Supporting: Donald Trump

The political climate lends itself to two very unpopular candidates. Hillary has alienated a lot of Democrats, and Trump has alienated a lot of Republicans. My philosophy is to vote for anyone who puts forth conservative ideology. I have my differences with Trump, but he stands the most for conservative values.

Many people criticize Trump for saying sexist, racist and overall rude things. How do you address that?

When you’re on a national stage, there is a certain way you need to carry yourself. There are just some things you shouldn’t say, even if you believe them. With the modern desire to adhere to political correctness, that’s something people are hypersensitive about. I think there’s a much more grave problem with Clinton, who has openly lied and has owed so many favors to so many people and is controlled by the special interest.

What is the most pressing issue you’re concerned about?

National security. Right now we have ISIS growing at an exponential rate and people dying all over the world.  In regards to Syrian refugees, we should still be helping them because where they’re coming from is a very bad place. But if we let them in undocumented, it just takes one person to slip through the cracks.

Supporting: Neither, possibly a third-party candidate

I feel like I can’t trust Clinton. She lied about her emails and Benghazi and has been dishonest on multiple occasions. But Trump says things that are racist and homophobic and just isn’t fit for the presidency. The point of a democracy is not to choose between the lesser of two evils but to vote for who you really want.

A lot of people interpret Trump’s outspokenness as honesty. What do you think?

There is a point where political correctness can be a bit of a burden. But when Trump called that Hispanic beauty pageant contestant a housekeeper? You can’t say those things. It’s just wrong.

People often associate ideas of homophobia, racism or sexism with the Republican party. Is that a generalization?

A lot of that is on part of the media. The media often states that everything against Democratic policy is outdated or archaic, which can demonize the opposite side. You shouldn’t demonize someone who disagrees with you.

So being Republican doesn’t mean you’re close-minded.

Exactly. I’m very much against that kind of thinking, which is why I choose not to support Trump.

Supporting: Undecided. I just don’t know what I’m going to do, honestly.

How would you characterize YCC’s stance on the election? Is there any conflict?

Right now we’re supporting conservative ideology as a whole, but not backing any specific candidate. Some people have been supportive of Trump, some haven’t. I don’t think it’s necessary to officially endorse someone. Ultimately our goal is just to educate the student body about the conservative side of politics.

How would you define conservatism?

I mainly have conservative views on economic policy. I support lower taxes, lower government involvement, and more power to the states.

Why do you think these two got the nomination?

On the Democratic side, it’s been known that Hillary would get the nomination, just because she’s so well-known. She has good political connections and is very educated. I think everything is more of a show for Trump. He can get votes based on his behavior and actions more than his actual policies.

What policies are you most focused on?

I’m most focused on America’s taxation policies, and reforming the tax system to stop discriminating. It needs to be more efficient and have a better effect on our overall economy. Our current system is hurting many businesses and losing jobs.

The unemployment rates may look lower, but the government has stopped counting people who supposedly aren’t looking for jobs. The official unemployment rate is not anywhere close to the actual.

What are the strengths you see in the candidates?

They have very different but diverse set of experiences, and they are both very good at what they do.

Coselli declined further comment.