As Republicans gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to select Donald J. Trump as their nominee for president, political scientists agree that the 2024 election season has been extraordinarily wrought, and tensions aren't likely to ebb as the presidential election draws nearer.
Experts urge voters everywhere, but particularly in higher education institutions, to pay close attention to how politicized higher education has become, particularly in light of Project 2025.
Dr. John Kane, clinical associate professor at the Center for Global Affairs and affiliated faculty of New York University’s Department of Politics.
“In some ways, Trump has successfully, even if unintentionally, lowered the bar for himself, such that it's now almost inconceivable to think of anything that he could say or do that would substantially change anyone's mind about him. And that's just kind of unprecedented from previous elections,” said Kane.
Trump’s unconditional support is not replicated across the aisle for President Joe Biden, said Kane, who receives intense criticism from Republicans, media, and Democrats alike regarding his age, mental acuity, and verbal gaffes, which have culminated in calls for him to step down from the political ticket.
Usually, Kane said, Democrats could rely on the strong economy to bolster their voters, yet Democrats are finding themselves on the defense in this year's election.
“If you take a long view, the economy is fantastic. Right now, inflation is under 4%, which is right in line with historical averages. Unemployment is basically at about 4%. That's also fantastic,” said Kane. “In a normal election, the Republican Party would be struggling to make the case in the election that the economy is bad. But instead, we're kind of in an upside-down world where the Democrats have to defend the economy.”
