Staff Reports
The University of Notre Dame, which some might mistakenly believe to be a stronghold of liberalism, has revealed a surprising twist in student political sentiment. While the campus typically dances to the left, recent polling shows a significant jump in support for Donald Trump, with students throwing a curveball at the normally predictable political landscape. Forget the 66% who supported Joe Biden in 2020 and the 59% backing Hillary Clinton in 2016; this time, Trump is allegedly ahead in a match-up against Kamala Harris, leading her 48% to 46%. Call it a miracle, or perhaps a sign that the young folks are waking up to the realities of American politics.
Despite the dominant pro-liberal narrative among its faculty, evidenced by the ruckus stirred up by pro-abortion professors, there seems to be a substantial undercurrent of conservative thought bubbling beneath Notre Dame’s surface. While the school’s administration highlights its commitment to the sanctity of life, two professors came under fire for their radical anti-life views, eventually leading to a libel suit. It’s clear that not all students are toeing the Democratic line—there’s a faction of young conservatives ready to stand their ground.
You're Not Going to Believe This Poll of College Students Who Support Donald Trump https://t.co/qDqCzAPIIM pic.twitter.com/ksByA0MCeM
— AntiCorporatism.com (@CorporateState) September 26, 2024
The Irish Rover’s recent survey sparks hope for Republicans, revealing widespread disapproval of the Biden administration among students. Fifty-five percent of those polled expressed that they either strongly disapprove or have some reservation about the current president, which speaks volumes about the dissatisfaction gripping the college populace. A mere 35% acknowledged any approval for the Biden-Harris agenda, with only 5% feeling strongly about that approval. If this trend continues, campuses that traditionally lean left might find themselves rocked by a wave of red.
Elliot Anderson, the College Republicans President, remarked on this rising tide of support for Trump, suggesting it points to a larger change among youth voters who are beginning to appreciate conservative policies. Meanwhile, the College Democrats chose to dodge the spotlight entirely when asked for comments on the polling. Perhaps they sensed the winds shifting, and who could blame them? When most students express frustration over their financial situations, they may not be inclined to rally behind the party that has overseen such challenging times.
As Notre Dame students take a stance that resembles the national atmosphere—especially among younger voters—conservative spirits on campus appear to be thriving, albeit beneath a shroud of liberal dominance. The juxtaposition of modest conservative activism amidst fervent leftist rhetoric might just be the perfect recipe for a college political renaissance. It remains to be seen whether this upturn in support for Trump among students represents a fleeting moment or a sign of a lasting shift towards conservative values. If nothing else, it offers a glimmer of hope for Republicans who have long been outgunned in the academic arena.
