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The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The breaking point

Former+President+Donald+Trump+divides+conservatives+throughout+the+nation%2C+causing+fear+of+Republican+representation+in+the+government.+
Jake Wilsted
Former President Donald Trump divides conservatives throughout the nation, causing fear of Republican representation in the government.

Donald Trump will not wither into a distant memory as he has officially declared his 2024 presidential bid. Conservatives across the country have varied emotions as the Republican party divides into Trump-supporting Republicans and other party members who do not support the former President. 

Former Vice President Mike Pence explained to CNN that, with President Trump, they led a successful presidency that implemented effective policy and reform. However, Pence cited an unsuccessful ending to the presidency, alluding to the repudiation of the 2020 election results. 

Vice President Pence stated, “I have a genuine sense that the American people are looking for new leadership that could unite our country around our highest ideals and reflects the respect and civility the American people show to one another every day.” 

President Trump’s refutation of the 2020 election results and alleged incitement of violence following these outcomes have led many conservatives to divert support from the former President.

Students at PVHS, expectedly, have varied reactions. Hunter Schurke, a PVHS Republican, was one of these individuals. “I think that Trump’s constant unprofessionalism and bigotry swerves the Republican party even further from its founding as a party founded by abolitionists and later during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency as a party for the people and pro-social change. Trump is a sorry excuse for a president and an even worse excuse for a person,” he stated.

However, Senior Seth Bennion disagrees with Schurke’s notion and is pleased with Trump’s 2024 presidential bid. “I think it’s extraordinary how Trump announced that he’s running for President. I know he’ll continue to do his best and enact policy that benefits all Americans,” he stated. 

Although Trump was not on the ballot for the 2022 Midterms, the contention between Trump and non-Trump Republicans manifested in the results. Trump-endorsed candidates underperformed, whereas Republican candidates not endorsed by Trump performed considerably, such as Ron DeSantis

Trump could be the death of the Republican Party. 

During the 2016 Republican debates, the moderator asked the candidates to raise their hands if they would not refuse to run as independent candidates should they receive the Republican nomination. Trump’s hand was the only one raised. 

Trump stated, “I cannot say I have to respect the person that, if it’s not me, the person that wins,” he continued, “I could totally make that pledge if I’m the nominee. I will pledge I will not run as an Independent.” 

Now that Trump’s presidential bid for 2024 is official, the contention between conservatives could result in Trump losing the Republican nomination. Donald Trump would likely run as an Independent candidate, leading to the splitting of conservative votes and an overwhelming win for Democratic candidates.

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Jake Wilsted, Business Manager
Jake Wilsted is currently a senior at Pleasant Valley high school and serves as the Business Manager of the Spartan Shield. At PV, Jake enjoys his involvement as President of Students for Political Action. Outside of school, he is actively involved in work and skiing. Jake works in operations and Chick-fil-A and is the captain of the Snowstar Ski Team. After high school, Jake plans on majoring in economics at Brigham Young University. More than anything, he loves spending time with his friends and family. Jake looks forward to serving as your News Editor of the Spartan Shield this semester!
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    Savana stalkfleetDec 7, 2022 at 10:07 pm

    Very informational article. Great sources and very reliable.

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