Considering the importance of past elections at the University of Mississippi, The Daily Mississippian dedicates today’s paper to the upcoming national, statewide and local elections. We hope that the students and faculty who lent their voices to this edition — and the work of our editors, writers, photographers and designers — encourage you to make your own voice heard on Nov. 5.
Kharley Redmon Editor in Chief
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Apathy gives way to anxiety as the election approaches
MEREDITH ANDERSON
A&C Contributor
MVOTING PRESSURE
Some students said that they have been feeling the weight of their vote.
Charlotte Price, a sophomore political science major from Naples, Fla., is among the students who are experiencing election anxiety.
“It has put this big pit in my stomach because my parents expect me to vote, specifically for a certain candidate they like,” Price said. “(I’ve experienced) obsessive thoughts because I’ve been putting off sending in my absentee ballot, and I’ve been debating over and over again if I should or shouldn’t because I just don’t know who to vote for.”
Harry Respess, a junior finance major from Lookout Mountain, Ga., is not feeling as much anxiety, but he has noticed more importance placed on this election by his family and peers because he is a Georgia voter.
“I have definitely felt that there has been more of an inclination that I do need to get that done, because my vote matters a lot more in terms of the state that I’m (voting) in,” Respress said. “I have noticed that there has been such a resurgence of people getting involved with voting this year because of how important and how different the ideals are of each candidate.”
Others are more worried about voter turnout.
“I’m concerned that there will be a lack of people voting in general,” Lauren Cincurak, a sophomore communication sciences and disorders major and liberal voter from Hernando, Miss., said. “I was talking to my dad, and he said he might be the only person voting in our family. That’s really difficult to hear.
“From what my dad was talking about, he said there’s not going to be any change. Mississippi does not change. It is a red state,” Cincurak said.
Respress said he thinks much of the campus community will be voting conservative this election.
“In terms of the campus as a whole, there are a lot of people that are all following the same idea of, ‘Oh, we’re just gonna all vote for this one person,’” Respess said. “(It’s a) very southern, conservative school (and a) very conservative state. I think it’s turned that way.”
POLITICAL POLARIZATION
Some UM students are worried about national polarization and are concerned about the effect it might have on campus.
Will Embry, a freshman studies major from Water Valley, Miss., identifies himself as a conservative voter.
“You have to be a little bit concerned (about the election) based on the state of the country right now,” Embry said. “The tensions are running high.”
Some think that divisions are only increasing.
any students at the University of Mississippi have noticed a lack of campus conversation about the upcoming general election.
“Unless (the election) affects you directly, or unless it’s right there on your TV, you don’t really care,” Khyndal Wilson, a senior integrated marketing communications major from Memphis, said. “If you’re drinking at the Library, you’re not thinking about Trump or Kamala or anything like that.”
However, Nadia Shah, a linguistics major who is also from Memphis, said that while some might not be talking about it, attention is still turned to the Nov. 5 vote.
“I haven’t seen many people talking about the election,” Shah said. “I don’t think it’s as campus-heavy, but I feel like it is on a lot of people’s minds.”
Regardless of party affiliation, students expressed that they are feeling the pressures of election day decision making, country-wide polarization and finding common ground.
“My main concerns are that the country will only become more polarized. It’s going to be harder and harder to stay in the middle. Eventually, (I am) going to have to choose a side,” Jolie Trotti, a junior international studies major from Ocean Springs, Miss., said. Trotti identifies as an independent voter.
Delaney McNear, a sophomore philosophy major and left-leaning voter from Chicago, shared Trotti’s concerns.
“Everything feels very heavily, heavily partisan, and there’s a crazy divide (between parties),” McNear said. “It just feels like in the last few years everything has become way more dramatized. Everything is so dramatic. Everything feels like a new headline, and it just makes me concerned going forward. It feels like we’re watching a play.”
Sophia Edwards, a sophomore political science major from Baton Rouge, La., said there has been a promotion of argumentation over conversation.
“I think that (the polarization of the country) is because of a lot of people promoting arguments instead of discussions,” Edwards said. “I am someone who believes that our political conversation should never be arguing. It should never be talking at each other. It should be discussion.”
Price Turner, a senior accounting major from Indianapolis, spoke about how political division has impacted him.
“I do sense a divide between left and right, and other people are being more radical about certain topics than others. I believe it is hurting our society and creating more separation than unity,” Turner said. “It has ruined friendships of mine before in 2020, and I just stay out of it for that reason because friendships should not be intervened by politics.”
However, Jefferson Wheeler, a junior criminal justice major from Southaven, Miss., said that experiences like Turner’s have been pushing people away from political conversations altogether.
“I feel like what we need more people doing is actually going out of their way and kind of voicing their opinion. However, I feel like when people voice their opinion, they’re more open to ridicule,” Wheeler said. “I just feel like people are kind of scared to argue.”
FINDING COMMON GROUND
Despite concerns about polarization, many students said that they have been learning how to find common ground.
Edwards said that when politics are brought into the discussion, he desires a conversation over an argument.
“It is easier to bridge (party) gaps in calmer settings. My main strategy with bridging the gap is to directly say I want this to be a discussion not
an argument,” Edwards said. “I do not want us to yell at each other. It really does help because now that person knows that they do not have to defend themselves. I am going to listen to you.”
Similarly, Benjamin Harrison, a freshman marketing major from St. Louis, believes that people on both sides have their own opinions, and he has already found common ground with members of his own family.
“For the people that I have talked to that are left, I do not mind whether or not they are left. It is their opinion,” Harrison said. “I don’t really care about it. My sister is more left-leaning, and we have both found reasons why either candidate could be a good choice.”
Julie Wronski, a UM associate professor of political science with a specialization in political psychology, provided advice to those who have been impacted by feelings of polarization.
“Students can turn down the heat by not letting politics dominate their identity and by participating in activities with individuals that cross party lines,” Wronski said. “Having ties to people that transcend politics is key to not letting a single political identity dominate and define who you are.”
Wheeler said that this was his strategy.
“If you’re really into politics, your me time can be more focused on that personally, that’s not me,” Wheeler said. “I know it’s an important thing, but I feel like there are other things that are of equal importance to us.”
UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE
Many students commented on what they think will happen after the polls close and the vote is confirmed.
Wilson said that this vote will set a precedent.
“This is going to set the stage for the future. If we go back to Donald Trump — this is the archetype of a president that we’re going to want in the future,” Wilson said. “If Kamala wins, (she is) going to be the first female president.”
Shah said she feels intimidated.
“It’s getting harder and harder to make it in this world, but people are so hung up over what happened eight years ago that they’re not focused on where we’re at now,” Shah said. “We need to start looking toward the future and what it means for our kids and younger siblings.”
Respess said that he is simply curious.
“I’m just curious to see if it goes one way or the other,” Respress said. “How much different or similar things are going to be than people thought they were going to be.”
Claire Reynolds and Kharley Redmon contributed reporting.
University of Mississippi students
JAYLYNN CONNER
Assistant Editor
From the economy to LGBTQ+ rights, student voters are determining what is important to them in the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 5.
The Tufts University Center for Information and Research on Civil Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) estimates 40.8 million people ages 1827 will be eligible to vote, with a voter turnout of 50% or higher predicted in the upcoming election. In the 2020 presidential election, about 51.4% of eligible voters ages 18-24 cast ballots, according to a 2022 Census Bureau.
The Daily Mississippian interviewed a random sample of 10 University of Mississippi students to learn what issues matter most to them.
For sophomore history major Richard Pattarozzi, the state of the economy matters most.
“At the end of the day, inflation needs to get cut and taxes need to be down,” Pattarozzi said. “Things are just so hard right now economically. So honestly, that is the biggest deal for me. The economy needs to be fixed because right now we’re in a bad spot.”
Isaiah Winkler, a junior risk management and insurance major, also has major concerns about the economy, specifically taxes.
“My biggest concern is probably taxes — seeing, when whoever gets elected, if they are going to go up or down,” Winkler said. “You just see what the economy is going to be like in a couple of years after whoever gets elected, so we’ll just see what happens.”
Jared Carrillo, a sophomore finance major, has concerns about the economy because his family is currently building a house.
“I mean, my family, we’re building a house right now, and we’re able to do it,” Carrillo said. “But with how the housing market is and how terrible the economy is right now, that is a major concern.”
Junior Arabic major Lillyan Madrid expressed concerns about the character of the future president and their care for citizens of lower economic status.
“I worry about the character of the president. I feel like I would want someone who actually seems like they care about the lower class,” Madrid said.
Though Carrillo is concerned with the economy, he said his chief concern is border security.
“My biggest concern, personally, is the border,” Carillo said. “I want the border to be controlled. My grandfather immigrated to the country and did it properly, which is the way I believe it should be done. I’m totally open to having people from other countries coming in, but I think it should be done in a secure and safe way.” Roman Wells, a sophomore psy-
chology major, shared that voting for a candidate who promotes acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals is most important to her because of her experience as a queer person.
“The most pressing issue to me comes from growing up being queer in the South, specifically trying to find a candidate that would accommodate queerness in the South and not discriminate against it,” Wells said.
Safety and freedom for herself and her loved ones are the most important issues for sophomore English and theater double major Ivy Comford.
“The most pressing issue on my mind about the upcoming election would have to be being able to live safely within a country where freedom is promised but not given on a silver platter like it should be,” Comford said.
“I worry about my safety as a woman, my safety as a queer person (and) my safety as just a person in the United States. I worry about my friends, (and) I worry about my family, too.”
Max Wright, a junior music major, said that the rights of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and the rights of women are the biggest issues he is considering as he votes in the upcoming election.
“As a queer man, I have to think about LGBTQ+ rights. Women’s rights are also very important to me, so making sure those rights are protected honestly is my biggest concern,” Wright said.
Other answers had more to do with the candidates themselves as well as characteristics that UM students would like their next president to possess.
For senior integrated marketing communications major Elizabeth Olson, not knowing enough about the presidential candidates is her biggest concern.
“The most pressing issue for me is the fact that I really don’t know enough to go vote,” Olson said. “I feel that the information getting to our generation is very skewed at times, and it’s not targeted for us.”
The age of the presidential candidates and their mental capability is the foremost concern for Brock Myers, a freshman professional sales major.
“The president’s age, I think, is a factor that needs to be reduced back to maybe middle age,” Myers said. “If you’re too old, it can affect the way that
you think, and you can potentially not be in your right mind to run the country.”
Camp Holder, a junior political science major, said that a smooth transition in leadership is on his mind the most when thinking of the upcoming election.
“Just a change in leadership is concerning because any transition in leadership is going to be different,” Holder said. “If the party changes, you’re going from one party to another (and) basically everything could swap. So a smooth transition in leadership is what I am concerned about.”
CONTACT THE NEWS DESK AT thedmnews@gmail.com
To vote or not to vote:
weighing the value of going to the polls
JORJA CARTER News Staff Writer
Students at the University of Mississippi are grappling with their role in democracy. Some students are skeptical about the value of their vote, while others believe in the importance of civic engagement.
Kennadi Parker, a sophomore allied health studies major from Olive Branch, Miss., explained her disinterest in voting in this year’s elections.
“At the end of the day, I don’t think my vote is important,” Parker said. “The electoral college process makes it feel pointless.”
KJ Johnson, a freshman business and entrepreneurship major from Grenada, Miss., said he is not voting in the upcoming election because he feels uninformed.
“I don’t really know anything about politics. So my vote would just be based on what everybody else is saying and not what I know,” Johnson said. “I feel like my vote could really mess them up, and the wrong person could win just off of that one vote.”
Johnson also said he feels unaffected by the political system.
“I don’t really care about politics,” Johnson said. “I don’t really know what they do towards me.”
Gabre’el McKinney, an 18-year-old freshman theater arts major, will be voting for the first time this election cycle.
“I plan to vote because without everyone’s vote, it won’t help change the powers that are go -
what you care about, he said.
“If you believe in a certain issue that you feel needs to gain traction in your community, but you don’t go out to vote in favor of that issue, there is no chance of any sort of change happening in the area you wanted,” Teer said. “If dozens or hundreds or thousands of us decide to stay home since we say our vote doesn’t matter, it can determine the outcome of the election.”
Marshall Pentes, voting engagement ambassador for the university, addressed students’ concerns about the value of a vote.
“I often remind people that, no matter who they are, they have issues they care about, whether it be criminal justice, the role of the government, the rights of women and marginalized groups or any of many others,” Pentes said. “Voting is the easiest, most effective way to make sure that your elected representatives know about the issues you care about.”
With all the attention on the presidential election, Pentes
reminded students that there are other elections this year.
“Even if you are not in love with either presidential candidate, I am sure that there is a candidate for a state or local election who both shares your priorities and will have a large impact on your day-today life,” Pentes said. “A lot of people focus on the presidential election, so it is important to remember how important local elections are.” Teer echoed Pentes’ statements.
“The presidential elections always get more attention because there’s hundreds of millions of dollars that go into the advertisements and awareness from both parties, but we have to remember that a lot of our day-to-day normalities in life are heavily influenced by our mayor, our sheriff and who is on the school board,” Teer said. “Oxford is a wonderful place with a lot of opportunities, but local support can make it even better.”
Aaliyah Wales, an 18-year-
old freshman allied health studies major from Chicago, said voting gives her a voice.
“Voting is important because it is my duty to exercise my right as a citizen,” Wales said. “Voting ensures that your voice is heard and changes you want are more likely to happen.”
Hannah Watts, Associated Student Body president and senior public policy leadership major, explained how she sees the significance of voting.
“I fear that the mentality of someone’s vote not counting exists on a large scale, so it is my personal belief that if all of the individuals who thought this way decided to vote, it could truly make a difference,” Watts said. “At the end of the day, forgoing one’s right to vote is forgoing one of the most precious rights given to us as U.S. citizens.”
HALEY REED / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
Who else is on your ballot?
A look into local and statewide
AIDAN PONIATOWSKI News Contributor
Although presidential hopefuls
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris may be the most recognizable names on this year’s general election ballot, they are not the only candidates Oxford residents will have the opportunity to vote for on Nov. 5.
Senate
Republican Roger Wicker, who has held the seat since 2007, is seeking re-election.
He overcame party primary challenges from retired Marine Col. Ghannon Burton and state Rep. Dan Eubanks to secure his spot on the general election ballot. ِAmong Wicker’s key policies are economic growth with limited federal overreach, tighter border security, limiting abortion and enforcing existing Second Amendment gun laws.
Wicker will face Democratic nominee Ty Pinkins, an attorney who previously ran for Secretary of State in the 2023 election. Pinkins
is running on a platform of criminal justice, economic reform, affordable healthcare, housing access and sustainable energy investment.
House of Representatives
Oxford is located within Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District, represented by Republican Trent Kelly since 2015. Kelly is running on a platform stressing rights for veterans, Second Amendment gun protections and benefits for the agricultural industry.
Running against him is the Democratic nominee Dianne Black, a hair salon owner who contested the same seat in 2022. Key issues on Black’s platform include women’s rights, affordable healthcare, climate change and gun laws.
Kelly defeated Black when they last competed, securing 73% of the vote.
State Supreme Court
In District 3 of the state Supreme Court, two judges are up for re-election. Robert Chamberlin will run unopposed for position one, and incumbent Jimmy Maxwell will
run unopposed for position two. Chamberlin, formerly a Republican state senator and state district court judge, has served as an associate justice since 2017. Maxwell, a former judge on the state Court of Appeals, has served since 2016.
Lafayette County Courts
Following the death of longtime Justice Court Judge Johnny McLarty, seven individuals are running in the nonpartisan election for Lafayette County Justice Court Judge.
The candidates are paralegal Angie Allen, attorney Krisi Allen, building inspector Michael Brown Jr., farmer and former teacher Shane Brown, farmer and former nursing home administrator Ley Falkner, business owner Benjamin Justus and nurse Deanna McLarty.
Lafayette
County Election Commission
Three seats on the Lafayette County Election Commission will be up for election this
elections
year. In District 1, incumbent Faye Phillips will be challenged by administrator and church treasurer Debbie Sealy. In District 3, incumbent Lola Pearson is running unopposed. In District 5, incumbent Debbie Black faces opposition from former educator Tiffany Babb and health professional Vicki Wright.
Lafayette County School Board
Two districts of the Lafayette County School Board will be contested in the general election as well. In District 3, incumbent Judith Thompson will face off against healthcare professional Crystal Grose and city employee Shane Russell. In District 4, realtor Erika Hewlett will
run unopposed following incumbent Mike Gooch’s decision to not seek re-election. While voter registration in Mississippi closed on October 7, eligible voters can cast an absentee ballot at the Circuit Clerk’s office at the Lafayette County Courthouse during normal office hours until Nov. 2. Polling precincts will be open on Election Day, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day in order to be counted. Voting precinct locations can be found on the Lafayette County Circuit Clerk’s website.
Where presidential candidates stand on important issues
CAMERON LARKIN News Editor
The economy
Former President Donald Trump’s economic policy, as laid out in his 2024 GOP Platform, consists of five points: cutting regulations, making the Trump Tax Cuts permanent, making fair and reciprocal trade deals, ensuring low-cost, reliable energy and championing innovation. While Trump’s plan does not specify which regulations he will cut, his platform states he will “slash regulations that stifle jobs, freedom, innovation and make everything more expensive.”
He also plans to double down on provisions of the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which he said doubled the standard deduction, expanded the Child Tax Credit and “spurred economic growth for all Americans.”
The former president also plans on prioritizing American
producers over foreign outsourcers and achieving energy independence through expanding oil, gas and coal production. Trump concluded his economic plan by discussing innovations in crypto, artificial intelligence and space.
LGBTQ+ rights
Trump’s platform focuses on restricting gender affirming care and limiting the participation of transgender women in women’s sports. He aims to ban taxpayer funding for sex change surgeries and restrict schools from promoting gender transitions.
Border security
Trump’s border security plan includes moving troops stationed overseas to the
U.S.-Mexico border and deploying the U.S. Navy to set up a “full fentanyl blockade.” His platform calls for deporting undocumented immigrants, as well as gang members, drug dealers and cartel affiliates and implementing “extreme” vetting for individuals entering from the southern border.
Women’s rights
Trump takes credit for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade during his presidency and encourages leaving abortion legality to individual states. He vowed to veto any federal ban on abortion, according to Politico.
The economy
Vice President Harris’ economic policy centers on supporting the middle class. Her plan includes restoring the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, which she says will cut taxes for more than 100 million working and middle-class Americans. Harris aims to address the housing crisis by planning to build three million affordable rental units across the country, according to her New Way Forward platform. Her Opportunity Economy agenda also includes expanding the startup expense tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000 to encourage small business growth, with a goal of reaching 25 million new business applications. To “take on bad actors,” Harris proposed a first-of-its-kind federal ban on corporate price goug -
ing, building on anti-gouging laws that exist in 37 states.
LGBTQ+ rights
Harris’ platform advocates equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. In a speech made in Houston, she condemned recent book bans in states like Florida, which prohibit discussions of sexuality and gender.
Border security
At the Democratic National Convention, Harris advocated for a pathway to citizenship while increasing border security. Harris supports a Tougher Border Compromise to close loopholes in the asylum process and give the president authority to shut down the border when there is an influx of immigrants, according to the Washington Post. Like Trump, Harris expressed
concern over the fentanyl crisis, proposing additional personnel and fentanyl detection machines at ports of entry, according to CBS News.
Women’s rights
Harris opposes state-imposed restrictions on women’s reproductive rights, advocating instead for federal protections. She supports restoring Roe v. Wade, which would prevent states from regulating abortion decisions in the first trimester and only allow them to impose regulations on abortion in the second trimester when regulations are reasonably related to maternal health. Harris also insisted that exceptions be made in cases of rape and incest.
Playing political catch-up
EMILY O ’REILLY News Staff Writer
Many significant events have shaped the 2024 presidential race, including President Joe Biden dropping out after the primaries were over, two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris becoming a presidential candidate just a few months before the election. The Daily Mississippian composed a timeline of the most discussed moments in this election cycle and asked students for their thoughts on each event.
Republican
May
National Convention held in Wisconsin
Donald Trump made his first major public appearance following the assassination attempt at the Republican National Convention and formally accepted his party’s nomination July 15-18 in Milwaukee, Wisc. Members of Trump’s family, politicians, entertainers and celebrities were speakers at the convention. Several attendees wore ear bandages to show support for the former president.
“(After watching) I felt pretty optimistic about it. I saw those boys from the University of North Carolina that held up the flag come in. I liked seeing our generation being represented there,” Emma Alexander, a freshman nursing and elementary education major from San Antonio, said.
Vice President Kamala Harris announced as Democratic presidential nominee
On July 29, Vice President Kamala Harris sewed up the Democratic Party’s nomination for president. Harris and her team secured the necessary 1,976 delegates needed to be nominated just over a week after Biden’s announcement to end his presidential candidacy, according to the Associated Press. Kennedy Ford, a freshman allied health major from Byram, Miss., felt relieved when Harris was announced as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Primary elections
States across the country held their primary elections and pledged their delegates to presidential candidates.
Paden Strickland, a freshman journalism major from Iuka, Miss., was excited to exercise her right to vote for the first time.
“It felt good knowing my vote was going to matter this year because I just turned 18, and I’m getting to vote, so I actually got to listen and pay attention and do some research into who’s going to get my vote this year,” Strickland said.
First Trump assassination attempt
On July 13, former President Donald Trump was struck in the ear by a bullet shot from a gun at a rally in Pennsylvania. The FBI identified the shooter as Thomas Mathew Crooks, whom Secret Service agents fatally shot. One attendee was killed and two spectators were injured, according to the agency. Jordan Berry, a junior finance major, was relieved that Trump survived the assassination attempt.
“I was just glad that he was okay. When I heard the news, I wasn’t sure if he was dead or alive, but whenever I found out he was alive, I felt a sense of peace. I hope it doesn’t happen for real,” Berry said.
August
“I was pretty happy about it. I hope she wins, you know, the first Black woman president,” Ford said.
“I’m not very political, but I was worried when Biden dropped out. ”
Vice presidential debate
CBS News hosted the vice presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Oct. 1.
“I felt like I was watching the two most uneducated people speak. It made me feel so horrible,” Makayla D’Marie, a freshman elementary education major from Lexington, S.C., said. “I mean there’s pros and cons to both, so you can’t really tell.”
June
First presidential debate
CNN hosted the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on June 27. After Biden’s lackluster performance, many people urged the president to drop out of the race.
Shelby Erbanger, a freshman childhood education major from Monument, Colo., felt nervous for both candidates after watching the debate.
“There were a lot of unnecessary comments going in and out of there. It just made it feel less serious,” Erbanger said. “Like wow, one of these men is gonna have to lead our country.”
President Joe Biden drops out of the race
On July 21, President Joe Biden announced that he was withdrawing from the 2024 campaign.
In his announcement, President Biden stated, “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee and hours later Harris announced her candidacy.
“My initial reaction to Biden dropping out of the race was hope for Harris to take his place,” Hannah Morris, a freshman criminal justice major from Olive Branch, Miss., said.
July
Democratic National Convention held in Chicago
The 2024 Democratic National Convention was held August 1922 in Chicago, and Kamala Harris formally accepted her party’s nomination as the Democratic nominee. Politicians, content creators, celebrities and citizens were speakers at the convention.
Graham Speed, a senior accounting major from Jackson, Miss., felt nervous after watching the Democratic National Convention.
“I’m definitely more conservative, and there was a sense of unity on the left around a renewed sense of hope from Kamala Harris after Joe Biden dropped out,” Speed said .
September
October
Second Trump assassination attempt
Second presidential debate
On Sept. 10, ABC hosted the Second U.S. Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
“I thought that Harris was unable to speak (on) what she wanted to do with the country.
… The election is definitely gonna be a huge deal, it’s a big turning point in our democracy, so whoever comes out on top, it’s gonna be big,” Hudson Thomas, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Dallas, said .
On Sept. 15, 2024, Trump survived a second assassination attempt while golfing at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. Attempted assassin Ryan Wesley Routh was found hiding with a rifle before he could fire.
Freshman Carlie Epstein, a freshman studies major from Boulder, Colo., felt discouraged by the assassination attempt.
“It’s scary that people have so much hate that they’re trying to shoot other people,” Epstein said.
Campus political organizations rally before the vote
The UM Democrats, UM College Republicans and University of Mississippi GOP organizations prepared a lineup of events to boost voter turnout.
UM College Republicans
UM College Republicans have hosted events to boost voter turnout. President Cass Rutledge, a senior public policy major, echoed the importance of voting.
“Even though Mississippi is by no means a swing state, it’s still important to vote because we have a lot of local candidates running for different offices,” Rutledge said.
The UM College Republicans met with state Sen. Nicole Boyd and Rep. Clay Deweese on Oct. 22 to talk about the importance of voting. Rutledge emphasized that state legislators are crucial to representing students’ interests.
“Being a state legislator isn’t the most glamorous job, but they’re also the people that represent us very closely,” Rutledge said. “So it’s super important to know your state legislators so they can bring your values back to Jackson when they’re voting and writing legislation.”
Rutledge believes that this close relationship between voters and their representatives is vital for effective governance and civic engagement.
“College gives us a unique opportunity to help people out of state also vote,” Rutledge said. “We’re going to try to get Mississippians to vote but also encourage out-of-state people to request mail-in ballots and hopefully vote early.”
UM College Republicans have also campaigned for Mississippi Supreme Court candidates, such as Jenifer Branning for District 1 Position 3. This district includes 22 counties in central Mississippi ranging as far north as Bolivar and as far south as Jefferson counties.
“We’re paying very close attention to the central districts in the Mississippi Supreme Court race,” Rutledge said. “Jenifer Branning is Republican-endorsed, and a lot of Ole Miss students are from Jackson, Madison and Rankin County.”
Looking at the national race, Rutledge is optimistic about former President Donald Trump’s chances in the presidential election.
“President Trump is polling better than he ever has in almost 10 years of running for political office. He’s leading in swing states, and I think Kamala Harris is being exposed as a radical phony, a continuation of the Biden administration’s policies,” Rutledge said.
Despite the state’s conservative leaning, Rutledge worries that some Republican students may be hesitant to vote due to concerns about mail-in voting.
“A lot of times, Republicans are afraid to vote by mail or vote early because they’ve heard their vote might not get there safely, or they’re afraid that their vote won’t be counted on Election Day,” Rutledge said.“Voting by mail is better than not voting at all.”
JORDAN ISBELL News Staff Writer
UM Democrats
UM Democrats kicked off their efforts with a visit from U.S. Senate candidate Ty Pinkins on Oct. 28, where he discussed his campaign and talked about the importance of voting.
UM Democrats President Elizabeth Wildman, a junior public policy major, expressed her support for Pinkins.
“He’s a great guy, and he has made an effort with university students and with young voters,” Wildman said. “He has been on campus for a lot of different events, so he cares a lot about young voters and his constituents.”
The UM Democrats will table with the UM Voter Coalition and College Republicans on campus on Nov. 4 to encourage students to vote.
UM GOP
The University of Mississippi GOP is also getting involved, hosting Peggy Grande, Ronald Reagan’s former executive assistant, on Oct. 22.
We’ve just wanted to make sure that everybody felt welcome in this organization from any type of state. A lot of times, with local elections, not everybody is interested (in voting) around here,” Colton Jones, president of UM GOP, said. “We’ve just been trying to get national type of figures ... and (Grande) actually worked in the Trump administration.”
Jones hopes to inspire students to vote, especially Republicans.
“We’re definitely going to be involved in pushing for the Republicans and pushing for everyone to get out and vote.”
Jones hopes that through these events he can create a space for thoughtful political discourse.
“I respect that that’s the beauty of our nation. ... We can all have an opinion, and we should voice our opinion when necessary, but it always needs to be in a respectful manner.”
“I know in a red state it’s frustrating and disheartening sometimes,” Wildman said. “Seeing a big group of Democrats on campus pushing for that can bring hope that your vote counts and that you should get out there and cast your vote.”
On election day, UM Democrats will host a phone banking event in the student union, where members will call voters and encourage them to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. The list includes Mississippi voters, more specifically those that did not vote in the last election. On election night, UM Democrats plan to host a watch party at the Lyric.
UM Democrats treasurer William Bittner, a sophomore public policy and Arabic major, hopes the events will reduce some political tension on campus.
“There’s definitely a lot of shared anxiety among everyone who’s interested in politics right now,” Bittner said. “That ability to have a space where we can come and be with like-minded people can be valuable, so I’m hoping that will generate encouragement.”
Wildman expressed her support for Kamala Harris.
“I love her efforts to reach the Gen-Z population and young voters,” Wildman said. “I also think her experience as vice president and working as a prosecutor has given her a lot of experience with the law and with politics.”
Bittner agreed, emphasizing Harris’ experience, but felt frustrated over a lack of clear policy platforms.
“She has tons of government experience at the local and federal level in legal and legislative roles, but she is also young enough that she brings a new perspective and can energize many younger voters,” Bittner said. “She hasn’t said very much about what policies she favors, which is politically understandable but frustrating for a public policy leadership major.”
Case Rutledge
PHOTO COURTESY: CASS RUTLEDGE
Elizabeth Wildman
PHOTO COURTESY: ELIZABETH WILDMAN
Colton Jones
PHOTO COURTESY: COLTON JONES
Professors teach through election season buzz
JORJA CARTER News Staff Writer
Political science and public policy leadership professors at the University of Mississippi are seizing the opportunity to teach through what many are calling one of the most consequential elections in U.S. history.
Jonathan Windburn, a political science professor, said he has reoriented his Introduction to American Politics class to focus on this year’s election.
“In my 101 class, I’m spending election week really focusing directly on the Tuesday Election Day, and then Thursday (I will do) sort of a whole day talking about what happened on Tuesday,” Windburn said. “So in that way, it’s more election-focused material in the course than I would normally cover in an intro class.”
Windburn said that teaching through the election has been particularly interest -
ing.
“It is always more interesting to teach during an election year because there (are) just more things going on,” Windburn said. “And people actually pay attention to the presidential election, so sometimes students are more engaged, not always, but sometimes they get more involved and pay attention.”
Sue Ann Skipworth, who also teaches Introduction to American Politics, said her class has been particularly engaged in this year’s election.
was asked throughout the semester to pick out articles or stories in the media that followed the election cycle. They relate to what’s going on in the articles, talk about what
they are studying, and then they also give their own opinion or story.”
Skipworth said that although elections are typically a part of her curriculum, conversations in the classroom have been more intentional this year.
“We’re going to draw attention to what’s going on in the election season,” Skipworth said. “For example, (my) Introduction to American Politics class
“While I always have a segment in my Introduction American Politics course on elections, in general, the topic becomes more pronounced during a presidential election year simply because we are seeing the election play out in real time,” Skipworth said, “I try to offer greater opportunities for students to talk or ask questions about what they are seeing or reading in the media and hear their thoughts or feelings pertaining to the entire election process.”
Skipworth said online discussion boards have become an outlet for students to discuss their opinions.
“I certainly enjoy reading what they’re writing on their (discussion) posts and getting an idea of where they are coming from,” Skipworth said. “Sometimes in a face-toface class it’s harder to get students to tell me what they’re thinking, but in the online class they are writing it out and have time to think about it before they write it down and really perfect what they’re wanting to say.”
Chair and Professor of Public Policy Leadership Weixing Chen found that the election has prompted more in-depth class discussions, especially around international policy.
“I think it’s good in the sense that issues that have been ignored and neglected are getting paid more attention to this cycle,” Chen said. “Also the election year ``vides new subjects, new topics, debates and discussions for the class.”
However, not all professors are integrating the election into their courses.
William Wheeler, a sophomore political science major, said his professor has avoided discussing the election in his Introduction to American Politics class.
“He tends to keep everything neutral because he is teaching us concepts and theories that go along with how our government works,” Wheeler said. “Later in the semester, we’ll learn how elections work locally and nationally.”
Political sci- ence professor Miles Armaly, who also teaches Constitutional Law I, does not discuss the election in his class.
“Given that the election is not particularly germane to the topic in POL 306, it has not changed how I approach the topic,” Armaly said. “If the discussion were germane to constitutional law, I would absolutely allow it to continue.”
Kaylee Lecroy, a junior public policy leadership major, said her ethics class has enabled students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world events.
“We are able to watch the debates that are going on and kind of apply some of those things that we’re learning and to look out for them,” Lecroy said. “People are a lot more engaged. It’s much easier to draw the line between the real world and concepts, rather than when there’s not an election year going on.”
Political Science Department Chair John Bruce expressed concern about the rise of misinformation and its impact on contemporary politics.
“It’s hard to have a conversation where you’re actually talking about the situation because now it’s like this is the truth for these people, and this is (a different) truth for these people,” Bruce said. “And that’s just insanity.”
Currently serving as Lafayette County District 5 Election Commissioner (12 years) Advanced training and experience with the maintenance of voter records, elections, and voting equipment
DEBBIE BLACK
Election Commissioner
Lafayette County District 5
Proficient in Statewide Election Management System (SEMS)
Secretary of State Office yearly training and certification
Served as Election Commissioners’ Association of Mississippi Secretary (4 years) and currently serving as Congressional District 1 Board Member (4 years)
Attended The University of Mississippi, Political Science Major
Retired from the State of Mississippi: Department of Human Services Eligibility Worker (18 years); University of Mississippi Law School Admissions Clerk (6 years); and Lafayette County Deputy Circuit Clerk (6 years)
Top right: Political Science Department Chair and Professor John Bruce, bottom right: Political Science Professor Sue Ann Skipworth.
ASHTON SUMMERS / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
How the UM community feels about third-party voting
“ For our students, knowing the details of how third-party candidates can shape elections is useful information that will help them be more effective citizens.”
- Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science
John Bruce
HALLIE DAVIS A&C Contributor
In addition to weighing the policies and politics of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, students at the University of Mississippi have been exploring their third-party voting options.
Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science John Bruce believes young voters should know their options, including third-party voting.
“For our students, knowing the details of how third-party candidates can shape elections is useful information that will help them be a more effective citizen,” Bruce said.
This year, a few notable third-party candidates are running for the White House, including Jill Stein, Chase Oliver, Randall Terry and Cornell West.
Stein, the Green Party candidate, is an American physician and activist from Chicago. Stein ran for president 2012 and 2016. Stein said that in this election, Americans are not voting for a Republican or Democratic candidate they like but rather the one they dislike the least.
Libertarian Party candidate Chase Oliver, from Nashville, Tenn., is campaigning on balancing the budget, ending military support to Israel and Ukraine, closing all overseas U.S. military bases and abolishing the death penalty.
Representing the Constitution Party, Randall Terry is a pro-life leader, speaker, musician and author from New York who hopes to inspire activists across America.
American philosopher Cornel West started his campaign with The People’s Party, then changed to the Green Party and is now running as an independent candidate. The Tulsa, Okla., native uses his socialist platform to advocate funding public healthcare and changing the U.S. defense budget.
Senior music education major Jody Jenkins voiced his thoughts on Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver.
“One of his campaign slogans is that he is “gay and armed,” which I think is legendary,” Jenkins said. “I’ve always liked a libertarian approach, and they support some pretty basic rights that I align with.”
While Jenkins finds third-party voting important, he also recognizes the societal pushback against it.
“Ultimately, with the way this election cycle is playing out, I would be lying to myself if I thought that a third-party candidate had a chance of winning,” Jenkins said. “Almost no one touches it and treats it like a joke, like when Kanye ran back in 2020.”
Many students, while recognizing their importance, had difficulty identifying third-party candidates.
“I don’t know any third-party candidates,” April Sotelo, a senior anthropology major, said. “If you don’t agree with the main two parties, then voting for a third party isn’t a bad thing to do, but the chances of them winning are slim to none because people are just accustomed to thinking that it has to be either a Republican or a Democrat in office.”
Senior political science and history major Haley Arnold noted the weight that third-party candidates hold within the election.
“Third-party candidates are very important because they give Americans more options than just a two-party system,” Arnold said. “I don’t know any third-party candidates off the top of my head. I feel like a lot of Americans don’t talk about third-party voting and see it as a way of throwing their vote away.”
Junior psychology major Ashton Castro said that while third-party candidates are on the ballot, they are rarely put in the spotlight like the Democratic and Republican candidates.
“I know there are multiple independent parties that feature in the ballot,” Castro said. “But their candidates are rarely platformed in the media, except when their existence is issued to split the opposition vote and preserve the status quo.”
Noah Leingang is the president and founder of the Ole Miss chapter of BridgeUSA, a multi-partisan student movement that champions viewpoint diversity, responsible discourse and a solution-oriented political culture.
BridgeUSA has recently been tabling on the student union plaza to engage with students about questions or topics displayed on a whiteboard. Leingang noted that while on-campus participation has not peaked for BridgeUSA, the group is seeing an uptick in interest.
“I am constantly getting membership requests through the ForUM,” Leingang said. “That tells me that people are specifically seeking out organizations like ours where they can voice their opinions and hear other people’s as well.”
Leingang shared his hopes for the group throughout the election season.
“Through BridgeUSA, I want young people on our campus to feel empowered as voters and to choose the candidate that best aligns with their values, whether that be from a major party or third party,” Leingang said.
Informing and influencing: How social media impacts the election
Social media platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram have redefined the spread of political information and changed how politicians engage with voters — something that students at the University of Mississippi have mixed opinions about in the 2024 election cycle.
President Donald Trump
cial media platforms to engage with younger voters such as myself,” Case said. “Her team has been playing into the various pop culture references and memes about her, such as the ‘Kamala is brat’ tweet by Charli XCX and the ‘coconut tree’ line from a Harris speech.”
Other students have a more negative view of the politi cal content they see online.
Sophomore English major from Birming ham, Ala., Quade Beas ley said that although he
used X extensively during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. After getting kicked off of the platform, he now communicates with potential voters through platforms like TikTok, where he has amassed 12.4 million followers, and Truth Social, where he has 7.96 million followers.
Similarly, 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has used TikTok to reach younger voters. Her campaign page, @kamalahq, has kickstarted and benefited from many viral trends, amassing 4.6 million followers.
Samantha Case, a senior history major from Madison, Miss., appreciated the social media activity of some of the candidates.
“I’ve found that I’ve been keeping up with the upcoming election through social media, including following the candidates on Instagram, except for former President Trump. …The candidates that I’ve been following have had strong social media presences. Kamala Harris especially is using her so -
does not engage with political social media content, it con tinues to show up on his feed.
“It just keeps showing up, and I don’t know why,” Bea sley said. “My opinions of social media during the election are most ly negative, just because I don’t really care to be reminded of it. Because most of those posts, to me, just seem like they’re trying to grab my attention, in my view, rather than my genu ine opinion on the elections.”
Maci Wadlington, a se nior theater major from Mendenhall, Miss., believes that the focus on social media takes away from conversations about policy.
“I’ve seen many videos on TikTok where the social media managers for both campaigns will post a video to a trending sound to try and relate to a younger audience,” Wadlington said. “Presidential elections have always had an element of a popularity contest, but this is taking it over the line. I feel like candidates
are more worried about their social media presence than communicating with voters about their platforms.”
generation takes it in as fact, further building a mindset off of something that isn’t real or will not be happening.”
Connor Bradley, a firstyear law student from Oxford, said that while direct communication allows for a more personal connection with voters, it is primarily a marketing tool.
“The candidates have an agenda, and they are trying to market themselves to you like any other product you might buy,” Bradley said. Shea Graham, a junior psychology and philosophy double major, agreed with Bradley.
“I think there is a fine line between political advertising and propaganda,” Graham said.
Kylie McKoy, a senior journalism and biological sciences major from Houston, said she was concerned about the spread of misinformation.
“They are appealing to
Graham said that she takes steps to counterbalance the amount of political content on her feed.
“I see more left-leaning marketing because I lean more left,” Graham said. “If I see a political advertisement on social media, I instantly dislike it to fix my algorithm. I hate being marketed (to).” Case said that she tries to supplement what she sees on social media with outside research.
“I think social media can be used as an effective tool in informing voters regarding issues related to the upcoming election, but it shouldn’t be used by itself,” Case said. “I believe it is up to the voter to do their own research outside of social media and make an informed decision regarding how they will vote in November.”
Graham gave a piece of advice to all voters who
“(Social media) is part of the future for better or worse,” Graham said. “(Do) not have
In the spirit of Election Day and football season in Oxford, Rebel fans were asked a thought provoking question:
Which Ole Miss athlete would be the best fit for the Oval Office?
NATE DONOHUE Sports Staff Writer
“
The fact his Landshark celebration has stuck and become such an integral symbol of our team and university is a testament to his impact. “
- Samuel Quon sophomore accounting major
With the 2024 presidential election promising to be just as divisive as the last, The Daily Mississippian set out to unite the Ole Miss population under one common candidate — a Rebel athletic legend, current or former, who would be well-suited for the role of president.
Surely Ole Miss could agree upon one of their own heroes to nominate for the White House, right?
Not quite.
Samuel Quon, a sophomore accounting major from Olive Branch, Miss., proposed Tony Fein — a Rebel linebacker from the 20072008 seasons who coined the Landshark celebration.
“(Fein) was a war veteran in Iraq before coming to Ole Miss, which is incredibly heroic and showcases his courage, dedication and commitment to our country,” Quon said. “The fact his Landshark celebration has stuck and become such an inte gral symbol of our team and university is a testament to his impact.”
Quon point ed out that the Rebels improved their win total from three to nine between Fein’s first and second seasons, demonstrating the linebacker’s positive impact on the program.
“I think Eli Manning’s a pretty smart guy,” Speed said. “If he can lead a football team to the Super Bowl, (he can) lead a country to success.”
Indeed, Manning led the New York Giants to Super Bowl victories on two occasions, in 2008 and 2012. He also served as a team captain in 2012. The two-time world cham pion does not lack the quality of leadership.
As far as Jaxson Dart goes as a presidential candidate, Speed worried that the young quarterback’s inexperience would prove to be too costly.
Robert Saleh, an attempted overthrow of President Metcalf would not necessarily be out of the question.
Jonathan Lewis, a freshman elementary education major from Ridgeland, Miss., agreed that Metcalf would be a good fit, albeit for different reasons than Turnstall provided.
“He’s athletic,” Lewis said.
“He can jump really high (and) run fast. I feel like he has the leadership skills to be president.”
“I think (Dart) has a ways to go,” Speed said. “He’s a young guy (and) probably not as mature as would be ideal, but I think he has potential, so we’ll see.”
Raven Tunstall, a sophomore pre-dental student from Byhalia, Miss., did not seem to think age was an issue in a presidential candidate. She suggested former Rebel and current Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf for his name recognition among the Ole Miss fanbase.
“I feel like a majority of people know his name and would vote for him,” Tunstall said.
Beyond acknowledging his wide popularity, though, Turnstall expressed doubt that Metcalf possesses the skills necessary for the role — yet perhaps this would not be an issue.
If Congress ever decides to implement an NFL Combine-style skills challenge for presidential candidates — replete with a 40-yard dash and vertical jump — then Metcalf looks to be set up well.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, on the other hand, might be in trouble.
But maybe athleticism is not the best metric for presidential suitability. Matt Shover, a graduate student from Barry, Ill., and his father, Rick Shover, agree that former Ole Miss running back and current Ohio State Buckeye Quinshon Judkins would not be a wise choice for the role.
“Obviously he’s not the sole reason for our success (in the 2008 season), but he was a leader on the defense and still played a crucial role,” Quon said.
Kamryn Billie, a freshman psychology major from Clinton, Miss., thought that Quon’s military past would assist him in the role.
“(Fein) served in Iraq,” Billie said. “He has a veter an background.”
For Graham Speed, a senior accounting ma from Jackson, Miss., a stint in the mil itary was trumped by a long career of suc cess on the grid iron, both in college and the NFL. Speed’s nominee was quarterback Eli Manning.
“I don’t think he would be good by himself,” Tunstall said. “But luckily, we have a system where he would have a vice president, and I think (the vice president) would keep (Metcalf) under control.”
Who would this vice president be? Tunstall did not even hesitate to answer.
“Aaron Rodgers,” she said. “I’m a Green Bay Packers fan.”
There are, of course, questions regarding Rodgers’ fitness for any sort leadership role.
After his falling-out with the management in Green Bay a few years ago and the recent allegations that he had a hand in the firing of New York Jets’ Head Coach
“(Judkins) doesn’t have the loyalty,” Matt Shover said. “If he would have stuck it out with Ole Miss, I’d say Quinshon, probably.” However, the father and son could not come to terms on which Ole Miss leg end would be best as president.
Rick Shover suggested Archie Manning, but Matt Shover was dubious of the Manning patriarch’s suitability for the White House.
“He’s too old,” Matt Shover said. “Seventy-five is too old.”
“Archie’s not too old,” Rick Shover said. “I saw him the other night on ESPN. He’s sharp as a tack.”
Matt Shover’s vote went to Eli Manning, which his father did not agree with.
“Eli?” Rick Shover said. “That guy’s a goofball.”
OPINION
18 Why I vote
19 19 20
Trump’s policies resonate with Middle America
Denton Jenkins
Harris is the ticket to a more equitable future
Justice Rose
The Mississippi Senate race will be closer than projected
Kaden Collier
Opinion Policies:
Columns do not represent the views of The University of Mississippi or The Daily Mississippian. The Daily Mississippian welcomes letters to the editor, which should be emailed to thedmopinion@gmail.com. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. They may be edited for clarity, brevity and libel. Third-party letters and those with pseudonyms or no name will not be published. Letters are limited to one per individual per month. Letters should include contact information, including relationship to the university, if applicable.
Ren Hite
Why I vote
“I vote to honor the generations of struggle, resilience and defiance that made it possible for me to walk into a polling booth today.”
REN HITE Opinion Staff Writer
My grandmother, Ms. Laura Chew, was born in 1928. She was raised by her Black grandmother and White grandfather in Byhalia, Miss. Ms. Chew and her five siblings were taught by their grandmother from a young age to strive for excellence and never allow their race to determine what they could accomplish in life.
My grandmother lived through both World Wars, the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, the birth and overturning of Roe v. Wade and many other major political, social and economic crises and victories for African Americans, women and the country as a whole. She would regale me with stories of every freedom march, every sit-in and every example of activism that made its way through the Deep South in the mid-20th century.
When asked why I vote, I immediately think of her. Many believe the fight for civil rights is distant history, something that affected long-gone ancestors. But Ms. Laura Chew is not an ancestor from centuries past — she is my mother’s mother. Her life is not confined to the grainy pages of a history book; her stories are not relics. They are alive, vibrant and real — two generations before me.
I vote because I carry the weight of my ancestors’ struggles and triumphs. I have a living relative who was raised by an interracial couple in the heart of Mississippi, where race mixing was not just frowned upon but also illegal. Society told her that her only future was as a sharecropper and maid, roles designed to keep her bound to a
life of poverty and subjugation.
She defied those expectations and went to nursing school in Memphis, hoping to carve out a better life for herself. Upon graduation, while her white classmates walked into nursing jobs, she was hired as a janitor at the same hospital. Her ambition was stifled by the harsh reality of segregation, but she persisted. I vote because she could not. She was 37 years old and the mother of seven when she cast her first ballot after the Voting Rights Act of 1965 made it possible for her to do so. She had lived through the humiliation of being treated as less than, and she fought for the basic right to have her voice heard. My mother was born just three years later, in 1968, growing up in a world where voting was her birthright — but only because of the sacrifices of those before her.
Just as I and many others have living relatives who fought for civil rights, who marched for freedom and equality, there are also those with living relatives who fought to uphold segregation and white supremacy. Their ancestors wore white hoods, led riots through thriving Black communities wielding guns and torches, burning homes and businesses to the ground, leaving death and destruction in their wake. These were not faceless mobs — they were people who used their power and privilege to sow hatred, racism and sexism, devastating Black lives and altering the course of our communities for generations. The scars they left are not buried in the past — they live on in the systems we still fight today.
To vote is to honor the countless lives lost in the relentless struggle for justice, equality and
Puzzles by KrazyDad
freedom. It is a way of breathing life into the stories of those who fought in the streets, marched in the face of violence and stood unshaken in the face of hatred. Every time we step into that voting booth, we are sending a message to the past and the present: Their sacrifices were not in vain. Though the battle for equality continues, it is their unwavering strength that has paved the way for us to keep moving forward, carrying the torch they passed down.
Voting is not just a right; it is a profound responsibility — a privilege paid for by the blood, sweat and tears of those who came before us. It is an act of defiance against those who once sought to silence our voices and a testament to our resilience. To vote is to declare that we, too, are part of this enduring legacy, committed to shaping the future for generations to come.
In this act, we stand in solidarity with both the living and the dead, those whose stories are still unfolding and those whose lives have become part of the fabric of our nation’s history. Voting is a powerful reminder that progress is not inevitable but earned through collective action and unwavering belief in a more just world. I urge every American to recognize the gravity of this right, to cherish it and to use it. Because when we vote, we are not just exercising a privilege, we are honoring a legacy, protecting our future and keeping hope alive for a better tomorrow.
Ren Hite is a senior journalism major from Jackson, Miss.
CONTACT THE OPINON DESK AT thedmopinion@gmail.com
HOW TO PLAY
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 with no repeats.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
ACROSS 1- Yalies; 5- Tabula ___; 9- Cummerbund; 13- ___ is human...; 15- Novelist Hunter; 16- Zeno’s home; 17- Synagogue scroll; 18- Broadway gas; 19- Old oath; 20- Did lunch; 21- Lulu; 23- Naked-faced Amazon monkey; 25- From scratch; 26- Talks back to; 27- Walks with long steps; 30- Cockpit abbr.; 31- Ornamental coronet; 32- State in the central United States; 37- Jocular Johnson; 38- Like a chimney sweep; 40- Bookie’s concern; 41- Pioneer’s rug material; 43- Nobelist Bohr; 44- Nada; 45- Locks; 47- Restaurant; 50- Acceptable; 51- Regard;
52- Civil disturbance; 53- Part of UNLV; 56- Romance lang.; 57- Object of worship; 59- Novelist Jong; 61- 1994 Jodie Foster film; 62- Trigonometric function; 63- Laughs loudly; 64- Snakelike fishes; 65- Warmth; 66- “___ Tu”: 1974 hit; DOWN 1- Kett of the comics; 2- Booty; 3- Able was ___...; 4- Mexican Mrs.; 5- Continues a subscription; 6- State firmly; 7- ___ Paulo, Brazil; 8- Once every year; 9- Looks for; 10- Pond scum; 11- Singes; 12- ___ but known...; 14- Girl in a Beach Boys song; 22- Originally named; 24- ___ Spumante; 25- Broadcaster; 26- Shaker contents; 27- Pierce with a knife;
51- Mozart’s “___ kleine Nachtmusik”; 52- Gossipy Barrett; 53- Storyteller; 54- Land unit; 55- Talk back to; 58- Vegas roller; 60- Lobster eggs;
Ren Hite
MADYSON DIXON / THE DAILY MISSISSIPPIAN
SOLUTION TO PUZZLE
Trump’s policies resonate with Middle America
DENTON JENKINS
Opinion
Contributor
No matter which bubble students mark on their ballots, this presidential election is shaping up to be one of the closest races in modern history.
In recent days, candidates former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have swapped the lead in multiple national and swing state polls. Recent polling from Rasmussen Reports favors Trump by 1% while Emerson polling favors Harris by 1%, both polls lying within the margin of error. Simply put, the race is a dead tie, and the 2-5% of voters still undecided will determine the outcome.
So what are Americans looking for, and what should students be considering as they head to the polls? I propose a shift in focus away from partisan rhetoric and media blitzes to a discussion of policies — a discussion that reveals former President Trump’s stances are aligned with the majority of Americans’ concerns.
Ranked as a top issue among Gen Z, the economy and cost-ofliving is on the minds of many first time voters. According to Gallup polling, 98% of Republicans/Republican-leaning voters say the economy is “extremely/ very important” in their decision, and 82% of Democrats/Democrat-leaning voters say the same.
The economy remains a strong point for Trump, with voters favoring his policies by 9% over Harris. Trump’s new proposals of eliminating tax-on-tips and
social security payments are representative of his commitment to middle- and working-class voters, a key demographic both candidates need to win.
Furthermore, voters have consistently favored Trump’s performance on the economy during his first term, rating it at 63% approval to the Biden-Harris administration’s 38% according to CBS polling. While Harris has tried to separate herself from these numbers on the campaign trail, her presented policies would create the 15th largest tax increase since 1940, while Trump’s plan would result in the 6th largest tax cut since the same time.
Combining the expected outcomes of her tax policies with her performance as the sitting vice president in the Biden administration, it comes as no surprise that voters are leaning toward the former president on this issue.
Beyond the clear contrast in economic performance, Kamala’s stance and performance on border security has resulted in an evident loss of support for her candidacy on the issue.
While running for the 2020 Democratic nomination, Harris drew stark criticism for pledging to close immigrant detention centers, the structures used by The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house illegal migrants prior to legal proceedings or removal from the country. After a record number of illegal crossings during the Biden-Harris administration and Harris’ rise to the Democrat-
ic nomination, she now promises to be tougher on the border. For many, this promise is too little, too late. Favorability polls have shown that voters widely favor Trump’s consistent message and policies of strict border enforcement by 21% over Harris. In swing states like Arizona, where the election will be decided, voters ranking the issue of high priority prefer Trump’s border policy by 89%.
Another issue of concern among voters, abortion access, has greatly divided Americans of all ages since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Nearly four in 10 women under the age of 30 have ranked abortion as their top issue in the election.
Because of Trump’s appointment of three conservative Supreme Court Justices that led to the overturning of Roe, the issue of abortion remains Harris’ strongest, retaining 54% support on the issue compared to Trump’s 33%. Despite this, recent proposals and commitments from both candidates on the campaign trail have shifted this issue in national conversation.
Harris’ plan to sign a national bill reinstating the protections of Roe seem impractical and impossible in the current political climate. Such a bill first must be passed in Congress with 60 or more votes in the Senate. This type of consensus in Congress on the issue of abortion has been tried since Roe was overturned with no success.
To override the needed Senate supermajority, Harris has
proposed eliminating the filibuster, a legal policy tool that has been used since 1837. Public polling has shown only 19% of Americans agree with eliminating the filibuster, while the rest of America thinks it should stay the same or be limited in its use on the Senate floor.
Based on this, Harris’s only proposed plan to restore federal abortion protections as it was under Roe v. Wade hinges on a Congress that will likely never have the votes to pass the bill and an unpopular proposal to eliminate a centuries-old protection governing how laws are made in America.
Jenkins
In contrast, Trump has long stated his belief in exceptions to restrictions on abortion, even prior to the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Trump has stated his support for and commitment to exceptions that allow abortion in the case of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
Further, Trump has shifted focus on the issue prior to his potential second term by committing to veto any federal ban on abortion brought forth by Congress. This realignment was also evidenced when the Republican party announced it was dropping efforts to pass a national abortion ban from its platform in 2024. Polling from AP-NORC reflected the popularity of this position, stating that 7 in 10 Americans opposed a federal restriction on abortion
at the sixth week of pregnancy. Despite the actions of the Supreme Court in overturning Roe, Trump’s stances on abortion are uniquely aligned with where the majority of Americans stand on the issue today. As we see by the candidates’ stances on issues, proposed policies and past effectiveness in their given roles, one candidate better reflects the majority of American citizens. Will voters choose Harris, who was once rated among the most liberal senators in 2019, or will they choose former President Trump, who stands for moderate policies of Middle America? In a few short days, the choice will be yours, America.
Denton Jenkins is a junior public policy leadership major from Starkville, Miss.
THE OPINON DESK AT thedmopinion@gmail.com
Harris is the ticket to a more equitable future
JUSTICE ROSE Opinion Editor
With the 2024 presidential election just days away, most vote projections show what is practically a tie between candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with Harris leading by a percentage point or less. This narrow margin illustrates the stark division among citizens on many key issues.
Considering such polarization, my collegiate editorial promoting one candidate over another might not have the most profound impact. Even in a close race, though, every voice shapes the narrative and influences undecided voters.
With that, Kamala Harris has the best interest of Americans. From top to bottom as a candidate, politician, diplomat, etc., Harris is more wellequipped to serve as president.
Central to Harris’s campaign is her commitment to safeguarding fundamental freedoms, particularly in areas like reproductive rights and civil liberties. She stands firmly against the government’s interference in personal decisions, championing women’s right to make choices about their own bodies. Compare that to Trump, who has boasted about appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.
Her administration would not only protect the right to choose but also fight for comprehensive legislation to ensure access to healthcare for all. Moreover, her advocacy extends to protecting the rights of marginalized communities, emphasizing inclusivity and equality as core values of her leadership.
Contrary to what many may suggest, her economic plan projects to boost the economy and significantly increase the earning potential of the middle class. This idea is supported by many, including 23 Nobel Prize-winning economists who signed a letter calling Harris’ economic plan vastly superior to Trump’s.
Her economic agenda includes targeted tax cuts for middle- and lower-income Americans, making daily life more affordable. Conversely, while Trump has promised tax cuts, his campaign has made it clear it’s interested in cutting taxes for the country’s highest-earning one-percent, effectively prioritizing the wealthy over the working class.
In addition to economic reforms, Harris is focusing on making housing, child care and elder care more accessible to help reduce the financial burden on working families.
Perhaps one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of Harris’ campaign is
expanding Medicare and improving healthcare affordability — an intersection between finances and well-being. Here in Mississippi, the lowest-ranked state in terms of healthcare availability and a state where 14% of adults say they went without healthcare attention due to high costs, we would greatly benefit from an expansion of Medicare.
When electing a leader, it’s essential to remember that voters are selecting a global representative for who we are as a people. In this regard, rhetoric and behavior must be considered when examining our two candidates. Far and away, Kamala has a more agreeable, diplomatic stance on many issues. Her approach emphasizes building coalitions and negotiating across divides, appealing to both allies and adversaries with language that prioritizes shared goals and respect.
In contrast, Trump’s direct, sometimes inflammatory style, is polarizing, making him a unique but often contentious figure. His rhetoric has culminated in significant events such as the Jan. 6, 2020 insurrection, when a mob stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the election.
Trump’s refusal to concede that election, despite a lack of evidence for wide -
spread fraud, has contributed to heightened tensions and distrust in the electoral process. Undermining our electoral integrity while inciting a mob attack on U.S. soil is beyond concerning.
One of the more widespread arguments against Kamala Harris is that she has served as the second in command, leading some to hold her responsible for the way the past four years have unfolded. However, many people use the presidency of Joe Biden as a litmus test for a Harris administration without examining the differences between the two as politicians.
A legitimate example would be giving Vice President Dick Cheney credit for the majority of the administration’s decisions for eight years while President George W. Bush was on cruise control. Harris’s influence was far from that during Biden’s tenure as head of state.
We have yet to see what a Harris presidency would look like, but many indicators tell us that it will be an administration that benefits the everyday American.
As voters consider their options, they must weigh the implications of their decision for future generations, particularly in terms of inclusivity, eco -
nomic stability and healthcare access. Harris embodies the change many Americans seek, promoting a future that values equity and opportunity for all. In a time of unprecedented division, let us not forget that every vote counts. Choose Kamala Harris, a candidate who prioritizes the common man and strives for a more equitable future.
Justice Rose is the opinion editor. He is a senior journalism major from Madison, Miss.
Denton
Justice Rose
The Mississippi Senate race will be closer than projected
“Mississippi
voters — especially Republicans — need to reconsider for whom they are casting their ballot.”
KADIN COLLIER Opinion Contributor
Mississippians will cast their ballot in the state’s 2024 U.S. Senate race on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Currently serving in the contested seat is Roger Wicker, a University of Mississippi alumnus, incumbent since 2007 and native of Pontotoc, Miss. Given Mississippi has not elected a Democrat to the Senate for almost 42 years, Wicker likely will enjoy a sweeping victory.
Challenger Ty Pinkins won the Democratic party’s nomination uncontested and is vying to disrupt Mississippi’s historical political homogeneity. As an active duty member of the U.S. Army for 21 years, graduate of Georgetown Law, former employee of the Obama administration and a civil rights lawyer, Pinkins definitely packs a punch when it comes to political qualifications.
The question, though, is can Pinkins actually secure the vote?
National Democratic Party supporters and members have arguably failed to propel Mississippi candidates to victory. Long-time serving Bennie Thompson of Mississippi’s 2nd district in the House of Representatives has provided little to lukewarm support for Pinkins, as claimed by Pinkins himself in an email to the Clarion-Ledger. More shockingly, out of the $25 million allocated by current Vice President Kamala Harris to candidates across the nation, not a penny is going to Mississippi candidates.
Leaving Mississippi Democrats high and dry tracks with national perceptions that Mississippi is fervently, 100%, God-ordained Grand Old Party sympathizers. But is that really the case?
While Pinkins probably may not be moving to Washington, D.C., Mississippi may be turning a degree of purple. In last year’s gubernatorial race, Democrat Brandon Presley narrowly lost by 3.2% to Trump-endorsed Tate Reeves in a state that is supposedly “unabashedly red.”
Wicker currently has support from 47% of prospective voters, only 5% higher than Pinkins’ 42%.
The reason: Mississippi Republicans strayed from small government ideals and began to frolic with the subtly cult-like MAGA image, and voters are disillusioned by their lack of legislative action.
National party leaders need to do better to support Democratic candidates from the state level to local positions, invigorating grassroots support to vote blue. Mississippi voters — especially Republicans — need to reconsider for whom they are casting their ballot.
Kadin Collier is a freshman Arabic and international studies double major from Hattiesburg, Miss.
