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History was made on Election Day, November 5th. The United States elected its first felon president Donald J. Trump. The 2024 presidential election was always going to be historic, had Kamala Harris won, she would have been the first US female president in the history. As it is, Trump is also the second in US history to regain the presidency in a split term— the last was President Grover Cleveland who won his first term in 1885 and then again in 1893.
In the twenty-first century, this election was marked by what many called a gender divide and reaction after the election reflects a difference in those views. At SAU, both men and women The Buzz interviewed were split along gender lines.
Most females we interviewed say they felt the country took several steps in the wrong direction, most alluding to women’s rights and what may come next now that Trump is back in office. SAU male students interviewed said they heavily viewed the election as a win for America and for democracy moving forward.
“This was my second time getting to vote. I voted for Trump in 2020 when he lost, he pulled it off this time though and I couldn’t be happier… I expect the stock market to take off and the economy to start booming once he gets back in office next year,” stated a marketing senior John L, who asked his last name not be used.
“I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. with all my roommates waiting for the win to get announced so we could listen to Trump’s victory speech and had the champagne ready!” stated SAU marketing senior Jaxson McGuire.
Most women we interviewed at St Ambrose expressed a different reaction. Many refused to answer follow-up questions or didn’t want to speak on the subject in general.
“My mom and I just got done talking on the phone…we are both speechless…this man is back in office, the man who thinks he’s able to tell me, my sisters, and all other women they don’t have rights to abortions,“ said an anonymous SAU junior.
“I don’t think he’s fit for office, he’s 78; at that age nothing is promised. By the time he’s done with this next term he will be 82 and could be experiencing cognitive decline… we would have been much better off with Kamala,” said a student named Elizabeth.
“Trump wants to put a ban on abortions and make it hard for women all across America to be able to get or have access to abortions or other reproductive treatments…what will he come after next…birth control?” asked another anonymous female student.
To read more about what SAU voters had to say about the issue of reproductive rights, click here.
Students at SAU are very politically tied, all students interviewed were very engaged and active this election season. For many this was the first time to cast their ballots, most mentioned how they were at least grateful to be able to vote.
Jeffrey Speer is a staff writer for The Buzz.
