Have you had your head in the clouds for the last couple of months? We’ve got you covered with the presidential Democratic nominees still fighting for the 2020 race to the White House. Here are a couple things to know about each candidate when watching the news with your parents and trying to understand who the heck is arguing on television. 

Joe Biden

Scranton, PA

Former Vice President of the United States, 2008-2016 

The 77-year-old Biden wants to continue policies made while he served under the Obama Administration. Those include the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) and the release of a health insurance plan that would build on Obamacare. Although he still stands with Obama, he asked the former president not to endorse him so he could run on his own merits. Biden has expressed his wish to unite the country by unifying the parties and diminishing the divide. He’s not only seen to many as a moderate candidate but has gained a reputation as a very personable and relatable candidate. People feel like he cares for them personally, proving a connection with voters. 

Other issues he stands for:

• Wants to triple the child tax credit (from $2,000 a year to $6,000/year)
• Is set on the idea of free college tuition
• Wants to raise minimum wage to $15 per hour
• Pushing to make wage disparities transparent for all
• During the financial crisis, he set out to increase investments with food stamp programs and highway construction to help build the economy back up

Bernie Sanders

Burlington, VT

U.S. Senator of Vermont since 2007 

The 78-year-old Sanders runs a progressive agenda that looks through a very ideological lens. His big ideas can be controversial. He holds high aspirations for the future of the country. He is a veteran politician with many years of experience under his belt. He speaks a lot about what he calls “Democratic socialism,” and is trying to get people inspired by a movement rather than a campaign. As an energetic candidate, he excites young voters to be politically engaged and to help increase voter turnout.

Other issues he stands for;

• Wants to create health care for all
• Supports labor rights
• Want to have paid parental leave
• Endorses a Green New Deal