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Iowa University Students Weigh In on Presidential Election and Key Issues
IOWA CITY, IA – On November 5, 2024, students at the University of Iowa participated in a series of interviews conducted by PinkNews and The Daily Iowan, offering their perspectives on the ongoing US Presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The discussions covered their voting preferences, the influence of LGBTQIA+ rights, and the most critical issues facing young Americans.Several students expressed their support for Donald Trump, with one male student stating, "I voted for Trump. I like his policies he's trying to do... he didn't have any wars when he was President." This sentiment highlights a focus on foreign policy and perceived stability during his previous term.Conversely, other students indicated their vote for Kamala Harris. A female student emphasized the importance of LGBTQIA+ rights, explaining, "Voting someone into office that will support their rights and their ability to love whoever they want is really important to me." Another student noted, "Both ways care but Republicans are actively trying to take rights away." These comments underscore the significant role social issues play for a segment of the student body.When asked about the most important issues for the younger generation, responses varied. One student cited "abortion" as a primary concern, while another highlighted "getting housing and having a better economy." A third student stressed "basic rights" for "women and minorities."The interviews took place amidst recent polling data from Ann Selzer for the Des Moines Register, which suggested Kamala Harris held a slight lead over Donald Trump in Iowa, 47% to 44%, among 808 likely voters. The student opinions reflect the varied political landscape and the complex array of issues influencing voters in the critical swing state of Iowa.
