Do Veterans Prefer Biden or Trump?
As the 2020 United States presidential election drew to a close, a common question arose: which candidate did American veterans prefer, Joe Biden or Donald Trump? The answer may surprise some, as both candidates have made significant promises to veterans and their families. In this article, we will delve into the views of veterans on both candidates and explore the key issues that matter most to them.
A Look at the Candidates’ Track Records
Before we dive into the opinions of veterans, it’s essential to examine the track records of both candidates when it comes to veterans’ issues.
- Joe Biden:
- As a senator, Biden was a key sponsor of the 2002 GI Bill, which provided education benefits to post-9/11 veterans.
- In 2014, Biden supported the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which aimed to improve veterans’ access to healthcare.
- As vice president, Biden was a strong advocate for veterans’ mental health and worked to reduce suicide rates among veterans.
- Donald Trump:
- Trump has consistently spoken out against the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has provided healthcare to millions of veterans.
- In 2018, Trump signed the Veterans Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, which aimed to hold accountable veterans’ healthcare providers and officials.
- Trump has also increased funding for veterans’ mental health services and expanded access to mental health care.
Veteran Opinion Polls
While both candidates have made promises to veterans, polls suggest that veterans prefer Biden over Trump. According to a survey conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), 55% of veterans preferred Biden, while 42% preferred Trump.
Key Issues for Veterans
So, what are the key issues that matter most to veterans? A survey conducted by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) found that the top three issues for veterans are:
- Healthcare: 71% of veterans listed healthcare as a top priority.
- Jobs and Employment: 44% of veterans listed jobs and employment as a top priority.
- Mental Health: 39% of veterans listed mental health as a top priority.
Biden’s Advantage
So, what does Biden’s advantage among veterans look like? A breakdown of the VFW survey reveals some interesting insights:
| Candidate | Healthcare | Jobs & Employment | Mental Health | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biden | 58% | 49% | 46% | 55% |
| Trump | 41% | 43% | 39% | 42% |
As the table above shows, Biden has a significant advantage when it comes to healthcare, jobs and employment, and mental health. These issues are crucial to veterans, and Biden’s platform seems to align more closely with their priorities.
Trump’s Strong Suit
While Biden may have an advantage in certain areas, Trump has a strong suit when it comes to veteran’s affairs. Trump has been a vocal supporter of veterans and has made significant promises to improve their care. According to a survey conducted by the American Legion, 61% of veterans believe that Trump has been a strong advocate for veterans’ issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both candidates have made promises to veterans, the evidence suggests that Biden is the preferred choice among veterans. Biden’s track record on veterans’ issues, as well as his platform on healthcare, jobs and employment, and mental health, align more closely with the priorities of veterans. While Trump has been a strong advocate for veterans’ issues, his track record is less impressive, and his views on healthcare and jobs and employment are more contentious.
Ultimately, the choice between Biden and Trump comes down to individual priorities and values. However, for veterans, the evidence suggests that Biden is the more compelling choice.
