On Sept. 10, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris met for their first face-to-face encounter in the “ABC News” debate in Philadelphia. This debate holds particular significance, as no additional debates are scheduled, making it likely their only debate before Election Day.
It began with a handshake and a polite exchange. For 90 minutes, the candidates highlighted their vast differences, addressing topics like the economy, immigration, abortion, climate change, and democracy.
For college students, this could be their first time voting, and presidential debates can be confusing for those without much experience in politics.
Dr. Chase Porter, associate professor of political science, provided his professional opinion on different aspects of the debate to help inform new voters.
“My educated guess about who will win the election is largely unchanged by the debate,” Porter said. “There’s a body of evidence suggesting that presidential debates don’t significantly affect voter preferences, as most voters have already made their decision by the time debates occur.”
Porter emphasized data that offer the public insight into the presidential race, noting the uncertainty still surrounding the outcome.
“Based on recent national polling trends, my guess would be that Kamala Harris will win the national popular vote, but the Electoral College remains a coin flip. Current models predicting the Electoral College have divergent outcomes, hovering around the 50/50 mark in terms of who will win.”
Matthew Mendoza, junior political science and international studies double major, shared key insights he focuses on as a political science student.
“When watching a presidential debate, interviews, or any speech, there are several components we use to examine their discourse,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza broke down some important factors for non-political science viewers to focus on during debates.
“First is the strategy being applied by the candidates. It’s important to understand that candidates are attempting to follow different strategies to gain support within their base or across party lines and answer questions accordingly,” Mendoza said. “Second is viewing the debate through the lens of the social, political, and economic realities we currently live in. These can include the political parties’ platforms, the state of the economy, and ongoing international conflict.”
When asked about key takeaways, Porter’s most significant advice was to not take too much away from a debate.
“Ironically, my biggest advice for what to take away from the debate is to not take much away from it,” Porter said. “A debate can provide information that may contribute to a voting decision, but it’s better to evaluate candidate positions that have been consistently held over time.”
Porter reminded voters that winning debates is not the same as winning elections.
“Remember — the lines that win debates don’t win elections, and winning elections is a different ballgame than actual governance,” Porter said.
Mendoza also emphasized the importance of a balanced perspective after watching the debate.
“Regardless of who wins in November, the world won’t end,” Mendoza said, encouraging voters to focus on their autonomy and decision-making process.
“When voting, it’s important to use a moral framework to guide decision-making, above all else,” Mendoza said.
For students who may not have a strong political background, it’s important to look deeper when it comes to voting. Taking the time to research and read about the different topics both candidates discussed can provide clarity when making a decision.
Porter underscored the importance of thorough research before casting a vote.
“This is why it’s important for voters to do their own research — to determine the full story and see beyond the spin,” Porter said.
As Election Day approaches, it’s essential for voters to watch debates and research both candidates. With many claims made during those 90 minutes, voters must make informed decisions. On Nov. 5, 2024, the U.S. will elect its 47th president.
