U.S. elections may be over, but the discussion continues

 By Brooke Payne 

ROME, Nov. 5 - There is a general sense of relief among John Cabot University students - both Democratic and Republican supporters alike - as the long awaited U.S. election finally ended last night when Barack Obama was announced the new president-elect.

Some students are elated with the outcome. Others are disappointed. Most though are just happy to move on.   

“I’m glad the election is over,” said JCU student Megan Schlag.  “We have the first caucus in Iowa and the election has dragged on for the past year.”  

Even though abroad, JCU students have been closely following the election and feel the effects of election exhaustion -  presidential debates were still watched, roundtable discussions attended, and arguments between students still ensued.    

“I’m sick of the arguments,” said JCU study abroad student, Courtney Gladu.  “I’m disappointed with the outcome, but what is done is done, and now I can only hope for the best.”  

The polls indicated for several weeks an Obama victory, but Obama supporters were still nervous.  Obama supporter and JCU student Juliette Laaka expressed relief. “I have renewed faith in American society, and am happy that citizens finally took a stand.  We desperately needed this change,” she said.

Along with many Obama fans, Laaka is awaiting the January inauguration and has tentative plans to attend. 

Still, the fact that Obama is the country's first African American president generates some concerns among many students.  The United States has a long history of racial tension, at times violent, that still exists in some parts of the country.  People are afraid of what extremists might do. Jamie Witt voiced this concern, “I’m concerned some parts of the nation and individuals will be a threat to the President. I worry about extremists trying to harm Obama and the general ignorance he may encounter.” 

This is one of the most prevalent concerns expressed among both Democrat and Republican students alike.  

As the election map indicates, the United States is still divided. The south is still predominantly Republican, while the Northeast and West Coast is democratic. The next year will indicate if the states can collectively work together to solve the extensive economic and geopolitical issues we face or if the division will remain and hinder the progress that must be made to get the United States back on track.