The halls and Outdoor Plaza of Fordham Lincoln Center appeared deserted on Tuesday with a closed university. Instead, students were huddled around laptops or glued to TVs as they awaited the election results.
Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris expressed anxiety as immediate returns squashed some hopes of a decisive Democratic victory on election night. Mia Paolicelli, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’28, said she is fearful that reelection for Donald Trump would imperil protections on reproductive healthcare.
“I’m scared for my rights as a woman in America,” Paolicelli said.“Obviously I want Harris to win because of her stances on reproductive rights, gun control, climate change… I just think that she leads a more hopeful future for America.”
Johnny DiLorenzo, FCLC ’28, expressed his reaction to the callings around 11p.m.
“It’s disappointing, to say the least, but it’s definitely still too close to call,” DiLorenzo said.
Ethan Mai, FCLC ’28, voted for Trump. He said he is excited for the future, regardless of the election results.
“I’m feeling great,” Mai said. “Just go America, that’s it. No matter, whichever way the results turn out, go America.”
Mai continued on Ukrainian and Palestinian conflicts, and his stance on border control.
“I think Trump is definitely a worse person, but I’m focused on foreign affairs, especially the ongoing wars and stuff and I just feel more confident in Trump’s ability to get something done,” Mai said.
Tipton-Nigro said her decision to vote for Harris was shaped by more than just a fear of Trump.
“I think that her being elected would be a great moment of change in America where more women can take on leadership positions, and also more people of color can enter into politics. So I’m just really optimistic that she will usher in a new political era for us,” Tipton-Nigro said.
Students on both sides anxiously await results that will continue to come in during the upcoming days.
