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Books by and about 2024 presidential candidates |
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Hillbilly Elegy,
by JD Vance (2017) |
Crippled America,
by Donald J. Trump (2015) |
Fire and Fury,
by Michael Wolff (2018) |
Trump Revealed,
by Michael Kranish and Marc Fisher (2016) |
The Making of Donald Trump,
by David Cay Johnston (2016) |
Promise Me, Dad ,
by Joe Biden (2017) |
The Book of Joe ,
by Jeff Wilser (2019; biography of Joe Biden) |
The Truths We Hold,
by Kamala Harris (2019) |
Smart on Crime,
by Kamala Harris (2010) |
Becoming,
by Michelle Obama (2018) |
Higher Loyalty,
by James Comey (2018) |
The Making of Donald Trump,
by David Cay Johnston (2017) |
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Book Reviews |
(from Amazon.com) |
(click a book cover for a review or other books by or about the presidency from Amazon.com)
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| OnTheIssues.org excerpts: (click on issues for details)
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Abortion
Alison Grimes: Pro-choice down the line.
Charles Booker: Women have the right to choose; Roe v. Wade must be upheld.
Charles Booker: Microphone cut off during speech against anti-abortion bill.
Steven Cox: Repeals Hyde Amendment.
Wesley Morgan: Opposes taxpayer funding for abortion.
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Budget & Economy
Amy McGrath: Against rolling back Dodd-Frank banking regulations.
Charles Booker: Supports Universal Basic Income; poverty is immoral.
Jack Conway: Against TARP bailouts due to lack of accountability.
Jack Reed: Address the sequester & debt ceiling without any new taxes.
Jim Gray: Think globally when talking about job creation.
Matt Bevin: No budget deal; let the sequester cuts take place.
Matt Bevin: AdWatch: Supporting a debt-limit increase is too liberal.
Mitch McConnell: Proud of role in high-profile deal to end federal shutdown.
Mitch McConnell: Supports sequester cuts: 2.4% out of $3.6 trillion budget.
Mitch McConnell: Voted to roll back Dodd-Frank banking regulations.
Mitch McConnell: Opposes infrastructure spending in COVID-19 relief bill.
Rand Paul: Bank bailout was bad policy & helped no banks in KY.
Wesley Morgan: Supports balanced budget amendment.
Wesley Morgan: Supports permanent ban on earmarks, opposes bailouts.
Andy Barr: Voted for the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.
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Civil Rights
Alison Grimes: Both supportive and apprehensive about marriage equality.
Alison Grimes: Supports allowing gay marriage.
Alison Grimes: AdWatch: VAWA and equal pay for women.
Amy McGrath: No discrimination over sexual orientation.
C. Wesley Morgan: Government needs to get out of business of reverse racism.
Charles Booker: Have to tackle structural racism and inequity head-on.
Charles Booker: Ban conversion therapy and sex/gender discrimination.
Charles Booker: Rand Paul believes that racism is a winning strategy.
Jack Conway: I abhor discrimination; end "don't ask, don't tell".
Jack Conway: Claims Paul questions Civil Rights Act and the ADA.
Jim Gray: Pay equity for women; and raise the minimum wage.
Jim Gray: Openly gay mayor of Lexington: not all are anti-gay.
Matt Bevin: Why not define marriage as a parent marrying their child?
Mitch McConnell: I co-sponsored VAWA but final version went too far.
Mitch McConnell: Against gay marriage but now law of the land.
Steven Cox: Expand the Voting Rights Act.
Steven Cox: Launched online petition to remove Confederate statue.
Wesley Morgan: Stop government from interfering with free exercise of faith.
Pamela Stevenson: Condemned Republicans for supporting anti-trans legislation.
Pamela Stevenson: Anti-trans hate linked to racism and antisemitism.
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Corporations
Steven Cox: Favors stronger co-ops over pleasing shareholders.
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Crime
Amy McGrath: Police reform: ban chokeholds, guarantee body cameras.
Charles Booker: Supports criminal justice reform to address racial bias.
Charles Booker: Need criminal justice reform & ending mass incarceration.
Thomas Massie: Voted against bill making lynching a federal hate crime.
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Drugs
Alison Grimes: Have a discussion about marijuana legalization.
Amy McGrath: Will work for real investments in tackling opioid crisis.
Amy McGrath: For medical cannabis; research full legalization.
Charles Booker: Legalize cannabis and expunge records related to it.
Charles Booker: Legalize cannabis, commute sentences, expunge records.
Jack Conway: Epidemic of prescription pill abuse spurs crime.
Jack Conway: Meth lab count is up because we are identifying smaller labs.
Jim Gray: Fully fund drug treatment and addiction recovery.
Mitch McConnell: Strongly opposed to legalization of marijuana.
Rand Paul: Community treatment instead of federal anti-drug programs.
Rand Paul: Drug abuse isn't a pressing issue; 10-20 years is too harsh.
Rand Paul: Tackle drug problem; no one cares where funding comes from.
Steven Cox: Follow Colorado in legalizing & taxing cannabis.
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Education
Amy McGrath: Perform national service to get college aid.
Amy McGrath: We need a well-funded public education system.
Amy McGrath: National service program practical solution for college debt.
C. Wesley Morgan: Reform education towards career prep.
C. Wesley Morgan: Government should get out of the student loan business.
Charles Booker: Teachers want to fully and equitably fund public schools.
Jim Gray: Investment in education and our teachers is essential.
Matt Bevin: FactCheck: No, not MIT grad; education is "School of Life".
Rand Paul: COVID: Opening schools doesn't lead to a surge.
Steven Cox: Cover all costs at public colleges.
Thomas Massie: Abolish the U.S. Department of Education.
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Energy & Oil
Alison Grimes: Balanced approach to deal with global warming.
Amy McGrath: Climate change: wars will fought over water, resources.
Bruce Lunsford: Expand drilling; draw strategic reserve; plus alternatives.
Bruce Lunsford: Double oil production by developing 70M federal acres.
Charles Booker: Kentucky should lead the way to a green new deal.
Charles Booker: Refers to Green New Deal as "Kentucky New Deal".
Charles Booker: Climate crisis is great economic opportunity for Kentucky.
Charles Booker: Reclaim old coal land; black lung benefits for miners.
Jack Conway: Coal yes; cap-and-trade no.
Jack Conway: Protect coal even under cap-and-trade.
Jim Gray: Let's stop mining? No, invest in coal's future.
Jim Gray: Fund clean coal via Carbon Capture and Storage.
Mitch McConnell: Has clout to implement GOP solutions for high gas prices.
Mitch McConnell: Supports coal-to-liquid fuels, nuclear tech, & electric cars.
Mitch McConnell: AdWatch: Fights EPA regulation on coal production.
Mitch McConnell: I blocked the passage of Obama's cap-and-trade.
Mitch McConnell: Supported withdrawal from Paris climate agreement.
Rand Paul: Unelected EPA should not regulate greenhouse emissions.
Steven Cox: Save the world from the climatocalypse.
Steven Cox: We need to find a system better than fossil fuels.
Steven Cox: Supports Green New Deal.
Steven Cox: We need to find a better investment than fossil fuels.
Steven Cox: We need to find a system better than fossil fuels.
Daniel Cameron: Spearheaded efforts to overturn market-distorting EV mandate.
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Environment
Alison Grimes: OpEd: Disdain for the EPA, but better choice for greens.
Bruce Lunsford: Worked on father’s tobacco farm as a youngster.
Bruce Lunsford: Bring together all parties to review mountaintop removal.
Charles Booker: Marginalized communities harmed by pollution must be heard.
Jim Gray: EPA regulations overstep bounds, but we can't throw them out.
Matt Bevin: I don't support cockfighting, but don't criminalize it.
Daniel Cameron: Opposes EPA targeting coal industry over climate change.
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Families & Children
Amy McGrath: Help working class families with checks during pandemic.
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Foreign Policy
Amy McGrath: We need strong military, but also strong diplomatic corps.
Jim Gray: Stand with our allies to protect our global interests.
Matt Bevin: No unilateral action in Eastern Europe.
Mitch McConnell: 1985: Led anti-apartheid bill through Senate.
Steven Cox: America is the greatest nation; we should lead.
Steven Cox: America is ignoring our role as stewards who save the world.
Andy Barr: Require the President to sanction CCP military companies.
Daniel Cameron: Enough is enough when it comes to funding Ukraine.
Thomas Massie: Supporters of Israel are agents of a foreign government.
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Free Trade
Alison Grimes: Halt flow of jobs overseas; no subsidies for job exporters.
Amy McGrath: Pulling out of Trans-Pacific Partnership cost us influence.
Jim Gray: Trade deals are a net positive for Kentucky.
Mitch McConnell: Trade agreements allow selling farm products abroad.
Andy Barr: Trump's tariffs will ultimately open markets to US products.
Daniel Cameron: Tariffs are how we liberate and rebuild our great country.
Thomas Massie: I would be OK with using tariffs instead of the income tax.
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Government Reform
Amy McGrath: Implement term limits, require release of tax returns.
Amy McGrath: We must protect election process from foreign interference.
Amy McGrath: I served in the military for 24 years; I voted by mail.
Charles Booker: Remove barriers to democratic participation.
Charles Booker: Restore voting rights to those who paid for their crimes.
Jack Conway: I stood up for the people against price-gouging & lies.
Jim Gray: Campaign finance system is broken; root it out.
Mitch McConnell: Federal shutdown was just a 2-week paid vacation: bad policy.
Steven Cox: Increase transparency in campaign finance.
Steven Cox: End Citizens United, remove corporate money from politics.
Steven Cox: Supports any laws that ensure elections can't be bought.
Wesley Morgan: Supports term limits; repeal 17th amendment.
Herschel Walker: Congress has no power to overturn state-certified elections.
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Gun Control
Alison Grimes: Same background-check standards at gun store versus gun show.
Amy McGrath: Supports background checks, honest conversation about guns.
C. Wesley Morgan: Count on me to protect your 2nd amendment rights.
Charles Booker: Supports gun control; background checks; no assault weapons.
Jim Gray: Ban gun purchases by people on FBI terrorist watch list.
Jim Gray: Ok to delay gun sales for 72 hours, but no secret lists.
Wesley Morgan: Oppose all efforts to eliminate; restrict 2nd Amendment.
Andy Barr: Restricting assault weapons from under 21 not constitutional.
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Health Care
Alison Grimes: Delay mandated coverage, but keep ObamaCare.
Alison Grimes: Kynect heroically for expanding Medicaid under ObamaCare.
Amy McGrath: Improve ACA; don't get rid of private insurance.
Amy McGrath: For bipartisan plan to fix ObamaCare's problems.
Amy McGrath: Will fight to lower prescription drug costs.
Bruce Lunsford: McConnell is bought and paid for by drug companies.
Charles Booker: Has diabetes & rationed insulin: need Medicare for All.
Charles Booker: More expensive to do nothing than implement Medicare for all.
Charles Booker: Supports Medicare for All & Green New Deal.
Charles Booker: Expanding Medicaid under ACA led to economic boom.
Charles Booker: As diabetic knows reality of rationing insulin due to cost.
Jack Conway: Pay for Obamacare with bulk purchasing & fraud units.
Jim Gray: Ensure solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund.
Mitch McConnell: ObamaCare's Kynect is a state decision, but yeah, it's ok.
Mitch McConnell: ObamaCare is a train wreck; do what we can to repeal it.
Rand Paul: Obamacare will cost $3T & health insurance still goes up 15%.
Steven Cox: Medicare-For-All would reduce healthcare costs.
Steven Cox: Passionate about healthcare.
Steven Cox: Support Medicare for All.
Steven Cox: Medicare for All absolutely needs to be done.
Steven Cox: Medicare-for-All would reduce healthcare costs.
Wesley Morgan: Abolish ObamaCare; free market is best.
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Homeland Security
Amy McGrath: Fully fund the VA so veterans get quality health care.
Jack Conway: Let gays serve openly in US military.
Jim Gray: Support the military, intelligence community, & diplomacy.
Mitch McConnell: AdWatch: Brought in new VA hospital; & higher pay for troops.
Rand Paul: Military should decide don't-ask-don't-tell policy.
Rand Paul: 2015: Introduced Arming All Pilots Act.
Pamela Stevenson: Pass legislation to stop veterans from killing themselves.
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Immigration
Alison Grimes: Supports bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform.
Amy McGrath: For secure borders & meaningful immigration reform.
Amy McGrath: Give DREAMers a chance to become full citizens.
C. Wesley Morgan: Ten year moratorium on all immigration.
Charles Booker: Supports path to citizenship for undocumented.
Charles Booker: Create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
Jack Conway: Be tough & sensible; increase border security.
Mitch McConnell: Border security first: the key to getting a final outcome.
Mitch McConnell: Some protections for DACA but restrict immigration.
Rand Paul: Obamacare treats illegal aliens because it's illegal to ask.
Steven Cox: Rise to the occasion to welcome immigrants & refugees.
Wesley Morgan: Supports "real border enforcement"; opposes amnesty.
Andy Barr: Restart border wall; reinstate the remain in Mexico policy.
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Jobs
Amy McGrath: Pro-union, supports gradual rise of minimum wage to $15/hour.
Bruce Lunsford: Agrees with all issues that AFL-CIO has asked him to support.
C. Wesley Morgan: Make Kentucky a Right to Work State.
Charles Booker: We are going to stand up for organized labor.
Jack Conway: 20% hometown tax credit for cost of creating a new job.
Mitch McConnell: Supports right to work laws; against minimum wage hike.
Steven Cox: Right to work laws threaten our freedom.
Steven Cox: Stop misuse of work visas to protect American workers.
Daniel Cameron: Advocate for the dismantling of DEI within corporate America.
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Principles & Values
Alison Grimes: Fight "Senator Gridlock": Kentucky pays for GOP dysfunction.
Alison Grimes: AdWatch: Grimes' opponent offered deal to drop out.
Alison Grimes: One of us represents Washington; one of us represents KY.
Bruce Lunsford: McConnell enables Bush & squandered 24 years in Senate.
C. Wesley Morgan: Freedom of Faith, Family and Country.
Charles Booker: Launched "Hood to the Holler" to bridge urban-rural divide.
Charles Booker: Build broad coalitions; break down barriers of race & class.
Jack Conway: An honor to run for Wendell Ford's senate seat.
Jack Conway: Claims Rand Paul worships "Aqua Buddha" & mocks Holy Bible.
Jack Conway: TV ad: Rand Paul made fun of Christianity and Christ.
Jack Conway: FactCheck: "Aqua Buddha" TV ad is accurate but over the top.
Jack Conway: TV ad: Accuser is anonymous, but a Mr. Green says it's true.
Mitch McConnell: After 24 years, one of the two leaders in the US Senate.
Mitch McConnell: Leadership has value; freshmen have little impact.
Rand Paul: This is not Wendell Ford's seat; it's the people's seat.
Rand Paul: This election really is about the president's agenda.
Rand Paul: Accused of belonging to secret society NoZe Brotherhood.
Rand Paul: I'm "a pro-life Christian"; denies worshiping "Aqua Buddha".
Rand Paul: Under KY law,can't run for Senate & President on same ballot.
Steven Cox: Criminalize pork-barrel bills.
Steven Cox: Socially progressive, fiscally conservative.
Wesley Morgan: 100 % Trump supporter: "I'm so anti-Democrat".
Wesley Morgan: Supported Democrat after 2018 primary loss.
Wesley Morgan: Filed bill making it harder to remove Confederate statues.
Pamela Stevenson: Put God back in schools? Put Christ back in Christians.
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Social Security
C. Wesley Morgan: Social security taxes should go directly to a private trust.
Jack Conway: Pledges to not scale back program nor raise retirement age.
Jim Gray: Fight any measure to cut or privatize Social Security.
Rand Paul: Raise the retirement age for people under age 55.
Rand Paul: I've never challenged constitutionality of Social Security.
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Tax Reform
Alison Grimes: Close tax loopholes for wealthy to pay for college loans.
Bruce Lunsford: Eliminate the capital gains tax.
C. Wesley Morgan: Abolish the state income tax, to create jobs.
Charles Booker: Close loopholes for wealthy, ease burden on working families.
Jack Conway: Keep Bush tax cuts during recession.
Mitch McConnell: Resolve to lower capital gains taxes.
Mitch McConnell: Comprehensive tax reform can work if it's revenue-neutral.
Mitch McConnell: 2017 tax bill helped middle class & small businesses.
Rand Paul: Balanced budget amendment to pay to extend $4T Bush tax cuts.
Wesley Morgan: Repeal 16th amendment; abolish IRS.
Wesley Morgan: Amend Constitution to balance budget without raising taxes.
Pamela Stevenson: Voted for tax relief but concerned about revenue shortfalls.
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Technology
Amy McGrath: Invest in infrastructure, broadband, electricity grid.
Bruce Lunsford: Supports net neutrality; McConnell stalled it.
Steven Cox: Expand property rights to personal data; for net neutrality.
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War & Peace
Alison Grimes: Israel has the right to defend herself.
Alison Grimes: Don't send US troops back to Iraq; but support role ok.
Amy McGrath: Support NATO alliance; support two-state Israel solution.
Amy McGrath: No nukes in North Korea; nuke deal with Iran.
Amy McGrath: All major military actions must be approved by Congress.
Jim Gray: We must destroy ISIS where they are.
Thomas Massie: Airstrikes against Houthis illegal without Congress' okay.
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Welfare & Poverty
Alison Grimes: Shameful to oppose food stamp program during recession.
Amy McGrath: Established food bank relief fund in Kentucky.
Charles Booker: A universal basic income will address racism and poverty.
Jack Conway: Faith-based programs instead of federal money.
Jack Conway: Claims Paul would end federal faith-based initiatives.
Mitch McConnell: Opposed Farm Bill due to too-generous food stamp program.
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