Marist Poll Takes on 2024 New Hampshire Primary

Photo Courtesy of Bobby Oliver/Marist College

Thirty-four students headed off to New Hampshire on Jan. 20, with the Marist Poll to witness the 2024 New Hampshire Republican presidential primary as the race to be the party’s nominee heats up.

Following a brief application process, those chosen for the once-in-a-lifetime trip spent the first weekend of the semester on the campaign trail in New Hampshire. The trip ran for the first time in 2020 with the Marist Poll and select students during the last presidential race. 

Dr. Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, and Barbara Carvalho, the director of the Marist Poll, spearheaded the trip and had a few special guests come along. Marist College President Kevin C. Weinman, Steven Thomma, executive director of the White House Correspondents Association and Philip Bump, The Washington Post political analyst, were among those in attendance.

“It was like having a premium expert always with us,” said Beatriz Matarazzo ‘24, one of the students who attended the trip.

Matarazzo recounts many memorable moments from the trip, such as staying at the same hotel as former President Donald Trump and witnessing his departure for the first event.

Of all the moments from the trip, Matarazzo felt that the Trump rally on Jan. 21 stood out the most to her. 

“In addition to enduring the frigid conditions while waiting in a three-hour line to enter the venue, we had the opportunity to closely observe a former president deliver a speech to fans and supporters,” said Matarazzo.

The group also visited the NBC News desk, witnessing and participating in short interviews. They saw notable public figures, such as Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, NBC News White House Correspondent Kristen Welker, NBC News Chief Political Analyst Chuck Todd and more.

The Poll’s trip to the 2024 New Hampshire Primary allowed students to witness firsthand what it is like on the presidential campaign trail - something that can only be seen this closely every four years. 

Matarazzo was grateful for the experience and said she would attend again if she could. She encourages students who will be here for the next trip to take the chance. 

“We had the opportunity to witness the presence of a previous and potential upcoming leader of the United States,” said Matarazzo. “The experience was unforgettable and unique.”