*Republished from a 2016 issue of The Kayseean
By Emily Powers
College Republicans and College Democrats are organizations that promote political activism. King University offers students the opportunity to participate in either organization.
According to Jaime Osborne, the College Republicans’ president at King, the organization encourages free thinking and the expression of ideas. At the same time, it seeks to unite like-minded individuals to ignite political change and progress. Osborne said College Republicans will continue to encourage respectful, open minded conversation between students.
Jordan Smith, the College Democrats’ president at King, said, “Our mission has been to educate students on campus about and to display Democratic values. We understand the importance of our participation in the Democratic Party and the political process and dedicate ourselves to organizing college students at King in order to encourage and develop the participation of young Tennesseeans in the political process and the Democratic Party.”
Following the election in November, Osborne and Smith shared their thoughts on the election and results.
“The results of the election were not what we expected or hoped for…not only the presidential election, but hte House and Senate majorities as well. Since the Republicans possess a substantial amount of control, we will continue to work even more diligently to inform college students of the Democratic ideals and work to elect Democratic governing officials, both locally and nationally. We will be advocates for those who may be discriminated against and will always fight for equality and justice for ALL Americans,” said Smith.
Osborne said, “The 2016 election was controversial, shocking, historic, and unprecedented. The Clinton upset has left a lot of the country scratching their heads as to how Trump managed to pull the win.”
“When examining the states that ultimately made the difference (Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, specifically), it is apparent that Trump did not so much win the election as Clinton did lose the election,” said Osborne. “Clinton failed to produce the same numbers and demographics of voter turnout that Obama had done in 2008 and 2012.”
Osborne continued, “She was unable to resonate with many of Obama’s urban voters. In many ways, Trump owes his victory to Clinton. Her inability to produce turnout in important swing states, combined with the nation-wide distrust of career politicians and disapproval of ‘the establishment’ gave Trump his unforeseen victory.”
Despite their political differences, Osborne and Smith said the two organizations work together to organize voter registration drives, public speaking events, and debate viewing parties. According to both Osborne and Smith, it is important to them to have the organizations come together and share their mutual love for the United States