What’s the political climate actually like at Wake?

Wake Forest is a diverse liberal arts university. Diversity is seen all around campus, and diversity is found in the political views of students and faculty, especially with regards to the upcoming presidential election.

We decided to take a more examined look at political views on Wake Forest’s campus. Given the upcoming presidential election, we asked members of the student body and faculty:

1. Who are you supporting in the upcoming presidential election and why?

2. Are you staying within your party lines or straying due to the candidates in this election cycle?

Read below to see their responses.

Julie Moore, Sophomore, Sociology

“I don’t fully support any of the remaining candidates. I’m not a fan of Bernie or Hillary, and I do not understand why Trump has so much support right now. I guess noise attracts attention. I am currently leaning towards Ted Cruz because I’m in favor of a smaller government that is less involved in our day-to-day lives. I don’t know much about Kasich, but the problem with moderate candidates is that no one is completely happy on either side. People tend to vote on one policy these days instead of what the platform looks like as a whole.

“If it came down to two candidates that I didn’t support, I would most likely not vote, rather than vote for someone I don’t believe in.”

Dwayne Peterkin II, Junior,  Communication

“In the current election I am still quite undecided. I am politically moderate. I make an effort to see both sides. I will end up casting my vote for whoever I believe is the best candidate for our country regardless of party lines. So I will honestly be invested into making sure I make the proper choice until Election Day. If I had to vote at this moment, it would likely be for Hillary Clinton.

“As I mentioned before, I am an Independent. I am probably going to cast my vote for a Democratic candidate this election. Due to the high likelihood of Donald Trump being the GOP candidate, I am less inclined to vote for a Republican candidate. I do not see him as a reflection of the Republican party, but rather as a deterrent for me in this election cycle.”

Mary Taormina, Sophomore, Psychology

“I have no idea who I am voting for at this point in time. The options are sparse.”

Stephanie Albrecht, Junior, Sociology

“I am not happy with any of the possible candidates anymore. I was a Rubio fan, but now he has dropped out of the race. If I had to choose though, I would say Clinton. This is not because I support her but because I think that out of the two possible candidates (Trump and Clinton), she is the lesser of two evils. I cannot support Trump for his radical behavior and ideas. People say that it is time for a non-politician president and someone who speaks his mind, but a president is supposed to be the voice of the people, poised and polite. Trump is neither of those things.

“As I have grown up and become more involved in politics and such, I have found I really do not have party lines. I was raised as a Republican even though my parents are more independent because they tend to agree with the financial aspects of the GOP. I would say I’m very fiscally conservative and socially liberal. My party lines are very fluid and, as stated before, for this election I am not very thrilled with any of the candidates.”

Dante Lizza, Sophomore, Politics and International Affairs

“I support John Kasich because he is a moderate candidate with a strong history of bipartisanship. He has a strong economic record in Ohio, 18 years experience in congress, and helped to balance the budget while he was in congress. He has remained above the name-calling that has characterized the republican primary election thus far.

“I’m a Republican, and yes, I will be staying within my party lines unless Trump is the nominee, and if Bernie gets the democratic nomination, I will vote for a third party candidate.”

Liz Candler, Freshman, Politics and International Affairs

“I am planning on voting for Bernie Sanders because I feel as though he is someone I can truly believe in and that aims to change the social and political fabric of this country. He is true to his word and holds strongly to that which he believes. He seems to hold genuine sympathy for those who are currently struggling under the current system and has drive and passion, the progression of which will truly change this country for the better.

“I am staying within my party lines. Although I’m not thrilled with the primary outcomes, I will still maintain my political identity in this upcoming election and vote the only way I feel is right—democratic.”

Daniel Holtzschue, Sophomore, Psychology

“I’m supporting Bernie because I like his policies on the environment, healthcare, and education.

“I’m a Democrat, so no I’m not straying from party lines.”

Abby Nowak, Junior, Business and Enterprise Management

“I am supporting Ted Cruz because of a process of elimination honestly. Anyone who has read Atlas Shrugged knows Sanders shouldn’t be in political office. The Clinton scandal put a bad taste in my mouth about her, and America would be the laughing stock of the world if we elected Trump.

“I am technically a Republican, but I don’t feel forced into supporting every Republican candidate. In this case though, I am staying within party lines.”

Carly East, Sophomore, English

“I’m supporting Bernie Sanders because I think that although some of his ideas are pretty progressive, he seems to be the most consistent candidate that respects the values and morals of Americans.

“I’m staying within party lines.” 

Ally Harper, Junior, Communication

“We all know that Trump and Clinton will be the candidates (unfortunately), so even though it goes against my party in the end, I will be supporting Clinton only because I believe she is the lesser of two evils.”

Justin Catanoso, Director of Journalism, Wake Forest University

“There are no Republican candidates that are qualified to run for president. The Republican Party has been hijacked by the worst elements of the American society, which is driven by fear and blame, and violence. Anyone who doesn’t understand that what makes this nation great is our diversity of all kinds, beginning with ethnicity, race, and religion, cannot clearly claim to be an American. So I can’t tell you who I am going to vote for, but I can tell you under no circumstances could I support one of these Republican candidates.

“Everyone stays within their party lines. I think people who are independents are people who are uninformed. People are on one side or the other whether you claim the title or not. There was a time when you could say that you would vote for the best candidate, but we’re so polarized that it isn’t an option anymore. It was reasonable because we had reasonable people running, and now we don’t.” 

McKenzie Ziegler, Senior, Communication

“I’m not openly supporting anyone as I feel like each candidate has some problematic stances. I would have loved for Joe Biden to run or Elizabeth Warren. I’m a registered independent so I have the choice always.

“I guess I lean left but I’m willing to hear various perspectives! This election is pitiful.”

That brings us to a grand total of:

Bernie Sanders: 3

Hillary Clinton: 3

Donald Trump: 0

Ted Cruz: 2

John Kasich:  1

Undecided: 3

Moving to Australia: The rest of us.