After the first presidential debate for this election year, students share their views on politics in America in regard to who they will vote for, if they even will vote, and how there is a divide in this country now due to political affiliations.
“Yes, I am going to vote third-party,” said student Lexi Mayo. “I know that at the end of the day it’s “a waste of a vote,” however; I want to vote for someone that I would like to see in office. I do not want to have to pick the lesser of two evils that’s why I am looking at my other options. Frankly, it’s sad that American citizens are in the mindset that they only have two options to choose from if they want their voice to count.”
To other students, the best choice is to not make one.
Senior Bradley Vandervoort said he will not be voting in November.
“I don’t really care about politics. It takes too much effort to get (politicians) to do anything, so I might as well not do anything,” said Vandevoort. “As an individual, the only way I can get anything done is if I talk to my senator, and that’s only if they listen personally and don’t let their PR or their image staff get in the way. In Wyoming we have so much representation, but our voice gets drowned out on the national level.”
Vandervoort said he knows how controversial the decision not to vote can be but that he remains undeterred.
“To those who tell me I am wasting my vote, Wyoming hasn’t changed its political affiliation in the last 30+ years, so I’m sure Trump will get all three of our votes no matter how I vote,” said Vandervoort.
True to Wyoming’s history, there is no shortage of Conservative/Republican support to be found on campus as evidenced by student Meredith Hoerman.
“I think I was taught good conservative family values since a young age, things like working hard, respecting others, and taking accountability for your actions and choices,” said Hoerman.
Despite the difference in political affiliations, Hoerman’s views on the climate as a whole reflect Mayo’s and Vandervoort’s.
“I feel we’ve become very divided,” said Hoerman. “If you are a Trump supporter, you are automatically seen as racist and the media is worshipping all things liberal. It seems easier to be indifferent these days.”
Mayo said that nowadays in America people are quick to judge others based on their political affiliation without getting to know the person.
“Here’s this huge divide in our country currently and I personally feel like the two-party system plays a major role in that,” said Mayo. “If you were to walk into a room and say, “I’m a Republican/Democrat” half the people will like you and the other half won’t.”
Mayo, who identifies with the Libertarian political group, had strong opinions on the state of the political union and the presidential debate, which occurred Tuesday, Sept. 28.
“Yes, it is embarrassing to watch,” said Mayo. “I really like the words that Jake Tapper said after the debate, “That was a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.” I agree with him 100%.”
In terms of topics, all three students said the COVID-19 pandemic is the most valued topic in the presidential debate.
“I feel like COVID-19 is the most pressing issue,” said Mayo. “However, my focus is on a vaccine. When one is developed, how will it be distributed? Will it be made available to the public? How much will it cost?”
Vandevoort said he believes the priority should be what the COVID-19 protocol will be and how the economy will go back to normal after the numerous shutdowns.
Hoerman said she is most concerned with how much money will be spent on COVID-19 precautions as a nation.
Mayo, Vandevoort and Hoerman all said other potential hot button issues include, foreign relations, renewable energy, natural gas and oil consumption, the Black Lives Matter Movement and willingness to put the country and its citizens first.
