In the wake of the November general election, students are considering the future of the nation, and what they can expect from the incoming administration. It is crucial for young voters to process their feelings and be knowledgeable about discussions concerning the current political climate.

Dr. Sean Bortz, an Associate's Professor of History, stressed the importance of intellectual maturity and, above all, moral character, when evaluating the outcome and candidates. He said, “I think students should strive to be intellectually mature, and we are all responsible for who we allow to influence us; we should allow wisdom, wise people, to influence us.” This calls for students to be alert in order to navigate different information and perspectives in the media.

Bortz also highlighted that the pursuit of truth in politics is not just about uncovering facts, but particularly about understanding the moral character of candidates. “Do these candidates possess a moral character?” he said. “A true virtuous person sees beyond their loyalty to either political party.”

The recent election has revealed how polarized a political landscape can be, and Bortz warns about maintaining blind loyalty to any political party. He encourages students to prioritize truth; an angle that is essential for students to maintain a more open mind when trying to understand political issues and candidates.

A conversation with Dr. Bryan Santin, Associate Professor of English, revealed insights into voter behavior and recent population trends that have emerged. He mentioned that although the overall turnout was slightly down compared to the 2020 election, voters appeared to be “reacting to key economic factors.” 

Santin pointed out that the winning candidate will face significant hurdles in unifying a divided electorate. He said, “A general sense of instability, anger and fear will make it very difficult to unify the electorate.” 

Looking ahead, Santin noted, “The legislative agenda will be fully controlled by the Republican Party.” This indicates a significant shift in policy direction which could result in changes such as tax cuts and increased immigration control. 

Overall as students reflect on the recent election, both professors encouraged students to engage in informed dialogue, seek out diverse perspectives, and prioritize respect, truth and moral character in political discussions.

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