On Nov. 5, 2024, Americans will go to their polling place to vote for the next United States President.  Presently, the election is between the 2017–2021 President, Donald Trump (R–FL), and the present Vice President, Kamala Harris (D–CA).  This current state of the race only came up after the incumbent President, Joe Biden, drew his hat out of the ring and quit his campaign for the 2024 presidency on July 21, 2024.

There had been previous opinions that he should drop out, such as after the first Presidential debate between Trump and Biden.  When the decision was made, Herrin High students had some opinions. 

“I think Joe Biden desperately needed to drop from the race. All political views aside, he is too old to be in a position of extreme power. Concerning the longevity of America, this country needs a well-versed, dynamic individual to fight for the greater good both domestically and internationally,” said one.

Another responded: “First of all he didn’t drop out of the race, he was forced out of the race due to his declining mental health.”

And when Biden quit his bid, Harris quickly took over.  On July 22, the Associated Press surveyed Democratic delegates and determined Harris to be the presumptive candidate.  She was endorsed by such figures as the Obamas (President and First Lady respectively 2009–2017) and Jimmy Carter (President 1977–1981).  On Aug. 5, Harris was nominated to run for President of the Democratic Party.  Throughout this time, Harris was overseeing her presidential campaign.

One interviewee said: “I feel like they are running a campaign that is directed toward the younger people of America, and in that sense, it seems to be a good campaign to attract young voters. On the other hand, unless some of the older people are already sharing her views then I don’t think her campaign has done much to sway those older voters.”

More positive opinions were expressed: “I absolutely love the Kamala HQ TikTok account and think that they are doing an amazing job of appealing to younger voters by following trends and themes popular with them.”  Examples of these trends include the reference to Harris as “brat” — a nod to Charli XCX’s summer album.

However, another’s opinion differed: “Her policies on certain things are shaky at best. She attempts to appeal to a center-right audience who would vote for Trump for no real reason, or for a reason that is verifiably false, rather than the millions of undecided left to far-left groups, such, as communists, socialists and anarchists.”

Still, many students did not express a belief that Harris was running a strong campaign.  “They are more focused on media and personal opinion rather than facts and the economic state of the United States.”

Another corroborated: “I feel like the campaign is focused a little too much on bashing Trump’s image instead of promoting her policies.”

And what image has Trump crafted?  His campaign was forced to adapt from facing Biden to facing Harris.  Additionally, he was locked in an extended series of trials and lawsuits and was targeted in assassination attempts.  How has he adapted, and has he maintained a strong campaign run? 

“Yes, especially since after the assassination attempts, he still walks around not scared of what could happen and showing his supporters that he isn’t about to back down and that he’s willing to put his life on the line for the American people.”

Another agreed: “They capitalize on issues with the Biden-Harris campaign. They point out problems and give solutions, unlike Harris would do. He wants what is best for the families of America.”

By contrast, some students were not as confident in his campaign as others.  “I feel like they are running a campaign very similar to his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, but I have not seen many rebuttals to the Harris HQ claims made in their political ads. If they were to start doing that, I would probably consider it to be a decent campaign,” one answered.

This lack of confidence is further expressed by HHS students regarding the current series of courtroom affairs Trump has been involved.  “I think that the legal issues that he has faced are much more pressing for most Americans. I have seen people with the take that if a felon can’t vote, how come they can run for president? I completely agree. I strongly disagree with the Supreme Court decision saying that a president is immune for official acts … It feels as though he thinks he is above the law.”

The main issues of the election (“The economy, foreign issues, crime, and immigration,” said one student.  “Rights for gay and trans people, abortion rights, the genocide in Palestine, and probably the economy,” said another) came to a head in the Sept. 10 Presidential Election, hosted by ABC.  

“It felt like [Trump] was just rambling on and on about Hispanics invading the country even though most of the Haitian migrants that are in Springfield are legal immigrants. Also, they are not eating the pets.  Harris’s performance wasn’t anything to write home about, but compared to Trump it was beautiful.  Sadly, a subpar performance is the best we as Americans can ask for when choosing our next leader,” a Herrin student said.

“Trump sounded like he knew what he was talking about, could answer questions, had a plan, and reasonable priorities,” another answered.  “While Kamala seemed like she had very few answers to questions and her ‘priorities’ seemed made up.”

However, a presidential candidate can only do so much alone — they need a running mate.

On July 15, Trump announced JD Vance — a senator from Ohio — as his prospective Vice President.  Vance served in the U.S. Marine Corps before a 2013 Yale Law School graduation.  He is also the author of the book Hillbilly Elegy.  Sworn in on Jan. 3, 2023, as a Senator, Vance struck up a vigorous career — as a member of three committees, a 45-time speaker, and the sponsor of 57 bills.  In 2016, he ran against Trump for the Republican nomination before he was chosen as his Vice Presidential candidate in 2024.

On the choice of Vance, one HHS student had to say: “JD Vance is also an incredible speaker. I have never seen him slip over his own words or go back on what he says. He defends everything Trump says as well.”

However, another held more decidedly negative views.  “I very much so dislike J. D. Vance. I dislike the way he composes himself and how he talks about childless women. I think that Trump’s health is going downhill and I cannot imagine having him as the president of this country.”

Right after her nomination, Harris took up Tim Walz — the governor of Minnesota — as her vice presidential candidate.  Walz served in the Army National Guard when he was 17, serving till he was promoted to Commander Sergeant Major.  He then retired in May 2005, at a lower rank than he was previously promoted to.  Following time as a high school teacher, Walz won six terms as the U.S. Representative in Minnesota’s First Congressional District (a historically Republican district) before deciding to run for governor he marked an early progressive career as a Representative er by supporting the Affordable Care Act.  As Governor, he continued this trend with affordable school lunch programs, gun control measures, and access to abortion rights.  Walz served two gubernatorial terms.

On Walz, one interviewee believed: “I think they could have chosen someone more moderate to get more of the independent vote, but he seems like a likable guy that is not a rich politician. He feels like a flesh and blood American.”

By contrast, one student was staunchly against Walz’s running: “Tim Walz has already shown that he is a liar and he has already lied on several important topics.”

Both men opposed each other in an Oct. 1 debate held by CBS.  According to HHS students, the Vice Presidential Debate between Vance and Walz was more civilized than previously seen.  An HHS interviewee said: “I think their debate was far better than the presidential ones. They were very civil and respectful.”

“They both seem very put together and civilized. The debate between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance was very good, and showed great character from both of them,” one expressed.

A third responded: “When it comes to the Vice-Presidential candidates, I believe that they are both strong for their respective parties. One thing I can say positively about both candidates is that they handled themselves quite professionally and respectfully at the first vice-presidential debate.”

Regarding overall presidential candidate choice, the overwhelming majority of HHS students surveyed favored Trump, with 72.2% choosing him, and 20.3% choosing Harris. 

For those who supported Trump, these voters gave a variety of reasons for why he is their best choice. One said: “When he was first in office, he made it a heck of a lot easier for the working-class Americans. Coming from a house where my dad broke his back every day to provide for us, it made it easier on him and us when Trump was in office and I’m hoping to get back to that.”

Another expressed: “He showed that he can unite many nations, keep America low in cost, and make sure no wars happen. These are all things the democratic candidates have failed in within the past few decades.”

For Harris supporters, much of their justification came from their faith in her maintenance of issues like civil rights.  “I feel she cares about the rights of every person in this country and not just cisgender straight white men. She wants to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land which will save so many people’s lives… She believes in the rights of LGBTQ+ people. I think that no matter who you love you should be treated the same as everyone else. My support of her is equal rights for all.”

For other respondents that chose Harris, however, many are concerned about what a Trump presidency would entail. “Donald Trump is insane and voting third party is the same as not voting, unfortunately,” one wrote.

Most students on either side feel that this election will be close. They see the ever-growing divide in this nation and feel that young people are the key to change. “This election will affect everyone, including young people, so we should be concerned,” one student remarked. Being just one step away from entering college and the adult workforce, HHS students see this as a decision that will have implications for their aspirations as well as future generations.