Politics | November 7th, 2024
2024 Election Recap: A Battle for the White House
By: Adiyah Thomas | Staff Writer
After a tumultuous campaign marked by impeachments, riots, and legal battles, former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election. His political comeback, seen by many as impossible, now reshapes the future of the nation.
A Tight Race to 270 Electoral Votes
The 2024 U.S. presidential election was one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory. Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump fought for crucial battleground states to secure the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. While Harris sought to flip just four states, Trump only needed to flip two. States like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia were crucial to both candidates’ paths to victory, drawing intense campaigning and media coverage.
Key Issues Shaping the Election
Abortion Rights & the Gender Gap
Abortion rights emerged as a central issue, with voters in at least 9 states deciding on measures to protect abortion access. Harris, with strong support from women, was seen as the trusted leader on abortion-related issues, while Trump maintained his base with stronger trust on economic matters. The gender gap, particularly pronounced among suburban voters and younger demographics, gave Harris a critical advantage.
Hurricane Impact on Voter Turnout
Hurricanes Milton and Helene hit crucial swing states like Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia, significantly affecting voter turnout. In Florida, Harris’s performance in the I-4 corridor—an area traditionally dominated by Republicans—was underwhelming, potentially costing her Florida’s 30 electoral votes. Trump’s solid support among older voters in these hurricane-stricken regions was crucial to his performance.
Celebrity and Youth Vote
Both candidates turned to social media influencers and celebrities to energize younger voters. Harris, in particular, outperformed President Biden and Trump in terms of favorability among this demographic. However, concerns arose about voter apathy, especially with international issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict turning some potential voters away from the polls.
How FAMU Students Felt About the 2024 Election: A Night of Tension, Hope, and Reflection
On election night, the FAMU Chapter of the NAACP hosted a watch party in the Pharmacy building auditorium, where students could stay informed and share their thoughts. Nia Talbott, president of the FAMU NAACP, facilitated the event, encouraging students to voice their feelings not just about the election results but the broader campaign season.
Emotional Reactions and Concerns
As the night wore on, FAMU students expressed a range of emotions. First-year business student Imani Norris shared her frustration over the Israel-Palestine discourse potentially impacting voter turnout. “One of the main things that I am afraid about is that people who do not support Trump aren’t exercising their vote because of the Israel and Palestine issue,” Norris said. “I understand why they are upset, but we still need the votes.”
Fear and Hope Amid the Numbers
Third-year criminal justice student Karrington Scott admitted she was feeling nervous as she watched the electoral vote numbers from Florida. “I don’t like to speak negatively, but I am scared looking at these numbers. I am not happy right now,” she said, reflecting a sense of unease that many students shared.
Looking to the Future
Meanwhile, fourth-year architecture student Alexandra Holiday expressed a mix of nervousness and hope. “I’m hoping the more populated areas’ votes are in favor of Kamala, and I want everyone to keep their head up,” Holiday said. Her words echoed the optimism and anxiety many students felt as they watched the results unfold.
A Broader Disillusionment
For some students, the election highlighted deeper frustrations with the political climate. One anonymous student voiced disappointment in the continued support for candidates perceived as racist. “It’s disheartening to live in a world with people who think less of Black and brown people,” they said. This sentiment reflected a broader sense of disillusionment, especially for those who felt marginalized in the current political landscape.
The Final Stretch
By 8:57 PM, Trump was leading with 101 electoral votes to Harris’s 71. Early results from Georgia and North Carolina showed Trump gaining a slight edge. However, Harris held a narrow lead in key Midwest battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, offering hope for Democrats.
But by 5:34 AM the following day, the Associated Press declared Trump the winner, calling the race for the 47th president of the United States. Trump’s wins in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina—states that had once been considered toss-ups—sealed the deal, flipping several states that Biden won in 2020.
Final Reflections: A Divided Nation
Trump’s victory left many students and voters disheartened, particularly those concerned with abortion rights and the devastating effects of hurricanes. Issues of race, gender, and political rights dominated the emotional stakes of this election, with student activists and civil rights leaders vocal about their concerns for the future.
As the dust settles, the 2024 election will have far-reaching consequences for both parties, reshaping America’s political landscape and raising new questions about the country’s direction.
Stay Informed
For more on the 2024 election results, visit CNN or The New York Times.
