In yesterday’s post, I shared with you numbers following Tuesday’s debate in which Kamala Harris beat (and beat and beat) Donald Trump. Those numbers included new money raised in the first 24 hours ($47.1 million) and flash polling of who won the showdown (Harris over Trump 63 to 37 percent). But I went back into the Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Sept. 10-12 and found several interesting additional insights beyond the overall measure that the race is now Harris at 47 percent and Trump at 42 percent nationally. According to the snapshot survey, registered voters who watched the debate or heard something about it told the pollsters that Kamala Harris:
made them more hopeful about the future (47 percent vs. 35 percent for Trump)
appeared to have higher moral integrity (52 percent vs. 29 percent)
appeared more dignified (56 vs. 26)
seemed like someone who would listen and understand their concerns (49 vs. 33)
On policy priorities, the polling found a virtual tie over who would prioritize “creating an economic climate that is good for them and their family” (43 to 42 percent Harris over Trump). But it did find that voters say Harris would work to decrease gun violence (48 vs. 27), make it possible to receive good, affordable healthcare (46 vs. 31), make necessary changes in Social Security and Medicare to keep these programs stable (45 vs. 34), and increase taxes on people and businesses who haven’t paid their fair share (54 vs. 20). One red flag: Respondents said Trump would prioritize lowering prices on everyday items like gas and groceries (43 Trump vs. 36 Harris).
There’s no question that policy issues such as access to abortion and securing reproductive freedom, which were not directly measured, and fears over inflation and prices will be strong determinants for many voters. But I believe the questions of character and the overall trajectory of the country’s future offered by each candidate will be critical when voters are filling out their ballots—and there’s little doubt who holds that edge.
One other thing: While social media has been lit up with amusing videos and other memes about Trump’s ridiculous and ugly assertion that Haitian immigrants are eating cats and dogs, we have seen in the last days that these despicable lies have led to bomb threats and school evacuations in Springfield, Ohio. This is the hateful future of conflict and violence that Trump—who has doubled down on these grotesque anti-immigrant lies since the debate—is promising. And after VP Harris’ demolition of him Tuesday night, I believe Trump will become even more unhinged as he struggles psychologically with the aftershock of his humiliating thrashing from a brilliant, capable, fearless Black woman. With less than two months before poll workers will be tallying votes, the debate’s impact will continue to be felt as voters solidify their perceptions and intentions.
What do you think? Can one debate decide the outcome of the election? Was Kamala Harris’ successful confrontation of Trump strong enough to stick with the 67 million viewers who tuned in and influence their decision-making? Despite Trump insisting now he won’t do another debate, do you think a second one would be helpful for the Harris campaign? Lastly, in the long run, which will you most remember among the two influential debates: Biden-Trump or Harris-Trump?
As always, I look forward to reading your observations and the opportunity for this community to hear from each other. Please do be respectful in your comments. Trolling will not be tolerated.
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