The Drury College Republicans and Young Democrats co-hosted a watch party for President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address. On January 30, 2018, students from both sides of the political spectrum attended the event in Lay Hall auditorium.

Presidential speech unites two parties

The State of the Union address is an annual event at which the president addresses the nation directly. The televised speech allows citizens across the country to learn about the administration’s agenda for the year.

Lindsay Duede, president of Young Democrats, recognizes the importance of the annual event. “The State of the Union does two things. First, it tells us what the Trump administration’s agenda is for the upcoming year as well as where he thinks the nation is at. We’re living in this country. We see the effects of the policies that have been in place, but the State of the Union gives the president a chance to try to spin that however the administration wants the populous to remember it.”

Both Duede and vice president of College Republicans, Cameron Higbe, believe that it is important for Americans to watch the State of Union address.

“It’s important for everyone because it’s the one event of the year where all three branches of the government are in the same place at the same time, so it’s historical in that way. You have the entire legislative body, the supreme court justices, and the president and vice president all in the same building. That in itself is a unique event,” said Higbe. “I would say it’s especially important for college students because we are newer to the political process. Most college students have voted in at most one presidential election.”

The bipartisan watch party reflected the unifying aspect of the State of the Union address, which brings Democrats and Republicans together to reflect on the past year and think about the future.

“We were excited to co-host and work with Young Democrats, especially at a time when polarization is so potent. You see that divide so much on college campuses and across the nation. It’s nice to be able to show that you can work together even when you have different ideological preferences,” said Higbe.

Students from opposite sides discuss the event

Despite their differing views, both organizations were excited to host an event that encouraged open dialogue.

“The point of either organization is to raise political awareness and engagement,” said Duede, “and that only comes through civil discourse and discussion.”

Duede led a short discussion after the president’s address which gave many students, no matter their political affiliation, the chance to speak. Most students stayed for this conversation to share their thoughts and reactions.

Senior Trevor Cobb disagrees with the standards set for the president. “The bar for what being presidential means has continuously been lowered since the campaign, but especially since Donald Trump was inaugurated. We have such a low standard; it’s like if he just doesn’t curse today, maybe we’ll call him presidential tomorrow. I think he did exactly what he needs to do to get the media coverage that he wants,” he said.

“Overall, it was pretty much what I was expecting,” said Higbe, “I was surprised that there was more mention about health care than I thought there would be. I thought he would steer away from the health care discussion after the failed Obamacare repeal attempt. The tax plan was expected. Jerusalem expected. I was disappointed that there wasn’t any mention about the abortion issue.”

While the events’ attendees had different reactions to President Trump’s address, the conversation afterwards remained respectful and constructive.

Duede loves the civil political engagement present on campus. “I think that Drury students are pretty good about remaining open, at least open-minded enough to have a conversation. A lot of communities lack the encouragement to have a dialogue,” she said.

Article written by Taylor Stanton