‘Alt-right’ movement too ill-defined for use
The term “alt-right” came to the forefront during the 2016 election as Hillary Clinton and various media outlets connected the movement to the rise of Donald Trump. But what exactly is the “alt-right?” The phrase encompasses neo-Nazis, some users of the message board 4chan, anti-establishment conservatives and white nationalists. The...
Q&A: Mark McKinnon
Mark McKinnon is a political adviser, television producer and newspaper columnist who has worked in American politics for the last 30 years. He has served on several political campaigns and created and produced “The Circus,” a Showtime TV show. In 2010, McKinnon co-founded No Labels, a political organization devoted to...
Anti-Trump protesters safeguard First Amendment right
The First Amendment is one of our most important rights as Americans. Its protection of our right to protest also safeguards democracy itself, and yet many are criticizing anti-Trump protesters. Since the election, Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Ted Cruz, Kellyanne Conway and others have criticized and characterized anti-Trump supporters as...
Students protest election results at downtown rally
As hundreds marched through the streets of uptown and downtown Dallas on Nov. 9 protesting the election of Donald Trump, electrical engineering senior Adam Richards directed choice words at the president-elect. “I see someone who’s demonized people of color, LGBT people, immigrants, you name it,” he said. “As a Christian,...
Students reflect on election outcome after watch party
As the night wore on, the smiles faded off the faces of students viewing the election results at a watch party hosted by Student Government and SUAAB and morphed to looks of incredulity and shock. What started as a lively, almost carnival-like atmosphere in the Galaxy Rooms, which featured free...
Editorial Board: We endorse Hillary Clinton for presidency
Hillary Clinton is the only candidate to vote for in the 2016 presidential election. She is one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for office. In addition to having invaluable foreign policy experience, she is offering specific, feasible policy options. At The Mercury, we don’t feel it necessary...
SG, SUAAB help 1,200 students register to vote
Student Government and SUAAB registered 1,200 students to vote with the intention of encouraging students to become more politically excited and active. With the presidential election coming up in November, SG moderated a mock debate on Oct. 11 to address current political topics. Along with the debate, SG and SUUAB...
Politicians should be allowed to flip-flop on issues
Donald Trump is a flip-flopper. Hillary Clinton, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson and Ronald Reagan are also all flip-floppers. Flip-flopping is a derogatory term in politics. It insinuates politicians are dishonest for changing their opinions, either before the election or after. We shouldn’t denigrate policy shifts as a whole as they...