If we’ve learned anything from the news this week, besides updates of President Trump’s alleged ties to Ukraine, it’s that it’s never too late to enter a presidential race. On Thursday morning, former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick officially threw his hat into the 2020 ring—after having already missed several debates and months of campaigning.
“This won’t be easy,” he said in a video, announcing his candidacy, “and it shouldn’t be. But I’m placing my faith in the people who feel left out and left back.” Meanwhile, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is also reportedly testing the 2020 presidential waters, having filed for the Democratic primary in Alabama earlier this month.
Here is where Bloomberg and Patrick stand on several major 2020 issues, and how their records as politicians have led them toward the (already very crowded) presidential race.
Climate change
Bloomberg: Does not support the Green New Deal, arguing that it would not pass the Senate floor. Earlier this year, pledged $500 million as part of his campaign to close coal-burning plants in the U.S. and prevent new gas plants from being built.
Patrick: As Governor, has expressed support for progressing “wind energy efficiency and solar-power projects” and once called for a future “free of fossil fuels” and coal within the state of Massachusetts. (Was also an executive for the oil company Texaco between 1998 and 2001.)
Immigration
Bloomberg: Supports immigration reform. In 2006, also criticized a House bill that would’ve deported 11 million undocumented immigrants.
Patrick: As Massachusetts Governor, supported in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants at public colleges.
Gun control
Bloomberg: Supports red flag laws and background checks. Founded a non-profit that advocates for stricter gun control laws.
Patrick: In 2014, signed a bill that would allow law enforcement to withhold a firearms identification card from an individual deemed a “threat” and the creation of an online portal for background checks among private gun sales, among other gun control measures.
LGBTQ rights
Patrick: In 2007, publicly condemned a Massachusetts bill that would have banned gay marriage. (Also wrote an op-ed in support of marriage equality for the Washington Post in 2013.)
Bloomberg: In 2005, and as mayor, once appealed a decision by a judge that would’ve allowed same-sex couples the right to marry. Later expressed support for marriage equality and its “economic benefits” for New York City.
Medicare
Bloomberg: Does not support Medicare For All. “I think you could have Medicare For All for people who are uncovered, but that’s a smaller group,” he said earlier this year. “But to replace the entire private system where companies provide health care for their employees would bankrupt us for a very long time.”
Patrick: Did express support for Medicare For All as recently as 2018, but when asked during a CBS This Morning interview this week about his position, Patrick has since changed his views. “No. Not in the terms we’ve been talking about,” he said. “I do support a public option.”
Wealth tax
Bloomberg: In January, referred to Elizabeth Warren’s proposed wealth tax as “probably unconstitutional” and compared it to Venezuela’s socialism.
Patrick: Does not support a wealth tax, though he agrees with it “directionally.” Instead, he would propose a “much simpler” tax system as president.