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Christie’s last campaign, resulting in an outrage over increased commute times of many New Jerseyans. Although running as a Republican, Christie is known for his moderate policies and cooperation with Democrats.176 Many Republicans concerned with the ultraconservative frontrunners of Trump and Cruz see an option in Christie for both Democrats and Republicans dissatisfied with the direction of their party.177

John Kasich, Governor of Ohio (2011- )

Inaugurated for his second term as governor earlier this year, John Kasich is relatively unknown on the national stage, but extremely popular at home in Ohio.178 Before being elected Governor, Kasich served in the House of Representatives, where he was one of the main authors of the agreement between Democrat Bill Clinton and Republican Newt Gingrich to balance the budget in 1997.179 Similar to his presidential bid in 1999, Kasich sets himself apart from other candidates by supporting policies, like the expansion of Obamacare, that most other Republicans would not.180 Aside from that, Kasich’s campaign has focused on balancing economics with the government’s “important role to play in helping people.”181

Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida (1999-2007)

One of the more recent candidates to launch their campaign, Jeb Bush is running on a platform of experience after two decades of involvement in Florida politics. Recognizable in the country as the “son and brother of presidents,” Bush faces the challenge of grappling with the not-so-starry aspects of the legacy left by his family members.182 Although he follows after their conservative ideals, he has so far struggled to set himself apart from them in any real way, something that has left many voters uneasy, particularly with so many candidates in the Republican field.183 His policy focuses have tended to revolve around shrinking the federal government, promoting school choice through vouchers, creating a legal status for illegal immigrants but not citizenship, and creating a more inclusive culture in Washington.184

Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas (1996-2007)

A well-known face in the Republican sphere, Mike Huckabee not only has gubernatorial experience but recognition: he currently runs both a radio show and a weekend segment on Fox News.185 A former Baptist pastor and highly conservative, Huckabee positions himself as a populist, takes firm stances on cracking down on both immigration and trade deals that hurt Americans, supporting higher wages,186 and U.S.-Israel relations.187 After Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out, Huckabee’s comments surrounding transgender individuals received some pushback, even from others running for the Republican nomination, although Huckabee seems set in his opinions, divisive as they might be for some voters.188

Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard (1999-2005)

One of only a few women to ever seek the Republican presidential nomination, Carly Fiorina seeks to stand out from the crowd with her economic experience as CEO instead of her gender.189 Fiorina’s conservative fiscal policy beliefs are based on her experience as a CEO, and several policy positions follow Republican orthodoxy, including repealing Obamacare, opposing gay marriage, overturning Roe v. Wade, and not supporting the Iran nuclear deal However, she also has her own stances and tends to be more moderate on climate change, education (pronational standards with local control), and immigration (pro-DREAM act but not amnesty for illegal immigrants).190

Endnotes

1 Diamond, Jeremy. “Donald Trump Jumps In: The Donald’s Latest White House Run Is Officially On.” CNN. 17 June 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/16/politics/donald-trump-2016-announcement-elections.

2 ABC News. “How the 2016 Presidential Announcements Stack Up.” abcNews. 16 June 2015. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/2016-presidential-announcementsstack/story?id=31374743#:~:text=%22I%20have%20two%20daughters%2C%20who,terms%20early%20in%20his %20career

3 Mascaro, Lisa, and David Lauter. “Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is Running for President.” Los Angeles Times. 22 March 2015. https://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/politicsnow/la-na-pn-ted-cruz-presidential-bid20150322-story.html.

4 Killough, Ashley. “Rand Paul: ‘I’m Putting Myself Forward as a Candidate For President.’” CNN. 7 April 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/04/07/politics/rand-paul-president-2016/.

5 Parker, Ashley, and Alan Rappeport. “Marco Rubio Announces 2016 Presidential Bid.” The New York Times. 13 April 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/14/us/politics/marco-rubio-2016-presidentialcampaign.html?smid=tw-bna.

6 Gass, Nick. “Carly Fiorina: ‘Yes, I am Running for President.’” Politico. 4 May 2015. https://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/carly-fiorina-2016-presidential-bid-117593.html

7 Rafferty, Andrew. “Ben Carson Announces 2016 Presidential Run.” NBC News. 4 May 2015. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/ben-carson-announces-2016-run-n353241

8 Gabriel, Trip. “Mike Huckabee Joins Republican Presidential Race.” The New York Times. 5 May 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/06/us/politics/mike-huckabee-running-in-republican-presidentialprimary.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=topnews&_r=0.

9 Jackson, David. “Santorum Officially Begins 2016 Presidential Campaign.” USA Today. 27 May 2015. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/2015/05/27/rick-santorum-2016-presidentialrace/28011791/

10 Chappell, Bill. “George Pataki Announces 2016 Presidential Bid.” NPR. 28 May 2015. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/05/28/410226282/george-pataki-announces-2016-presidential-bid

11 Jaffe, Alexandra. “Graham Bets on Foreign Experience in White House Bid Announcement.” CNN. 1 June 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/01/politics/lindsey-graham-presidential-announcement-election-2016/index.html

12 Beckwith, Ryan Teague, and Maya Rhodan. “Rick Perry Announces Presidential Bid.” Time. 4 June 2015. https://time.com/3909057/rick-perry-2016-campaign-launch/

13 Rafferty, Andrew. “Jeb Bush Makes 2016 Run Official.” NBC News. 15 June 2015. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/jeb-bush-set-make-2016-run-official-n375621

14 Beckwith, Ryan Teague. “Transcript: Read Full Text of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s Campaign Launch.” Time. 24 June 2015. https://time.com/3934818/bobby-jindal-campaign-launch-transcript/

15 Barbaro, Michael. “Chris Christie Announces Run, Pledging ‘Truth’ About Nation’s Woes.” The New York Times. 30 June 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/01/us/politics/chris-christie-presidential-campaign.html.

16 Burlij, Terence, Lee, MJ, and Tom LoBianco. “Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Launches Bid With Red Meat Speech.” CNN. 13 July 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/13/politics/scott-walker-2016-presidentialannouncement/

17 Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. “John Kasich Enters 2016 Race, Hoping Centrist Appeal Sets Him Apart.” The New York Times. 21 July 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/22/us/politics/john-kasich-election-2016-presidentialrace.html

18 Allen, Cooper. “Jim Gilmore Formally Joins GOP Presidential Race.” USA Today. 30 July 2015. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/07/30/jim-gilmore-presidentialannouncement/30830661/.

19 Karni, Annie. “Hillary Clinton Formally Announces 2016 Run.” Politico. 12 April 2015. https://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/hillary-clinton-2016-election-presidential-launch-116888.html

20 Rappeport, Alan. “Bernie Sanders, Long-Serving Independent, Enters Presidential Race as a Democrat.” The New York Times. 29 April 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/30/us/politics/bernie-sanders-campaign-forpresident.html

21 Jackson, David. “Martin O'Malley Jumps Into Presidential Race.” USA Today. 30 May 2015. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/05/30/martin-omalley-presidentannouncement/27330857/

22 Rafferty, Andrew. “Lincoln Chafee Calls for Peace, Metric System in 2016 Announcement.” NBC News. 3 June 2015. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/lincoln-chafee-calls-peace-metric-system-2016announcement-n369361.

23 Catanese, David. “Jim Webb Announces For President.” U.S. News. 2 July 2015. https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/run-2016/2015/07/02/jim-webb-announces-for-president.

24 “2008-2011.” The Obama Administration. https://www.obama.org/about/administration/2008-2011/.

25 “The Recovery Act.” The Obama White House. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/economy/jobs/recoveryact.

26 “President Barack Obama.” Barack Obama Presidential Library. https://www.obamalibrary.gov/obamas/president-barack-obama#:~:text=in%2090%20years.,Post%2DPresidency,citizens%20on%20January%2020%2C%202017.

27 Ibid.

28 Sherwell, Philip. “Osama bin Laden Killed: Behind the Scenes of the Deadly Raid.” The Telegraph. 7 May 2011. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/8500431/Osama-bin-Laden-killed-Behind-the-scenes-of-thedeadly-raid.html

29 Broad, William J. and Sergio Peçanha. “The Iran Nuclear Deal – A Simple Guide.” The New York Times. 15 January 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/31/world/middleeast/simple-guide-nuclear-talks-iranus.html.

30 “2012-2017.” The Obama Administration. https://www.obama.org/about/administration/2012-2017/

31 Ibid.

32 “Repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell.’” Human Rights Campaign. https://www.hrc.org/our-work/stories/repeal-ofdont-ask-dont-tell.

33 “United States v. Windsor.” Oyez. www.oyez.org/cases/2012/12-307

34 “Obergefell v. Hodges.” Oyez. www.oyez.org/cases/2014/14-556

35 Grunwald, Michael. “The Victory of ‘No.’ Politico Magazine. 4 December 2016. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/12/republican-party-obstructionism-victory-trump-214498/

36 “Party Government Since 1857.” History, Art & Archives | United States House of Representatives. https://history.house.gov/Institution/Presidents-Coinciding/Party-Government/

37 Grunwald, Michael. “The Victory of ‘No.’ Politico Magazine. 4 December 2016. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/12/republican-party-obstructionism-victory-trump-214498/

38 Ibid.

39 Ibid.

40 Kelly, Mary Louise and Kat Lonsdorf. “Why Ukraine Gave Up Its Nuclear Weapons — And What That Means In An Invasion By Russia.” NPR. 21 February 2022. https://www.npr.org/2022/02/21/1082124528/ukraine-russiaputin-invasion

41 Bunn, Matthew. “Budapest Memorandum at 25: Between Past and Future.” Harvard Kennedy School. March 2020. https://www.hks.harvard.edu/publications/budapest-memorandum-25-between-past-and-future

42 Ray, Michael. "Viktor Yanukovych". Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Oct. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Yanukovych

43 “Ukraine: Crimea.” U.S Department of State. https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-country-reports-on-humanrights-practices/ukraine/crimea/

44 “For Your Information: Congress Plans Response to Russia’s Annexation of Crimea.” Congressional Institute. 19 March 2014. https://www.congressionalinstitute.org/2014/03/19/for-your-information-congress-plans-response-torussias-annexation-of-crimea/.

45 53 Office of the Press Secretary. “FACT SHEET: U.S. Assistance to Ukraine.” The Obama White House. 7 December 2015. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/07/fact-sheet-us-assistanceukraine

46 Robertson, Nick. “Obama Defends 2014 Crimea Response: ‘We challenged Putin with the tools we had at the time.’” The Hill. 22 June 2023. https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4063939-obama-defends-2014-crimearesponse-in-cnn-interview/.

47 “National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism: Annex of Statistical Information.” U.S. Department of State. https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2015/257526.htm.

48 Ibid.

49 Ibid.

50 Clarke, Colin, and Clara Broekaert. “The Global State of al-Qa`ida 24 Years After 9/11.” Combatting Terrorism Center at West Point. September 2025. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/the-global-state-of-al-qaida-24-years-after-9-11/

51 Byman, Daniel L. “Comparing Al Qaeda and ISIS: Different Goals, Different Targets.” Brookings. 29 April 2015. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/comparing-al-qaeda-and-isis-different-goals-different-targets.

52 Rosthauser, Richard Craig. “Terrorism Conflict: How the United States Responds to Al Qaeda Violence and Expressed Grievances.” Digital Commons at University of Denver. 1 January 2010. https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/564/

53 “The Iraq War.” George W. Bush Presidential Library. https://www.georgewbushlibrary.gov/research/topicguides/the-iraq-war

54 The Obama White House. “President Obama on His Approach to Counterterrorism over the Last Eight Years.” Medium. 6 December 2016. https://medium.com/@ObamaWhiteHouse/president-obama-on-his-approach-tocounterterrorism-over-the-last-eight-years-b8a7c55cb422

55 Kharroub, Tamara, and Roxanne Perugino. “The “Dos and Don’ts” of Defeating ISIS: Obama’s Wasted 13Minutes.” Arab Center Washington DC. 6 December 2015. https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/the-dos-and-donts-ofdefeating-isis/

56 Ibid.

57 Ibid.

58 “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.” U.S. Department of State. https://20092017.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/iran/jcpoa/.

59 Ibid.

60 Ibid.

61 “Sen. Ben Cardin: Iran Nuclear Deal Still Raises ‘A Lot Of Questions.’” NPR. 14 July 2025. https://www.npr.org/2015/07/14/422952271/sen-ben-cardin-iran-nuclear-deal-still-raises-a-lot-of-questions

62 U.S. Mission Geneva. “Secretary Kerry’s Remarks on the Nuclear Deal with Iran.” U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva. 15 July 2015. https://geneva.usmission.gov/2015/07/15/secretary-kerrys-remarks-on-thenuclear-deal-with-iran/.

63 Gass, Nick. “Republican Senators Warn Iran in Open Letter.” Politico. 9 March 2015. https://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/republican-senators-iran-open-letter-nuclear-agreement-115888.

64 Ibid.

65 Britannica Editors. "Arab Spring". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Jan. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/event/Arab-Spring

66 Britannica Editors. “Libya Revolt of 2011.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 15 June 2025. https://www.britannica.com/event/Libya-Revolt-of-2011

67 Ibid.

68 Britannica Editors. “2012 Benghazi attacks.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 7 January 2026. https://www.britannica.com/event/2012-Benghazi-attacks

69 A-Mark Foundation. “How Much Time and Money Was Spent Investigating the Benghazi Attack?” A-Mark Foundation. 27 September 2023. https://amarkfoundation.org/reports/benghazi-reports/

70 Ibid.

71 Ibid.

72 ABC News. “A Timeline of Hillary Clinton’s Email Saga.” abcNews. 7 November 2016. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/timeline-hillary-clintons-email-saga/story?id=29442707.

73 Schmidt, Michael S. “Hillary Clinton Used Personal Email Account at State Dept., Possibly Breaking Rules.” The New York Times. 2 March 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/03/us/politics/hillary-clintons-use-of-privateemail-at-state-department-raises-flags.html?_r=0

74 ABC News. “A Timeline of Hillary Clinton’s Email Saga.” abcNews. 7 November 2016. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/timeline-hillary-clintons-email-saga/story?id=29442707

75 Bade, Rachel. “Final Benghazi Report Details Administration Failures.” Politico. 28 June 2016. https://www.politico.com/story/2016/06/benghazi-report-obama-clinton-224854.

76 “How The Attack In Benghazi Led Us To Hillary Clinton’s Emails.” NPR. 13 October 2015. https://www.npr.org/2015/10/13/448182602/how-the-attack-in-benghazi-led-us-to-hillary-clintons-emails.

77 “Americans’ Concerns about China: Economics, Cyberattacks, Human Rights Top the List.” Pew Research Center. 9 September 2015. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2015/09/09/americans-concerns-about-chinaeconomics-cyberattacks-human-rights-top-the-list/

78 Ibid.

79 Mullany, Gerry, and Alan Rappeport. “G.O.P. Candidates Take Aim at China as U.S. Markets Tumble.” The New York Times. 24 August 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/25/us/politics/gop-candidates-take-aim-at-chinaas-us-markets-tumble.html

80 Hunt, Katie. “Showdown in the South China Sea: How Did We Get Here?” CNN. 2 August 2016. https://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/28/asia/china-south-china-sea-disputes-explainer

81 “What is the ‘EEZ’?” NOAA. 6 January 2023. https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/ocean-fact/useez/

82 Hunt, Katie. “Showdown in the South China Sea: How Did We Get Here?” CNN. 2 August 2016. https://edition.cnn.com/2015/10/28/asia/china-south-china-sea-disputes-explainer

83 Ibid.

84 Swaine, Michael D. “America’s Security Role in the South China Sea.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 23 July 2015. https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2015/07/americas-security-role-in-the-south-china-sea?

85 Panda, Ankit. “China’s 2015 Defense White Paper: Don’t Forget Taiwan.” The Diplomat. 27 May 2015. https://thediplomat.com/2015/05/chinas-2015-defense-white-paper-dont-forget-taiwan/

86 Lowther, William. “Taiwan a Vital Partner for US: Official.” Taipei Times. 23 May 2015. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2015/05/23/2003618962

87 “Americans’ Concerns about China: Economics, Cyberattacks, Human Rights Top the List.” Pew Research Center. 9 September 2015. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2015/09/09/americans-concerns-about-chinaeconomics-cyberattacks-human-rights-top-the-list/.

88 Jacobs, Ben. “Donald Trump: I Get Along Great With Mexico But China Should Watch Out.” The Guardian. 30 June 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/01/donald-trump-i-get-along-great-with-mexico-butchina-should-watch-out.

89 Toosi, Nahal. “The Republicans’ Red Scare.” Politico. 28 August 2015. https://www.politico.com/story/2015/08/the-republicans-red-scare-121823

90 Lowther, William. “Taiwan a Vital Partner for US: Official.” Taipei Times. 23 May 2015. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2015/05/23/2003618962

91 Toosi, Nahal. “The Republicans’ Red Scare.” Politico. 28 August 2015. https://www.politico.com/story/2015/08/the-republicans-red-scare-121823

92 Wertz, Daniel, and Chelsea Gannon. “A History of U.S.-DPRK Relations.” The National Committee on North Korea. November 2015. https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/US_DPRK_Relations_November2015.pdf.

93 Ibid.

94 Ibid.

95 Gady, Franz-Stefan. “North Korea Threatens to Attack US Homeland.” The Diplomat. 17 August 2025. https://thediplomat.com/2015/08/north-korea-threatens-to-attack-us-homeland/

96 Office of the Press Secretary. “2015 United States-Republic of Korea Joint Statement on North Korea.” The Obama White House. 16 October 2015. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/16/unitedstates-republic-korea-joint-statement-north-korea

97 “Bitter Allies: China and North Korea.” Asia Society. 25 January 2018. https://asiasociety.org/newyork/events/bitter-allies-china-and-north-korea

98 Riechmann, Deb. “House GOP Calls For Stiffer Sanctions on North Korea.” The Detroit News. 13 January 2015. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2015/01/13/congress-north-korea/21687835/

99 Barnett, Jessica C., and Marina Vornovitsky. “Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2015.” United States Census Bureau. 13 September 2016. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2016/demo/p60-257.html

100 DiJulio, Bianca, Firth, Jaime, and Mollyann Brodie. “Kaiser Health Tracking Poll: January 2015.” KFF. 28 January 2015. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/kaiser-health-tracking-poll-january-2015/

101 Kirzinger, Ashley, et. al. "5 Charts About Public Opinion on the Affordable Care Act." KFF. October 3, 2025. https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/5-charts-about-public-opinion-on-the-affordable-care-act/

102 Suderman, Peter. “Why the GOP Can't Win on Health Care.” Politico Magazine. 22 June 2015. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/06/gop-cant-win-health-care-king-burwell-obamacare-119290/.

103 Ibid.

104 Ibid.

105 “Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2015.” Social Security Administration. September 2015. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/fast_facts/2015/fast_facts15.pdf

106 Ruffing, Kathy. “What the 2015 Trustees’ Report Says About Social Security.” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 10 September 2015. https://www.cbpp.org/blog/what-the-2015-trustees-report-says-about-social-security.

107 DeSilver, Drew. "5 facts about Social Security." Pew Research Center. August 18, 2015. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/08/18/5-facts-about-social-security/

108 Jaffe, Ina. “Social Security A Targeted Issue For GOP Candidates.” NPR. 12 September 2015. https://www.npr.org/2015/09/12/439727390/social-security-a-targeted-issue-for-gop-candidates

109 Bouie, Jamelle. “Social Security Is Having a Moment.” Slate. 6 April 2015. https://slate.com/news-andpolitics/2015/04/social-security-expansion-how-democrats-turned-around-on-an-essential-liberal-cause.html

110 Camarota, Steven A., and Karen Zeigler. “Immigrants in the United States, 2015.” Center for Immigration Studies. 3 October 2016. https://cis.org/Report/Immigrants-United-States-2015

111 Horsley, Scott. “Your Cheat Sheet To The Issues That Could Come Up In The Presidential Debate.” NPR. 24 September 2016. https://www.npr.org/2016/09/24/495248138/your-cheat-sheet-to-the-issues-that-could-come-up-inthe-presidential-debate

112 Camarota, Steven A., and Karen Zeigler. “Immigrants in the United States, 2015.” Center for Immigration Studies. 3 October 2016. https://cis.org/Report/Immigrants-United-States-2015

113 Horsley, Scott. “Your Cheat Sheet To The Issues That Could Come Up In The Presidential Debate.” NPR. 24 September 2016. https://www.npr.org/2016/09/24/495248138/your-cheat-sheet-to-the-issues-that-could-come-up-inthe-presidential-debate

114 Ibid.

115 “A Guide to S.744: Understanding the 2013 Senate Immigration Bill.” American Immigration Council. July 10, 2013. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/guide-s744-understanding-2013-senate-immigration-bill/

116 “Actions - S.744 - 113th Congress (2013-2014): Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act.” Congress.gov, Library of Congress. 27 June 2013. https://www.congress.gov/bill/113thcongress/senate-bill/744/all-actions.

117 Diamond, Jeremy. “Donald Trump Jumps In: The Donald’s Latest White House Run Is Officially On.” CNN. 17 June 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/16/politics/donald-trump-2016-announcement-elections.

118 Anderson, Meg. “From The Economy To Race, See Where The Candidates Stand On The Big Issues.” NPR. 18 October 2016. https://www.npr.org/2016/10/18/496926243/from-the-economy-to-race-see-where-the-candidatesstand-on-the-big-issues.

119 “4. Top Voting Issues In 2016 Election.” Pew Research Center. 7 July 2016. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2016/07/07/4-top-voting-issues-in-2016-election/

120 Gao, George. “Public Opinion On The Economy And Obama’s Handling Of It.” Pew Research Center. 7 July 2016. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2016/07/07/7-views-of-barack-obama-the-political-parties-congressand-the-nations-economy/

121 “7. Views Of Barack Obama, The Political Parties, Congress And The Nation’s Economy.” Pew Research Center. 7 July 2016. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2016/07/07/7-views-of-barack-obama-the-politicalparties-congress-and-the-nations-economy/.

122 Ibid.

123 Kasperkevic, Jana. “The US Jobs Picture In 2015: Brighter, With Chance Of Republican Storms.” The Guardian. 7 January 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/jan/07/america-optimism-jobs-economy-wages-2015.

124 Harwood, John. “On the Economy, Republicans Have a Data Problem.” The New York Times. 23 October 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/23/us/politics/on-the-economy-republicans-have-a-dataproblem.html#:~:text=Trump%20gave%20CNN%20a%20bottom%2Dline,sounds%20awkward%20now%20for%2 0Mr

125 Drake, Bruce. “Where Republicans Are United, Divided on the Economy.” Pew Research Center. 28 October 2015. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/10/28/where-republicans-are-united-divided-on-the-economy/

126 “Fact Sheet | Timeline of Progress Made in President Obama’s Climate Action Plan.” Environment and Energy Study Institute. 5 August 2015. https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-timeline-progress-of-president-obamaclimate-action-plan.

127 Davenport, Coral, and Julie Hirschfeld Davis. “Move to Fight Obama’s Climate Plan Started Early.” The New York Times. 3 August 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/04/us/obama-unveils-plan-to-sharply-limitgreenhouse-gas-emissions.html.

128 Bondarenko, Peter. “North American Free Trade Agreement.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 16 January 2026. https://www.britannica.com/event/North-American-Free-Trade-Agreement

129 “The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).” Congress.gov. Library of Congress. 25 January 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R42965

130 Siddiqui, Sabrina, and Lauren Gambino. “Hillary Clinton Rally Puts Spotlight On Inequality And Progressive Causes.” The Guardian. 13 June 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/13/hillary-clinton-new-yorkrally-progressive-campaign.

131 Rappeport, Alan. “A Short History of Lincoln Chafee’s Presidential Campaign.” The New York Times. 23 October 2015. https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/10/23/a-short-history-oflincoln-chafees-presidential-campaign/

132 Ibid.

133 Karni, Annie. “What We Learned About Hillary Clinton in 2015.” Politico. 28 December 2015. https://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/hillary-clinton-what-we-learned-217141.

134 “Kaine: Standing Up For Virginia.” timkaine.com. https://timkaine.com/.

135 Thrush, Glenn. “Obama and Biden’s Relationship Looks Rosy. It Wasn’t Always That Simple.” The New York Times. 16 August 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/16/us/politics/biden-obama-history.html.

136 Joseph, Cameron. “Bernie Sanders Won’t Rule Out Presidential Bid, Touts Elizabeth Warren.” The Hill. 18 November 2013. https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/190544-bernie-sanders-wont-rule-outpresidential-bid-touts/.

137 Rolling Stone. “2015: The Year Bernie Sanders Became a Political Phenomenon.” Rolling Stone. 11 December 2015. https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-lists/2015-the-year-bernie-sanders-became-a-politicalphenomenon-140572/april-29-2015-announces-presidential-run-as-a-democrat-54429/

138 Weissmann, Jordan. “Calling Himself a Socialist Was One of Bernie Sanders’ Smartest Moves.” Slate. 19 November 2015. https://slate.com/business/2015/11/bernie-sanders-defines-democratic-socialism.html

139 Nelson, Michael. “Joseph Biden.” UVA Miller Center. https://millercenter.org/president/obama/essays/biden2009-vicepresident

140 Chamlee, Virginia. “Barack Obama Tells Voters Why He Picked Joe Biden for VP — and How It Applies Now.” People. 29 March 2024. https://people.com/barack-obama-tells-voters-why-he-picked-joe-biden-vicepresident-8622110.

141 Collinson, Stephen. “Joe Biden Won’t Run for President.” CNN. 21 October 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/10/21/politics/joe-biden-not-running-2016-election.

142 “About Chuck.” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. https://www.schumer.senate.gov/about/biography.

143 “On the Issues.” Chuck Schumer for Senate. https://www.chuckschumer.com/issues/

144 “About Chuck.” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. https://www.schumer.senate.gov/about/biography.

145 Office of the Press Secretary. “President Obama Names Elizabeth Warren Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.” The Obama White House. 17 September 2010. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2010/09/17/president-obama-nameselizabeth-warren-assistant-president-and-special-a

146 “About Elizabeth.” Elizabeth Warren. https://www.warren.senate.gov/about/about-elizabeth

147 Kim, Eun Kyung. “Elizabeth Warren on 2016: ‘I’m Not Going to Run’ — and Hillary Clinton Deserves ‘a Chance to Decide.’” Today. 31 March 2015. https://www.today.com/news/elizabeth-warren-2016-im-not-going-runhillary-clinton-deserves-t12086

148 Montanaro, Domenico. “4 Things We Learned About What Bill Clinton Is Up To.” NPR. 8 April 2015. https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/04/08/398310763/4-things-we-learned-about-what-bill-clintons-upto

149 Jackson, David. “Martin O'Malley Jumps Into Presidential Race.” USA Today. 30 May 2015. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/05/30/martin-omalley-presidentannouncement/27330857/.

150 Thomas, Ken. "Martin O'Malley suspends Democratic presidential bid." PBS. February 1, 2016. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/martin-omalley-suspends-presidential-bid

151 Jackson, David. “Martin O'Malley Jumps Into Presidential Race.” USA Today. 30 May 2015. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/05/30/martin-omalley-presidentannouncement/27330857/

152 Topaz, Jonathan. “O’Malley Slams White House ‘Spin.’” Politico. 6 August 2014. https://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/martin-omalley-white-house-immigration-109757.html.

153 Sullivan, Sean. “Why Lincoln Chafee’s Decision Not to Run for Reelection is More Good News for Democrats.” The Washington Post. 4 September 2013. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2013/09/04/whylincoln-chafees-decision-not-to-run-for-reelection-is-more-good-news-for-democrats/.

154 Beckel, Michael, and Jared Bennett. “9 Things to Know About Lincoln Chafee.” The Center for Public Integrity. 3 June 2015. https://publicintegrity.org/politics/9-things-to-know-about-lincoln-chafee/.

155 Rappeport, Alan. “A Short History of Lincoln Chafee’s Presidential Campaign.” The New York Times. 23 October 2015. https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/10/23/a-short-history-oflincoln-chafees-presidential-campaign/

156 “About Jim.” Jim Webb. https://www.jameswebb.com/about/about-jim

157 Weiner, Rachel. “Jim Webb Announces 2016 Presidential Bid.” The Washington Post. 2 July 2015. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/jim-webb-announces-2016-presidentialbid/2015/07/02/92ec7168-20e5-11e5-84d5-eb37ee8eaa61_story.html

158 “Senator Jim Webb.” United States Senate. https://www.jameswebb.com/wordpress/wpcontent/uploads/2014/05/114889005-Senator-Webb-s-Six-Year-Legislative-Report-2007-2012.pdf

159 Diamond, Jeremy. “Donald Trump Jumps In: The Donald’s Latest White House Run Is Officially On.” CNN. 17 June 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/16/politics/donald-trump-2016-announcement-elections

160 “Trump Widens Lead.” Monmouth University Polling Institute. 3 August 2015. https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_us_080315/

161 Bomboy, Scott. “Explaining the Indiana RFRA Controversy in Five Minutes.” National Constitutional Center. 1 April 2015. https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/explaining-the-indiana-rfra-controversy-in-five-minutes

162 HRC Staff. “Here's What Happened When Mike Pence Signed Discrimination into Law as Indiana’s Governor.” Human Rights Campaign. 3 May 2017. https://www.hrc.org/news/heres-what-happened-when-mike-pence-signeddiscrimination-into-law-as-india

163 Tackett, Michael. "On the Abortion Issue, Pence Leads the Way." The New York Times. May 30, 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/30/us/politics/pence-abortion-trump.html

164 Wang, Stephanie. “Gov. Mike Pence Signs Bill to Allow Guns in School Parking Lots.” The Indianapolis Star. 26 March 2014. https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2014/03/26/pence-signs-bill-allow-guns-schoolparking-lots/6929307/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115217d00----v115217d--58--b--58--&gcaft=176&gca-ds=sophi

165 Neuman, Scott. “Trump Lashes Out At McCain: ‘I Like People Who Weren't Captured.’” NPR. 18 July 2015. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/07/18/424169549/trump-lashes-out-at-mccain-i-like-people-whowerent-captured

166 Hirsh, Michael. “John McCain’s Last Fight.” Politico. 18 May 2018. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/05/18/john-mccains-last-fight-218404/

167 Ibid.

168 King Jr., Neil. “Lee-Rubio Plan Gives Life to 2016 Tax Debate.” The Wall Street Journal. 13 March 2015. https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-WB-53730.

169 Carter, Zachary D. “Marco Rubio: Background Checks In Gun Compromise Won’t Capture ‘Criminals.’ The Huffington Post. 14 April 2013. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rubio-background-checks-i_n_3080364.

170 Cox, Ramsey. “Schumer Introduces Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill.” The Hill. 17 April 2013. https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/147871-schumer-introduces-comprehensive-immigration-reform-bill/.

171 Pengelly, Martin. “Marco Rubio Defends Absences From Senate Votes: ‘It’s Not the Only Part of the Job.’” The Guardian. 25 October 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/oct/25/marco-rubio-senate-votes-absence.

172 Goodwyn, Wade. “As His Moderate Rivals Are ‘Ripping Each Other Apart,’ Ted Cruz Sees An In.” NPR. 12 November 2015. https://www.npr.org/2015/11/12/455765287/as-his-moderate-rivals-are-ripping-each-other-apartted-cruz-sees-an-in

173 Ibid.

174 “Sen. Cruz Recaps 2015: A Year Fighting For Freedom.” Ted Cruz: U.S. Senator for Texas. 22 December 2015. https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-recaps-2015-a-year-fighting-for-freedom

175 Zernike, Kate. “The Bridge Scandal, Explained.” The New York Times. 1 May 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/04/nyregion/george-washington-bridge-scandal-what-you-need-to-know.html.

176 Roberts, Dan. “Chris Christie, a Rising Star in GOP Wars, Hopes Force Awakens New Hampshire.” The Guardian. 19 December 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/19/chris-christie-star-wars-newhampshire.

177 Ibid.

178 Gonyea, Don. “Ohio Gov. John Kasich Launches Presidential Campaign.” NPR. 21 July 2015. https://www.npr.org/2015/07/21/425054317/ohio-gov-john-kasich-launches-presidential-campaign.

179 Moon, Jason. “Kasich's 2015 N.H. Campaign Colored In Shades Of 1999 Primary Bid.” New Hampshire Public Radio. 17 September 2015. https://www.nhpr.org/politics/2015-09-17/kasichs-2015-n-h-campaign-colored-inshades-of-1999-primary-bid.

180 Ibid.

181 Gonyea, Don. “Ohio Gov. John Kasich Launches Presidential Campaign.” NPR. 21 July 2015. https://www.npr.org/2015/07/21/425054317/ohio-gov-john-kasich-launches-presidential-campaign

182 Barbaro, Michael, and Jonathan Martin. “Jeb Bush Announces White House Bid, Saying ‘America Deserves Better.’” The New York Times. 15 June 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/16/us/politics/jeb-bushpresidential-campaign.html.

183 Reston, Maeve. “Jeb Bush Stumbles Into Debate Night.” CNN. 6 August 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/05/politics/jeb-bush-2016-republican-debate

184 Barbaro, Michael, and Jonathan Martin. “Jeb Bush Announces White House Bid, Saying ‘America Deserves Better.’” The New York Times. 15 June 2015. https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/16/us/politics/jeb-bushpresidential-campaign.html

185 Stelter, Brian. “New Huckabee Radio Show Could Vie With Limbaugh.” The New York Times. 8 February 2012. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/09/business/media/mike-huckabee-to-begin-new-radio-show.html.

186 Salama, Vivian. "Mike Huckabee ends his second bid for president." PBS News. Feb 1, 2016. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/huckabee-ends-his-second-bid-for-president

187 Beaumont, Peter. “Mike Huckabee Blunders His Way Through Israel Press Conference.” The Guardian. 19 August 2015. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/19/mike-huckabee-blunders-his-way-through-israelpress-conference

188 2Bradner, Eric. “Huckabee: I Wish I Could’ve Identified as Female in High School Gym.” CNN. 3 June 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/06/02/politics/mike-huckabee-transgender-caitlyn-jenner

189 Lee, MJ. “Carly Fiorina Announces Presidential Bid.” CNN. 5 May 2015. https://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/politics/carly-fiorina-presidential-announcement.

190 Desjardins, Lisa, and Sarah McHaney. “What Does Carly Fiorina Believe? Where the Candidate Stands on 10 Issues.” PBS News. 4 May 2015. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/carly-fiorina-believe-candidate-stands-10issues