Convention Comparison: 4 Key Differences from the RNC and DNC
The 2024 Republican and Democratic National conventions have come and gone, revealing many expected and a few surprise differences in policies, approach, vision and tone for our nation’s future. The Democratic party absorbed the massive change of switching candidates very late in the season, while the Republicans weathered the shocking disruption of the assassination attempt on former President Trump just a few days before their convention.
Republican National Convention
Held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the RNC was energetic, focused on timeless conservative ideals and promoting a return to the policies of former President Donald Trump. It revolved around themes of economic revival, national security and traditional values. The Republican platform includes planks addressing: ending inflation, securing the U.S. border, restoring law and order and revitalizing the economy through deregulation and energy independence. The GOP promised to reverse policies of the Biden administration, particularly in areas like immigration and foreign policy.
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Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention returned to the site of the tumultuous 1968 convention in Chicago. Although more threats of mass protests and violence were common in the run-up to this week’s event, the protests were minimal with only a few episodes of violence and arrests. Key themes included expanding healthcare access, climate change action and protecting voting rights. The Democrats portrayed themselves as champions of middle-class families and social equality in issues like economic recovery post-pandemic, reducing wealth inequality and increasing government support for education and healthcare. The event promoted a message of hope, inclusivity and forward-looking goals.
4 Key Differences
1. Economic Policy
RNC: The GOP’s economic vision includes deregulation and unwinding unreasonable business- and jobs-stifling taxing and rules, various tax cuts, energy independence and a return to Trump-era policies to spark growth in the economy.
DNC: Democratic party plans focus on expanded progressive taxation with reported tax cuts for lower income-bracket taxpayers, increased spending in green energy and social programs to support working-class families.
2. National Security
RNC: Republicans want stronger border enforcement and renewed military updating of weapons systems for strategic purposes, with full support for bringing an end to the war in Israel.
DNC: The Democrats emphasize diplomacy, cooperation between countries and existing alliances, and a focus on human rights.
3. Social Issues
RNC: The GOP platform surprisingly slightly diminished the presence of the topic of abortion, however the pro-life movement and the rights of the unborn remain a core tenet of the Republican ideals in among traditional family values. Also present were school choice and various discussions on the ongoing coarsening of the culture, contrasted against the role of faith in both personal and public life.
DNC: The Democrats on the other hand rolled out a full spectrum of talking points in support of expanding notions of individual rights across many communities under the Democratic tent, protecting abortion access and addressing racism.
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4. Healthcare
RNC: Republicans pushed for market-based healthcare reforms and confining government intervention to reasonable and practical scenarios.
DNC: The Democrat’s convention celebrated Obamacare with frequent calls for extending the Affordable Care Act including options for a universal healthcare model.
People of faith committed to the Great Commission should continue grounding their political and voting choices in Scripture, and keeping all leadership, from their church pastor to their state governor to the Federal government figures covered in prayer.
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Lawrence Tate is a contributor to Charisma Media.
