Repubs Head Max Salzinger ʼ25
What meetings has Repubs held this year?
Repubs recently co-hosted an open discourse forum about campus protests with Hotchkiss Political Union (HPU) and Demz. We also hosted a speaker, Connecticut Senate minority leader Stephen Harding, in advance of the upcoming election. What do you think is the most important political issue at the moment? Drug trafficking and drug addiction. Entirely avoidable overdose deaths took over 100,000 American lives last year, and enough fentanyl was seized across the country to kill every single American. The outcome of the upcoming election will certainly influence this issue, as Trump and Harris have vastly different policies on drug and border regulation.
What qualities do you believe make Trump the best choice for president?
Trump’s biggest strength is his record. From rampant inflation to a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, to the outbreak of multiple wars, the Biden-Harris administration has failed to lead and succeed.
In contrast, Trump is the only president in the 21st century not to have a new war start during his tenure. Domestically, under Trump, inflation rates were comparatively low, and his administration oversaw unprecedented economic recovery from a global pandemic.
According to polls, a higher percentage of young people than in the last few elections are planning on voting Republican. Among other factors, the assassination attempts on Trump might have helped his image with this group, which cares signifi cantly more about projected power, strength, and resistance than older voters.
How would you assess the political scene at the school?
People care about politics at Hotchkiss. Yes, the community is quite Democratic, but I don’t feel uncomfortable being a conservative on campus.
What is something you believe people misunderstand about Trump?
The never-ending, inflammatory, and dangerous rhetoric that Trump is a threat to democracy is untrue. During Trump’s administration, no democratic institutions were dismantled. The system of checks and balances remained. Freedom of speech was not restricted. If Trump is re-elected, American democracy will remain intact.
Why should young voters, especially high school students, care about this election?
In the Hotchkiss bubble, we often do not properly appreciate or realize the impact of policies or world affairs. Major issues such as gas prices, unemployment, and drug trafficking might not seem to be problems inside this bubble, but the vast majority of students have either been directly affected by these issues or know someone who has.
What do you believe are some of Trump’s most important policy proposals?
Trump’s proposals put America first. His economic policies focus on cutting taxes, deregulating industries, and bringing jobs back to the U.S. through trade deals and regulations. His foreign policy is aimed at reducing U.S. involvement in endless wars, strengthening military preparation, and projecting strength. Trump is also pushing for energy independence and promoting expanded domestic oil and natural gas production to replace imported oil from the Middle East.
Demz Head Libby Abelow ʼ25
How would you describe the school’s political scene?
Interest in politics, at least as I’ve perceived it, has fluctuated throughout my years here. We’re definitely at a peak right now, and while that probably has more to do with the upcoming election than anything else, I think that the open discourse forums and the increased collaboration between political clubs have made participating in politics more common and interesting.
In the media, I hear a lot about how institutions stifle political expression, but this is not the case at all at Hotchkiss. I think the administration and faculty foster an environment that allows students to engage in discourse freely.
How do you think Harris’s campaign resonates with young voters?
Harris’s campaign has made a concerted effort to project optimism, in stark contrast to Trump. It’s easy to lose interest when politicians focus entirely on the negatives, and through her positivity, Harris has made it easier for young people to become involved.
Based on the recent past, I’m not overly optimistic about either candidate’s ability to pass legislation. However, presidents have a lot of sway over foreign policy. To put it concisely, Harris will support Ukraine, and Trump won’t.
Why should high school students care about this election?
For the same reason that they should care about any election: in a representative democracy, voting is our way to create change and make our voices heard.
We should have a visceral reaction to any attempt to lessen or negate our say in democracy, especially when the integrity of our elections has been called into question, as Trump has done.
What do you believe are the most important policy proposals from Harris?
Harris’s economic proposals are projected by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget to increase national debt by $3.5 trillion compared with Trump’s $7.5 trillion by 2035.
Harris supports reproductive rights, as evidenced by her promise to sign future legislation protecting them. S
he also recognizes the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change, a stance made clear by her return to the Paris Climate Accords.
What kind of work has Demz been doing this year?
After the presidential debate, Demz held a recap meeting in conjunction with Repubs and HPU. We also held a meeting to write postcards to people living in swing states urging them to vote, and we hosted local Democrat Justin Potter, Connecticut Senate candidate, for a meet-and-greet.
What do you believe are Harris’s strongest qualities as a candidate?
Harris has continuously made changes to her policy proposals, indicating a willingness to listen to and work with people from across the political spectrum.
Her inclination to support policies popular among members of both parties makes me hopeful that she will be able to attract undecided voters.
What do you think people misunderstand about Harris?
People usually think of Republicans as more fiscally responsible than Democrats, which could not be less true in the case of Harris.
