Democratic Party in 2020 Conventions

On Abortion: Support repeal of the global gag rule

Democrats will always protect sexual and reproductive health and rights. We will support the repeal of the global gag rule (also known as the Mexico City Policy) and measures like the Helms Amendment, which limit safe access to abortion. We will also restore and expand American contributions to the United Nations Population Fund to help guarantee access to health care for women and children around the world and eliminate child, early, and forced marriage. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Budget & Economy: Create infrastructure bank to fund projects

Democrats support the creation of an infrastructure bank that will leverage public and private resources to build infrastructure projects of national or regional significance, including in rail and transit, clean energy and water infrastructure, broadband, and affordable housing. Projects will be required to follow Buy America and Buy Clean provisions, pay Davis-Bacon prevailing wages, utilize project labor agreements, and ensure employers remain neutral in workers' organizing efforts. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Civil Rights: Remove Confederate flags & statues from public property

Hate and its symbols have no home in America. We support removing the Confederate battle flag and statues of Confederate leaders from public properties. We believe Juneteenth (June 19th) represents the end of slavery, the freedom for millions of enslaved Black Americans, and should be recognized as a federal holiday. We must acknowledge that there can be no realization of the American dream without grappling with the lasting effects of slavery. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Civil Rights: Pass Equality Act; outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ+

We will fight to enact the Equality Act and outlaw discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in housing, public accommodations, access to credit, education, jury service, and federal programs. We will work to ensure LGBTQ+ people are not discriminated against when seeking to adopt or foster children, protect LGBTQ+ children from bullying and assault, and guarantee transgender students' access to facilities based on their gender identity. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Corporations: Financial institutions should never be "too big to fail"

Financial institutions should never be "too big to fail." We will strengthen and enforce the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, including the Volcker Rule, to protect American workers from the impacts of future financial crises, and will support an updated and modernized version of Glass-Steagall. And when justified by the law, we will back criminal penalties for reckless executives who illegally gamble with the savings and economic security of their clients and American communities. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Crime: Too young to drink, too young for life without parole

We must break the school-to-prison pipeline that too often relies on arrests & law enforcement to address misbehavior that ought to be handled and deescalated within the school. A growing number of states have recognized it is unjust--and unjustifiable-- to punish children and teenagers as harshly as adults. We believe that if you aren't old enough to drink, you aren't old enough to be sentenced to life without parole. The federal government will incentivize states to stop incarcerating kids. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Crime: Ban chokeholds, new standards for "no-knock warrants"

Democrats will establish strict national standards governing the use of force, including banning the use of chokeholds and carotid holds and permitting deadly force only when necessary and a last resort to prevent an imminent threat to life. Americans must feel safe when they are asleep in their own homes. We will work to establish "no-knock warrants" standards. The risk of mistakes and unintended consequences is too great. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Crime: Poverty is not a crime; eliminate cash bail

Poverty is not a crime, and it should not be treated as one. Democrats support eliminating the use of cash bail and believe no one should be imprisoned merely for failing to pay fines or fees, or have their driver's licenses revoked for unpaid tickets or simple violations. Equal justice under the law should not be contingent on the ability to pay for quality legal representation, which is why we support increasing funding for public defenders and for the Legal Services Corporation. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Drugs: Past time to end the failed "War on Drugs"

It is past time to end the failed "War on Drugs," which has imprisoned millions of Americans--disproportionately Black people and Latinos--and hasn't been effective in reducing drug use. Democrats support policies that will reorient our public safety approach toward prevention, and away from over-policing--including by making evidence-based investments in jobs, housing, education, and the arts that will make our nation fairer, freer, and more prosperous. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Education: All children should have access to early education programs

All children should have access to high-quality early childhood education programs. We will work with states to offer pre-K for all three- and four-year-olds. Learning starts at birth, and the exorbitant costs of safe, quality childcare present a significant economic burden to families. Democrats support making childcare and dependent tax credits significantly more generous and will increase funding to states to guarantee that low-income and middle class families can afford child care. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Education: Free public college for families under $125,000

We will make public colleges and universities tuition-free for students whose families earn less than $125,000--roughly 80 percent of the American people. We will double the maximum Pell Grant award for low-income students. Democrats support making community colleges and trade schools tuition-free for all students, including Dreamers. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Foreign Policy: America First foreign policy has made America small

It has revealed, at tragic economic and human cost, the emptiness of the Republican Party's "America First" foreign policy. Under President Trump, America stands alone. Friends and foes alike neither admire nor fear President Trump's leadership--they dismiss and ridicule it. The Republican Party under President Trump has made America small--when we are a people called to do the greatest things. Democrats still believe in the American idea--its principles, its purpose, and its promise. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Foreign Policy: In global crisis, American leadership needed more than ever

Democrats believe that American security and prosperity are enhanced when the United States leads in shaping the rules and steering the institutions that guide international relations. Instead of walking away, Democrats believe the United States should lead the way and mobilize our partners to work in common cause. In a global public health crisis and a global democratic recession, American leadership is needed more than ever. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Free Trade: Pursue a trade policy that puts workers first

Democrats will pursue a trade policy that puts workers first. We will negotiate strong and enforceable standards for labor, human rights, and the environment in the core text of our trade deals. Future trade agreements should build on the pro-labor provisions added to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by Democratic members of Congress. If companies shut down their operations here and outsource jobs, we'll claw back any public investments or benefits they received from taxpayers. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Free Trade: Work with allies to stand up to China

Democrats believe that if the United States does not work with its allies and partners to shape the terms of global trade, China will shape them for us--and American working families and the middle class will pay the price. That's why we will work with our allies to mobilize more than half the world's economy to stand up to China and negotiate from the strongest possible position. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Government Reform: Coronavirus: Make vote-by-mail universally available

Democrats will fight for emergency funding for states to make vote-by-mail universally available during the pandemic, while ensuring that all jurisdictions take steps to ensure continued meaningful, safe opportunities to vote in person. The Postal Service is a critical component to our democracy and must be supported to guarantee timely and efficient delivery and return of vote by mail ballots. Election officials must be provided with sufficient time after election day to process all ballots. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Government Reform: End partisan gerrymandering in federal elections

Gerrymandering distorts our democracy. Democrats will enact measures to end partisan gerrymandering in federal elections. Efforts to redraw legislative districts following the 2020 Census must be guided by transparency and public input, so that maps reflect the will of voters, fairly represent communities of color, and provide for competitive races. We will protect the integrity of the Census from political interference, including ensuring that redistricting be based on total population counts. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Government Reform: Make Washington, D.C. the 51st state; gain representation

It's time to stop treating the more than 700,000 people who live in our nation's capital as second-class citizens. The residents of Washington, D.C. pay more per capita in federal income taxes than any state in the country--and more in total than 22 states--and yet the District has zero voting representatives in the U.S. Congress. Democrats unequivocally support statehood for Washington, D.C., so the citizens of the District can at last have full and equal representation in Congress. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Gun Control: Repeal law shielding gun manufacturers from civil liability

We will incentivize states to enact licensing requirements for owning firearms and extreme risk protection order laws that allow courts to temporarily remove guns from the possession of those who are a danger to themselves or others. We will pass legislation requiring that guns be safely stored in homes. Democrats believe that gun companies should be held responsible for their products and will prioritize repealing the law that shields gun manufacturers from civil liability. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Health Care: Free coronavirus testing, treatment, & vaccines for everyone

We must start by making COVID-19 testing widely available and free to everyone. We must expand funding so state and local public health departments can hire sufficient staff to conduct contact tracing for everyone who tests positive for the novel coronavirus. Democrats support making COVID-19 testing, treatment, & any eventual vaccines free to everyone, regardless of wealth, insurance coverage, or immigration status. We are all only as safe from this disease as are the most vulnerable among us. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Health Care: Provide affordable public option through ACA

We will give all Americans the choice to select a high-quality, affordable public option through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The public option will provide at least one plan choice without deductibles; and will cover all primary care without any co-payments and control costs just like Medicare. Everyone will be eligible to choose the public option or another Affordable Care Act marketplace plan. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Immigration: Provide roadmap to citizenship for millions of undocumented

Even as we work to reverse the enormous damage caused by the Trump Administration, we are determined to build a 21st century immigration system that embodies our values, expands economic opportunity for all Americans and enhances our global competitiveness. Democrats believe it is long past time to provide a roadmap to citizenship for the millions of undocumented workers, caregivers, students, and children who are an essential part of our economy and of the fabric of our nation. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Immigration: Reverse bans and policies that deny protection to refugees

Democrats will end the Trump Administration's shameful efforts to close doors to the world's most vulnerable. We will reverse discriminatory bans and policies that deny protection to groups based on their religion, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We will significantly raise the annual global refugee admissions target, and work with Congress to create a minimum annual number for refugee admissions, while expanding and identifying new pathways for refugees to seek safe havens. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Jobs: Social contract: right to unionize, equal pay, family leave

Democrats commit to forging a new social contract with the American people. One that affirms housing is a right and not a privilege. A new economic contract that raises wages and restores workers' rights to organize, join a union, and collectively bargain. One that at last supports working families and the middle class by securing equal pay for women and paid family leave for all. A new economic contract that provides access for all to reliable and affordable banking and financial services. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Jobs: Raise minimum wage to $15/hr; repeal right to work laws

Democrats will fight to raise wages including by raising the federal minimum wage so it reaches $15 an hour by 2026. We know that strong American labor unions help increase wages and job standards for workers across the economy, which is why Democrats will prioritize passing the PRO Act and restoring workers' rights, including the right to launch secondary boycotts. We will repeal so-called "right to work" laws that undermine worker power and lead to lower wages and less protection for workers. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Jobs: Contractors should recruit people of color, women, LGBTQ+

We will increase funding to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and increase its authority to initiate investigations into civil rights violations, violations of the rights of people with disabilities, and violations against LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender women of color. Federal contractors should be required to develop and disclose plans to recruit and promote people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and veterans--and be held accountable for delivering. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Principles & Values: For religious pluralism, not exemptions for discrimination

Democrats celebrate America's history of religious pluralism and tolerance, and recognize the countless acts of service of our faith communities, as well as the paramount importance of maintaining the separation between church and state enshrined in our Constitution. We will reject the Trump Administration's use of broad religious exemptions to allow businesses, medical providers, social service agencies, and others to discriminate. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Principles & Values: Free press essential; look at antitrust impact of mergers

The free press is essential to our free democracy. Democrats roundly reject President Trump's denigration of the free and independent press, which has endangered reporters' lives, helped fuel conspiracy theories, and deepened distrust between Americans and their government. Democrats are concerned about the potentially harmful effects of corporate consolidation and will direct federal antitrust agencies to investigate the economic impacts of mergers in the media industry. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Social Security: Account for unpaid caregivers; reform benefit formula

In light of weakened retirement security for unpaid caregivers and caregivers for family members, who sacrifice not only wages but Social Security benefits when they swap paid labor for unpaid care work, Democrats support Social Security reform which better accounts for the challenges facing unpaid caregivers--including incremental reforms to the benefit formula to mitigate the penalty for unpaid care. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Technology: Restore FCC's authority to enforce net neutrality

We will increase public investment in rural, urban, and Tribal broadband infrastructure. Democrats will restore the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) clear authority to take strong enforcement action against broadband providers who violate net neutrality principles through blocking, throttling, paid prioritization, or other measures that create artificial scarcity and raise consumer prices for this vital service. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On War & Peace: Deliver on overdue commitment to end the forever wars

Democrats will deliver on this overdue commitment to end the forever wars, and we will do it responsibly--setting priorities, leading with diplomacy, protecting ourselves from terrorist threats, enabling local partners, and bringing our troops home. We will only use force when necessary to protect national security and when the objective is clear and achievable--with the informed consent of the American people, and where warranted, the approval of Congress. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

On Welfare & Poverty: Take aggressive steps to increase affordable housing

Housing in America should be stable, accessible, safe, healthy, energy efficient, and, above all, affordable. No one should have to spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, so families have ample resources left to meet their other needs and save for retirement. Democrats believe the government should take aggressive steps to increase the supply of housing, especially affordable housing, and address long-standing economic and racial inequities in our housing markets. Source: Democratic Party Platform adopted at 2020 Convention Jul 27, 2020

The above quotations are from 2020 Democratic and Republican Conventions. Click here for other excerpts from 2020 Democratic and Republican Conventions. Click here for other excerpts by Democratic Party. Click here for a profile of Democratic Party.
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Page last updated: Sep 07, 2020