IOP Hosts Presidential Election Watch Party in Sanders Theater

Harvard students flocked to Sanders Theater at 8 p.m. Tuesday night, waving American flags and singing along to Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” to watch the results of the 2024 presidential election.

By 11 p.m., however, the mood had shifted. Some voiced their concern and anxiety by booing the president of the Harvard Republican Club while others donned “Make America Great Again” hats in celebration of former President Donald Trump’s electoral college lead.

The event, which filled Sanders to capacity, was organized by the Harvard Institute of Politics and the Dean of Students Office. Guest speakers, including Government professor Ryan D. Enos and IOP Director Setti D. Warren, accompanied the live CNN coverage projected above the stage.

“I feel like there’s a really good atmosphere here, and it’s well organized by the IOP,” said Jacob H. Friedman ’28 at the start of the event.

Several students who arrived after the theater was full were turned away. Those who got in were welcomed by the student leadership of the IOP to what the organization’s president, Pratyush Mallick ’25, described as “the IOP superbowl.”

IOP leaders struck a gong everytime CNN projected a state’s electoral outcome. An overwhelming majority of the audience cheered for Vice President Kamala Harris as she won projections in New York and Massachusetts and loudly booed when Trump won Texas.

Students said that watching the returns alongside their peers helped ease their anxieties about the competitive election.

“Looking at the votes and cheering on helps me ease a little bit of anxiety of the elections tonight,” said Hyunsoo Lee ’28.

A minority of attendees loudly cheered when Trump won North Carolina, the first swing state to be called.

Moments later, Michael Oved ’25, the president of the Harvard Republican Club, walked on the stage. He called on Republican students in the audience to identify themselves. Only one raised their hand.

The audience then booed Oved, who walked off the stage.

Michael F. Bido ’27 said the booing made the environment less welcoming, but that he didn’t condemn it. “If that’s how they feel, that’s the emotions they should express,” he said.

Despite the overwhelming support for Harris, a group of men wearing MAGA hats came into Sanders theater voicing their support for Trump.

Brett D. Brannon ’21, a member of the group, said that Harvard students who booed Oved “are very far removed from the opinion of the average American.”

“The average American has very common sense views about inflation and about the economy and about immigration,” he added.

Jonathan Haileselassie ’26, president of the Harvard Undergraduate Association, said the event was indicative of Harvard students’ engagement and excitement.

“It’s sort of evidence, the amount of care that students have towards their civic duty and sort of the political climate of the United States,” he said.

The event ended at midnight, with ten states still uncalled.