Recent college graduates, Jade Gray and Anushka Jalisatgi, reflect on their time at the University of Michigan, surrounded by protests and activism. Despite the dire state of the world, they find inspiration in how people are responding to the challenges. They express concern about the upcoming presidential election and the potential impact on Michigan, a state crucial for President Joe Biden. Jalisatgi hopes for no encampment on campus in the fall and calls for Biden to address concerns raised by student voters.
As part of a 2024 CNN project, young voters like Gray and Jalisatgi are sharing their views and experiences regarding the upcoming presidential campaign. During the 2020 election, younger voters played a crucial role in flipping Michigan to the blue column. However, recent conversations reveal growing concerns and uncertainties among this demographic, particularly regarding Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Campus activism surrounding this issue is shaping young voters’ perspectives going into the 2024 election.
One example is Summer Matkin, who was initially eager to vote for Biden last fall but now has reservations due to his handling of international crises. Matkin, like many of her peers, is considering third-party options but fears that doing so could inadvertently benefit former President Trump. Similarly, Wayne State student Maya Siegmann, despite leaning towards voting for Biden, expresses reservations about his age and performance, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has heightened tensions on college campuses.
The discussions with students of diverse backgrounds, such as Siegmann, who is Jewish, and Ibrahim Ghazal, of Palestinian descent, shed light on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on voter sentiments in Michigan. Ghazal emphasizes the importance of Biden addressing human rights violations and supporting independent investigations in Gaza to earn support from Arab and Muslim communities. Many young voters are considering third-party options or sitting out the election if they do not see meaningful changes in Biden’s approach.
Despite their reservations, graduates like Jalisatgi and Gray plan to support Biden in the upcoming election, citing the importance of preventing a return to Trump’s policies and addressing important issues like LGBTQ rights and access to abortion. They acknowledge the frustration with Biden’s decisions but believe it is crucial to vote strategically in the best interest of the country. As emotions run high with ongoing conflicts and crises, the upcoming election will be pivotal in shaping the future direction of the country.
