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Clinton vs. Trump: Your Blind “Issues Taste Test”

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When I ask Trump supporters why they’d vote for him they generally say it’s because they don’t like Hillary. I ask why and they say the same three reasons: “She’s dishonest, Benghazi (4 people died), and her email server.” But they avoid talking about the issues. The news coverage largely ignores the issues, too. Yet it is issues — not “who you like” — that impact each of us and our country. This election has consequences and the differences between Trump and Clinton are stark. There is not a right or wrong here, just personal politics. BTW, complaining about the candidates at this point is non-productive. One of them will be your president: Trump or Clinton. It’s most logical to ignore the personality stuff and the silliness on the news, and compare their stances on the issues to yours. Take this blind “issues taste test” and then make your choice:

30 Issues Candidate #1 Candidate #2
Climate change a hoax really important
National healthcare no (privatize it) yes (build on it)
Abortion pro life pro choice
Social Security more privatized status quo, public
Education privatize support public
Community colleges not free should be free
Environment fewer safeguards more safeguards
Energy friendlier to oil friendlier to renewables
International relations build walls build bridges
Immigration harder softer
United Nations bad good
Iran nuke deal no yes
Free trade more protectionist less protectionist
Corporations fewer restrictions more restrictions
Banks fewer restrictions more restrictions
Wall Street pro pro
Taxing the wealthy less more
Taxing corporations less more
Inheritance tax end it keep it
Labor unions should be weaker should be stronger
Minimum wage no raise raise it
Marijuana status quo reclassify from Schedule I to II
Supreme Court picks conservative liberal
Citizens United for against
Voter rights don’t expand expand
For-profit prisons allow end
Ban the Box (so ex-felons can get jobs) no yes
Experience in politics little lots
Experience in business lots little
Left or Right conservative liberal

 

I’m humble enough to care about endorsements. I believe organizations know more about the issues important to them than I do. And people who endorse a candidate shed light on the character of that candidate. Here’s what I learned by Googling endorsements for each candidate:

Major organizations favoring or endorsing Trump: NRA (gun rights)
Major organizations favoring or endorsing Clinton: National Organization for Women (NOW), Sierra Club (environment), AFL-CIO and many other labor unions, most gay rights groups

People endorsing Trump: Sarah Palin, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Dan Quayle, Pat Buchanan, two heads of state (Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Hungary’s Viktor Orban), Ann Coulter, Rupert Murdoch, Rush Limbaugh, Jerry Falwell Jr., Tim Allen, Kirstie Alley, Clint Eastwood, Larry the Cable Guy, Chuck Norris, Dennis Rodman, two of Trump’s three wives, Wayne Newton, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, Gene Simmons, The National Enquirer

People endorsing Clinton: Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Jimmy Carter, Jerry Brown, 13 heads of state, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Oprah Winfrey, Howard Stern, Tom Hanks, Warren Buffett, the guy who ghost-wrote Trump’s “The Art of the Deal” book, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, George Takei, Ellen DeGeneres, Hookers for Hillary, and Rick Steves.

If you think this issues-based comparison might be helpful to others, please share it. If I wasn’t fair in my characterizations, please let me know. Thanks, vote thoughtfully, and GHA (God help America).

Comments

198 Replies to “Clinton vs. Trump: Your Blind “Issues Taste Test””

  2. So sorry to read this Rick. You are obviously not of the modern age. Today it’s all about: Celebrity, Popularity, Celebrity, Ignorance, Celebrity, Facebook, Celebrity, Guns, Celebrity, Idols, Celebrity, Ellen,&,,,,, Celebrity.

  6. I support you 100%. I ave voted in every election since 1952 and have never seen such a dangerous candidate as Trump.

  7. Exactly Rick. Thanks for doing the homework for me. I was about to try and compile a list like this and you did it for me! Everyone needs this list in order to make an informed decision. Of course, first they will have to research these issues to see whether they agree or not. We need to do our homework.

  8. Steve, It takes courage to get involved in the future of our country. You are admired and respected by many. Thank you for your activism and helping to clarify the positions of the candidates.

  12. Here’s a category: Caught red handed setting up a private server then intentionally deleting evidence relating to taking money for a dodgy “foundation” after subpoena (I think Rick doesn’t like Wikileaks).

    And another: Part of a neocon administration that invaded Libya and oversaw Syria turn to rubble, and antagonized Russia to no end.

  16. What an idiotic chart. Way to oversimplify things, Rick. Please stick to travel advice and leave your comments on politics to your close friends and family who will love you despite your lack of discernment.

  17. I have been undecided as to whether I am liberal or conservative. Listing the issues as you did helped me to realize that I am a liberal, which I always suspected. I am not agreeing to vote for the Democratic candidate because of her pro-choice stance. To vote for Hillary Clinton would go against my moral and spiritual beliefs. But I would never NEVER vote for Donald Trump.

  18. Rick- nicely done. I think media endorsements are also interesting. The Dallas Morning News and the Houston Chronicle don’t typically endorse democratic candidates. They both endorsed Clinton early in this election cycle. I recall that the last democrat endorsed by the DMNews was LBJ. That seems powerful to me.

  20. Anyone who follows Rick Steves can predict whom he will endorse. For anyone with intelligence and heart, who is open to new experiences and wants lifelong learning, and is well-informed now, there is no question. Hillary Clinton is the most well-qualified candidate for president in my lifetime. Despite all of the fake scandals manufactured by the right-wing, she has prevailed. She is a brilliant over-achiever, experienced in government, public policy, and foreign relations, is admired around the world, and DOES NOT have a fragile, narcissistic ego and the childish need to brag and bully. Trump is a blowhard with no solutions. He his full of himself and something even worse. Do you care about the greater good? Do you care about social responsibility? Do you care about human rights? Do you consider yourself to be a Christian, or an adherent of any other religion? The choice could not be more clear.

  21. How about adding candidate Governor Gary Johnson to the comparison? We don’t just have two choices in the presidential election.

  23. Hillary is corrupt and even if she says she is for an issue its only for votes, she isn’t trustworthy and will have her own agenda once elected, also she is for partial birth abortion and Obamacare is a disaster.

  24. I’ve always admired your directness with regard to issues you find important…there simply is no other choice than Hillary Clinton. Thanks, Steve

  26. There is no inheritance tax in the US. If you’re going to be pedantic about the election, at least get it right.

  27. Another contrast: one candidate has been endorsed by the NAACP and the other by a grand dragon of the KKK.

  28. .
    How can you call it blind when you endorse Hillary?
    Aside from your own bias, you used Google whom most conservatives changed away from after simple liberal bias tests. Here’s a few examples of how a conservative views the same things you bias through words…
    Issue Trump Clinton

    “International relations” build walls build bridges
    “Illegal Immigrants including criminals” a wall open border

    Education privatize support public
    Education Choice Continue Common Core Liberal Brainwashing

    Free trade more protectionist less protectionist
    Free Trade Favor Domestic Jobs Favor Jobs overseas

    In addition, you never mention how the Clinton foundation accepted foreign donations in exchange for favors or how a company who gave to the Clinton Foundation acquired 20% of our uranium reserves in Russia!

    You only mention the NRA for trump and feel the need to say (Pro Gun) and never acknowledge Hillary wants to limit the 2nd amendment restricting guns for law abiding citizens.
    You forgot his endorsements from:
    National Border Patrol Council
    National Police Unions
    Veterans for a Strong America
    New York’s Vietnam Veterans Plaza
    American Energy Alliance
    International Defensive Pistol Association
    National Black Republican Association
    National Right to Life Committee
    Hindu Sena, Indian Hindu nationalist organization
    West Virginia Coal Association
    New England Police Benevolent Association
    Rent Is Too Damn High Party

  31. Thanks Steve! Very easy choice for me and all decent-minded people. The white supremacist with orange face-powder should never be allowed within a mile of the Oval Office.

  33. Rick, stick to travel. We support you for your great travel knowledge. You can’t win by pitching politics.

  34. I agree with you completely. What frightens me are the people voting for Trump,not being able to say why except I don’t like Hilary, I don’t like she is pro choice, and all the reasons the anti Hilary people have put out for the last 30 years.
    I was Bernie supporter, but when he stepped out of the race there was only one choice. And that choice is not a reality star.

  35. Well done! You did your homework which many don’t! Thank you for being courageous enough to speak up!

  38. Rick it amazes me that would support the person who helped lit the match that has burned down the middle east. That right from voting for the war in Iraq to running guns in Syria. Tour girl Hillary has had her hand in it all the way. She had profit nicely. Add to that the problems left by the Clintons in Haiti. stick to being travel guide but do yourself a favor and stay out of politics you’re not very good at it.

  39. Perhaps you should consider sticking to travel writing. That’s something you do fairly well. Leave the politicking to sensible people. All this “taste test” article did was make you look foolish.

  41. I like the comparison, Rick and pick #2. I would like to see you expand on each issue with a direct quote from each. That might be a difficult task though considering that one candidate flip flops so much. Thanks for posting.

  42. Well done Rick
    You might have added
    Prominent Republicans opposed to Trump (Too numerous to list)
    Prominent Democrats opposed to Hillary(None)

  43. Hillary it is ! Can’t imagine travel in other countries with a president like Trump…..I’d be saying “SORRY” all day

  45. Hillary it is ! Can’t imagine travel in other countries with a president like Trump…..
    I’d be saying SORRY all day

  46. How sad that you cannot stick to travel. Love your travel books and what you put on Facebook that pertains to travel. I guess since you are the boss you do not need to consider your audience does not all agree with your political and social viewpoints. No need for nasty comments from those of your persuasion since I am un following you.

  47. Great job Steve will vote for Hillary. Our country needs to be more progressive.just got back from Germany visiting family and they all think Trump is a CLOWN.

  49. I have to say if I had been reading that list without knowing who the names at the top of the columns were, I’d personally said, “Yay to #2!) A very cohesive list, Rick. Thank you for putting it together, although you can bet those who haven’t done research on each candidate from as many venues as possible, more than likely won’t understand or support your stance.

  50. Hillary is not as pro wall Street as Trump. Yes she made money giving speechs, no we don’t know the exact words but she did adopt some of Bernie Sanders’ platform to reign the big banks in. I believe that is true and a good policy.

  51. I am still with HER! No matter what there will be no way I would vote for Donald Trump. I am 60 years old been around long enough to know the wrecking ball that Donald Trump is. This is not a popularity contest like we are in the 7th grade, this is our future our kids future our grand children’s future! She is a very hard worker, with our country first.

  54. Rick, please stick to travel commentary. That’s why I read your blog…not for your ideas re: politics.

  56. Very simplistic views. You never mention Hilary’s problem with telling the truth. How about the Clinton’s thinking that they’re above the law? Banks too big to fail , Hillary too big to jail.,

  58. Well done…had decided a year ago to vote for her. There is no comparison in their level of knowledge when it comes to our country AND the world. It is scary what Trump does not know and God help us if he is elected!

  59. As a Canadian RS traveler (and friend of the US), I am very worried about the outcome of the election regardless of who wins. I am a Clinton supporter and a “liberal”. Sure, even in the Canadian West, it’s not something we yell out, and we’ll get a bit of a rubbing for it from our rural friends, but we ARE friends regardless. The divisive vitriolics are loud and reverberating all over the world. I sincerely hope there is not a civil war brewing.

    Thank you for the well presented blog and the 30 issues so clearly argued. Best of luck my American friends!

  60. Bad job Steve, I’m not a fan of Trumps, but on issues you are wrong. Social Security cannot continue on this track, you have seen effects in Europe. Not helping inner city children with the same opportunity of other children to go to better schools is elites. More money to public schools is not the answer. American spends more per capital than any country with less results. Some of your comparison are also in error. Judges should not violate separation of powers, congress shall make the laws not Judges. And the affordable care act was sold to Americans based on lies. And is on the edge of a cliff, with prices rising when it sold to us as a way of lowering monthly payments. Don’t be an Ideologue, issues need to be solved.

  64. Why would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND, VOTE for a CROOK, a habitual LIER, a CHEAT and think that the Clinton’s are ‘God’s Gift to the USA”. They are some of the MOST CORRUPT people on this planet. Rick, love your shows and pro stance on MJ, but …really ….Hillary for Pres ? Never….. Never …never …..

  66. I disagree with the answers you gave for Hillary. She’s in bed with big corporations even more than Trump. As others have mentioned you missed a lot of important issues. And why didn’t you include Johnson and Stein? Not very open minded.You seem to be brainwashed like most of America.Stick to travel advise.

  69. Too bad you neglected the other two candidates.
    This could be a year that another party might win, in spite of the big two corruption.

  70. Thank you for the 30 issues list. I’m not really surprised by the alignment of each candidate on the issues. I’m voting for candidate 1. I don’t agree with all of the issues represented by candidate 1, but there are very few from candidate 2 I agree with. Hopefully, prayerfully people will be voting issues and not personalities. Thanks again.

  71. Steve, Sad to say but you lost a lot of credibility, being an ideologue and misrepresenting issues. The problems today are attributed to what you just did. People drawing lines like above and not meeting in the middle. Sir, will you start calling people names next becuase they don’t agree with your false choices ?

  72. What I find most disturbing is the difference in tone and manner expressed by supporters from both sides as seen in the comments. We clearly see a side that is much less courteous. The reaction shows a sad lack of kindness in our country. Are we stay divided after this contest is over? I’ve never seen such confrontational opposition from both sides. It’s horrible.

  73. Thank you – well done! Never has there been a candidate less prepared, less informed, and less qualified to lead than Trump. He’s a crook, liar, and con man.

  74. Well one candidate has changed their stance (again) and is not really “pro-life” anymore, so that’s not *entirely* accurate anymore, but tomorrow who knows!? It could be by then.

  75. You are truly my travel mentor and, I respect you in that field of expertise. My friend, you are soooo naive about the nature of our political system in our great USofA. I wish I could share with you what I know about our American electorate as well as you have shared the world perspective with me…Trust me, save your breath and concern. Our governance is “orchestrated” way beyond what you could imagine. Someday, I look forward to sharing what I have learned, seen and, witnessed from the’ inside out’. D.P.

  76. I appreciated this straightforward comparison. With all your international experience, I would LOVE to see a summary of international opinions of the candidates.

  77. RICK, I love your travel advice but now that I know you are so deep in the pocket of criminal clinton I think I will stretch my interests further afield. I can’t ever support someone like her and while I respect your right to your opinion, i’m sorry to learn this political side of you. Ignorance was bliss. Best wishes I’m moving on.

  78. I think you did a pretty good job considering you are human. We all are. I, at least, can tell that the person who wrote this supports Hillary over Trump, particularly when talking about the candidate’s positions on immigration. But, once again, I appreciate you sharing your view as unbiasedly as you could and I can respect your views as I am sure you can respect mine.

  79. Good article on the issues that should have been addressed throughout the election. My one question as a Canadian is: Why does it take 2 years to elect a president? Good luck to our friends to the south!

  80. The thing that gets me is that everyone who is against Trump wants to group all of us Trump supporters on one “basket”. Most think we are stupid and ignorant or worse yet racist. Now Steve is telling me I am only for Trump because I am against Hillary. There are many reasons to be for Trump that has nothing to do with Hillary. I do my research by watching the news and reading the newspaper daily. Please give us Trump Supporters some credit for having some intelligence for a change.

  81. You are entitled to a political opinion just like the rest of us. I support and agree with your position. For those like me, it’s preaching to the choir; to the others, you’ll never get them to budge.

  83. As we were recently in Ireland and Northern Ireland the consensus there is, “What the heck is going on with America?” Europe is scared of Trump. One Irishman told me their economy will collapse if he is elected. I am both scared of Trump and the people who support him. Obviously those supporting him slept through history and did not learn lessons from the past. I am scared to think of this country if he is elected. Your tours are the best for learning real history from the concentration camps to the Berlin wall to the unrest over religion in Ireland/Northern Ireland. I have traveled so therefore I think and I can’t think of any reason to vote for Trump.

  84. I am surprised Ricky is getting involved in politics? Thought his specialty was traveling? Yet I can figure out who he’ll be voting for since he has his hand on her shoulder…oh well?! I guess dogs lie with dogs!!

  85. I’m in almost complete agreement with the democratic stand on the issues. The tea party really has destroyed the republicans! They came to town and shut down congress. It’s time to throw them out in mass. Had they been in industry, they wouldn’t have lasted a month! They seem to be totally unable to get anything done except to bitch and go on paid vacation. When ithere is a problem, work on solutions and negotiate improvements. I’m so sad to see the party I supported till these last few years simply go to hell!

  86. The questions themselves are framed in a biased way.
    Come on…build walls vs build bridges?
    why not “dark” vs “light” while you are at it.
    I think all you showed were your biases. You didn’t even make an attempt to see things from both sides.

  87. Great table, but I’d have liked your Endorsements comparison to have fewer celebrities. I know, sheep think that Kanye matters, but there are SO MANY Repub ex- or current officeholders either endorsing HRC or at least denouncing Drumpf. Naming them rather than the glitterati would (IMHO) carry more weight.

  89. I can only hope that Trump is reason enough for our
    young people to vote for the environmental protection,
    economic fairness, and knowledgeable foreign
    guidance that their future relies upon.

  90. Rick, you have the best travel guides, tours and advice in the world – stick to that! There is absolutely NO reason for you to get involved in the sordid debacle that is American politics, and frankly, I think you’ll lose some business because of it. PLEASE take this absurdity down and stick to what you know!

  91. In response to the suggestions of David Dawson, I would point out that Hillary Clinton is not for “open borders” (which would mean closing all border crossing facilities and immigration offices, which is not a policy of anyone’s). His characterizations are largely erroneous after this fashion. In addition, most of the organizations Mr. Dawson listed as those Rick Steves should have included are not national or prominent in nature. I don’t think it would help any candidate to trumpet that they are endorsed by the “Rent Is Too Damn High” organization, which has the following statement on their website’s home page (which I cut and pasted here to make sure it was accurately reproduced): “Man and women has the right to make out with the person their choice without any government rules and regulations from any State, City, Town or County within the territories of the United States of America.” (Rent Is Too Damn High organization). I would expect that any organization expecting to be taken seriously would, as an absolute minimum, offer statements that are grammatically correct; legalizing prostitution strikes me as a very minor issue compared to selecting the next 1-2 supreme court justices. Another of the “organizations” Mr. Dawson lists as having been left out is the Veterans For A Strong America. Apparently, Mr. Dawson will have to consider Wikipedia as too liberal to be read or considered, either, given that it exposes this “organization” as another fraud, in which there is no “organization”, or grassroots support, or anything of the kind. This is one person, who is a veteran, yes, of Americans for Prosperity, a Koch brothers-funded group that engages is strident partisan political action under the cover of being philanthropic and in the public interest. This is the Wikipedia introduction for this “organization”: “Veterans for a Strong America (VSA) is a conservative[6][7] political action committee that describes itself as a “non-partisan action organization dedicated to educating the public, members of Congress and the Executive Branch about a strong national defense, robust foreign policy and building a military that is second to none.”[8][9] The group was founded by Joel Arends of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who is also the chairman and sole staffer of the group.[10][11] Arends is an attorney and political consultant in Sioux Falls, where the organization is based.[12] He previously worked as the South Dakota field director for the 2000 Bush-Cheney campaign and as a consultant to the Americans for Prosperity group, affiliated with the Koch brothers.[9] VSA has been described as a dark money group.[13][14]” This is not a bona fide, national, prominent organization, so an endorsement from Mr. Arends should be taken for what it is – the view of one very conservative person, whose funding source is highly suspect. I am of the view that if a citizen goes down the list offered by Rick Steves, and honestly answers which of the two views they find preferable, and a substantial majority fall into one column or the other, that person would do well to vote for the candidate whose views better match that column. I found that my preferences were much more in line with those views that Hillary Clinton represents, so I will vote accordingly. Others should follow their own take. That is democracy.

  92. No one who has traveled extensively could vote for candidate 1. Travel opens your mind to cultures other than your own and creates empathy. Of course you are supporting Clinton, Rick. I am too. Thank you for adding your support and trying to cut through the media bias. Travel on!

  93. Excellent summary, Rick! Many thanks for making it clear for people who are still undecided. I’m sorry you have to endure such rude comments from the haters.

  94. Thanks, Steve. Hillary is the only one for the job. I travel quite a bit myself. My husband is a Slovenian Citizen and our youngest daughter has dual citizenship. All of our kids have traveled and we have hosted exchange students. If people traveled a lot and not just to tourist attractions, but really got out and talked to the natives, they would learn a lot about our nation and our politics. The world see us a lot differently than we see ourselves. I wish everyone had the opportunity to really get to know the rest of the human race and not just American Celebrities. I am amazed by high school and college graduates that don’t have a clue how our government works or even know their own Senators and Congressmen.

    My oldest daughter started traveling at the age of 12. By 16 she was getting pulled aside and searched because she apparently met a profile and she had lots of stamps in her passport. She is now 30 and still loves to travel. Our middle daughter doesn’t travel well due to mental health issues, but she would love to be able to travel, Even she has been to several countries. Our youngest is only 6 and had dual citizenship at the ripe old age of 2. She has already covered more foreign soil than most American adults. I believe it helps us all to see that we are all part of the human race and we should be building bridges, not walls. I believe seeing our country through another’s eyes. America is already great. We need some improvements, but we are still a great country. If we were not a great country already, we wouldn’t have so many people risking their lives to come here. They are not coming here to hurt us, they are coming for a better way of live and a safe place to live. So I will be joining you in voting for Hillary Clinton in November. Thanks for all you do.

  96. Nobody is debating free community college. One candidate feels it should be funded by tuition and fees while the other proposes to fund it with taxes. No one expects anything for free.

  97. Saw the perfect T-shirt today

    “I already dislike the next President”

    Sad Americans have this choice

  98. I am really pleased with your taking a stand. I knew I liked you and now I have another reason. I am positively stumped at the criticism she gets.

  99. Gary Johnson and Bill Weld.
    Johnson-Weld 2016

    Gary Johnson, right where Hillary is wrong.
    Gary Johnson, right were Donald is wrong.

    Gary Johnson, the right choice for America.

  100. Rick, I have great respect for you and your brand and your approach to travel and the representation of Americans out in the world and how we are perceived. I’ve followed you for years.

    But this post is inappropriate, biased and not entirely truthful. I don’t like to think of you as a silly celebrity whose wealth and name recognition gives you the right to weigh in on such issues and sway less informed voters who follow your blog and Facebook page. I’m not surprised by your views, and I respect them. I applaud you for being informed and feeling passionately about this election. But you cheapened yourself, and brand, with this.

    Carolyn

  101. The biggest problem i have with this is that you only refer to two candidates. People, if you don’t like either of these sorry excuses for candidates, there are others to consider, like Gary Johnson and Jill Stein. Let’s kill the two-party system that is holding this country down.

  102. Here are the criteria I use. I suspect that as a practicing member of the Lutheran Church, Steve, you might as well:

    (a) The Old Testament law commands, “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:34) Which candidate is most likely to treat resident aliens in this way?

    (b) The prophet Micah told us that what is required of us is “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) I think it irrelevant to our secular system whether any candidate “walks humbly with God,” but it matters to my politics as a Christian that I do so and cast my vote in a manner that reflects that. Thus, it matters to my politics which candidate’s behavior and policies come closest to doing justice and loving kindness.

    (c) Jesus was once asked, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” And he replied “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:36-39) Which candidates treatment of other people throughout life has been more in tune with that second commandment? Again, I think it irrelevant to our secular system whether any candidate follows the first, but it matters to my politics as a Christian whether he or she comes close to living up to the second.

    (d) Jesus suggested that the Father blesses those who feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, take care of the sick, and visit those in prison, and turns away those who fail to do such things. (See Matt. 25:32-46) Which candidate’s and which party’s proposed programs and policies come closest to accomplishing those things?

    (e) When Jesus was arrested, one of his disciples drew a sword and cut off someone’s ear, but Jesus said, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matt. 26:52). Granted that neither candidate does very well on this question, but which one is less likely to make use of the modern day equivalent of a sword in his or her statecraft and international diplomacy?

  103. Its clear, Trump! Why would I want BIG government? Why would I want more taxes? Clear choice, Trump.

  105. Simple questions with simple answers result in simple minds. Neither has a bit of policy defined for these issues.

  108. Rick, I love your guidebooks and will admit that travel has broadened my perspectives. However I suppose I am one of those “Deplorables” as Hillary referred to a large portion of the population and this insight into how the Clinton’s truly see the common folk disqualifies her from public service. So I am voting for Trump.

    What the US truly needs is more parties and I wish the Gary Johnson team all the best. It would go a large way to reducing the left/right separation in this country if we had multiple parties with no one party in the majority, forcing people to actually talk and get along.

  109. @Vern – Sep 12, 2016 08:02 PM:

    “Why would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND, VOTE for a CROOK, a habitual LIER, a CHEAT…”

    Couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’m voting for Hillary.

  110. Rick – I used to respect you for your travel shows and books but I am VERY dissapointed in your extreme liberal views. Hilary’s corpution and dishonesty is well documented. Not just my opinion. She is obviously being protected by high level government officials or else she would have been prosecuted. She is a know liar. God help us if she is elected.

  111. Wow! A devotee of yours for 30 years, but now wonder if your travel info is as biased as your ridulous political chart. Stick to travel. Yuck Such a childish chart. Really made me decide to vote Trump for certain. You are a siccophant, liar lover.

  113. It surprised me how many followers of Rick chastised him for having an opinion. It’s as if only they are allowed to express their own views.

  114. Well done Steve. The entertainment part of this election year needs to stop as our country has been reduced to a daily reality / soap opera. People need to see how the Senate is voting on subjects valuable to our future but also why they are voting yea or nay. This would be a topic that should be on national tv so we the people understand each parties stance and most important WHY.This is being an informed voter rather than a three ring circus pick.

  115. I’m curious why an open-minded person like yourself doesn’t consider third party candidates. I’m not convinced Trump isn’t running to guarantee a Clinton win. And Gary Johson’s views on military intervention seem much more in line with yours than Hillary Clinton’s.

  117. Thank you Rick!. You are a clear thinker and impressive American.

    The focus on Benghazi is so stupid. The CIA station was Benghazi. No State Department official connection.

    Ask the moronic Republican loudmouth congressmen what protests they lodged in 1983 when President Reagan allowed the U.S. Embassy in Beirut Lebanon to be bombed by Islamic Jihad with 63 killed (April 18, 1983)and then 6 months later (October 23, 1983) allowed the U.S. Marine barracks to be bombed with 305 persons killed.

    Reagan took zero preventive measures from the first bombing in April to the second bombing 7 months later in October. Why didn’t Republicans insist he be impeached for gross negligence and dereliction of duty? Yet they go nuts trying to blame Hillary for Benghazi. Shows how stupid they really are.

  119. Good comparison but I was very disappointed about your decision to support Hillary. She is a totally dishonest, corrupt politician and, on top of that, she broke the law. Well, I like your travel programs anyway.

  120. Just as I thought. I’m a Trumpster, through and through. Thanks for a tool that confirms and solidifies it!!

  122. I agree with Barbara A when she says:
    Anyone who follows Rick Steves can predict whom he will endorse. For anyone with intelligence and heart, who is open to new experiences and wants lifelong learning, and is well-informed now, there is no question. Hillary Clinton is the most well-qualified candidate for president in my lifetime. Despite all of the fake scandals manufactured by the right-wing, she has prevailed. She is a brilliant over-achiever, experienced in government, public policy, and foreign relations, is admired around the world, and DOES NOT have a fragile, narcissistic ego and the childish need to brag and bully. Trump is a blowhard with no solutions. He his full of himself and something even worse. Do you care about the greater good? Do you care about social responsibility? Do you care about human rights? Do you consider yourself to be a Christian, or an adherent of any other religion? The choice could not be more clear.

  124. thank you rick. i love your show and respect that you–as a voting American citizen–have made a list based on issues. everyone should make a list such as this.

  125. You forgot to add David Duke as a ‘candidate #1’ supporter. This only adds to some of the similarities between the campaign of ‘candidate #1’ and that of a certain politician who gained power in Germany in the 1930s.

  126. There are a number of issues. First of all your endorsements for Trump only include the NRA, I believe you have missed a number of law enforcement and border patrol agencies. Secondly when you categorize voting rights as more restrictive for Trump that is just not a fair assessment. That is your opinion that having to show ID is a concerted effort to keep people from voting. Fair and valid elections should be a concern for all. Many of those issues are not so easily explained as you have tried to depict.
    It is obvious how you lean on the issues and it is obvious how you want people to be swayed.

  127. This was a good post. I’ll not tackle a dialogue with any who commented. You didn’t oversimplify; you stated the obvious to those whose hearts are closed to humanity. These folk will never open their hearts and brains, only their cruel mouths. I thank you for trying. We can still push the cause.

  128. Thank you for your bravery in taking a public stand. I shouldn’t have to say bravery but these days it seems like saying anything supportive of people’s rights or factual is cause for being called all sorts of foul things. Thanks for breaking it down so simply.

  129. BRILLIANT work & FABULOUS idea; Who doesn’t like a blind taste test? I’m a changed woman! It’s usually a good thing to learn something new everyday, but I now have a changed opinion of a few I’m surprised to see on the Trump endorsement list!

  134. Rick, I love your travel guides and have been using them for years. My husband and I have been to your lectures here in Denver and have great respect for your opinions on travel, and trust your recommendations. HOWEVER! Though you are entitled to your opinions, as I am, I don’t feel politics has to infiltrate every subject in the world. You can’t turn anywhere that it doesn’t come up, and people become devisive. I would just like to enjoy some areas of life without politics, and travel is one of them. Thanks for “listening”. Happy travels! Dawn

  135. Well done Rick!
    This is why we will vote for Secretary Clinton.
    One other comparison between the two party’s platforms would be revealing also.
    It is sad to see the mean spirited comments here from Trump supporters
    Harvey

  136. The amount of ignorance, deliberate mis-representation, and hate in this campaign is depressing. Thanks for trying to put it in a decent framework. Your test ain’t perfect but it’s better than 99% of what we are seeing and hearing.

  137. Thanks for showing who is supporting Clinton. That’s sells me right there that she’s the dangerous candidate. Well done Rick–go Trump and go home Clinton!

  138. Dear me. The pedestal I had you on just crumbled. As a travel expert your opinions are valuable. As an armchair political analyst, they are not.

  139. I cannot follow Trump’s positions because there is not logical path from truth to what he proposes as ‘solutions”. Nothing is based on economic truthsor historical fact. Nor does he seem to have real comprehension about how the constitution and govt work. I am not a fan of $ in politics but his statements re many “I wills” are not flowing from any coherent foundation. He makes statements that “float whomever is in the the room’s boat”.
    E.g.:
    1. Trump was against Citizens United but then hired the guy that headed it up to be deputy campaign mgr (pressure form the GOP?). So confused?? Not a populist there.
    2. Trump wants us to mind our own business internationally unless we take the spoils of war from other nations & people which does not endear us to the rest of the world since we are already considered a bit like a capitalist empire without real morals, as in our actions do not match word nor consitution nor applied evenly across world (politics is very complicated chess game though, for sure. I don’t think Trump can play chess. He is good at extortion, leverage and pressure, but not chess or long term strategy. — BUT
    He wants to increase Military Budget?! despite us being the #1 Military in the world in spending & might.
    3. Immigration – illegal immigrants hurt economically only non-English speaking first generation immigrants economically, not the local or state or federal economies which do better WITH them, even in GA. Fact. So poor or uneducated or blue collar citizens (white or otherwise) will not gain ANYTHING by banning or punishing except the spending of their tax dollars towards something that does not benefit them, only benefits private prisons; govt bureaucracy maybe.
    4. TPP – yep, it hurts us but it is complicated on how it plays out economically. It does shift power to corporations etc. As for jobs? We cannot compete on labor prices etc.unless we just plain stop consuming. BUT The world’s economies are an internecine set up of big unknown guys& ecnomomies are based on CONSUMPTION of our planet and consumption of others’ freedoms and power and labor at cheap prices (capitalism), not on helping anyone or valuing the LONG TERM of anything. I don’t think we humans will change that in the short term ;-/

  140. Good list. However I don’t see who is defined as “Candidate #1” and who is “Candidate #2”. I can surmise though…

  142. How many people won’t even leave a comment here if they’re for Trump because liberals will brand them a deplorable (Hillary’s words, not mine) racist, homophobe,xenophobe,islamophobe, etc? I don’t feel like any of these terms apply to me but I am voting for Trump, so I guess I’m in the “basket of deplorable’s”. In my opinion, Trump has said some uncalled for and crass statements. I don’t believe he is perfect and I don’t blindly agree with everything he says. However, I’m more aligned with his positions on immigration, the economy, and protecting our country than I am with Hillary. Just because I want the country that I live in to be strong and safe for myself and my children, does not mean I am a xenophobe. I love to travel and visit other cultures. I visit Mexoco almost every year. Recently, I’ve visited Turkey (2010), and Indonesia (2016). I met many friendly people among the millions of Muslims that live there (Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world). I do like some of the positions in Candidate #2’s (Hillary’s) column. However, I strongly dislike the incessant lying about everything, and the constant string of scandals all the way back to when Bill was Governor of Arkansas. Most recently hiding the fact she has pneumonia, until caught almost passing out. I believe she actually could have used this to her advantage by disclosing it before visiting the 9/11 ceremony, and showing how strong she was to still carry on. Instead she claimed to be overcome by the heat and allergic to Trump. Does she even know how to tell the truth about anything? Lastly, I don’t like to make fun of or place derogatory labels on any individual or group of people. I know Trump does this, and I don’t like it. However, in my mind, he still Trump’s Hillary (excuse the pun). Doesn’t everyone (including Trump and Hillary) realize that when they generalize and place a demeaning labels on a group (any group) they are themselves conforming to the definition of a bigot?

  144. Rick,
    I also support Hillary and sincerely hope that she will be our next president! Also love taking your tours, by the way……

  145. This is asinine. Rick, shame on you. This is such an oversimplification of the facts and slanted, you have entirely turned me off.

    Why don’t people stick to what they know and keep their politics to themselves. It leaves a lingering bad taste when people you previously admired, sow their ignorance.

  146. I very much liked the comparison of issues , but after reading all these comments, I noticed those voting for Trump seem really angry & defensive, whereas those voting for Hillary seem calm & collected. Just sayin’………

  147. Thank you, Rick! So much is at stake. It’s really important to cut through the noise of false accusations and corporate media just wanting a close race and telling it like it is on issues! Thanks again. #ImWithHer

  149. I know some (and see from comments above) that those who favor the positions of Candidate #1 will vote for Trump as they do not agree with the positions of Candidate #2(Clinton). That is how it should be. But for those who buy into the slander of Clinton and see her as less than truthful, they seem to ignore the many issues with Trump: scam University, claiming charitable donations he never gave, giving a political donation from his charitable foundation (against IRS rules), remaining mum about his income tax returns, denying prior positions even though he is on record (audio and video) of having held those positions, not seeming to understand why we don’t use nuclear weapons since we have them (concept of nuclear deterrent seems beyond him), so intent on responding to negative comments about him that he often derails his own campaign, he has such overly simple “solutions” with no real details, he seems to misread situations as evident from his version versus that of the President of Mexico after their meeting. It is about him versus about the country and this is evident in so many of his twitter feeds. He shows very poor judgement and his vocabulary seems so limited as to make him a very poor communicator of anything of substance. So, for so many reasons … never Trump. And glad to go with Clinton especially given her views on the issues.

  150. Rick, please stop using your public forum to advance YOUR political agenda. Stick with what you know best-we all enjoy following your travel adventures, however, I do not appreciate you airing your views on my computer screen. “Man is not free unless government is limited” Ronald Reagan

  151. Howling with laughter: What ever happened to free speech? The hypocrisy of people responding in the most public way possible on Rick’s thread to a simple, 3rd grade comprehension exercise, for Rick to shut up and sit down is gigglingly funny. Take your comedy act on the road! Maybe Rick will feature it on his next episode of Traveling to Sadville: the place where people _______ and long for a world that never was. America is great now and the future is bright. Our military is as good now as it ever has been. Our economy is strong and getting stronger. Our nation is strong because of our diversity and our inherent care for our neighbors, our environment, our children. It’s too easy to pick one verse from the bible and declare it invalid, just as it is too easy to select the most talked about problems and call our progress a failure. We are still the best problem solvers, most caring and most efficient nation on the planet. We are thoughtful, though in times of fear and strife, not thoughtful enough. Carry on Rick. You are a good man doing good work, stick to your First Amendment Right to freely declare your opinion,.

  152. Just like other celebrities, you think your view counts more than others. Stick to travel advising and leave politics out of it. Your “test” was heavily biased. And I don’t like either candidate!

  154. Good article. I can’t fathom having Trump as a president. His lack of focus & his inarticulate demeanor are troubling for someone who wants to represent this country as our leader.

    Hillary has been unfairly treated in the press and by that ‘other’ party who have spent our hard earned tax dollars on a Hillary Witch Hunts that have NO BASIS! The same people who have blocked Obama at every turn and to think we PAY their salaries.

    I’m voting for Hillary, the only competent candidate and sane choice.

  155. It’s good in some ways. However it tends to discreetly give digs to the right. For example, the conservative is endorsed by National Enquirer. Why not mention that the lliberal is endorsed by her womanizing sexual predictor husband who took sexual liberties with his 21 year old intern and has been accused by several women of rape and also lied about his exploits at a federal hearing. HE endorsed The left. And the right is endorsed by two of his three wives. Come on!! If THAT is not intended to undermine I don’t know what is. So the good here is offset by a clear bent by the author. Left will love this

  156. Hillary by a landslide. Trump supporters have to be the most reckless, wilfully ignorant people on the planet. One person on here even complained that Obama/Hillary do too much to “antagonize Russia,” you know, America’s mortal enemy of the past 100 years! Seriously, to that commenter, were you born in 2008? Do you have zero knowledge of your own country’s recent history? Shame on you!

    And to all the people who tell Rick Steves to stay out of politics, i have one question for you:

    “WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?”

    The only thing we have to fear is FEAR ITSELF.

    Grow up! Put on your big boy/girl pants and face reality for a change.

  157. Well, it’s pretty straight forward!! Thanks Rick for supported the movement ahead, not back!!!
    Makes me like you more!

  158. Thanks, Rick. I trust someone who has seen the world and understands other cultures and people. As Mark Twain said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
    GO HILLARY!

  159. Well done. My only disagreement is in the use of the term “pro life”. A better term for Trump and most people who are anti-choice is “anti-choice”. They are not necessarily pro-life

  160. Mmmmm. Flagging some things here that are presented black and white. 2 examples (there’s more tho)
    1. Marijuana issue on chart? At least debatable
    Links don’t work in these comments- so google it.,
    2. “Free trade” things like TPP (hill was forced to change her stated long term position) and they are both (now) officially against
    Links don’t work. There’s a decent article via Fortune.
    And…. The elephant in the living room for true lefties: where is the issue
    “Foreign wars”?
    Hmmmm

  161. Why the heck would we care who people like 50 Cent or Kanye West endorse? You know the women they objectify in their music could very well be your daughter or write, right?

  162. I’ll vote for the candidate that the media will actually hold accountable because they are both the same to me. Trumps a democrat, no wait independent, now he’s a republican? Hillary has been a scoundrel in my book since the 90s when she obviously made insider trades on cattle futures and it has been a series of blunders/incompetence/law breaking/cover-ups since.

  163. Steve,
    You’re better positioned than most of us, because if Trump were to win (God forbid!) at least you’re a seasoned, foreign traveler.

  164. Personally, I prefer not to discuss politics with others.

    I don’t find celebrity endorsements necessary, helpful or appealing in any way.

    The endorsements and opinions of international celebrities are of no consequence to me as a U.S. Citizen and bear no relevance.

    We’ve been inundated and saturated by media for over a year regarding this election and I’ve reached the point of exhaustion over it. But it’s totally fine with me that Rick’s voiced and posted his opinions online. It’s his Constitutional right. Fee on the woman who scolded him on Fb today for doing so.

  165. Thank you Rick for this concise summary of the candidates. I would only add that there are MORE THAN TWO OPTIONS! Gary Johnson, for many (including myself) is a much needed alternative to the two party politics that permeate our country.

  167. Overall a good comparison, but you messed up on trade. Not a fair summary at all. It’s not about protectionism, it’s about sovereignty, democracy, worker rights, environment, rule of law. That is the one area where Trump may trump Clinton on issues.

  168. This may have been in here somewhere and I missed it, but don’t forget that although Trump sounds like he is always willing to fight, he had five deferments during Vietnam.

  169. Can anyone imagine traveling with Rick Steves and having an open conversation about politics? Geez, what an elitist this guy is. He can’t even get the views and policies right on Trump or Hillary.

    After learning of Rick’s closed minded, elitist views, I’ve stopped sending checks to my local PBS station. This is not the kind of public TV I want, at all.

    At the very least, Steves should point out the obvious flaws with a Hillary presidency (selling favors, Bill back in the White House harassing skirts, mindless wars like Iraq, etc). But he isn’t interested in open and fair. Elitists never are. Sorry PBS Socal and KCET, but you picked this guy as your “face”.

  170. Good idea, but it didn’t help. I got 12 for Candidate #1, 12 for #2, and 4 “a pox on both their houses”.

  171. I am amused by the comments of many of the conservatives. They don’t appear to understand that supporting the candidate that is being endorsed by white supremacist organizations links you to the white supremacists. You are judged by the company you keep. Live with it.

  172. Thanks for a very helpful list. I believe you are about 99 percent correct on your characterization of positions. I am not so sure about ‘Citizens United’ since the Clintons have always relied on big money, both for their campaign and foundation donations and for ‘gratuities’ for speeches to Big Business Groups. Perhaps they are just ‘Pay to Play’ politicians but I find it difficult to believe in the distinction.

  173. Dear deplorable moron-Please provide documentation for the claims you have made (re: comment on 07:09 AM). If you are unable to do that, I will conclude that you are repeating what you have heard and that your assertions are not based on fact.

  174. Thank you for the issues based analysis. Why doesn’t the punditry do it that well?

    Love your travel show and have listened to it for years. Mostly, it’s a vicarious thrill to listen to your travels and what you describe. I also enjoy your guests. Most informative.

    Ignore some of the negative comments. You have done a great service in pointing out the obvious. There are differences between these candidates.

  177. I’ve enjoyed your travel information for years and have managed to enjoy and enhance my own travel experiences as a result of considering your advice.

    In the matter of national politics and the next President of the United States, I have absolutely no interest in your opinions.

  178. I think you should have included Johnson in the blind test. The results would have been interesting.

  179. Well done Rick.It is still amazing that folks consider Hillary untrustworthy when a close examination of the facts shows she is one of the most honest politicians around and Trump considers screwing people over a virtue and will say and do anything to get someone’s money. Ask yourself, would you buy a $35,000 real estate course from that man? He is telling the voters the same type of lies he told his victims of his “University” scam.

  180. You are in the travel business and should not use your name to
    Get involved in politics. Stick to travel Steve!

  182. Rick, I liked your comparisons, but I tend to lean to the left anyway. I think most of the items listed are very important & worthy of research and review by all voters. I believe you are to be thanked for listing many of the major issues, taking an informed stand, and sharing them with a gentle approach. These should be important issues to most Americans. Too bad many on both sides just won’t get off of the side show issues; birther bus(oh, that’s over for now) the Benghazi bandwagon, shirts made overseas(no relevance for leadership gauge), 2X divorcee candidate(get over it) & sex, lies, and videotape. Rather, look at what really matters to all of us in the future. Vote for whoever you wish, but vote informed, not just what you heard from your parents, your boss, TV commercial, Fox News, NBC, or your talking head on radio. Google some of the issues that you deem important (it’s so easy now to do), find out why they should matter to you and your neighbor, and why important to you to have someone in the Oval Office who can make things happen, make us proud, make us a better people, keep us safe, and inspire all of us to do better & prosper… Perhaps a bit more traveling as well!… Its easy to bash others on internet, its much harder to find the truth, develop your own opinion, speak with conviction and with kindness, and go out and VOTE!

  184. I could never completely understand how Hitler was able to dupe the German people into the frenzy of evil they gave complicit approval for.

    Now I understand.

    Trump has told Americans that he will personally take care of all our problems. I only hope that we wake up before it’s too late.

    NEVER TRUMP

  185. I am starting to feel like we live in opposite land. Is the American society gotten so lazy that they really think some one can fix there responsibilities for them? There has to be some personal responsibility for what happens to a persons life, whether it be education, good decision making with money, addition. I hate to ride a dead horse but like the last person said I now do see how Hitler came to power, it always surprised me how so much could have occurred and no one saw it coming. I think if Trump is elected we are going to wake up the next day and know we have made the biggest mistake of a life time!

  186. I would add gun control to your list of issues, definitely. More important than public vs. private prisons. On social security, Hillary’s posiiton should be “public, strengthen & expand” rather than status quo.
    Good job otherwise.

  187. it’s amazing to me how some people think all folks should think and deduce the same way. I guess the most annoying trait about you is trying to influence others regarding politicians when what we signed up from you is travel. I’m suspicious of some that endorse Clinton (you probably get 2 for the price of one) and some that endorse Trump.
    So I stop paying attention to all their (and others) words and pay attention to their deeds and accomplishments. Still amazes me how people believe what these folks say they are going to do as if our House and Senate have nothing to do with happens in this country.

  188. I’m with HER, and I’m with you, Rick.
    In your opening lines, when asking friends why they support Trump, and they reply that they don’t like Hillary, I guess this means they DO like Trump? Most people will at least say that they don’t like Trump either. This would prompt me to ask them, then, since they don’t like either one, why have they chosen to lean Trump. Your “blind” issues comparison will be very helpful.

  190. Hilary’s been incredibly transparent about her taxes/finances and medical history. How can anyone support Trump until seeing his taxes? He obviously has a LOT to hide. I’m with Hilary, and Rick.

  191. I didn’t give the chart more than a cursory glance as I locked my decision quite sometime ago. I am amused, however, by the posters chastising the author for producing a piece on a subject they do not wish to read, and for alienating some readers with conflicting viewpoints or political fatigue who do/have done/might do business with his company.

    Wouldn’t the same apply to the candidate freely expressing his views regardless of how those may alienate the customers who stay in his hotels, golf on his courses, gamble in his casino, purchase his branded products, and office or reside in his properties? Should he also be chastised to stick to real estate and leave politics well enough alone?

    From that perspective, which businessman’s platforms for his viewpoints are more easily avoided if one is suffering from political fatigue? It’s reasonably painless to skip over the single blog entry: don’t like the subject matter; don’t read it. It’s been considerably more difficult to shut off the businessman whose political views are broadcast across the major television networks,newspapers,internet news sources, magazines…

  192. If your travel program is as poorly researched and shoddily compiled as this unfortunate, selective list, it’s little wonder that the bulk of your viewership consists of elderly PBS viewers who leave their television sets on after falling asleep during Charlie Rose.

  193. Looks like all the Clinton supporters are very happy with your characteriizations. Looks like all the Trump supporters are very unhappy with your characterizations. Does that tell you anything about how well you did expressing this? PBS which leans left and supports your work financially (and vice versa) would also be proud of you.

  196. What would make this more interesting is if you threw in the platforms of other candidates, such as the Libertarian candidate. Several of the stances mentioned make it obvious who is who. But if you includes a third party candidate or two, people would actually have to think harder about their choices and the issues themselves.

  197. Rick: I like your shows, but not your politics. Your simplified list was good, and reaffirms why I am a conservative, and am enthusiastically behind Trump. I am for secure borders, protection of 2nd Amendment rights, pro-life, smaller, less-intrusive government, and a conservative Supreme Court.

    Hillary embodies everything I dislike about liberals. She has had 30 years to have some positive impact, yet problems attacked by government have just gotten worse not better. What, of any significance has she ever accomplished?? Talk, talk, talk, but never any positive action. And yes, she is a habitual liar, with every word calculated for political reasons.

    Donald Trump is a “breath of fresh air” in a smarmy political establishment where both Republican and Democrat elites ultimately support each other at the expense of the country.

    I am a retired small business owner, and somehow survived the over-regulated and over-taxed Obama administration. Go Trump!

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