Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
2020 Presidential
Elections-Democrats
May 16-17, 2020
University of California, Davis
Crisis Director: Alisha Hacker
Head Chair: Sarah Covault
Vice Chair: Valeria Carmona
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
2
The following content was developed by members of
the Davis Model United Nations conference planning
team for the sole purpose of framing delegate
discussions and debate at the conference and does
not represent any official position of the University or
anyone engaged in preparing the materials.
Delegates should use this information to guide their
research and preparation for the conference but
should not assume that it represents a complete
analysis of the issues under discussion. The materials
should not be reproduced, circulated or distributed
for any purpose other than as may be required in
order to prepare for the conference.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
3
Letter from the Head Chair Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the 2020 Davis Model United Conference (DMUNC)! I have the great
pleasure of introducing you to the 2020 Elections: Democrats Crisis Committee. My name
is Sarah Covault and I will be your Head Chair for this year’s DMUNC. I’m a Senior here
at UC Davis and I’ve found a great sense of community in the Davis’ MUN club. I have
had the privilege of chairing some great committees at AggieMUN, our collegiate
conference, CCCMUN and DMUNC. This committee is greatly important to me as I
believe that we all have the power to influence change through democracy. Last year I
had the opportunity to intern at the office of a U.S. Senator who later announced their
candidacy for President. This provided me with a bit of an inside look at the inner
workings of our democracy.
As much as I believe in the seriousness and importance of our democracy, I also
believe in fun. There is no shortage of interesting characters in this committee, so pay
attention to their policies and messages, but feel free to include a few funny quirks your
character might have.
We are here to create a fun, inventive, and productive committee. We want to see
strong stances on important issues because the American people will not be convinced by
a half-hearted plan! We are also looking for people to come up with unique Crisis Arcs
and Directives. The more innovative/original you are, the more you will enjoy the overall
experience the committee has to offer.
In order to be successful, you should come prepared! Read the topic guide and look
up your character’s campaign website, news articles, and previous work on the internet.
Watch the debates and try to build ideas from your character’s policies and plans. Have
fun researching and we will make sure to create a very fun, yet great educational
experience for you at DMUNC! See you all May 16-17!
“So, this year, vote for magic! Good Morning!”
-Marianne Williamson, SNL 2019
Sincerely,
Sarah Covault
Head Chair
2020 Presidential Elections-Democrats
Davis Model United Nations XVIII
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
4
Letter from the Crisis Director
Hello Delegates,
My name is Alisha Hacker and I’m a Political Science-Public Service Major. I have
participated in Model United Nations since the 7th grade, and have loved every
experience that Model UN has brought to my life. I’m also very lucky to serve as the SG
of DavisMUN this year.
Aside from Model United Nations, I love to do Crossfit, hike, and hang out in Davis. I
am also a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and I work as the Student Activities
Coordinator for the University Honors Program. During my spare time, I like to watch
TV shows like Parks and Rec, Scandal, and the West Wing. I’m a huge Dodger fan; so I’m
always willing to talk baseball. I’m also a big Seahawks fan even though I’ve never been
to Seattle.
I’m very excited for DMUNC and to crisis direct such an important committee. I look
forward to observing a high level of debate, in depth and creative crisis arcs, and the
development of thoughtful directives. I know that you will all be wonderful delegates
and that we will have a great weekend. If you have any questions pertaining to the
conference or the background guide, please do not hesitate to email me. See you in May!
Sincerely,
Alisha Hacker
Crisis Director
2020 Presidential Elections-Democrats
Davis Model United Nations XVIII
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
5
Committee Information
As the 2020 elections loom nearer, the Democratic Party has been presented with an
abundance of candidates. As this committee begins in August 2019, 26 candidates for the
Democratic nomination remain in the race. The American people are anxiously waiting to
see which candidate will best represent them on important topics like healthcare,
immigration, gun control, foreign policy, and climate change. Additionally, the American
people are looking for a candidate that can go toe to toe with the current president,
Trump. As tensions rise, it is said that the people are increasingly losing interest and hope
in democracy. It is of the utmost importance that they are shown candidates for the office
of the President of the United States that are viable and reasonable. As of now, August
2019, the front runners are Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren. However,
things can change in an instant, and an underdog can take the lead.
The Democratic Party has grown increasingly split, with an influx in candidates
drawing lines between groups of people that would’ve formerly been aligned. Phrases
like “Democratic Socialism” or “the Far Left” have been utilized repeatedly by several
news sources. Will Democratic Socialism take the lead and gain the most support from
the people? Or will a more moderate view best “unite the left” and win the primaries?
The first debate has already taken place on June 26th and 27th of this year. Due to the
large number of candidates, this event had to be split into two evenings in order to give
everyone speaking time. During these debates, Harris criticized Biden’s record on busing,
Williamson directly challenged Trump stating that she would, “harness love for political
purposes,” and Warren and de Blasio both stated that they wanted to abolish private
health insurance. Hot topics such as these of civil rights, Trump, and healthcare will
remain prevalent and should be addressed throughout the democratic primaries.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
6
Current Issues
Healthcare
Due to President Trump’s policies, healthcare is on the line for many voters.
Universal healthcare and women’s reproductive rights have been two topics that are at
the forefront of many discussions. Several candidates have already made “Medicare for
all”, a guarantee of healthcare as a right to all people, a pillar of their campaigns. The
Trump administration has repeatedly threatened women’s reproductive rights through
the targeting of Planned Parenthood and the attempted reversal of Roe v. Wade. The
administration has attempted abortion bans and has implemented several restrictions on
abortion clinics. The Supreme Court will hear a case in 2020, June Medical Services v.
Russo. This case requires clinics that provide abortions to have a hospital within a 30-mile
radius, which would leave only one clinic in the whole of Louisiana (ABCNews).
Gun Control
Gun Control is an increasingly contentious issue in America. Within 46 weeks of the
year 2019, there were 45 school shootings (CNN). This issue has become pressing in the
eyes of the American people, and particularly America’s young population, including
high school students. The March for Our Lives movement was inspired by the 2018
shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school. This movement was led primarily by
high schoolers, involving school walkouts, protests, and appearances on major news
outlets.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
7
Immigration
From the start of his campaign in 2016, Trump has made building a wall on the US-
Mexico border one of his flashiest priorities. From this has stemmed a plethora of
discriminatory immigration policies, including the implementation of family separation
at the border. This resulted in harmful conditions for children, such as cages and a lack of
food, water, and medical attention. Several children have died in these conditions,
including Jakelin Caal Maquin, who passed away in Border Patrol Custody at age 7, due
to a lack of medical care (CNN). With an influx in migrant caravans and refugees from
Venezuela, Trump’s policies have only grown more and more harsh. Additionally, he has
attempted to revoke DACA status from children who have no memory of being raised in
any other country. All of these issues are those which each democratic candidate must
have a solution for in the coming election.
Foreign Policy
President Trump’s trade deals have caused a great deal of uncertainty on the
international stage as he broadened tariffs on several commodities, which caused tense
trade relations. Trump has sought to extend the Iran arms deal, which will expire in the
near future, allowing Russia and China to sell weapons to Iran. The President’s relations
with North Korea have caused anxiety among many Americans. In 2017, after North
Korea conducted nuclear tests, Trump declared North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism.
He then threatened a military strike on North Korea. Many feel that America’s name has
been tarnished in the international field (CFR). The people need a candidate who will
reinstate America’s international image.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
8
Education
One of the most prevalent topics in America at the time is access to college education
and the alleviation of college debt. This is especially important to young voters, a
demographic with whom Bernie Sanders currently maintains popularity. In 2019, the
national student debt reached $1.4 trillion, an all-time high (Experian).
Trump
How will you go toe to toe with the current President? His bully rhetoric could
potentially shake a candidate that is ill prepared or faint of heart. The democratic
candidate must be able to show their quick thinking, strong stances, and firm solutions in
a debate against President Trump.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
9
Possible Solutions
Many candidates have already begun to roll out plans like “Medicare for all”,
Universal College, and a repair of our voting system. The above issues can be dealt with
in a vastly liberal way, as Bernie Sanders might do, or in a more moderate manner, as
Amy Klobuchar might. The American people want to see clear, comprehensive plans for
these issues that would work financially.
Policies of Major Blocs:
Put forth a Democratic candidate for the office of the President of the United States. If
the committee sees fit, it may elect both Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates.
Goals of Committee:
Elect your candidate for President of the United States, who will run against
Trump, the incumbent.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
10
Characters
Character 1: Bernie Sanders
The previous runner-up in the 2016 Democratic primary, known for “Medicare for
all” and free college tuition. He has been criticized for his socialist viewpoints and is often
referred to as having communist policies.
Character 2: Joe Biden
Former Vice President in the Obama Administration. Joe Biden has been a
frontrunner in this election. Many believe him to be a viable candidate based on his
previous experience.
Character 3: Elizabeth Warren
Senator of Massachusetts. Believes in shifting power to the working people and away
from the rich.
Character 4: Cory Booker
Senator from New Jersey, former mayor of Newark. Has condemned the War on
Drugs. Worked closely on a bill to make lynching a federal hate crime.
Character 5: Kamala Harris
Senator from California, former Attorney General of California, former San Francisco
District Attorney. Lead efforts to combat the separation of families at the border. Lead
efforts on a bill to make lynching a federal hate crime.
Character 6: Tom Steyer
Billionaire former executive. Climate change and impeachment activist.
Character 7: Mike Bloomberg
Billionaire media executive, former mayor of New York City. Recently reversed his
support for aggressive “stop and frisk.”
Character 8: Amy Klobuchar
Senator from Minnesota. Running as an experienced moderate and has released a
$100 billion plan to combat drug and alcohol addiction.
Character 9: Pete Buttigieg
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
11
Commonly referred to as “Mayor Pete.” He is the youngest candidate in the race and
was formerly in the military. He has been strong on climate change and economic
opportunity.
Character 10: Andrew Yang
Supported by his “Yang Gang.” Wants to implement a policy in which every
adult would receive $1,000, Universal Basic Income, also known as the “Freedom
Dividend.”
Character 11: Tulsi Gabbard
Congresswoman for Hawaii, Army National Guard Veteran, and focuses on
foreign policy as her chief concern.
Character 12: Marianne Williamson
Self-help author. Wants to create a cabinet-level U.S. Department of Peace and a
U.S. Department of Children and Youth.
Character 13: Julian Castro
Former housing secretary under the Obama Administration, former mayor of San
Antonio. Holds a “people first” policy agenda for a comprehensive approach.
Character 14: Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator from New York, former congresswoman. Wants to defeat President
Trump, flip the Senate, and elect women.
Character 15: Deval Patrick
Former governor of Massachusetts. Entered the race late and has pushed for
legislation that would limit the purchase of firearms.
Character 16: Michael Bennet
Senator from Colorado. Fairly liberal views. Focuses on fixing broken politics,
including voter suppression and foreign actors infiltrating democracy.
Character 17: Delaney
Former congressman from Maryland and former businessman. Promoted
universal health care plan. Wanted “fix broken politics” by ending gerrymandering and
protecting voting rights.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
12
Character 18: Steve Bullock
Governor of Montana, former state attorney general. Passed legislation to expand
Medicaid, made investments in education, and fights against the influence of money in
politics.
Character 19: Sestak
Former congressman from Pennsylvania, former Navy admiral. Supports
expanding middle class tax cuts. Called for the reinstatement of the federal ban on assault
weapons.
Character 20: Wayne Messam
Mayor of Miramar, Florida. He has gone against the Trump Administration by
offering his city as a “safe zone” for immigrants. Owns a construction company.
Character 21: Beto O’Rourke
Former congressman from Texas. Beto O’Rourke gained support during his run
for Senate against the incumbent Ted Cruz. Supports universal background checks for the
purchase of firearms and does not support single-payer healthcare.
Character 22: Tim Ryan
Congressman from Ohio, former congressional staff member. Believes in
reestablishing climate change policies, as they were in Obama’s time. He is a cosponsor of
the Medicare for all bill.
Character 23: Bill de Blasio
Mayor of New York City. Running to “put working people first.” Wants to
establish a $15 minimum wage.
Character 24: Seth Moulton
Congressman from Massachusetts, Iraq war veteran.
Character 25: Jay Inslee
Governor of Washington State, former congressman.
Character 26: Hickenlooper
Former governor of Colorado, former mayor of Denver.
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
13
References
1. Burns, Alexander, et al. “Who's Running for President in 2020?” The New York Times,
The New York Times, 21 Jan.
2019, www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/us/politics/2020-presidential-
candidates.html.
2. CFR. “North Korean Nuclear Negotiations: A Brief History.” Council on
Foreign Relations, Council on Foreign Relations, 2020, www.cfr.org/timeline/north-
korean-nuclear-negotiations.
3. Harris, Bryant. “Intel: Trump Administration Seeks to Extend UN Arms Embargo on
Iran.” Al, 28 Feb. 2020, www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/intel-trump-
extend-un-arms-embargo-iran-nuclear-deal-pompeo.html.
4. Svokos, Alexandra. “Supreme Court Set to Hear Critical Louisiana Abortion Case.”
ABC News, ABC News Network, 1 Mar. 2020, abcnews.go.com/US/supreme-court-set-
hear-critical-louisiana-abortion-case/story?id=69256978.
5. Tatham, Matt. “Student Loan Debt Climbs to $1.4 Trillion in 2019.” Experian,
Experian, 6 Sept. 2019, www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/state-of-student-loan-
debt/.
6. “Trump's Trade War Timeline: An Up-to-Date Guide.” PIIE, 27 Feb.
2020, www.piie.com/blogs/trade-investment-policy-watch/trump-trade-war-china-
date-guide.
7. Vera, Amir. “Autopsy Determines 7-Year-Old Guatemalan Girl Died from Sepsis
While in US Custody.” CNN, Cable News Network, 30 Mar. 2019,
www.cnn.com/2019/03/29/us/guatemala-jakelin-caal-maquin-autopsy/index.html.
8. Wolfe, Elizabeth, and Christina Walker. “In 46 Weeks This Year, There Have Been 45
9. School Shootings.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 Nov. 2019,
www.cnn.com/2019/11/15/us/2019-us-school-shootings-trnd/index.html
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
14
Conference Information
DMUNC is an annual conference hosted by the student-run organization, Model
United Nations at UC Davis, on the University of California, Davis campus. Every May,
more than 500 students from across California and the U.S. come to UC Davis to
participate in a weekend of stimulating debate. Through simulation of UN bodies and
other historical committees, we hope to spread international awareness, appreciation for
diplomacy, and a dedication to improving the world. Our goal is to create an enriching
educational experience for students to realize their personal potential to be strong leaders,
confident public speakers, and concerned global citizens.
With a reputation as one of California’s outstanding Model United Nations
conferences, DMUNC strives to continue its history of seventeen years of distinction as a
novice learning conference for delegates. We thank you for your interest in this
conference. As we have from the beginning, DMUNC promises an exceptional
educational opportunity for delegates.
For more logistical information, questions or concerns, please visit the DMUNC
website at dmunc.org or email the Secretary General, Sapna Bhakta, at
Davis Model United Nations Conference XVIII
15
Secretariat
Sapna Sal Bhakta Secretary General
Justin Yap Director General
Katie Ciulla Under Secretary General of Staff &
Under Secretary General of Finance
Alexander Cohen Under Secretary General of General Assemblies
Sarah Mark Under Secretary General of Crisis
Zara Fatteh Under Secretary General of Delegate Services
Sarah Vawter Under Secretary General of Public Relations
Brittany Tang Under Secretary General of Technology
