Villanova students played a crucial role in politics this year, and there were some crazy highlights. From presidential debates to Paul Rudd visiting campus, we are recapping it all. Villanova students were at the forefront of the election this Fall in one of the biggest swing states. Let’s go over some highlights:
We Registered To Vote
With such important issues on the ballot this year, Villanovans understood the importance of voting and mobilized in a variety of ways. This included non-partisan organizations, like Let’s Vote ‘Nova, as well as partisan organizations, such as VU Dems and VU Republicans. Let’s Vote ‘Nova played a big role in helping students fill out voter registration forms and change their voter registration to Pennsylvania. Both Villanova Democrats and Republicans spoke to The Villanovan and emphasized their roles in helping students register to vote and encouraging students to vote.
We Watched Debates
Villanovans gathered in their dorms, on campus and with their friends to watch both the presidential and vice presidential debate. On Sept. 10, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris took the stage of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for their first debate. On Villanova’s campus, there was a large number of students who believed Harris to be the winner. Others shared that they believed Trump won the debate, stating that he did a good job appealing to his party and followers. Some students witnessed the debate in a unique light, as they attended the debate in person.
We Spoke to Candidates
The Villanovan attended local political events and had the opportunity to interview a variety of political candidates. It had the chance to speak to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Senator Bob Casey, both incumbent politicians up for re-election. The Villanovan spoke to Scanlon about her campaign, legislative priorities and student voting. Scanlon emphasized the importance of student voting. She stated that young people can make a difference, and pointed to recent social movements, where students made a difference. As an elected official, Scanlon emphasized that she is interested in helping to bring along the next generation of public leaders. Villanovans also spoke to incumbent Casey, who also spoke on the importance of student voting. Villanovans also had the chance to speak to candidate for Auditor General Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly LGBTQIA+ person of color to serve in the PA general assembly, as well as one of the youngest members in the history of the Commonwealth. Kenyatta reminded students of the important opportunity they have to shape history in this election.
Mike Pence Visited Campus
On the day after National Constitution Day, Villanova’s Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy and the Charles Widger School of Law hosted former Vice President Mike Pence for an address on faith and public life. Pence spoke about the importance of the Constitution and his commitment to it when he was in office. He also noted his difference of opinion with former President Trump on the constitution. He told students he would be staying out of the race and wished both candidates well. Pence concluded the conversation by expressing his optimism in what the future holds.
VU Dems, Republicans and the Villanovan Endorsements
The Villanovan conducted interviews with both political student organizations about their endorsements for this election. The Villanova Republicans endorsed a fully Republican ticket, top to bottom.
“Donald Trump has proven himself to be the voice for ordinary Americans, consistently advocating for peace in our nation and the world, growth of business, and a thriving middle class,” the organization said to The Villanovan. “We invite you to join us in supporting President Donald J. Trump, Dave McCormick and this outstanding Republican ticket for a victorious November.”
The Villanova Democrats endorsed Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz as they believe she is the candidate most aligned with their policy stances and most willing to tackle the issues affecting communities. The organization cited Harris’s legislative priorities of student debt cancellation, fighting climate change, healthcare and protecting human rights.
“Harris believes that we can come together despite our differences and create communities based on mutual respect and love for one another,” the organization said to The Villanovan. The VU Dems organized students to exercise their right to vote and research and vote for the candidates down the ballot, too.
The Villanovan’s editorial staff endorsed Kamala Harris for President of the United States. The editorial staff explained the importance of endorsing a candidate for president given the importance of the election. The editorial staff mentioned student debt cancellation, reproductive rights and climate advocacy as important legislative priorities that Harris embraces.
“As we weigh the critical issues at stake in this election, it becomes increasingly clear who is best fit to run this country,” the editorial staff said in a statement.
In hopes of protecting democracy, rights and the future of America, The Villanovan endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president and vice president.
Villanova’s Fall Election Series
This fall, Villanova’s Political Science Department hosted an election programming series to unpack the elections and issues at the forefront of debate. It hosted a panel on presidential disability, “Situation Critical: Executive Disability and the Dangers We Face,” that outlined the potential dangers of presidential disability. It also hosted a panel to discuss the economy, “Is It the Economy, Stupid? The COVID-19 Recovery, Trade, Inflation and the 2024 Election,” that outlined the role of economics in elections. The Fall Election Series also covered immigration issues with the panel, “Voices from the Border: Immigration Stories, Challenges, and Politics,” that featured an asylee from Central America who is currently a permanent resident and third year law student, Andrea Solis Canto.
It also hosted a panel discussing Reproductive Health called “What’s At Stake with Reproductive Health?” that featured a diversity of perspectives to discuss reproductive health in light of the election. After the election, it hosted a panel detailing the election night process, “Red, Striped, or Blue?: Examining the 2024 Elections with Polling and Election Experts” This panel featured members from the decision desk teams of major news networks like CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and leading pollsters to examine what happened in the 2024 elections.
We Attended the Harris Rally in Philadelphia
On Election eve, Villanovans traveled to the Rocky Steps in Philadelphia to see Harris’s final address to the American people. They heard from Senator Casey, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanne McClinton and Governor Josh Shapiro. Villanovans also heard from Grammy-winning singer Lady Gaga and TV-show host Oprah Winfrey, who spoke on the importance of voting. Harris then took the crowd and energized Pennsylvanians on the last day before the election.
“We are all in this together,” she said. “Are you ready to do this? Our campaign has tapped into the ambitions and the aspirations and the dreams of the American people. It is time for a new generation of leadership in America. I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the United States.”
Harris then concluded by encouraging Pennsylvanians to reach out to their family members, friends, coworkers, classmates and neighbors to vote.
We Showed Up on The Big Day
On Nov. 5, thousands of Villanova students waited outside the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts to cast their votes in the general election. This was the first time there was a polling center on Villanova’s campus. Students reported waiting in line for hours, but once they got to the polls, the process went smoothly. Students were visited by movie star Paul Rudd, who handed out water bottles and encouraged students. Voting on campus not only increased voter turnout, but also helped students become encouraged to learn more about the candidates and cast educated ballots. Students who voted off-campus reported a relatively smooth process. Off-campus students voted at local churches or community centers.
Exit Polling
The Villanova initiative consisted of a non-partisan research project through the Communication and Political Science Departments. A total of 895 individuals (67.55%) cast their ballots for Vice President Harris. 426 votes (32.15%) were counted for former President Donald Trump. Despite not winning the national election, Harris won the majority of Villanovans’ votes. In the Senate race, incumbent Casey earned 66.07% of the vote at the Mullen Center, and Republican candidate McCormick earned 33% of the vote. The nation chose McCormick to fill the Senate seat, but the majority of Villanovan voted for Casey. For the House seat, 68% of Villanovans voted for incumbent, Mary Gay Scanlon, and 32% voted for the Republican challenger, Goodwin. Scanlon won re-election and received the majority of the vote at Villanova. For Attorney General, 63.27% of Villanovan voters voted for Democrat Eugene DePasquale, and 34.69% of votes went to Republican Dave Sunday.
Student Reactions
Students held a variety of reactions to the results of the election, some disappointed, surprised, confused. Many noted an energy shift on campus, calling campus a ghost town, doubled with many skipping class.
“I was truly confident that Harris was going to walk away with this victory,” one student said. “It makes me feel sick that the nation would rather support a convicted felon and sexual assaulter over an intelligent woman of color.”
“Today is a dark day for millions of Americans, and I can only hope that the damage does not go too far,” another student said.
“It is great to see President-Elect Donald Trump take office for a second term, leading our country back in the right direction,” a member of the VU Republicans said.
Students who voted on Villanova’s campus have divided opinions on the outcome of the Presidency.
“With the way both the Electoral College and popular vote went, it is evident that he is the most fit candidate for the American people,” one student said.
On Nov. 6, 2024, President-Elect Donald Trump made history as the first convicted felon to become President of the United States. He also made history as the first Republican candidate to win the popular vote in 20 years and the second president to serve non-consecutive terms.
