‘People like Tom Tiffany support Trump in his anti-democratic ways.’

Gregory Klinkner is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and his major is history. A year ago, he started posting political content under the username scratch9258. He just had his first video go viral on Facebook, with thousands of followers on social media platforms. A registered voter, Klinkner shared his feelings about the upcoming midterm elections.

Sophia Davis: What inspired you to get into politics?

Gregory Klinkner: When I was 14, my brother read the Communist Manifesto. He got me into politics that way. I was kind of a weirdo, so I started debating online. Then, I just started doing research into different issues like immigration. I have giant research documents of issues that I really care about. Last year, I started uploading political content on TikTok, YouTube and Facebook. Debates, explaining political issues, those kinds of things.

Sophia Davis: What about voting is most important to you?

Gregory Klinkner: It’s not just about voting itself, but also about making sure other people are voting. Making sure you get the people you want into office. Every little bit contributes to that. I’m voting for David Crowley. People like Tom Tiffany support Trump in his anti-democratic ways. In 2020, when Trump tried to overturn the election by a violent Electoral Count Act; Tiffany supported that.

Sophia Davis: How do you think you will be affected by the outcome of the governor’s race?

Gregory Klinkner: If Tom Tiffany wins, he’s going to freeze property taxes. So, that’s probably going to defund local K-12 and UW schools. They’re already cramming students in the dorms because they’re getting less funding. David Crowley has pledged to fund UW schools more. As a student, that could mean cheaper costs for dorms and tuition. Crowley also said he wants to distribute more resources. So, hopefully if I vote, and Crowley wins, it will affect me in that way. But also, just by participating in politics I’m advancing my career in political media.

Sophia Davis: When it comes to voting, do you care more about policies or party loyalty.

Gregory Klinkner: Definitely policy, I read through all of Tom Tiffany’s, David Crowley’s and Ryan Clancy’s policies. It happens to be Democrats that always have the policies that I consider better for everybody.

Sophia Davis: With these midterms coming up, how are you currently feeling?

Gregory Klinkner: I’m feeling optimistic. The Marquette Law poll came out and said Crowley’s slightly ahead. Polymarket has him ahead. So, I feel optimistic, but still have to keep working hard getting people out to vote.

Sophia Davis: What are you hoping comes out of the midterms on a national politics level?

Gregory Klinkner: A blue wave for the whole government. El-Sayed, Tyler Rico in Texas and Jon Ossoff all look like they’re doing good. The current administration is targeting representatives like Ilhan Omar.

Sophia Davis: What do you have to say to people who don’t think voting is important?

Gregory Klinkner: They’re wrong. Especially if you live in a red county or state. It really matters to get out and vote. People say politics don’t affect your life, but look at it right now. The average person is paying how much more in gas because of the Iran war? Which Kamala Harris predicted during the 2024 presidential debate. So, people say it doesn’t affect their lives but complain when prices are up.