America Braces for 2024 Election
Every four years, our nation comes together to elect a new president. The staff and students at Kapaun Mt. Carmel will be voting in this election Nov. 5.
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee and former president, went from debating with President Joe Biden in June, to almost getting assassinated in July. Joe Biden was the original nominee for the Democratic party, with Kamala Harris as his VP. But after his debate against Trump, and people within the Democratic party calling for him to not run, Biden dropped out of the race in mid-July to be replaced by Harris.
Even though the Democrats have had a change in candidate, many are supportive of Harris. "I am hoping that if Kamala is elected she will continue what I have experienced under Biden and quietly work to pass policies that positively impact people who need them," said Thomas Benz, a 27-year-old Democratic voter from the Wichita area.
Harris has not only been backed by former Biden supporters, but by several names in pop culture.
According to Forbes, Harris has been endorsed by celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Mark Hamill, Charli XCX and Cardi B, as well as former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
Also, Kamala has reportedly raised over $500 million for her campaign, compared to Trump's $300 million. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly said he is a self-funder, and also a billionaire.
According to donaldjtrump.com, Trump's campaign has been focused on "our disastrously open border, our weakened economy, crippling restrictions on American energy production, our depleted military, attacks on the American system of justice, and much more."
Benz believes Trump's campaign "has focused on being anti-Democrat."
Trump has been known for his criticisms of Biden and the Democrats, but after his assassination attempt, he has toned down the personal attacks. When he spoke at the Republican National Convention July 18 he only mentioned Biden once.
According to kamalaharris.com, Harris is "leading the charge to protect fundamental freedoms, including the right to an abortion and the right to vote."
If elected, Harris promises a federal legalization of abortion. This policy specifically violates the teachings of the Catholic Church, and some voters at KMC agree.
"I'm going to be legal voting age by November, and I'm voting for Trump," senior Ben Strunk said. "Our state is a hotspot for abortion policies. Trump could help sway our states to pro-life policies."
Trump wants to let states decide on the issue of abortion, instead of making it a nationwide issue.
As for VP picks, Harris chose Minnesota governor Tim Walz, while Trump chose Ohio senator JD Vance.
Voters have learned more about Vance from his popular biography.
"JD Vance is an interesting pick." Strunk said. "I watched the movie about his biography, "Hillbilly Elegy.""
Other voters are less enthusiastic about Vance.
"He spends his time continuing what Trump has done and simply trying to drag down his political opponents with name calling," Benz said.
Vance has been a controversial pick, but so has Walz. Benz described Walz as "seem[ing] like a very down-to-earth and friendly man. He has passed many policies in his home state that have positively impacted their economy and citizens." However, critics of Walz have noted his slow response to the 2020 Minneapolis riots and controversial military record.
"I have no idea who will win this election, because I have failed in past predictions," history teacher Ben Riley said. "Long term, I worry about the economy and foreign policy."
The 2024 election will be a close one, and it all comes down to voters across the country. All eligible voters at KMC can go out and vote Nov. 5, and other students not able to vote can register online, or make posters or donations for their candidates.