We Are Not Safe: Why You Still Need to Vote
Start writing a post
Politics

We Are Not Safe: Why You Still Need to Vote

Trump still needs to be stopped.

2
We Are Not Safe: Why You Still Need to Vote
Flickr

NOTE: this article was written before the 10/9 debate, and thus is limited to quotes and comments prior to it.

There’s no denying it—it’s been a bad couple of weeks for presidential nominee Donald Trump. He completely bombed the first presidential debate; unleashed an objectively embarrassing twitter rant against Alicia Machado; went on trial for raping a thirteen-year-old-girl; has allegedly tried to say the n-word on live TV; was caught saying that being famous gives you the right to assault women; and the Republican National committee has cut him off the way his father should’ve done 50 years ago. Over the weekend, dozens of Republicans have publicly renounced him (because apparently, everything he said was acceptable up until it threatened white women), and his own running mate will not defend him (though he still thinks that LGBT conversion therapy is an acceptable practice). To all watching, it appears that Donald Trump is on a sinking political ship.

But we can’t get comfortable.

It’s easy to rejoice, sit back with a glass of wine, and watch Donald Trump bluster and blather and treat the election like it’s reality TV. After all, he’s ostracizing nearly everybody, and it’s common knowledge that he’s not presidential material. Right?

Wrong.

Because these people exist. And these people. And don’t forget your racist uncle. And sure, they’re funny, they’re entertaining, we like to watch these Daily Show videos hundreds of times and laugh and feel morally and intellectually superior (because we are). But when we do that, we forget that these diehards with no sense of irony or contradiction are still going to vote. And we know exactly who for.

We cannot grow complacent because Trump supporters will not grow complacent. Trump’s more moderate supporters are abandoning him, sure. But he still has a loyal following who are looking forward to November 8th as if it’ll be the second coming of Christ, and their votes will count just as much as all of ours.

It’s easy to watch Trump’s downfall and feel like voting isn’t as important anymore, to assume that he’ll lose because people are rational. His supporters are not rational, but they are enthusiastic. And we have to be equally enthusiastic about stopping him. That means still campaigning, still voting, still talking, still paying attention. Yes, Trump is wrecking his own campaign. That will not stop the people who believe in him. We can’t let it stop the people who don’t.

And hey, if you won’t listen to me, listen to the cast of Hamilton! Listen to former presidents (and the cast of Hamilton)! Listen to the Avengers! But whatever you do… listen.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40586
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25196
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950828
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

132458
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments