Politics has always been a divisive issue, and the recent general election is no exception.
According to the Associated Press (AP), 153 million Americans voted in the 2024 elections, which AP described as a “sky-high turnout.”
With the final polls showing Trump winning both the electoral vote and the popular vote, Americans on both sides of the political aisle have expressed strong emotion towards the topic..
Despite being located in a Republican stronghold, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) students had a diverse range of reactions to the election results.
“I think that despite the majority of polarized opinions on the matter, the vast majority of people will continue to be apathetic to local and state policies, which are the most influential to the average citizen,” said junior political science major Zaph Batts. “I believe this is problematic as it will continue to polarize the country at a federal level whilst not bringing attention down to a local one.”
Some students expressed doubt over the way that both Harris and Trump marketed themselves to the American people. Despite their differences, both Harris and Trump have similarities that some voters aren’t willing to overlook.
“People say the answer always lies in the middle, and I actually think this is quite useful when trying to see both sides to something. The problem that I have with this is it doesn’t allow you to look at answers outside of your ‘scope’ without labeling them extreme[…]this election was a perfect example of the ‘scope’ not being large enough to tell the full story,” says junior social work major Elijah Kitzmann. “Whether you voted for Trump, Harris, or third party, you likely voted for a capitalist who is truly center-left, or center-right. And the differences between these two are few.”
Concerns over the impact a Trump presidency would have on the rights of minority groups spurred many people to cast their ballots in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Due to both the policies he implemented in his first term and comments he made on the campaign trail, many students worry that Trump’s final term will be nothing more than a continuation of his first term.
“I think we’re extremely privileged to live in a state that values autonomy and protects us from injustices stemming from federal decisions,” said sophomore biology major Ryann Warner. “Because of that privilege, so many of my friends don’t recognize that we’re not voting for ourselves. We’re voting for immigrants, LGBT, disabled people who live in states that refuse to recognize autonomy.”
Students have also raised concerns over whether or not Trump was fit to hold office. Trump’s recently acquired felony record and history of misogynistic and racist behavior took center stage for these students.
“This recent election has made me very concerned for the future of the US, more so due to Trump’s followers and his administration than the man himself,” said freshman environmental science major Ivy Carey. “Trump’s stance on the treatment of women is becoming startlingly widespread and even popular. If our president, who is typically meant to be the most respectable person in America, can be guilty of 34 felony charges, then what does that say about us?”
In his first term, Trump put in place a variety of economic policies which many argue were an overall benefit to taxpayers and consumers. In particular his tariffs have been seen by many to be a boon to American businesses, as it gives them more room to compete against foreign companies and firms.
“Trump’s election can be seen as a benefit for economic conditions due to his pro-business policies, which may lead to deregulation and tax cuts that encourage business investment and job growth,” said a sophomore economics major who prefers to remain anonymous. “His focus on revitalizing American manufacturing could create more job opportunities for working-class individuals. Additionally, his actions to renegotiate trade deals might protect domestic industries and jobs from overseas competition.”
Now that the election is over, some students are simply relieved that they no longer have to hear the arguments, disagreement, and heated discussion around it.
Years of political gridlock and bi-partisan squabbling has led many people to adopt a more reserved attitude toward our political system.
“I’d say that I am unhappy with the election results because I don’t align my views with those of rich politicians who seem selfish and misguided,” said sophomore biology major Scarlett Austin. “But I’m not feeling doomsday-ish about the election, because presidents are lucky if they can get one thing they promised in play before their term ends.”
Regardless of political standings, general disagreements and conflicts of opinion, the election brought a sense of community on campus through a time of anxiety for the country as CMU made efforts to promote respect, civil discussion and political engagement among all students.
