With the 2024 presidential election around the corner, North students have been keeping up with the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns, holding different opinions on relevant issues.
Students cited immigration, the economy, housing, and abortion rights as divisive issues in the campaign. They also had personal opinions on the candidates themselves.
Sophomore Adithi Anekal has been closely following how the two leading presidential candidates are conducting their campaigns.
“I think Kamala’s tactics are really resonating with younger voters,” Anekal said. “With Trump, he’s made a lot of statements that aren’t true—like during the debate—and hasn’t fact-checked himself. I don’t think his tactics are effective.”
According to history teacher Kathryn Codd, students have been more engaged with the election than she has seen in past years, particularly in her Close Up class, a civics and politics-focused elective that Anekal is a part of
“I do really encourage them to be engaged, to follow, to vote, to get other people to vote, and try to get the conversation to move from the craziest thing that just happened yesterday,” she said. “And really see how either candidate would impact them, how each candidate does or does not connect with their personal values and beliefs.”
Freshman Nick Welstead highlighted immigration and southern border policies as a key point of contention between the candidates.
“The issue was addressed with a bill in the House, but many believe it was blocked to give former President Trump a campaign issue to run on,” Welstead said.
Freshman Ryan Li believes that beyond jobs, welfare, and immigration, the candidates’ public presence will play a critical role in the election outcome.
“I think Harris speaks better than Trump, at least in the debate,” Li said. “How they communicate and the logic behind their arguments will be a major factor in people’s decisions.”
For senior Gabino Talisayon, affordable housing stands out as a key issue, especially given the high cost of living in areas like Newton.
“I feel like it’s an issue that could be addressed easily and would make America more equitable,” Talisayon said. “It’s something we could take action on now that would have a real impact.”
For Welstead, the personalities of the candidates are the most divisive factor.
“If I was voting right now, I would vote for Kamala Harris, because I believe that someone who tried to undermine our democracy should not be in the office of the president,” he said. “It doesn’t mean I don’t support some of [Trump’s] ideals. It doesn’t mean that I don’t support the Republican Party. I just think Kamala Harris is the better candidate for me.”
Although there are some classes at North, like Close Up, that educate students about current politics, senior Salome Laurence said she wishes all history classes at North spent more time discussing the election.
“I think the biggest issues are misinformation and not enough education in schools. We haven’t really been talking about the election at all in school,” she said.
As of press time, The Newtonite is waiting on responses from several students supporting the Trump campaign.
