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Presidential Debate 2024: Gen Z's Thoughts

Updated: Sep 13

Take 1: Harris Commands the Stage, Trump Stuck in the Past 


Trump and Harris clashed in their debate last night, but it was Harris who owned the stage with sharp jabs and a clear vision for the future. 


From the start, Trump’s usual tactics fell flat against Harris’s composed, commanding presence. She didn’t just defend Biden-era policies; she took Trump to task on everything from his failed business ventures to his chaotic rallies. Calling him “weak and wrong,” Harris didn’t shy away from drawing contrasts, while Trump floundered, offering little more than the same tired talking points.


Harris laid out policies to help working families, like tax breaks for parents and small businesses, and a home-buyer credit to ease housing costs. When she shifted to fracking, a point of previous contention, she didn’t duck. She acknowledged her position change, showing adaptability rather than rigidity—a stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to evolve on issues like climate change. 


It’s clear after this debate: Harris isn’t just here to defend the past—she’s ready to lead into the future, while Trump seems stuck on repeat. 


-Maeve Fishel 


Take 2: Same Healthcare Debate, Still No Diagnosis


Trump and Harris sparred over healthcare in their debate last night. The crucial topics? Still up for discussion.


Trump predictably went after the Affordable Care Act, calling it a disaster, while Harris defended it like it’s the only thing keeping the system afloat. But neither had much to say about how scrapping the ACA would impact those still struggling post-pandemic.  When the debate turned to abortion, Harris didn’t hold back, blasting Trump for the post-Roe chaos, where doctors are terrified to act and women are left in impossible situations. She called out the bans with no exceptions for rape or incest, labeling them “immoral.” Trump, meanwhile, proudly took credit for overturning Roe, but dodged the question on a national abortion ban, sticking to his usual “leave it to the states” line. After two years of a pandemic that highlighted just how broken the system is, you'd think they'd offer something fresh. Instead, we got a rerun of stale talking points with no real plan in sight. 


Another healthcare debate, another round of promises. Real solutions? Still waiting—just like everyone else trying to book a doctor’s appointment. 


-Ellie Bai


Take 3: Better Than Last Time


The debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was unusually civil.  


Harris stayed calm and collected. She focused on trying to make her positions clear to the public and getting under the former President's skin when possible. She refrained from displaying her typically unlikable and condescending demeanor, instead presenting herself with a more statesmanlike composure.


Trump let her get to him. Her concise and focused attacks had him steaming behind his muted microphone for minutes at a time, after which he would aimlessly ramble in retort. While he stuck to his usual talking points for the most part, the performance was far from his peak. His best moments were overshadowed by his emotional outburst. 


Harris bested Trump in substance, style, and strategy. Meanwhile, Trump struggled to remain reserved, often appearing flustered. 


When both candidates are so unlikable to so many, a night like that may make a difference. 


-Ryan Dulaney


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