Inauguration day is when our country undergoes yet another peaceful transition of executive power — a cornerstone of American democracy and a testament to what our nation has endured over the past two centuries. Something about this particular election, however, feels different. It’s the culmination of a contentious and tumultuous (to say the least) election period filled with road bumps for both the Democratic and Republican parties. This past election cycle has tested the fabric of our democracy and deepened bi-partisan divides, to say the least.
As a Democrat, I find myself both hopeful and concerned for the future. I can only hope that this transition signals a step toward recovery and healing rather than catalyzing the disagreements in our country. Regardless, I cannot ignore my disagreement with President Donald Trump and the ideology represented by the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
Still, it’s important to remain respectful of others’ beliefs, especially in times like this, where discussion and understanding are needed — not name-calling, labeling or dismissing personal opinions. I can stand against misinformation, harmful rhetoric and actions that undermine democratic principles while demonstrating respect for everyone and upholding their dignity. This isn’t about a political rivalry but the future of our shared democracy.
The inauguration must be viewed based on the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which former President Joe Biden defeated Trump by winning both the electoral college and the popular vote. The aftermath of this election, however, was anything but peaceful. In the following months, Trump questioned the results of the election, claiming that there had been voter fraud. Eventually, this rhetoric would ignite mass distrust in the election results and lead a mob of Trump supporters to attempt an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021.
Thousands of supporters gathered around the Capitol in a sign of unwavering solidarity with Trump and genuine distrust of the American government. The supporters eventually breached through the Capitol security and entered a building that, for centuries, had represented democracy, liberty and trust. Eventually, the rioters were cleared from the Capitol, and Biden was officially recognized as the 46th president of the United States on Jan. 7, 2021.
Three years later, the 2024 election cycle was marked by significant developments that reshaped the political landscape. In July, Biden, who had originally been running for reelection, announced that he would drop out of the presidential race after a lackluster performance in his debate against Trump, following concerns about his fitness for office.
In the wake of his withdrawal from the race, former Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic presidential candidate. After receiving Biden’s endorsement, most of the Democratic party, including former President Bill Clinton and former President Barack Obama, endorsed her as the party’s candidate.
Despite these efforts, Trump eventually came out on top, securing an electoral college victory of 312 votes against Harris’s 226 — the most significant defeat a Democratic candidate had experienced since 1988, according to Axios.
The difficult conversations that the 2024 presidential election brought were not only on the candidates themselves but on the state of our democracy. Seeing a (twice impeached) former president return to power was disheartening. However, I also recognize and understand that there are millions of Americans all over the country who genuinely believe in Trump and his vision for our country. While some Democrats and I disagree with these perspectives, they deserve our respect and should encourage us to converse between parties. Avoiding doing so only risks alienating each other at a time when we must come together.
For me, this election wasn’t about a political ideology or a catchy motto to promise to return America to the country it once was — it was about the peaceful transfer of power and the legitimacy of elections, and the importance of truth in our public discourse. These were all tested in ways that made me question how resilient our democratic institutions really are. Sure, I disagree with Trump, but I will never question the legitimacy of a vote, and much less will I protest violently. Doing so would be going against the democratic values our founding fathers envisioned. I may have profound concerns about Trump’s policies and rhetoric, but I recognize that dissent and dialogue are integral to a functioning democracy.
But this doesn’t mean to turn a blind eye to things that go against the core of our country’s values. It’s important to call out actions that cross a line — to prevent a Jan. 6 from ever happening again. Because, to me, there is a difference between holding conservative views and perpetuating harmful falsehoods that damage public trust and turn us against each other. Democracy thrives not when we all agree but when we engage in civil discourse and work together to find solutions. It’s about adding (positive) stress to our preconceived notions and challenging them while at the same time remaining open.
I’m not asking to accept or reject another’s perspective; I’m simply asking to consider it. Moving forward, I believe that balance, respect for individual beliefs and a firm stance on democratic principles will be essential in helping us navigate these difficult times.
It is in these specific moments that I feel most hopeful. We play a crucial role in shaping the political future because students and young people have a unique opportunity to lead change, whether by organizing discussions, getting involved in activism or simply staying informed. The 2024 election highlighted the growing power of young voters, many of whom were voting in their first or second presidential election. Our generation showed that we care deeply about the issues affecting our country, from climate change to economic inequality to social justice.
On college campuses, it’s easy to get swept up in political tribalism, but it’s also an ideal place to foster meaningful dialogue. Our goal as students and young adults shouldn’t be to convince “the other” that we are right and they are wrong; our goal should be to put ourselves in their shoes and understand their opinions and where they are coming from.
Ultimately, it’s not about who wins or loses an election — it’s about how we treat one another in the aftermath. I believe in a future where dialogue replaces hostility, where civic engagement leads to progress and where our shared humanity outweighs our political differences. For now, I remain hopeful, ready to do my part, and eager to continue the conversation. After all, democracy doesn’t thrive on silence or ignorance — it thrives on voices, ideas, and actions, no matter how difficult the times may seem. Because I still believe in country over party.
Siya • Jan 23, 2025 at 3:34 pm
Thoughtful