When the results of the 2024 presidential election were finalized, some across the country began to party, while others began to cry. The ongoing tension and ill will leading up to the election only increased as the ultimate winner was declared: Republican candidate Donald Trump. Throughout the months prior to election day, both candidates advertised their policies in any way possible. With each one having a different perspective about the problems plaguing the country, the states began to significantly divide. Now, with the former president officially destined to enter the White House again, emotions have spiraled and threats of violence have increased among the public.
There are numerous issues facing the country that need to be addressed, but former president Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris approached them from very different angles. Whether it is abortion, climate change or the border crisis, each candidate represented the divided ideologies that haunt the United States. Each sought to convince citizens that only their approach would lead America to safety and prosperity. Unfortunately, only one could win, which left the other party dissatisfied.
“The tension from this election has been felt across the whole country. No matter who ends up winning, someone is going to be unhappy. People have such different views on what America needs right now, and this is going to cause some to resort to violence,” junior Alyssa Dopico said.
As a republican, Trump is a strong advocate for limiting abortion rights. His administration and the Supreme Court are responsible for the overturn of Roe v. Wade, which had previously given women access to abortion. Now, with individual states having control of abortion rights, women are left with little to no access depending on where they live. Throughout the political campaign, various religious faiths voiced their opinion that abortions should be illegal. This only served to deepen the divide between American voters. Trump’s views greatly differ from those of Vice President Harris, who advocates for abortion rights across the entire country. This issue alone has become a major point of conflict within the election, as differences cannot seem to be reconciled between the two groups. While abortion is undeniably important, it is only one of the myriad challenges facing the nation.
“The election is going to cause major problems between everyone throughout the country. I really hope peace will be kept, but I doubt it. Trump and Harris have such different views and because of that, not everyone is going to be happy with the results. It is a really uneasy time to be living here,” sophomore Emilia Kohnstamm said.
Climate change, another prevalent issue that has disrupted American politics, is also perceived in different ways by Trump and Harris. Trump has downplayed the urgency of climate change over and over again, and has even removed the country from foreign environmental regulations. Harris, on the other hand, advocated for investment in diverse sources of energy. She does not want to rely solely on oil usage, but rather she wants to expand renewable energy. Because voters have formed such different perspectives about climate change, it has become a highly debated topic. Countless disagreements about how to address the issue properly have arisen. Since climate change has the potential to affect all Americans, finding a peaceful solution is truly essential to prevent it from intensifying. By focusing on cooperation as a nation, perhaps a solution can be found that will satisfy both parties.
“Both of the candidates have really different views on the problems we face in America, and this has only worsened the tension leading up to election day. The divide between people is inevitably going to lead to violence and a political crisis. I do not know how the country will recover from it,” junior Alejandro Monroy said.
The border crisis, a problem that has been ongoing for years, was also looked at by both presidential candidates in diverse ways. Trump is promising the largest deportation in the country’s history, which he intends to pay for with redirected military funds. He is ready to use the National Guard to create rapid deportations. Harris, on the other hand, focused more on the root cause of immigration itself. She was on her way to creating a comprehensive immigration reform meant to secure the border but also to treat migrants with fairness. Though immigration is one of the major difficulties in American politics, it should not be splitting the nation to such a great extent. It has been an ongoing issue for many years, as each president has faced his own challenges when seeking a solution. No one is truly to blame for the complications surrounding immigration, and it is imperative that politicians focus on a way to improve the system without promoting social division. Hostility will not achieve anything for the country, as it will only hinder efforts to resolve the worsening problem.
“I do not know how we are ever going to have peace after this election. Everyone has such strong beliefs, and they are not scared to stand up for what they want. The chance of some sort of political violence is extremely high, and I am scared to see what will happen when the results are finally out,” junior Adriana Garcia said.
As former president Trump returns to office in January, tension is still likely to persist between the political parties, with unity seeming to be a very distant prospect. When looking at the next four years, a prominent question has arisen among the American public: Will America really be great again or will it deteriorate to a new low? It is certain, though, that if citizens continue to resort to violence over politics, there will be no positive outcome. Peace must be encouraged between the political parties, even if opinions remain strong. As all Americans prepare for the next president term, they will inevitably adjust to a new chapter of leadership under President Trump.
