Students and first-time voters say this election has not been the most ideal, but it’s certainly been historical. Donald Trump, the billionaire, reality TV star and businessman who has never held political office, will be the 45th President of the United States.
Although Trump won the mock election hosted by The Stampede, many students say they were surprised to see him do so well in the 2016 presidential election.
“When I found out, I was just shocked and concerned,” Elissa Borchert, a junior, said.
Seth Hilbert, a senior, said he too was surprised with the electoral college results.
“I definitely thought that Hillary was going to win,” he said. “She was not expecting to lose, and a lot of others didn’t think she would either.”
And Ryan Kitchen, a senior who serves as president of the Milligan College Democrats, agrees with Hilbert.
“Even if you were hoping Trump would win, I think we were all surprised,” Kitchen said
Hilbert said what shocked him most was how many swing states Trump won over in the election.
“I was amazed that he was winning in narrow margins states that do not typically go to Republicans,” Hilbert said.
Donald Trump won victories in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania; causing the “blue wall” to go red in this election.
“I really hoped my home state, Pennsylvania, would have come through,” Kitchen said. “Unfortunately they did not, and they have gone red for the first time in a long time.”
Trump has reshaped the political map, and Hilbert is hoping Trump can also reshape the economy.
“I think it’s important to remember that one of our biggest issues right now is the economy and that is his strongest attribute,” he said.
Borchert said that while Trump may be a good businessman, he may not be good for the economy.
“I think it’s interesting that people equate a good businessman with someone who helps the economy. There is a huge difference between running a business and running an economy,” she said.
The businessman is not a traditional politician, and – for Kitchen – the president-elect’s lack of political experience is concerning.
“He doesn’t have the same kind of credentials that almost every other president has had,” Kitchen said. “Others have been to prestigious schools, served in the military or held public office before, but Trump is a complete outsider.”
But Hilbert believes Trump is the “anti-establishment” leader that the country needs.
“I don’t think he’s the greatest candidate,” he said. “He may not be the ideal candidate, but he is someone I feel like we need right now.”
On the contrary, Borchert said she’s worried for the well being of the country under Trump.
“I am concerned for the future of the United States, for the economy and for international relations,” she said.
Kitchen said that though his candidate of choice did not win, he is hopeful for the best.
“I think that at this point he is going to lead our country, so it’s important that he is advised well,” Kitchen said. “Whether or not we agree with him is something different, but we should hope for the best.”
Kitchen said we should pray for our country’s success with the new president, but also make efforts towards success by being involved politically.
“I think if you really are as bothered as you say are, you should hold on to that and put it towards effecting change locally and working towards the state and federal level.”