To many, this upcoming 2024 election is one of the most important we’ve ever had due to the significant issues facing the United States such as economic challenges, immigration, women’s rights, and much more. The two candidates are Donald Trump (Republican party) and Kamala Harris (Democrat party). Everyone’s vote is crucial when it comes to resolving the main issues of our country. The Raider Review aims to gain insight on students’ opinions about the two major presidential candidates while in addition helping them solidify their beliefs.
On July 21, current President Joe Biden dropped his reelection campaign and endorsed current Vice President Kamala Harris. Former president and republican candidate Donald Trump had a commanding lead of 3-5 percentage points in major swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and, Georgia before the change in Democratic candidate. Polls now show an extraordinarily close race with many swing states having razor thin margins, with Kamala improving slightly since the presidential debate on September 10th,
In a poll of 25 students, 15 of them supported Kamala Harris. Students shared the opinion that Trump’s policies are corrupt. A 10th grader says “Harris seems to have well-thought-out and elaborate plans for improvement.” While Trump just “rambles and his plans do not seem to favor the people of America, just those whose pockets are full,” with the rest of the poll results showing students are in support of Trump. A common opinion students shared was that they “support his [Trump’s] policies more than Kamala’s.” Another student, a senior, says she agrees with his “views on abortion” in addition to other policies.
Ailani Marsh a Senior at ERHS says her political beliefs align with that of Kamala Harris. Marsh watched the presidential debate and says it reinforced her beliefs. She also said she believes Harris is more “for the people, she addressed much more in the debate as well which I liked a lot.” She also added that Trump wants to take our country back many years and cancel out any improvement we’ve had. Marsh’s main point is to “educate yourself, don’t listen to what the media is telling you, definitely watch the debate.” This is advice everyone should take in order to make sure to see which candidate’s vision for our country best aligns with their own.
Sophomore Nicolas Coman supports Kamala Harris. He explains “I believe that Kamala Harris is a continuation of the Biden administration… I particularly like her V.P. pick, Tim Walz”.” When asked about his most pressing issue Nicolas answered “The United States has slumped recently in terms of the ease of which someone can comfortably support themselves, let alone a family. I think it’s time we address the difficulties young people are facing in supporting themselves.” This sentiment has been very common for people on both sides of the political party divide as the U.S. has seen a 21.2 percent increase in prices since February 2020 when the pandemic began, according to bankrate.
With the 2024 election swiftly approaching it is clear that younger generations will have to face the impacts the results of this election can create. From economic challenges to social issues and whether you support Kamala Harris or Former President Donald Trump, it’s important that students, as the next generation of adults, create a country for the following generations that is most suitable for everyone.
