As the election approaches, presidential campaigning has intensified, culminating in the recent presidential debate. Debates function as a way for candidates to express their opinions regarding controversial topics, and to potentially garner support. Candidates often debate multiple times, and the debates can lead to polls favoring one candidate over another, in addition to candidates receiving more endorsements and donations.
The debate took place on Sept. 20, and was hosted by ABC News, resulting in it being the first presidential debate between leading candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The two candidates covered topics ranging from immigration and the economy, to abortion and foreign policy, differing greatly in their responses. The debate was immensely popular, with over 67 million people watching it live.
Often debates result in no candidate clearly coming out on top, however, debates often sway voters, and affect polls. Debates can sway voters in swing states, which are crucial to winning the election. Although polling averages remain very close between the two candidates, Vice President Harris received an overall increase in her polling average after the debate, placing her marginally ahead of trump. Her polling average also increased in swing states such as North Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania, however, Trump still has an overall higher polling average in Georgia and Arizona. After the debate, Trump received a small increase in his polling average, with his only increased polling average in a swing state being in Wisconsin, in which Harris still has an advantage in the polls. Harris has received approximately a one percent increase to her polls, overall.
Additionally, in the 24 hours after the debate, Harris received $47 million in donations. These donations were made by over 600,000 people, and increased Harris’ financial advantage over Trump. Recently, Harris has been raising more than Trump, raising $257 million in August, compared to the $85 million raised by Trump.
Evidently, the debate has benefitted Harris’ campaign, far more than Trumps, giving her an advantage both financially and in the polls. As for another debate, there has been no firm decision, however it is unlikely. The Harris Campaign stated that “Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate,” however, on Truth Social, Trump stated that he would not participate in another presidential debate. Despite this, there are still chances for either side to sway voters, with upcoming debates from other members of either party, including a debate between the two vice presidential candidates on Oct. 1.
Kamala Harris speaking at a rally. (Flickr)