Having kept up with presidential elections since 2016, I am always amazed at the international attention they receive which is unmatched by any other election. U.S. presidential debates, first held in 1960, are no exception. The debates consistently attract millions of views online and play a significant role in voting behaviour.
Candidate Background:
Donald Trump, 78, is now in his third consecutive presidential run as the Republican candidate. This is an impressive feat, considering the numerous obstacles Trump has overcome: two impeachments, convictions, an assassination attempt, and several trials. No other politician has faced such significant adversity and prevailed.
However, Trump cannot overcome the passage of time. He is now the same age as Biden was in 2020, and if Trump is elected, he will leave office at 82. Realistically, this may be Trump’s last chance at the White House.
Kamala Harris, 59, has succeeded Joe Biden and is now the Democratic presidential candidate. The current vice president is somewhat popular with the media, having been endorsed by Taylor Swift. Harris represents a breath of fresh air for Democrats, who were not enthusiastic about the idea of a second Biden administration.
Polls suggest the presidential race will be close, with many indicating a narrow Harris victory.
Observations:
Trump was somewhat quieter in this debate compared to his performances in 2020 and 2016 with Biden and Hillary Clinton. He managed to keep himself in check, seldom interrupted, and maintained composure while under fire from Harris.
However, Trump is accustomed to exaggeration and sometimes fabrication. At several points, he made vague statements such as “millions and millions of immigrants” instead of using verified figures.
Harris, on the other hand, smirked noticeably at serious issues. At certain points in the debate, she employed a strategy of emotional appeal rather than data-driven arguments. This was evident in her counter-arguments and closing remarks.
This performance can be seen as a double-edged sword. Some may view it as a genuine reaction to Trump’s absurdities, while others might find it unprofessional and dismissive.
Untruths:
Both candidates, as is often the case in high-stakes political debates, used inaccuracies and exaggerations to attack their opponents. Politicians seldom prioritize honesty over ideology.
This tendency was evident in their respective performances, highlighting the broader challenge for voters in discerning the most accurate and reliable information amid the sometimes misleading rhetoric.
Lies Told:
Trump claimed that dogs and cats were being eaten by Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. There is no evidence to support this claim.
Harris claimed that Trump’s administration left the worst unemployment rate since the Great Depression. In reality, Trump’s unemployment rate in 2021 was 6.4%, compared to nearly 10% in 2009.
Tips for Voters:
Fact-check claims made by candidates on both sides. A healthy amount of scepticism toward bold claims can help uncover the truth.
Understand the context of statements and remember that politicians often prioritize political rhetoric over factual accuracy.
Broaden your understanding by exploring multiple sources. Don’t base your political opinions or voting behaviour on a single article or news clip. Certainly, don’t let a Taylor Swift endorsement determine your voting decisions!
Conclusion:
The 2024 presidential election, as is typical with U.S. elections, is poised to be historic and closely watched. Harris and Trump bring distinct styles and significant backgrounds to the forefront of their political agendas. When Americans head to the voting booth on November 5th, the outcome will attract global attention, underscoring the ongoing political importance of the U.S.
Featured Image Credit: Pexel’s Free Photos.
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
