The political stage is set, and the stakes could not be higher as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches. The recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has become the word on everyone’s lips, igniting discussions not only around policies and positions but also about engagement and enthusiasm among voters.
The debate, aired live on September 10, witnessed Harris and Trump clashing on various issues, from abortion and immigration to foreign affairs and the economy. Post-debate analyses have suggested Harris’s performance was strong enough to result in notable shifts within public polling. Various polls indicate she has made substantial gains against Trump, even narrowing his lead significantly in traditionally red states like Iowa, where her deficit shrunk from double digits to as little as four points.
According to the latest ABC News/Ipsos poll, Harris is holding onto a national lead of six points against Trump. This nationwide survey indicates voters are leaning toward Harris, favoring her 51% to Trump’s 46%. Significantly, the Des Moines Register’s polling shows Trump leading Harris only by four points among likely Iowa voters, marking a stark change from the previous 18-point lead he had over President Biden back in June.
The students at Florida State University weren't just passive viewers of the debate; they actively engaged with the political discourse during a watch party hosted by the Political Discourse Club and Florida Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG). Filled to its 400-seat capacity, students displayed enthusiasm for Harris, especially during her remarks on abortion rights, climate issues, and economic recovery. Attendees expressed eagerness to understand the candidates’ policies as many prepare to vote for the first time this November.
“Student engagement at events like this is so important because we are the future and our votes really matter,” said Ava Siegelbaum, a political science senior. Another attendee, Camille Friall, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of such engagements for informed voting decisions.
Besides student participation, the debate also drew considerable attention online. Following the debate, media scrutiny highlighted how each candidate’s strategy played out differently, particularly concerning allegations surrounding misinformation. Kamala Harris focused on opposing Trump's claims by indicating his weaknesses rather than disputing his statements directly, conveying confidence without dwelling too heavily on fact-checking.
For example, when Trump made claims about the economy, Harris turned the conversation to the perceived damage his administration left behind. “Let’s talk about what Donald Trump left us,” she asserted. “What we have done is clean up Donald Trump’s mess.” This tactic allowed Harris to avoid engaging directly with Trump’s remarks, sidestepping the polarization often linked with fact-checking.
Conversely, Trump continued to paint himself as the victim of political attacks, using incendiary rhetoric aimed at discrediting Harris and her policies. His campaign thrives on the challenge of perceived media bias, encouraging his followers to reject mainstream narratives and lean heavily on emotionally charged and inaccurate statements. This approach has raised concerns among political analysts as it has the potential to deepen divisions between Trump’s base and Harris’s supporters.
The dynamic of online engagement also surfaced prominently, particularly after revelations showcasing how Trump’s camp employs artificial intelligence to bolster its narrative. Trump's enthusiastic embrace of AI-generated images was vividly illustrated just days after the debate, as he shared fantastical pictures involving pets and political imagery, manipulating social media content. His ally, Donald Trump Jr., similarly took to social media, tweeting humorous AI-generated content. While this generated excitement among Trump supporters, it raises ethical questions about the authenticity of political messaging.
On the other hand, Kamala Harris’s messaging strategy embraced authenticity, opting not to use AI-generated content. Instead, she posted genuine photographs reflecting her childhood and heritage, fostering connections with voters based on sincerity rather than artifice. This tactic allows Harris to create resonance with the audience, tapping away from the overwhelming synthetic nature of AI representations.
Overall, as the dust settles from this significant debate, one thing is certain: voter engagement is on the rise, with many seeking to educate themselves before casting ballots. Campaigns are ramping up efforts to attract those first-time voters and undecided constituents. Democrat and Republican groups alike are actively registering new voters, as the deadline looms for the upcoming election.
With just weeks to go until Election Day, the political arena remains charged, and the results from the Harris-Trump debate continue to shape voter attitudes. Surprisingly, the 2024 election is increasingly viewed through the lens of new voters. With many attending gatherings like the FSU watch party and actively participating in discussions around policies and candidates, their engagement could very well prove pivotal as America moves toward what promises to be one of its most competitive elections yet.
What will be the ultimate impact of this debate on the general election? Only time will tell, but as the political narrative evolves, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will continue to captivate voter attention, influencing minds and shaping the future direction of America.
