Hanna Aggen and Nyema Gillespie
America now knows the results of the 2024 Presidential Election. The students at the Mount on the night of, however, did not know what to expect. On November 5, 2024, there were multiple interviews done with students and staff members on our campus.
Two reporters from the Echo were sent out the day of, to find out what the students and faculty thought the results would be. The first interviewed seven students, and one staff member. Three interviewees were women, five were men. These were their response to the questions “Who do you think will win the election?” and “Have you been looking at polls?”
David Mishra (C’26) stated that, “The last map I saw, I think Trump was winning. So, I think Trump will, just based off the last map I saw.” He seemed very confident in his response. Will Barone (C’28) said, “I think it is tough, but if Trump can get Pennsylvania he will win.” He stated that he has not be looking at maps, and that he is “kind of waiting until it ends.” Abigail Sour (C’26) answered “Kamala.” She looked at maps earlier in the day but got nervous and had to put them away.
The next interviewee is a staff member here at the Mount. Cassidy Johnson, Assistant Student Athlete Advisor, admitted “I have no idea. I think it is a toss-up. I have been thinking about it pretty much all day. I think the world’s kind of divided 50-50.”
Another student, Alex Dixon (C’27), stated, “I think honestly Trump might win just based off what I’ve seen. But I think it will be very close. I think Kamala has a chance.” Luke Popiano (C’26) said, “I think Harris will win. I have looked at some polling stuff, and that’s based off what I’ve seen.”
Lucas Koon-Perez (C’27), stated, “I hope Kamala but let’s be real it is going to be Trump. I am not a big politician. It is just based on the states honestly.” Abby Forbes (C’28) said, “I think it is going to be really close. I think it is going to be Harris but really close.”
Many of the students were either very confident in their answer or had no idea at all. It can also be noted that many of the male students thought it would go to Trump, whereas the female interviewees were more likely to be unsure.
The second interviewer received a juxtaposition in answers compared to the first interviewer. Although all students who were interviewed believed Harris would win, they took a more realist approach, admitting that Trump might take the title based on how gender plays a role in politics. Alysha John, (C'28), illustrates, "Although we have come a long way regarding gender politics and are having a more progressive movement, America has yet to accept the ideology of a female president."
Fellow students from the class of 2026 also chimed in, saying, "They would be highly disappointed if the election rules in Trump’s favor; however, they wouldn’t be surprised at all." Clarissa Gulab, (C'26), chimed in, displaying her frustration about the possible future of this election: "I think it is disappointing to know that so many people are voting for Trump just on the mere basis of not wanting a woman of color in office.
As a fellow woman of color, it is very upsetting to see this in real time." She also delves into Trump’s controversial background in comparison to Harris’s: "Kamala is a good candidate for president. Although Trump has a criminal background and multiple allegations surrounding his behavior, the thought of people choosing him to lead our country is very eye-opening in terms of what morals Americans stand on.”
The interviews highlight the complex intersection of gender, race and politics in shaping voters' perceptions of the upcoming election.
Despite the progress made, many students express frustration with the persistent biases that may influence the outcome, particularly regarding a woman of color in the highest office. The contrasting perspectives reflect both hope for change and a sobering awareness of the challenges still faced in achieving true political equality.
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