UH students, professor react to presidential debate

HONOLULU (KHON2) — According to political analysts, Vice President Kamala Harris had a tougher task in front of her during the presidential debate with Former President Donald Trump.

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For the first time, Americans got a taste of the two leading presidential candidates side-by-side. It’s one thing to hear them campaigning and talking about the issues, but it’s something else to see them together to give voters a chance to make a decision.

“I thought it a strong debate, both candidates did pretty well. I think Trump had a low bar to clear because he’s well-known. He had to not sound totally insane, he needed to not sound old or confused and he did not need to sound crazy or totally misogynistic. He stayed pretty focused. He was negative and on the attack as he usually is,” explained UH Manoa Associate Professor Robert Perkinson.

“Kamala Harris though, she had a bigger challenge and I think she rose to that. She managed to deliver some real zingers to Trump in a way that sounded spontaneous and authentic. She was able to speak directly to the voters, she managed to present herself but also managed to present a positive vision for a fair economy.”

Professor Robert Perkinson teaches social and political history at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He said it’s hard to tell if this debate will change the race in any way.

“I think it might some. Clearly Kamala Harris decided her focus was to try to reach that sliver of four to 10% of voters who haven’t made up their minds by taking to the center. Although he [Trump] did well, I think his advisors would be happy with how he performed on the debate stage.”

Whether the debate will resonate with young voters will have to wait to be seen.

Prior to the debate, KHON2 conducted an informal survey of UH students who were all undecided on who they plan to vote for. The overwhelming response? They were going to be looking at performance more than policy.

One student said they were looking for “confidence, suave, swagger, that sauce box persona.”

For JC Myles, “when it comes to a president for the people, I feel like it’s your brand. Like how are you displaying yourself as a person who represents our country.”