Since President Joe Biden announced in July that he would not be running for a second term, the main contenders for the White House are former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Next month, one of them will become the next president of the United States.
Since the 2020 election, there have been a series of legal battles, assassination attempts, an escalation of violence, rhetoric and promises in anticipation of the next election.
Murray State students were asked their thoughts on the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election. Questions ranged from being registered to vote, their current concerns, their personal thoughts on the candidates, any criticism they had, any hopes they had and if they intended to vote for either Trump or Harris.
The following consists of the students who participated in the questions.
Bo Slaton, freshman agriculture business major, whose faith and rights are what’s important to him as an American, said he intends to vote for Trump. He is concerned about the economy and the high cost of living.
“Though neither candidate is a perfect fit,” Slaton said, “I feel that Trump is our best option. Yes, he says things that he shouldn’t and is a jerk most times. However, he is a businessman and knows how to run our country.”
Slaton criticized Harris for being an ineffective vice president for the last three years, claiming she is no good. He also remarked on the government’s continued funding of Ukraine during the current war with Russia.
“The left is all about blowing our money (on) useless matters but doing nothing for our people,” Slaton said. “Our only hope is if Trump wins.”
Clay England, freshman agriculture systems technology major, said he intends to vote for Trump. He finds his freedoms and opportunities important to him as an American.
England said he is concerned about the current state of the country.
“I am also worried about the rising cost of living and the influx of illegal immigrants in the U.S.,” England said.
He also said he is not a fan of either candidate.
“I like Trump, but I think he will be hard on the country in order to get revenge,” he said. “I don’t like Kamala at all. I don’t think she is fit to run the country, as well as taking it seriously.”
England said he hopes for a fair election and that Trump is elected.
Adyson Townsend, sophomore musical theater major, said she intends to vote for Harris. She said she desires the right to an abortion and hopes everyone gets what they want out of the election.
Townsend said she wishes presidential elections to be more respectful.
“Theoretically, both candidates are going to do what they think is best or what will help them the most,” she said.
Townsend said she is not a fan of Trump, simply because of his character.
“As of right now, Kamala Harris has my vote,” Townsend said.
Ly Myre, sophomore wildlife biology major, who believes everyone should be equitably supported in the U.S., said she intends to vote for Harris. However, she said neither Harris or Trump are the best people to run a country.
Myre criticized the two candidates for not being optimal choices.
“Trump should for sure be in prison right now,” Myre said. “Kamala should get her values checked and reevaluate her views on the genocide in Gaza.”
Myre said she hopes that Trump does not win.
While she is voting for Harris, Myre wishes for better, third-party candidates, if not for the lack of campaigning and lack of a chance to win.
“I think it would be a wasted vote,” she said.
Issac Reynolds, junior computer science major, said he has no confidence in either candidate or their running mates. He said he is worried about the state of the economy and the cost of goods and services as he nears graduating and entering the job market.
“If I vote, I won’t feel good about voting for either of them,” Reynolds said.
In his criticism of the candidates, Reynolds said he is exceptionally disappointed in what both parties offer right now. His main hope for the election is that it doesn’t lead to any violence, referencing the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol Riot.
“I just hope that the process goes smoothly and we end up with a president that makes decent, reasonable decisions,” he said.
Reynolds said he doesn’t know if he’ll vote.
“Weighing all the negatives between the two feels like an insurmountable task,” Reynolds said. “Unless something happens to drastically sway my opinions in the near future, voting really just seems like a waste of time.”
