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What are the biggest issues facing the United States in the 2020 Presidential elections?

Delsie Tumasian

Hey, great question! The Presidential elections of 2020 have certainly stirred up a lot of controversy and discussion, so I'm happy to give you my take on the biggest issues that are facing the United States right now.

First and foremost, I think the coronavirus pandemic is a major concern that is influencing the sentiment of voters. As of October 26, 2020, the United States has had over 8.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and over 225,000 deaths related to the virus. Many states are still struggling to contain the spread of the disease, and there is a lot of debate surrounding how the government should address the situation. This issue is important for the 2020 Presidential election because it has profound negative effects on the economy, social life, and government policies.

Another issue that is highly controversial is how the government is handling issues of racial injustice and policing. This has been a particularly tumultuous year for civil rights in America, with protests and riots breaking out in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Many Americans are calling for systemic reform to address the excessive use of force by and racism in the police force, while others argue that the police are necessary for maintaining law and order. This issue is not only divisive within the country but has also attracted international attention, particularly since its impacts on the African American communities in the US.

A third issue that is highly debated right now is around healthcare policy. Many Americans are concerned about rising costs and a lack of access to quality healthcare, particularly for those with lower incomes. Different approaches are being advocated for by the two presidential candidates on the 2020 elections - Joe Biden’s and Donald Trump’s, with respect to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, and Medicaid. While some are looking for an increase in government assistance of healthcare, others are seeking for reforms to increase affordability and boost competition in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry.

Moreover, in light of the ongoing US-China trade war and political tensions, international relations and foreign policy continue to be pressing concerns in the US. With an economy that relies heavily on international trade, there are fears that China's influence could rule the US market, manufacturing jobs may disappear, and that American jobs are being outsourced to foreign countries. While some people support a confrontational stance effectively called for by Trump administration against China, others argue that the US needs diplomatic engagement and trade negotiation skills to maintain global harmony between the two economies.

Finally, the Supreme Court of the United States, which nominally stands separate from politics, has found itself at the heart of the current Presidential elections. The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September 2020 has ignited a political firestorm regarding the appointment of her replacement, with the confirmation hearings of Judge Amy Coney Barrett already turning into a highly political display. This issue is crucial because the Supreme Court has significant authority to interpret the Constitution and take decisions concerning the American society, legal, and politics.

Of course, these issues are just a few of the many challenges that the United States faces in this current election year, and it is up to individuals to research and decide which issues are most compelling for themselves. The fate of each issues affects the lives of everyday people, businesses, and the country at large, and thus, it is crucial to pay attention to and participate in the political process.