As the first presidential debate of the general election began, members of the College Republicans at IU cheered as Donald Trump was introduced. Two members of the audience wore Trump campaign shirts, and one of those individuals donned a “Make America Great Again” hat as well.
Members of the group had differing views on the outcome of the debate and the quality of the candidates.
As millions of viewers across the nation tuned in to the first presidential debate, College Republicans at IU did so as well, collectively. In a lecture hall in the Kelley Graduate School, the student group gathered to view the debate.
Throughout the debate, members of the audience openly reacted to what happened on the three screens in the lecture hall. The most audible reactions came when Trump spoke.
“That’s called business,” Trump said.
The crowd answered with cheers and laughter.
“Why did she delete 33,000 emails?” Trump asked.
The audience not only cheered, but began pounding their fists on the tables in front of them.
[Local democrats react to debate | IDS]
This election is unlike any other in history because of the addition of a female candidate. But for at least one IU Republican, Trump is the most interesting feature of this election season.
“I just really like Donald Trump,” said Nick Vogel, and IU senior who found an interest in politics after Trump decided to run. “I like to get a chance to see anything weird or crazy happen.”
Before the official start time of the debate, a number of College Republicans at IU discussed how they expected the debate would go for Trump. Topics included elector votes, swing states and interpretation of the debate itself. Some disdain for the treatment Trump receives by debate moderators was also expressed.
Public opinion during this election cycle has appeared to be more divided than ever. Not all members of College Republicans at IU support Trump and find frustration with how the political rhetoric has gone so far.
“Absolute waste of my time. I could’ve been doing homework, I ended up peeling stickers from my laptop,” junior Sean Hall said. “Half of the debate was spent on accusations Trump made on Clinton.”
[Hoosier Debate Team unimpressed by Trump, Clinton performances | IDS]
For now, the election seems to be fairly close. Neither party is certain that a victory is near, and individuals within the College Republicans at IU remain hopeful, if not entirely confident.
Although she said she hopes Trump wins, Reagan White said she has her doubts.
“I think that with the Clinton administration behind everything that Clinton has had to offer over the past few years I think she’s got it,” White said.
