Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for president, was named the president-elect of the United States in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 9. After months of campaigning all across the state, Hillary Clinton lost Pennsylvania in a close race.
At Saint Joseph’s University, students gathered on Tuesday, Nov. 8 to watch the live results of the 2016 election in The Perch.
Students from various political backgrounds and associations gathered to watch as Americans elected the 45th President of the United States, along with many governors, senators, congressional representatives, and other local officials. One of those officials was Senator Pat Toomey who was re-elected in a close race.
“I wanted to watch in a space where there were a lot of other people,” Dominique Joe, ’19, said. “I could’ve gone to my dorm and watched it by myself, but I wanted a communal atmosphere and watching with my friends is really great too.”
This event, hosted by the College Democrats and the Politics Club, was not the first of its kind at St. Joe’s this election season. Hawk Hill also saw a mock debate, debate viewing parties, and campus discussions on the dominant issues of this election.
Liam McGarry, ’18, attended the election viewing party on Tuesday and supported Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate for President.
“I voted for Gary Johnson,” McGarry said. “He is not a member of the political elite and he represents, in my opinion, the ideas of true Americans more so than Trump or Hillary do.”
Gina Vreeland, ’20, was another student who attended the viewing party. She, however, voted for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate.
“I voted for Hillary Clinton,” Vreeland said. “I have been working for her for three months now on the campaign. It’s been pretty crazy.”
Tuesday also saw hundreds of “I voted” stickers on students around campus. Clinton and Trump apparel could also be seen all across St. Joe’s throughout the day.
Gage Huber, ’17, showed his support for Trump on Election Day.
“At the end of the day, it was going to be a matter of what are they going to push for, what are they going to advocate for,” Huber said. “At the end of the day I voted Trump because I saw something in a candidate that viewed his policies to be something to work more for the average, middle-income American, and that appealed to me.”
For post-election coverage, visit www. sjuhawknews.com.
