A panel of campaign strategists and election analysts gathered to dissect and analyze Tuesday night’s heated debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, each offering their unique perspective on the performances of both candidates. Despite differing opinions on individual elements of the debate, one consensus among the panelists was that Harris had outperformed her predecessor, President Joe Biden.
The visual contrast between the two candidates was a point of discussion, with some commenting on Trump’s vibrant appearance in comparison to Harris’, who appeared somewhat washed-out due to her makeup choices. In terms of overall demeanor, Trump earned a B+ for his disciplined and restrained approach throughout the debate, only occasionally succumbing to the taunts from Harris.
Harris, on the other hand, demonstrated impressive debate coaching and preparation by adeptly pivoting away from direct answers to discuss topics of her choosing. However, the panelists were critical of her lack of specifics and heavy reliance on “happy talk,” as well as her weak closing statement.
Despite these criticisms, many analysts felt that Trump’s closing statement was stronger and more impactful in challenging Harris to address her past positions on various issues. The moderators were also called out for not fact-checking Harris as thoroughly as they did Trump.
The debate was seen by some as a prime example of the importance of spin, with both candidates trying to capitalize on their perceived strengths and mask their vulnerabilities. For instance, while Trump attacked Joe Biden, Harris chose not to defend him or his administration’s record.
In terms of individual policy discussions, Trump was generally felt to have won the argument on immigration, while Harris scored points when discussing the January 6 riot. However, both candidates were criticized for their handling of specific issues, and it was suggested that more debates between them would be beneficial to voters.
Ultimately, the panelists felt that Harris had emerged as the winner of the debate on points, coming across as presidential and articulate, while Trump appeared aggressive and possibly suffering from cognitive decline. The visually striking contrast between the two candidates—Harris’ confident smile and poised demeanor versus Trump’s scowling presence—also played a role in shaping the overall perception of their performances.
Despite some individual triumphs for both candidates, it was generally agreed that Trump lost ground with independent voters, due in part to his rambling responses, reliance on conspiracy theories, and aggressive demeanor throughout the debate.
