Presidental Election
2016
Where does UP stand? OVER THE PAST WEEK, OVER 300 STUDENTS VOTED IN OUR ONLINE POLL SO WE COULD GAUGE THE POLITICAL CLIMATE OF CAMPUS.
VOTING GUIDE
11%
4%* 21%
45%
4%
Rand Paul Jonathan Davis (Korn) Phil Labonte (All That Remains)
Hillary Clinton Beyoncé Kanye West Pharrell Cher 50 Cent Katy Perry Christina Aguilera Ja Rule Ellie Goulding Snoop Dogg Morrissey Lady Gaga Jennifer Lopez Ice-T Elton John Sting Barbra Streisand Tony Bennett Jon Bon Jovi Ricky Martin Janelle Monae James Taylor Usher will.i.am Stevie Wonder Quincy Jones
Jeb Bush Toby Keith
Ben Carson Kid Rock
Bernie Sanders Killer Mike (Run the Jewels) Lil B Foster the People Red Hot Chili Peppers Vampire Weekend Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) Simon & Garfunkel Chris Shifflet (Foo Fighters) Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) Jon Fishman (Phish) Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr.) Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) Maureen Herman (Babes in Toyland) Belinda Carlisle (Go-Go’s) Billy Gould (Faith No More) Donald Trump Azealia Banks Loretta Lynn Ted Nugent
2%
10%
Bands and musicians who have endorsed candidates
As the presidential race has heated up and the candidates have had their fair share of debates, many people have chosen their respective side. And the people who get the most publicity when announcing who they agree with are usually celebrities. These celebrities are a melting pot of actors, actresses, writers and a large selection of musicians. Since musicians express their beliefs through their music, they are often among the most vocal with their opinions, and that has held true in this election. There have been benefits hosted for candidates like Clinton and Sanders where musicians have come to perform or show their support, endorsing the candidate. Here are some artists that have endorsed various candidates: Natasa Kvesic • THE BEACON
3%
Rebekah Markillie • THE BEACON
*This poll was conducted shortly before Jeb Bush announced that he was dropping out of the presidential race.
Donald Trump
Ted Cruz
Bernie Sanders
Ben Carson
Marco Rubio
Hillary Clinton
John Kasich
Jeb Bush
Why I support... BERNIE SANDERS (D)
A lot of people think Bernie supporters are naive, but Sanders isn’t a young guy. He’s been in politics for decades and he’s had the same goals and the same vision for this country throughout his entire career. When you compare him to the rest of the candidates, he’s the most consistent by far. (Donald Trump was pro-choice less than a year ago). Consistency doesn’t guarantee that Sanders’ ideas will work. Yet, when I look at Bernie as a candidate, I see a civil servant infuriated by the havoc Wall Street has caused for the working class. I see someone who has envisioned a government that works for all Americans, not just the billionaire class and has been fighting for this vision since the 1960s. Call me crazy and naive, but I want to help him achieve that. Rachel Rippetoe // sophomore
JOHN KASICH (R)
As someone who moderately identifies with the values of the Republican Party and has voted along party lines in the past, it is upsetting to see how the contenders have displayed themselves during the latest Republican presidential debates. For that reason, if I were asked to vote today I would choose Ohio Governor John Kasich, who has recently stood out among the rest of the candidates. I will continue to follow both sides of the debate until it is time to cast my final vote, however at this point, in my opinion, Kasich has the most practical experience, a respectful demeanor in the public sphere necessary for national and international support, and the ability to work with Democrats to strive for bipartisan reform. Additionally, his election would result in the least amount of backlash against the Republican Party and its brand across the nation. Mackenna Krohn // senior
HILLARY CLINTON (D)
Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate for the President of the United States. She has a resume that most candidates only dream of: she was a precedent-breaking first lady, leading the charge to expand health insurance to low-income children and standing up to China’s human rights record — all before holding elected office. As a Senator she helped to protect children from drug companies, and led the fight for equal pay. As Secretary of State, she secured a new arms reduction treaty with Russia and helped to bring Iran to the table to discuss what would become a landmark nuclear deal. Her established record of public service has taught her the difference between campaigning and governing, and she has the scars to show for it. Young people propelled one of the most consequential presidents of a generation to office in 2008. Let’s do it again. Jordan Paul // senior
MARCO RUBIO (R)
No one should place much faith in any politician, and they certainly shouldn’t expect much change after electing them; our government works to limit change and check those in power. However, our country faces both unique challenges and opportunities that our government must confront in the coming years. With this in mind, I am unabashedly supporting Marco Rubio. He is someone who can facilitate the right amount of change, appoint the best judges to federal courts, work to balance the relationship between the national and state governments and present a bright future for all Americans. Although he is not a “perfect” candidate, he has an inspiring story, a love for America and a chance to bridge the wide ideological gap in the Republican Party. Moreover, he is relatable, smart, pragmatic and committed to using our liberal American values to build on the prosperity that our country enjoys. William Gunnels // senior