The 2024 election is undoubtedly not just one of the most important elections in many Americans’ lifetimes but also the most divisive. With Joe Biden having formally stepped out of the race and Kamala Harris running, the first debate between the candidates gave Harris a real chance to differentiate herself from Biden.
Differences in the public perception of the current president and the vice president could not be clearer. Americans agree—a recent Axios poll shows Harris maintains a seven percent lead over Joe Biden in terms of young voter favorability.
The shift in favorability comes in no small part because of the debate held on Sept. 10. From the opening moments, Harris committed to being a more courteous and likable candidate, choosing to reach out for a handshake, which she had to follow the former president to his podium to get reciprocated.
Harris made a clear stance on many of her administration’s policies, with tax benefits for first-time homeowners, small businesses and large energy sources. Her message? To expand opportunities for the middle class.
Former President Donald Trump had a different approach, referring to supposed “transgender operations” being performed on illegal aliens, and most infamously migrants eating household pets—a rumor that Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance has admitted to falsifying. Another pivotal moment was Trump merely promising that he has “concepts of a plan” when it comes to either reforming or replacing the current government-funded healthcare programs.
A parallel that many supporters of Harris have brought to light is that without Biden in the race, the GOP talking point of senility falls apart and is being redirected toward Trump himself with his seeming inability to form coherent ideas together.
The most telling outcome of the debate is Trump’s unwillingness to perform in another debate, having stated previously that he would be open to another two. This raises the question of, what exactly this means for the Trump campaign.
Between swing states trending blue and the opinion of the average voter becoming less and less favorable toward him, the debate’s impact will be a crucial part of this election.
