Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump and democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris finally had their long-awaited face to face interaction when they debated for the whole nation Tuesday night. In a 90-minute debate, the two political juggernauts duked it out on various issues including immigration, abortion, foreign policy, and the economy.
Throughout the night the two traded blows in unique fashion as the two had their respective mics cut when they weren’t speaking. When Vice President Harris wasn’t speaking, she’d use her facial expressions to show the audience her feelings about what the former president was saying. As for former President Trump, he would take any extra time he had in each segment to bash Harris and her policies.
As the two talked on important issues, Anselmians gathered across campus to watch this unprecedented debate. Many students watched in their dorms; others took the opportunity to visit the New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP) to watch the debate at a watch party the Kevin B Harrington Student Ambassadors held.
While there many ways to look at this debate the College Democrats gave full appraisal to Vice President Harris. President of College Democrats Owen Bland ’27 claimed, “the choice could not be clearer”.
“We saw what the Harris presidency could be. We saw the promise of America in a bold woman fighting for the dignity of all Americans… Kamala showed us a future built around hope. She talked about her plans and her goals and what she wants for all Americans.” Bland added.
College Republicans President Mac Connors thought the debate highlighted both candidates’ faults. Pointing out Trump’s stubbornness to adapt to the times, as well as Harris’s struggle to separate herself from President Joe Biden.
“The same policies may not be applicable, and revisions are always needed. Instead of speaking about “concepts of a plan” as he did during the topic of healthcare, he needs to figure out specifics and put them forward to the voters in a clear and concise manner. Second, Kamala Harris needs to acknowledge that she is not a change candidate.” Connors said.
The two campus leaders expressed that this election cycle has created an unprecedented feel as to the unknown of the outcome of the election, with both Trump and Harris neck and neck in the polls. The hope for both camps was to separate from their opponent with this debate. Only time will tell whether or not Trump and Harris’s debate performances pull themselves away in the polls.