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The highly anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took place on September 10, 2024, serving as a pivotal moment in the 2024 US Presidential election. The debate was a clash of ideologies, personalities, and political strategies, with both candidates seeking to sway voters and secure their position in the race. Harris, known for her sharp intellect and legal background, employed a strategy of repeatedly baiting Trump on his past actions and pronouncements, targeting his handling of the 2020 election, the January 6th Capitol insurrection, his stance on abortion, the COVID-19 pandemic, and his claims regarding the size of his rallies.
Trump, in his characteristically combative style, fell for the bait, vehemently denying his election defeat, deflecting blame for the Capitol riot, and reiterating his controversial positions on various issues. While Trump attempted to tie Harris to President Biden's policies and economic record, Harris effectively countered by highlighting her own vision for the future, portraying herself as a fresh and forward-thinking leader. The debate, as viewed by the vast majority of observers, including commentators, pollsters, and voters, resulted in a decisive victory for Harris. Post-debate polls showed a significant lead for Harris, with a CNN/SSRS poll reporting 63% of respondents believing she had won the debate, while only 37% favored Trump.
Despite the clear consensus on Harris's performance, the question of whether debates truly impact the outcome of elections remains a subject of debate among political experts. While some argue that debates can sway undecided voters and influence the direction of the election, others maintain that their effect is minimal, particularly in today's polarized political landscape. Research conducted by Harvard Business School and the University of California at Berkeley on the impact of televised debates in various countries suggests that their influence on voters is often negligible. While debates may provide voters with information and offer insights into candidates' personalities, it appears that most individuals have already formed strong opinions about their preferred candidates prior to the debates, making them less likely to change their minds.
Source: Kamala Harris-Donald Trump debate: Who won and does it impact election outcome?