The presidential election has Bucks County Community College students divided and muddled regarding President Donald Trump being reelected into office for a second term.
Pennsylvania is split down party lines, and it was often referred to as the state which would determine the result of this election. Similarly, the students at Bucks have very split opinions on the election’s outcome.
“I think it could be a good chance for the country to grow in many ways, mainly economically and health-wise.” Bucks student, Jeffrey Horvath, a 24-year-old business administration major said. “Only time will truly tell what all the outcomes will be.”
While the 2020 presidential election took days to declare due to the number of mail-in and absentee ballots, the 2024 election results were declared less than 24 hours after polls first opened.
Nathan Richard, a 23-year-old finance major stated, “I was surprised how quickly the result were declared. I am not happy with the results, I was surprised when I saw Trump beating his 2020 margins, then when I saw this trend was holding around rural counties, I knew it was over for Kamala.”
This presidential election was a significant opportunity for young people to exercise their right to vote. The 18-35 demographic was heavily targeted by both campaigns. “This was my first time voting, and I was excited!” Ashley Miller, a 22-year-old primary education major said. “I did a lot of research, and living in a battleground state makes our votes more vital. Though the results didn’t go the way I wanted them to go, I am worried and conflicted on how the next four years are going to end up.”
With a second presidential term on the way, Trump has been dealing with many legal issues including accusations of sexual misconduct. CNN News reported that since the 1970s, over 26 women have come forward accusing Trump of sexual assault.
Trump has denied all accusations and wrongdoings, calling his critics “horrible, horrible liars.”
The female students at Bucks have divided opinions. “I hate that he won, he is a rapist. I feel like there will be a vendetta against women and more of their rights will be taken away,” Blair Langston, a 25-year-old human resource major elaborated.
Ryan Lancaster, a 23-year-old business administration major voiced her opposite opinion, “This is a literal joke with the aftermath of the election, people are acting like women’s rights are going to be taken away, when that is not the case whatsoever.”
She continued: “The election is turning out to be ‘if you didn’t vote for Harris, you are a racist piece of sh*t that hates women and loves rapist,’ I don’t agree with that narrative.”
Sweeping all seven of the swing states and collecting 312 electoral votes, Trump is the first Republican candidate in two decades to win the popular vote.
“I wasn’t crazy about either candidate, but I’m not surprised that Trump won. I think we are going to head in the right direction instead of going backwards and Trump winning every swing state proves people wanted change.” Kevin Eble, a 22-year-old finance major said. “Life will go on and we will be alright.”