2016 Presidential Candidates

Democrats

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton was first elected to national office in 2001, when she joined the Senate. But by that point, she was no stranger to the spotlight. Clinton married former president Bill Clinton in 1975, and was the first lady from 1993 to 2001.

Then in 2007 she announced she would run for president. Later, she conceded her nomination. After Obama was elected, he appointed Clinton to be the Secretary of State, where she served until 2013.

“She’s been in national office for a long time and can get things done,” sophomore Isa Tamburini said. “She’s made some mistakes, but I hope she’s learned from them, and I think she will make a strong president.”

However, according to Politico, Clinton’s campaign has opponents asking questions about her time as secretary of state. According to CBS News, the security in the U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya was not sufficient enough to protect the citizens inside. Then, Clinton denied a security request, possibly resulting in the death of four U.S. citizens.

“I personally won’t forgive her for the Benghazi incident,” junior Liam Griffin said. “She just left Americans there to die, and that’s not a quality I would want in my president.”

Recently however, Clinton has handled all questions regarding Benghazi, and she stated that she takes full responsibility for what happened. In multiple interviews, she has silenced all questions, and said she’s now focused on becoming the president.

 
Republicans

Jeb Bush

The presidency runs in Jeb Bush’s blood. He is the son of the 41st president George H. W. Bush, and the brother of 43rd president George W. Bush. Jeb became nationally recognized when he became Florida’s governor in 1998, serving until 2007.

Former president Bill Clinton believes Jeb Bush is the only real threat to his wife Hillary Clinton. According to CNN, with his strong support for immigration reform, and ability to get things done while in office, he has gained a strong republican party following.

“I love how he is laid back when it comes to immigration,” senior Hannah Peterson said. “I think everyone should be able to come to America, especially if they are in need of jobs.”

However, although his immigration policy is popular among some, Politico reports that it has a downside as well.

Some Republicans, such as Joe McLiney, aren’t fans of his views on immigration. According to CNN, some people aren’t fans of job-seeking people pouring into the country.

“I don’t want a bunch of low skilled people coming up from south of the border looking for work and causing issues,” junior Joe McLiney said.

Despite this, he left the office in Florida with a very high approval rating, according to CNN. While serving Politico reported that he cut $20 billion in taxes. He also increased standards for K-12 education and expanded educational choice.

Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio is one of four children born to Cuban immigrants. His father was a bartender, and his mother held a number of service industry jobs. Now he is running to be the most powerful person in the nation.

Rubio entered the political world in 1998, as a member of the West Miami City Commission. He then was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1999. In 2006, he became Speaker of the Florida House. Three years later, he scored a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Despite this state-level experience, sophomore Quinn Griffin doesn’t think Rubio has what it takes to be a good president.

“In my opinion, Rubio is way too young,” sophomore Quinn Griffin said. “He lacks experience and might not be able to make good decisions in office.”

According to Rubio’s website, he won the race for Senate with his conservative ideas, and that’s what he is still all about. He opposes ObamaCare, and is against budgets that encourage bigger debts.

“My favorite thing about Rubio is how he is all about jobs. I also agree with how he is against Obamacare and increasing debts,” McLiney said.

According to Politico, he is going to be Jeb Bush’s main competition in the Republican party.