Trojans prefer Harris over Trump

As the November election nears, national polls show the race can swing either way for former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Trojans have cast their ballots in a mock election held by The Olympian and the results are in: Harris secured 70.1% of the votes, while Trump trailed with 29.9%.

Overall, 63.3% of Trojans expressed their support for Harris, while Trump has 23.9% . An overwhelming number of respondents expressed concern about Trump’s criminal activity.

“Trump’s criminal record makes me not approve of him, because how are we going to elect a president who has disobeyed the law on many occasions?” questioned senior Nevin Thomas.

Junior Elena Otero criticized Trump’s past term and stressed the importance of keeping him out of office. “Major job loss, extremely poor handling of the pandemic, spreading of conspiracies, encouraging shooting horse tranquilizer instead of vaccinations, refused to provide aid to Ukraine, and so, so much more encourages me to vote for anyone else.”

Despite the criticisms, many favor the economic conditions under Trump’s presidency.

“When he was president the price of living was manageable, but under the Biden administration the price of living shot up so much. Kamala Harris was a part of the Biden administration, I don’t think she will be any better,” expressed junior Ethan Chen.

Harris faces criticism for her lack of action these past four year in office. “I think they’re both terrible but Kamala uses arguments such as ‘When I’m in office I’ll make changes.’ She is already in office as vice president and isn’t doing anything,” said junior Kaden Liu.

Other arguments against Harris include the constant use of her ethnic background as a political strategy. “Harris just uses her Indian ethnicity to get more votes, she’s not actually proud,” shared sophomore Amrita Gosai.

Overall, Harris supporters are grateful they have the choice of a younger candidate. “I think Kamala is actually sane and will help America. We need someone younger than 80 as a president, someone who will actually listen to the people,” said junior Lucy Bruns.

Yet, many respondents also showed a pressing level of apathy and frustration with the race and its candidates. “If there was a third option I would pick them. Both candidates are acting childish and taking hits at each other to get people to like them,” said junior Brant Myers. “I wish there was a president that is kind and takes care of everyone.

Ultimately, our country’s election climate is increasingly polarized, and The Olympian’s mock election represents this race’s complexity.