On September 10th, presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump went head-to-head to debate. Whether or not they made a lasting impact on the voters is for the people to decide. According to some undecided voters, the two candidates did not aid in the decision they will make in November
The Courier sat down with Political Science Department Chair Mike Nelson and Political Science Professor Robin Johnson to ask them what their key takeaways were from the debate.
What are your overall thoughts of the debate?
Nelson: The debate went roughly how I expected it to go; I am not surprised at how it went down.
Johnson: After watching the entire debate, I feel that Harris came across better than Trump, and for many voters that were not familiar with her, provided a good impression and looked able to handle the job of president.
What did you think both candidates did well and lacked?
Nelson: Both candidates did well at sticking to their campaign talking points [and] agendas. At the end of the day, the advice candidates are given is to ensure their response includes catchy talking points that will be able to be used to support their overall message. It's frustrating for an audience member when they do not answer a question, but I understand why.
Johnson: Both candidates failed to directly answer several important questions. Trump got off message too many times. I felt, if he could have stayed focused on inflation, the border, and his closing statement asking why Harris didn't propose the policies she mentioned in the debate. Harris was successful in throwing Trump off message and "baiting" him on questions such as his supporters leaving his rallies early. Trump also needs to package his message in a more positive way to appeal to undecided voters.
Was there anything you wish the moderators would have asked?
Nelson: Not really. Mostly because it would not have mattered. What I think was important for Americans to see given the context of the debate is a side-by-side comparison of the candidate. It was an opportunity for us to hear what they wanted us to hear.
Johnson: I wish the moderators would have asked about our national debt and what they propose to do about it. I would have also liked to see more questions about the economy.
Do you think that the candidate's performance is enough to sway undecided voters?
Nelson: I am really unsure. Political analysts are grappling with this. I am unsure what would be a deciding factor for undecided voters. I know what would sway me, but that could be different from other people. If I had to guess, maybe Harris, since we are still getting to know her.
Johnson: Harris will likely benefit from a slight post-debate bump. But there is still a long way to go in the campaign and this has been one of the most unpredictable and tumultuous presidential campaigns in history. Stay tuned—I look for[ward to] more surprises before election day.
What is the significance of the debate to our campus?
Nelson: Beyond the fact that it could have implications for our country, it is the students first opportunity to directly have a voice in national politics. My hope is that people will pay attention. Even if [they’re] unsatisfied with the presidential race, they could pay more attention and get more involved locally. [It’s a] good opportunity to get educated on issues in the community.
Johnson: Many experts are saying this could be the most important election in our nation's history. While students and other voters may not like 100% of the positions of the two candidates, it's important to show up and vote to make your voice heard. Young people vote in lower numbers than other age groups, and their priorities are often less of a priority because of that. The only way to make your voices heard is to vote in greater numbers. There are still times when I vote that I will support the lesser of two evils. Candidates often don't exactly match our policy preferences, but it's vital to participate and have a voice in our democracy.