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‘Red One’ will release with UM alum Dwayne Johnson as the lead

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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‘Red One’ will release with UM alum Dwayne Johnson as the lead

Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s new movie “Red One” will be released on Nov. 15. The movie sees Johnson take on the role of the North Pole head of security Callum Drift, who must work with bounty hunter Jack O’Malley (played by Chris Evans) to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus (played by J.K. Simmons) in order to save Christmas.

Jake Kasdan directs the film, having worked with Johnson before on “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Jumanji: The Next Level.” Kasdan said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that “Red One” stands out because the film is “a little more kick-ass” than other Christmas movies. 

After three movies, he says he has developed mutual trust and a shared sense of humor with Johnson.

“He’s able to do things that really nobody else can do, and you can’t picture anyone else in a part that he’s played,” Kasdan said. “The Bravestone character in the ‘Jumanji’ movies was like that, and in a completely different way, Cal, his character in this movie, is also like that.”

Amazon Studios won the chance to produce “Red One” with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions in 2021, with Deadline saying Amazon wants to make a franchise out of the film. Chris Morgan, author of several “Fast & Furious” films including “Tokyo Drift” and “Hobbs & Shaw,” was also brought in to create the screenplay for “Red One.”

The first trailer gave an exciting look at the film. J.K. Simmons is shown lifting weights as a buff St. Nick. The CGI reindeers are huge and imposing with Reinaldo Faberlle playing the talking CGI polar bear Agent Garcia. The animated antagonists such as Krampus and the Snowmen are terrifyingly intimidating in their fight scenes. 

The second trailer gave more look at the action of the film and hinted at a little more of the plot. Johnson and Evans’ chemistry shines through in the trailer, which also shows some of the comedic elements of the film.

“I’m not gonna like you,” O’Malley says to Drift in the trailer. “Out of everyone here, I like you the least.”

O’Malley and Drift visit a toy store to suit up in the trailer, as Drift explains he can make toys become life-size with special Christmas technology. The trailer reveals that it’s unknown to Drift who actually kidnapped Santa Claus, which means they must go visit the classic Christmas antagonists. 

Kiernan Shipka appears very shortly as Grýla and we get a more extensive look at the Krampus castle scene revealed in the first trailer. Krampus, played by Kristofer Hivju, throws a man into a pillar, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots aid Drift and O’Malley in their brawl against Krampus and his minions. 

O’Malley is shown to be extremely reluctant to help Drift save Christmas.

“I think if you don’t need me here, I might just go wait in the car,” he says to Drift after watching Krampus wrestle his minions for fun.

Johnson will reportedly break a record for highest paid actor in a single role with his $50 million upfront payment, breaking Robert Downey Jr. and Will Smith’s record of $40 million. This upfront payment is due to “Red One” being previously planned to only release on Amazon Prime worldwide in 2023, meaning Johnson would not see backend earnings from the box office. 

Now, after delays, “Red One” will get a global theatrical release on Nov. 15 before being put on Prime. This means that Johnson will likely now earn even more money than previously anticipated. The movie is projected to gross around $20-$40 million on opening weekend domestically.

“Red One” will surely see University of Miami alum Dwayne Johnson bring something new to the Christmas movie genre. With action, comedy, and adventure all packed into one big film with some of the biggest names in the industry, it is a film you shouldn’t miss.

Election reactions and sports news

Sophia Metzner and Jamison DeLaine
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With the election results already being released, Sophia and Jamison give us the rundown on the latest election news. Meanwhile, Marcos gives us the news on sports.

Rejecting the ‘canna-monopoly:’ Local smoke shops react to Amendment 3 loss

Luke Chaney
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Rejecting the ‘canna-monopoly:’ Local smoke shops react to Amendment 3 loss

Voters rejected Florida’s Amendment 3, which sought to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and older on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The amendment was expected to generate at least $195.6 million for the state, creating new opportunities for businesses, but some smoke shop owners believed the expanding market would threaten their business instead of benefiting it.

If passed, the amendment would allow existing medical marijuana dispensaries to sell cannabis recreationally, as well as create opportunities for state-licensed entities “to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell and distribute such products and accessories,” according to the Florida Department of State.

These already-established medical marijuana businesses were well-positioned if the sale of recreational cannabis was legalized, given the tedious licensing process.

This was the main reason why Justin, a store associate for Lifted Smoke Shop, opposed Amendment 3.

“If it were to pass, only the same people that have the license are able to sell marijuana,” he said. “So these people can just jack up the price however much they want because, to even get that card, it’s basically almost impossible.”

To sell medical marijuana in Florida, a company must first obtain a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center license. Candidates for this MMTC license must be registered to conduct business in Florida for at least five consecutive years and pay a non-refundable application fee of $146,000, an increase from the previous fee of $60,830.

Approved applicants are required to renew their license once every two years for a fee of $1,223,124, should this renewal fall between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 31, 2024.

There are 25 MMTC operators in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health Office of Medical Marijuana Use. This includes Trulieve, a marijuana company that owns around a quarter of the over 600 medical marijuana stores statewide and contributed nearly 95% of the $152 million received by Smart & Safe Florida, the committee that spearheaded the effort to pass Amendment 3.

Justin, who did not disclose his last name, worries that the adoption of Amendment 3 would have resulted in the “canna-monopoly” of the marijuana industry. He believes that the amendment’s advocates are not fully aware of the consequences that could come with its approval.

“They don’t understand how it would really work,” he said. “They don’t understand that if this were to pass, weed [cost] would be up the roof. It would be up the roof for practices… And then taxes on it, it would just be insane.”

Many of Justin’s concerns were reflected in a series of television advertisements promoted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey DeSantis, in the months leading up to the election. The couple also traveled throughout the state, highlighting the dangers of marijuana and arguing that the amendment’s language would lead to a monopoly. 

“This amendment is written to benefit this one big weed company. It’s not meant to benefit you,” DeSantis said during an event in Cape Coral, Fla. on Oct. 24.

Eric, a store associate for Canna Ocho – Delta-8 THC & CBD Dispensary, Vape & Smoke Shop, was disappointed that the recreational use of marijuana was not legalized but agreed with Justin that the amendment passing could have harmed smoke shops.

“It’s better because we wouldn’t have to get a license,” said Eric, who also did not share his last name. “We would have to go through a whole process to do that, and it’s going to cost a lot of money, and then I don’t know [about] the competition. It’s a higher grade scale.”

Supporters of Amendment 3, including Ark South Miami Smoke Shop store associate Ruby Ave, argue that the legalization of pot prevents people from purchasing unregulated forms of the substance that could be laced with dangerous compounds, like fentanyl.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 74,702 people died from fentanyl overdose in 2023, but there have been no confirmed deaths linked to fentanyl-laced cannabis.

“I think it’s important just because, the kids, if they don’t get it legally, they’re going to get it illegally on the street, and fentanyl is a big thing nowadays,” Ave said. “You don’t know if something is laced.”

For now, marijuana will continue to be available for those with a Medical Marijuana Use Registry card. There are no further plans to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida at this time.

Dear pickleball players, switch to tennis!

Paulina Barnjak
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Dear pickleball players, switch to tennis!

The time was right. The overbearing heat of the day dwindled as the sun hid behind the trees. I grabbed my racquet, called my friends and rushed to the courts to play a match of tennis. I was in need of a break after a long day working – and tennis was the perfect way to forget about all the stresses of school.

Unfortunately as soon as I stepped foot onto the courts, I encountered the problem. It was worse than any storm clouds or winds that could mess up a player’s game.

The courts were all taken up by pickleball players.

Pickleball’s popularity has increased tremendously, with participation growing an average of 223.5% over the last 3 years, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. I want to be able to go to the tennis courts right outside my dorm and have easy access to playing tennis. If these tennis courts are constantly being taken up by pickleball players, I won’t be able to enjoy playing tennis while pickleball players continue using courts not made for them. Pickleball players should betray their paddles and switch to racquets so my courts stop getting taken up.

There are an estimated 48.3 million pickleball players in the United States, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, yet only 13,969 pickleball courts in the United States. There are simply not enough courts for pickleball players, and therefore players take over courts meant for tennis playing and practicing. Even the 270,000 tennis courts in the U.S. do not account for the 23.8 million tennis participants, making it even harder for tennis players to play on courts available to them. 

Although this pickleball “sport” is new and upcoming, I don’t get all the hype about it. I see it as a knockoff version of tennis, which is more popular and uses the court to its full potential. 

Tennis courts aren’t made for pickleball players. A pickleball court is 20 feet long and 44 feet wide for a doubles match while a standard tennis court for a doubles match is 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. Pickleball uses only a small fraction of the court, wasting its ample space when tennis players could be using the whole court.

Pickleball does not have a large fan base compared to that of tennis. The 2024 US Open, a popular tennis grand slam event located in New York saw an attendance of over one million fans over its 3 weeks, while the Pickleball National Championships in 2023 saw a total of about 50,000 attendees. While tennis hosts a couple renowned grand slam tournaments from all throughout the world, pickleball hosts one grand slam. 

Tennis players are being shoved out of their own courts and being replaced with pickleball players. This is wrong. Since tennis is the more popular and traditional sport, pickleballers should throw away their paddles and pick up some racquets. With fewer pickleball players and more tennis players, the newly-unified racquet sport community could see benefits such as more courts being built, more players going into professional tennis and pathways to communicate with fellow tennis players instead of leaving when pickleball takes up the courts. So, ditch the pickleball paddles in favor of playing the real racquet sport: tennis.

No. 4 Miami set for a road test against Georgia Tech

Zach Cohen
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No. 4 Miami set for a road test against Georgia Tech

‘Canes fans, do you remember what happened the last time Miami played Georgia Tech?

With 33 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter, Miami up by three, all they had to do was take a knee to come away victorious against Georgia Tech. Instead, they elected to run the ball and former UM running back Don Chaney fumbled to give the ball back to the Yellow Jackets. With the time ticking down, the Yellow Jackets quarterback Hayes King heaved a deep 44-yard pass downfield for the game-winning touchdown. 

A play call that derailed the Miami Hurricanes’ 2023 football season still looms large in the memory of fans and players alike. Head coach Mario Cristobal, however, is looking to put the past behind him and shift his focus to the Week 11 challenge ahead.

Miami (9-0, 5-0 ACC) will head to Atlanta to play Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3 ACC) at home for the first time since 2022 in what looks to be an intriguing matchup.

The Yellow Jackets are coming off a bye week, but their last game before the break was a tough one, as they fell 21-6 to Virginia Tech. Against the Hokies, Quarterbacks Aaron Philo and Zach Pyron combined for 260 yards, each throwing one interception. Sophomore wideout Eric Singleton Jr led the receiving group with five receptions for a total of 90 receiving yards.

Georgia Tech is dealing with key injuries. Starting quarterback Hayes King has been sidelined since October 12th with a shoulder injury, but head coach Brent Key is optimistic that King will be available this weekend. Running back Jamal Haynes, who’s rushed for 598 yards and eight touchdowns so far this season, is also questionable with a shoulder injury.

Key told the media, “We’re hopeful. No, look, Guys, I’m sorry. I don’t have anything else to tell you other than he is day-to-day. He [Hayes King] is improving, he practiced, he is out there so we will see and it will be a game-time decision.”

Whether Haynes and King play or not, coach Cristobal still has a heck of a lot of respect for King.

“Really good player. Haynes King and that offense is really good yards per play. They’re up there some of the tops in the country. They are really good at generating chunk plays. They protect him really well. And I think they’re number one, number two in the country in least amount of sacks and pressures. They certainly do a great job of also getting him loose. I mean, he’s a really good runner as well, and he’s got explosive playmakers,” Cristobal told reporters.

No matter who is wearing that green dot on their helmet as the Georgia Tech offense sets on the field, this game will certainly be a test for Miami’s defense. Miami let up 31 points to a Duke team that entered the game 107th in total yards per game. A game that should have been a blowout for the Hurricanes, had them trailing by four points going into halftime last weekend. 

On the bright side, true freshman cornerback OJ Frederique Jr has been playing outstanding all season and looks to continue his prowess against Georgia Tech. Last weekend Frederique chased down a Duke offensive player and intercepted a ball on a poor deep ball from quarterback Maalik Murphy.

With the good, comes the bad. Defensive back Jadais Richard had his best game of the season versus Duke, making 5 big tackles. Late in the game, Richard went down with a right leg injury and it was announced that he will miss the remainder of the season. A big blow to an already sparse Miami defense.

Cristobal needs the rest of his secondary to step up with the injury to Richard, “Well we have some guys that are really versatile, and some guys that now it’s their time. Now it’s their turn. We were talking about it the other day. I mean, the injury bug, it’s not exclusive or unique to us, right? A lot of people are going through it,” Cristobal told reporters.

Luckily for Miami, Cam Ward and the offense amazed Miami Hurricanes fans once again. Ward threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns, three of which were thrown to Xavier Restrepo. Restrepo now holds the University’s receiving yards record and is tied for first place in career receptions which will certainly be broken shortly.  Ward looks to continue his dominance after being named ACC quarterback of the week.

The run game had a decent performance for Miami, Fletcher Jr rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown while Martinez rushed for 66 yards.  The running backs will look to exploit a bad Georgia Tech run defense this weekend.

Miami is favored to win this game by 11.5  points according to FanDuel Sportsbook and is expected to draw many Hurricane fans to the ATL.

Kick-off is set for noon at Bobby Dodd Stadium this Saturday and will air on ESPN.

Miami is playing with fire, and they are bound to get burned

Luke Sims
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Miami is playing with fire, and they are bound to get burned

Miami Hurricanes football is a roller coaster of emotion that never ends. 

The average heart rate of a Hurricanes fan this season is much higher than normal. From last-second heroics, dramatic comebacks, and official reviews, Hurricane football has been anything but mundane this season. 

Let’s take a look back at what this season has been like for Miami. The Hurricanes started the season off with a big win in Gainesville versus the Gators, where transfer quarterback Cam Ward showed off the potential for this team. Then, as the ‘Canes entered ACC play with a 4-0 record, a cardiac season ensued. 

Down by double digits in the fourth quarter to Virginia Tech and Cal Berkely, tied with Louisville in the second half during a shootout, and losing to Duke at home at halftime. All of these precarious situations resulted in UM wins. 

The only stabilizing – when it comes to heart rate – games that Miami played, against power five opponents, were against FSU on homecoming weekend, and on opening weekend versus the Gators. 

The one thread from these games? Competent defense and a conservative Ward. 

The ‘Canes have failed to put together complete performances in games where they are supposed to win. Miami is playing down to competition and letting opponents they should crush get the better of them for long stretches of the game. 

The only thing bailing out Miami is their unreal arsenal of weapons and the arms and legs of Ward. The story of the season for Miami is Ward and the heights he’s been able to take the Miami offense, and team. All season Ward and the offense have had to make up for the shortcomings of the Hurricane defense. 

Miami’s defense has let traditionally poor offenses play very well against them. Looking at Cal and Duke, specifically. When good offenses are on the schedule, they’ll put up points, see Louisville and Virginia Tech. The team has needed herculean efforts from Ward to keep their sterling record intact. 

Miami has lacked a consistent effort from both sides of the ball all year. Miami played a terrific second half against Duke but was down at halftime after a confusing first-half performance. With the contrast of how the team played in this game, it leaves fans wondering how they can get the second-half Miami team all game long. 

Miami started off the Duke game last Saturday red hot. They were quickly up 14-0 on a long Ward to Xavier Restrepo touchdown and another touchdown off an interception. It looked to be a blowout early and then Miami fell apart. 

Here’s how the next few drives went: 

-Duke scored with no resistance from Miami’s defense. 

-A three-and-out from Miami 

-Another easy Duke touchdown drive

-A Miami three-and-out 

A field goal from Miami on the next drive still gave momentum to Duke as they scored again to take a 21-17 lead. That was the score going into halftime. Miami turned it on after half but the answer to every ‘Canes game can’t just be a rousing halftime speech, can it? 

Then, Duke got the ball back to start the second half, marched down the field, and scored again. 28-17 lead for Duke. Down double digits in the second half once again. Even in the second half, after Miami’s offense resumed firing on all cylinders, the little things plagued the ‘Canes. Up 39-31, with momentum swung back to Miami’s side, Ward, instead of playing it safe, Ward scrambles around and throws an ugly, off-balance, reckless interception that he’s done before, and while that’s a rash play, Ward won’t back down. 

“I’m going to do it again,” Ward said. “I’m going to try and make a play next time I do it. So I really don’t care for plays like that. At the end of the day, that’s why you play the quarterback position. You can either be a robot or you can play the quarterback position so when I do it again, it’s going to be a better outcome, I got to even it out a little bit.” 

What happens when the rocket ship that is the ‘Canes offense runs out of fuel? They’ve proven they can score against tough defenses but what happens when they run into the top defenses? 

So far, Miami has been able to escape its inconsistencies and let its talent bail it out against better defenses, but that’s not going to fly against the best teams in the country that they will run into in the College Football Playoff, assuming they get there. 

Miami lives and dies by the talent of Ward and the rest of the offense, if the offense is not on fire, the team won’t win. But, you know what they say about playing with fire. 

All stats and data via ESPN, PFF, ACC, and the Miami Hurricanes unless otherwise noted.

Amendment 4 fails to pass in Florida despite earning more than 6 million yes votes 

Ashley Sewall
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Amendment 4 fails to pass in Florida despite earning more than 6 million yes votes 

Amendment 4 did not pass in the state of Florida, failing to reach the 60% threshold required of constitutional amendments in Florida. AP News announced that it would not pass at 9:06 p.m. trailing at 57% with 96% of the vote accounted for. 

Florida is the first state to reject a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to abortion since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Nine states, in addition to Florida, also voted on the right to abortion in this election. So far all other states have voted in favor of access to abortion. 

This result comes after a Florida Atlantic University and Mainstreet USA poll in August found 56% of respondents in favor of Amendment 4 with 23% undecided. A month prior, a University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab poll showed 69% of respondents voting “Yes” on the amendment.

More people voted in favor of Amendment 4 than voted for Gov. Ron Desantis in 2022. 

If passed, it would have prohibited restrictions against abortion access before fetal viability with exceptions for women’s health and overturn the six-week abortion ban in Florida.

“I personally am extremely excited,” said Abby Merdan, a senior studying geography and sustainable development. “Protecting the lives of the unborn is something that I’ve deemed very vital in order to empower women to know that they’re not reduced to the option of killing their unborn child.”

“Having the state take a more pro-life stance gives women options to pursue their unexpected pregnancy and hopefully empower them to have children — even in just unplanned circumstances,” she added.

The loss follows an aggressive effort to get Amendment 4 on the ballot by the Yes on 4 Floridians Protecting Freedom campaign that faced a wave of pushback from Florida Gov. Ron Desantis.

“Tonight, Floridians made their voices heard loud and clear, demanding an end to the state’s restrictive 6-week abortion ban,” @yes4florida posted on X. “While Amendment 4 fell just short of the 60%, a clear majority of voters have demanded lawmakers repeal the extreme abortion ban. Without immediate action from the legislature, Floridians will remain under a 6-week ban—one that impacts countless women before they may even realize they’re pregnant.”

Vote No on 4 encouraged Floridian voters to vote against the amendment, claiming it to be too extreme for allowing late-term abortions. 

“Tonight, Florida set an example again for the rest of the nation, where voters resoundingly rejected Soros-backed, dark money, out-of-state abortionists with strong, vocal leadership willing to publicly stand for what’s right despite the arrows that come,” @votenoon4fl posted on X.

Daniella Krasney, a freshman at UM majoring in journalism, voted in favor of the amendment.

“I voted to protect my rights, because as a woman, I don’t feel like my rights are always protected like they should be,” said Krasney.

While some argue that women’s rights are at risk, others place emphasis on the life of the fetus.

“I believe that decisions on abortion should be a case-by-case analysis rather than setting a legal bar for what is and isn’t considered wrong,” said Sarai Henry, a senior student majoring in psychology. “There will always be exceptions to the abortion law and the government needs to understand that. A full term baby should never be aborted. There comes a point where a fetus is no longer a fetus and that is just straight up murder.”

Jenny Jacoby, Martina Pantaleon and Diana Moschetti contributed to the reporting in this story.

Hundreds of conservatives cheer Trump in Little Havana: ‘The American Dream has escaped many of us’

Contributing Writers
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Hundreds of conservatives cheer Trump in Little Havana: ‘The American Dream has escaped many of us’

By Olivia Estoppey and Maggie Loggins

In the Miami neighborhood of Little Havana, a conservative stronghold, dozens of supporters of former President Donald Trump took to the streets to cheer their candidate on election night. Cars drove by honking their horns, many emblazoned with Trump 2024 flags, while supporters cried out through open windows. 

Some flags bore photos of Trump moments after the failed assassination attempt in Pennsylvania this summer.

While the results of the presidential race were unclear nationally, Trump claimed an early victory in the state of Florida on Tuesday. Reporters for The Miami Hurricane observed roughly 200 people at the restaurant Versailles, a famous hot spot for Cuban cuisine in a deeply conservative area. Police and reporters were also on the scene. Many voters the TMH reporters met only spoke Spanish.

One supporter, who identified himself by the first name Jared, said he voted early for Trump two weeks ago. 

“Much of what he ran on is what he did in his first term — mainly cutting taxes, peace through strength, and pretty much ensuring that America is protected both domestically and foreign,” the 22-year-old said. “Most of my friends are also in their 20s, and the cost of living is something really important to us because the American Dream has escaped so many of us,” he continued.

To people like Jared and other voters who showed up at Versailles on Tuesday, the possibility of a second Trump administration represents a return to a more prosperous time. 

Another voter, who called himself Robert and declined to share his last name, said that “everything is a mess” under President Joe Biden’s leadership. Robert cited a slew of concerns such as inflation as well as national security and border safety.

“That’s why we are here,” Robert concluded, “defending this great country.”

Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana falls short in Florida

Lauren Ferrer
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Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana falls short in Florida

Amendment 3, the measure to legalize recreational use and manufacturing of marijuana in Florida, failed to reach the 60% margin needed to pass a state constitutional amendment.

The amendment’s failure comes despite various endorsements, including support from former President Donald Trump.

“I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use,” he wrote in a Truth Social post.

Under current Florida law, marijuana is only legal for medical use. 

The ballot measure’s failure is a win for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ aggressive campaign against the initiative, which included running ads and hosting over 10 events throughout the state trashing the amendment.

“State agencies have the authority and dedicated funding to educate the public on important issues, especially those that impact the health and safety of women and children,” Bryan Griffin, a spokesperson for DeSantis said to Politico. “Of course, the state is going to educate Floridians on the dangers associated with drug use and ensure truthful information is disseminated regarding laws that protect the health of moms and their kids.”

The governor’s wife even made an appearance at the University of Miami for a “No on 3” conference on Tuesday Oct. 29, 2024.

Before the amendment was called, students expressed mixed feelings on the passage of the amendment. For some students, cannabis has proven to be beneficial in their personal and academic life.

“I’m in full support of it because I have diagnosed anxiety,” said Sarai Henry, a senior student majoring in psychology. “Weed, in moderation, really helps me to relax and focus when it counts.”

For others, emotions are mixed. 

“I deeply understand the desire for their passing, and I don’t dislike the people who voted for it. But there’s something to say for both sides,” said Aaron Bujiero, a junior studying mass communication and media studies at Florida International University. “Personally, I’m happy it was not passed, but it makes me wonder where we draw the lines and what the next fight is.”

Republican Sen. Rick Scott holds onto Florida Senate seat, defeats Democratic rival Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

Contributing Writers
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Republican Sen. Rick Scott holds onto Florida Senate seat, defeats Democratic rival Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

By: Seyda Pevey and Sumner Bradley

Republican Sen. Rick Scott has successfully held his Senate seat in Florida, defeating his Democratic opponent, former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. 

Scott won with 55.6% of the vote to Mucarsel-Powell’s 42.8%, according to the Associated Press, marking a key victory for Republicans in a race that centered on critical issues like reproductive rights, immigration and the economy. Scott’s win was widely expected. 

It followed a separate win in the presidential race in Florida by former President Donald Trump, who carried the state handily according to results on Tuesday night. 

Scott, who served as Florida’s governor from 2011 to 2019 before joining the Senate, campaigned on his “Rescue America Plan,” a 12-point proposal to address national challenges. His plan includes goals like curbing government spending, strengthening border security, and countering what he calls “wokeness in our military.”  He argues that progressive policies are redefining the nation and has committed to “protecting Americans from the militant left.”  

A healthcare executive before his political career, Scott was CEO of the company now known as HCA Healthcare, which faced a $1.7 billion Medicare fraud fine shortly after his departure. Scott has stated he was unaware of the fraudulent activities during his time as CEO, telling the Miami Herald he would have acted had he known of the misconduct. 

Scott’s re-election is a reflection of the strong conservative population in Florida, with many voters backing his tough stance on issues like abortion, immigration and economic policy. And it’s shone a light on Florida’s increasing tilt toward conservatism. For his supporters, Scott’s re-election is a commitment to conservative governance. For his opponents, it was a missed chance to flip Florida’s policies on social, economic, and environmental issues. 

James Biasoni, a University of Miami senior studying mechanical and aerospace engineering, says he supported Scott because of his clear conservative values and his previous personal interaction with him. 

“I voted for Rick Scott because I have personally met him and liked my interaction with him,” Biasoni said. “He’s very personable and I believe he aligns with the state’s needs.” 

Mucarsel-Powell, a former U.S. Representative for Florida’s 26th congressional district, centered her campaign on progressive values, focusing on the need for expanded healthcare access, environmental protection and reproductive rights. 

She argued that Scott’s policies threaten the state’s future and vowed to bring forward legislation supporting women’s healthcare, sustainable development and community safety. 

Supporters of Mucarsel-Powell, like UM political science senior Atha Stephenopolous, were disappointed with the result. 

“Florida has been backsliding into conservative and anti-environmental policy when now more than ever it needs someone progressive and pro-environment,” Stephenopolous said. “If Florida wants to be a rival to Wall Street of the south, it needs policies that make it attractive to a liberal and highly educated workforce.” 

Both Scott and Mucarsel-Powell spoke in POL 401 – The Election Class, presenting their campaigns to students on Aug. 27, 2024.

Trump wins Florida, Miami-Dade County leads GOP surge

Melody Royaee
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Trump wins Florida, Miami-Dade County leads GOP surge

Just minutes after polls closed at 8 p.m. EST, several prominent outlets projected Donald Trump the winner in Florida. The former president will pick up the state’s 30 electoral votes.

The win is no surprise to Trump’s campaign. He had consistently polled five to seven points ahead of Harris, with some polls having him up by 14 points.

According to The New York Times, the former president expanded his margin of victory in Florida this year compared to his previous wins in 2020 and 2016. In 2016, Trump won the state by only a little over a percentage point against Hillary Clinton, then by three percentage points against President Joe Biden in 2020. 

Florida, formerly a swing state, went to Obama in 2008 and 2012. Since Trump’s narrow win in 2016, the state has become a Republican stronghold. Governor Desantis won by a historic 19 points in 2022, a midterm year in which the anticipated ‘red wave’ fell flat elsewhere. 

“Based on the trends we’ve seen over the past eight years, I’m disappointed but I’m not surprised,” said VP of UMiami Democrats Eli Lehman.

Lehman noted that Trump’s win in Florida was projected immediately after polls closed in the Floridia’s panhandle, indicating the media’s confidence in a Republican pickup. 

“In order to restore our swing state status we really need to get ahead of the Republicans on messaging,” Lehman said. “They have a lot of fear-mongering going on about the Democrats being socialists, which plays really well with Latino voters. We need to get ahead of them in the next four years because that is a complete misrepresentation of what we stand for.”

In one Associated Press analysis, the Sunshine State moved decisively to the right compared to 2020. Miami-Dade County saw the greatest increase compared to all other counties in the state, increasing 18 percentage points in favor of the Republican Party. 

Lazaro Chavez, the PR Chair for UMiami College Republicans, believes Trump’s win is symbolic of  “an overall rejection of the radical left ideology that has set our country back these last four years.” Chavez noted that Trump’s margin of victory in Miami-Dade was “unprecedented,” as Latino voters’ support was once steadfastly loyal to the Democratic party. It has since waned in recent years. 

As of 10:00 p.m. on Nov. 5, Trump carried Florida with 56.2% of the vote to Harris’ 42.9%, with more than 95% of the vote reported.

Campus goes quiet on election night, UM prohibits official watch parties on campus

Jaslyn Truong
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Campus goes quiet on election night, UM prohibits official watch parties on campus

The University of Miami is not permitting official Election Day watch parties on campus as a precautionary measure after emotions ran high at campus events during the 2016 election. Watch parties scheduled by classes and student organizations prior to the announcement were canceled. 

In past elections, vibrant watch parties have been a norm on campus. The Rathskeller, the University’s on-campus sports bar, has traditionally held election night watch parties. In 2016, the party was hosted by Get Out the Vote, College Republicans, College Democrats and the Division of Student Affairs. Students showed up in patriotic outfits, and ABC News and Telemundo even broadcast live from the Rat.

This year however, The Rat closed at 5 p.m., four hours before its usual closure at 9 p.m. 

Its early closure was surprising to many students and workers who were hoping to watch the election there. The staff at the Rathskeller knew about having to close as early as last week. 

“Later last week I was told we, The Rathskeller, were closing early at 5 p.m. for the election so we couldn’t have our weekly trivia,” said UM senior Sal Puma, The Rathskeller’s Advisory Board chair.  

“Management just said that we were closing for the election not specifically for any reason. They probably just wanted to minimize any chaos.” 

Puma worries this policy could last past election night if the president-elect is not announced until later in the week.

“I wonder if they call for a recount and the winner isn’t decided until later, if we’ll have to cancel other events this week for the same reason,” Puma said. 

Classes including POL 401, the Election class, offered every election cycle, sent an email to their students on Monday afternoon, announcing that their traditional election night watch party was canceled in line with the University’s policies. 

“I don’t think it’s the university’s right to not allow students to come together to watch the election, especially for a political science class.” Freshman Ella Lundgren, studying political science.  “I think the university is trying to minimize contention within the two political parties and the student body. 

The ban on watch parties has not deterred student political groups from gathering to watch the results come in. The College Republicans are hosting a watch party in collaboration with the College Republicans at the Lakeside Lounge on Florida International University’s campus.While the College Democrats are inviting students to join them in the political student organization suite to watch the results.

As an additional precautionary measure, the University increased the presence of security on campus on Tuesday night.

It is not clear if this is a permanent policy that will be in place for future elections. 

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