Presidential Debate 2024: No Trump Bump as Harris Captured Voters’ Attention
Voters’ Perceptions Before and After the Debate—Did They Change?
After the Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Sept 10th, all eyes were on the results—who won? A team of researchers here at CloudResearch leaned into this question with a tour-de-force study demonstrating the combined power of precision targeting and AI-enabled scaling. Using Engage®, an AI-powered interview and analysis tool, we collected responses from nearly 1,000 voters before and after the debate to get a richly textured picture of how candidate’s debate performance is impacting the election. We interviewed nearly equal numbers of Trump and Harris supporters on top of a sample of over 200 undecideds, and asked questions about how voters saw the candidates, what they expected from the match up, and how they rate various traits such as ‘strength’ or ‘ability to unify the country’ for each. We continued the study after the debate to find out how the candidates delivered. Our initial findings were shared by CBS News.
Other news outlets also conducted debate polls, and some even used a pre-post design. But those polls had sample sizes closer to 25 people. So how were we at CloudResearch able to conduct an interview with nearly 40 times the respondents in the same time frame? A combination of thoughtful prompt engineering in Engage combined with Connect, our online participant platform, enabled us to conduct rich in-depth interviews at scale, and at a fraction of normal costs and time. Engage was directed to dig deeply into voter viewpoints by dynamically following up to their initial answers, probing the full picture of voters’ viewpoints and expectations. We drew our sample from Connect, where participants can answer qualification questions including their political leanings during this election cycle. Participants in the poll consistently reported a highly positive interview experience, stating that they felt free to tell us their feelings without feeling judged for their views.
How Voters Responded to the 2024 Debate Performance
So, what did we find? Voters who came into the debate with a strong opinion of who they supported often found what they were looking for. Some Trump supporters saw an uncompromising man with clearly defined views pushing back hard on a scripted Harris. But many saw something else, an easily baited Trump being led around by Harris. While expectations for Harris were high, most supporters felt she performed admirably and were heartened by her solid showing.
But it is among the undecided voters that we saw the most activity. For undecided voters who thought Harris won the debate, they were swayed by her composure, eloquence, and focus on substantive issues like the economy and abortion. They appreciated her nuanced views about topics like guns and were impressed that she kept her composure throughout the event. Undecided voters who felt that Trump won the debate focused on his assertive responses and confident demeanor. However, the most dominant theme among nearly two-thirds of Trump supporters was dissatisfaction with Harris and the debate hosts.
Comparing Support for Harris and Trump Before and After the Debate
We also examined six traits associated with the presidency including temperament, intelligence, strong leadership, ability to unify, caring about voters, and will bring the right kind of change. Compared to their feelings before the debate, most voters felt that Harris had demonstrated that she could be a strong leader, with undecideds reporting a whopping 22% increase in perceived strength. Harris also had a large gain in points for how intelligent she is (+15%), and how much she cares about people like them (+11%).
Even Trump supporters reported an 8% increase in intelligence and a 3% increase saying that their views improved about how much she cares about people like them.
In the end, the impact of the debate on the election itself is difficult to measure. Only 1% of voters who aligned with a candidate prior to the debate changed teams (both Democrats and Republicans) with 95% – 97% still supporting their original candidate.
But among undecideds Harris clearly was the winner, with a whopping 22% swayed to support Harris and only 9% moved to support Trump. Will it be enough to sway the outcome? We will find out soon enough!
In-Depth Voter Interviews: Insights from AI-Driven Polling
Here we present you with some of the full transcripts from our interviews:
49, Asian-Indian Female from California, Republican:
Part 1- Pre debate
Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming presidential election?
Undecided
Continue Reading
How much do you support Kamala Harris?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = very much
2
3
4
5 = very much
How much do you support Donald Trump?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = very much
2
3
4
5 = very much
How undecided are you about who you will vote for?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = very much
2
3
4
5 = very much
The presidential debate between Harris and Trump will take place on September 10th. Do you plan on watching it?
Yes
How well do you think Kamala Harris will do in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
How well do you think Donald Trump will do in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
What are you hoping to see in the upcoming presidential debate?
I want them to talk about affordable housing, inflation, and bringing down food prices. Also, making health insurance affordable. They also need to address abortion and making it legal in all 50 states. Lastly, they have to talk about not letting illegal immigrants into this country and deporting them.
What specific policies or stances are you looking for regarding the issues of affordable housing, inflation, food prices, health insurance, abortion, and immigration? Could you share how this information might influence your voting decision?
Everything is so expensive, I don't think many people will be able to retire before 70. We cannot afford to pay for illegal immigrants while our veterans, senior citizens, and legal citizens suffer where they are left homeless, unable to afford food, and can't pay for their medications if needed or for proper healthcare.
Would you say that candidates' policies on affordable living and immigration would significantly impact your decision, given they directly address the concerns you've raised about quality of life, healthcare, and support for veterans, senior citizens, and legal citizens?
Yes, if they have a plan on how to address these, then it will impact my decision on who to vote for.
Based on what we've discussed regarding your concerns and expectations, which candidate do you currently feel might be more equipped to address these issues effectively in the debate and why?
I think it would be Kamala Harris.
Could you share more about why you believe Kamala Harris might be more equipped to address these issues effectively in the debate? What specific stances or proven actions from her make you think this way?
I think she is more calm than Trump, who doesn't think before he speaks.
It sounds like the demeanor and communication style of the candidate also matters to you in addition to their stance on policy issues. Do you believe that a calm and thoughtful manner in presenting their plans and ideas can make a significant difference in effectively addressing the issues you mentioned earlier?
Yes, absolutely.
Based on your previous responses, you've mentioned a few expectations regarding policy issues and candidate demeanor. Could you elaborate further on what specific behaviors or statements you are expecting from Donald Trump during the debate?
He will speak over her or try to interrupt her. He will make faces and attack her personally, based on her gender and ethnic background. Unless, there is a good moderator to keep him in check, he will do these things.
You've mentioned why you believe Kamala Harris may be more equipped to address the issues of concern. Could you further elaborate on any specific behaviors or statements you are anticipating from Kamala Harris during the debate?
I don't think she will have all the answers, but I do think that she will not speak aggressively like Trump and will instead remain calm.
Given what you've shared about what you're looking for in the candidates, can you dive a bit deeper into specific actions or statements that would convincingly secure your vote for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in the upcoming election?
Yes, about trying to legalize abortion in all 50 states and deporting illegal immigrants.
Could you explain further how you'd like each candidate to address these two issues - legalizing abortion across the country and immigration policy, particularly the deportation of undocumented immigrants? Specifically, what stances or solutions are you hoping to hear from them during the debate?
I just want them to admit that overturning Roe v. Wade was a mistake and that we have to take steps to overturn this. I also want them to say they have plans to take care of our own citizens and give them the help they need rather than helping keep illegal immigrants here.
Which candidate is more able to unify the country?
They are equal
Which candidate cares more about people like you?
They are equal
Part 2- Post Debate
Did you watch the presidential debate between Harris and Trump on September 10th?
Yes, I watched the whole thing
Continue Reading
How do you think Kamala Harris did in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
How do you think Donald Trump did in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
How much do you support Kamala Harris?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
Your support for Kamala Harris seems to have increased since before the debate. Could you share more about what aspects of her performance in the debate contributed to this increase?
She remained calm, stood up for herself and defended herself against Trump's allegations.
How much do you support Donald Trump?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
Your support for Donald Trump seems to have decreased since before the debate. Could you share more about what aspects of his performance in the debate contributed to this decrease?
All he did is attack her. He was all over the place and just praised himself as a great president.
How undecided are you about who you will vote for?
1 = not at all undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
Your indecision seems to have decreased significantly after the debate. Could you please explain how the debate contributed to this change? What aspects of the candidates' performances influenced your decision the most?
I thought they were both on the same level but on opposite ends before the debate, but Harris answered the questions and showed empathy.
Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming presidential election?
Kamala Harris
Did the candidates perform as you expected during the debate, based on what you previously stated you hoped to see? Did anyone or anything surprise you?
Yes, I did expect Trump to act the way he did, but Harris really did surprise me as she was tough and didn't let him intimidate her.
Could you elaborate on what specific moments in the debate made you feel that Kamala Harris was tough and not easily intimidated? What actions or statements made her stand out in this regard?
When Trump said she was against fracking, Harris corrected him. She also said that he spread birther lies about Obama and is trying to use race to divide the country. She pointed out that he tried to get rid of Obamacare 60 times and during Biden's administration, that they actually negotiated drug prices to make them more affordable by capping some of them, such as $35/month for insulin.
Thank you for your detailed response. How did these examples of Harris' responses influence your perception of her as a candidate? And how important was her ability to correct misinterpretations and assert her points during the debate in shaping your decision to vote?
I like that she is quick to respond and has to have the last word in order to correct his lies.
Are there any positions or policies that either candidate described during the debate that were memorable or important for you?
Trump is a joke, so I did laugh at some of the things he said. But I did like Harris's closing statement when she said that she only has had one client throughout her career from being a prosecutor to now Vice President and that is "the people."
You mentioned Kamala Harris's closing statement being memorable, indicating her dedication to "the people." Could you elaborate how this statement and the idea behind it impacted you? How does this connect with your expectations and evaluations of a political leader?
It resonated with me because it is true that she is serving the people as opposed to Trump who is serving himself.
How much has the debate influenced your overall perception of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump? Do you think debates play a significant role in informing your political choices, and would you consult future debates for further insight?
Yes, I think debates are influential, but I wish they took more breaks so we can really take in each question and answer.
Who won the debate?
Kamala Harris
Could you share more about why you think Kamala Harris won the debate? What specific elements or moments stood out to you and made her appear as the clear winner?
She was professional from beginning to end. She actually went to shake his hand and introduce herself. She looked at him when he spoke while he looked down and had a sour look on his face. He just insulted and made jokes while also praising himself.
Thank you for your response. How much do personal demeanor and professionalism contribute to your evaluation of a candidate's debate performance? And how did these aspects specifically play into your judgment that Harris won the debate?
Very much so. You can tell a lot about a person not about what they say, but how they say it and their body language.
Will this debate impact your vote in November?
Yes
Could you please elaborate on how this debate will influence your vote in November? How has your voting intention changed because of the debate?
I think Harris is the better candidate so I will vote for her.
Which candidate is more able to unify the country?
Definitely Kamala Harris
Your rating for Kamala Harris's ability to unify the country increased after watching the debate. Could you share more about what aspects of her performance led to this change in your perception?
Well, I've always thought and felt that Trump was divisive, but I wasn't sure if Harris was or not. After this debate and her closing statement, she is definitely more capable at unifying the country.
Which candidate cares more about people like you?
Definitely Kamala Harris
Your rating indicating that Kamala Harris cares more about people like you has increased after the debate. Can you share more about what you saw or heard during the debate that led to this change in your perception?
It's just that it was hard to get a read on her before because she was Vice President, so I didn't really hear much from her. But this debate showed her skills.
33, Asian Male from New York, Democrat:
Part 1- Pre Debate
Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming presidential election?
Undecided
Continue Reading
Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming presidential election?
Undecided
How much do you support Kamala Harris?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
How much do you support Donald Trump?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
How undecided are you about who you will vote for?
1 = not at all undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
The presidential debate between Harris and Trump will take place on September 10th. Do you plan on watching it?
Yes
How well do you think Kamala Harris will do in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
How well do you think Donald Trump will do in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
What are you hoping to see in the upcoming presidential debate?
I am hoping to see some form of coherent responses to the questions presented. The last one was an absolute embarrassment.
I agree, clear and relevant responses to the questions are crucial in a presidential debate. In terms of these coherent responses, are there particular topics or issues you are particularly interested in hearing more about from the candidates? How will their responses impact your voting decision?
I would like to see some form of coherent responses. An understanding of how each candidate plans to improve our country and economy. How they deal with our current increase in crime across all states due to the influx of migrants. Depending on their answers I would more likely favor them.
That makes sense. Knowing a candidate's stance on the economy, immigration, and crime can indeed give a clear picture of their potential as a future leader. Going into the debate, do you feel you more inclined towards one candidate providing satisfying answers to these issues, or are you equally open to both?
I am equally open to both. Although I feel the current political climate you have to choose one or the other.
You mentioned that you are equally open to both candidates, though you feel pressured to pick a side. Based on your current knowledge of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, who do you believe might be more capable of delivering the coherent responses and concrete plans that you are hoping for in this debate and why?
I feel Kamala Harris is more capable of providing coherent responses, while Donald Trump may stick to his words and provide more firm actions.
I understand that you see different strengths in both candidates. Can you elaborate more on why you perceive Kamala Harris to be the one providing more coherent responses, and Donald Trump to be the one providing more firm actions?
Due to President Biden's old age, I view Kamala Harris to be the one most closest to being in charge currently so I would like to imagine that she has a clear grasp on how things are going in our country. Donald Trump seems to have a lot of support due to the fact that he says what he wants to do and speaks truthfully without holding back. I believe Donald Trump’s stance on things are that they should be done with an affirmative approach and to deal with the outcome as it appears.
You've mentioned that you see Donald Trump as someone who speaks truthfully without holding back and takes an affirmative approach. Can you elaborate more on your expectations of him during the debate? What particular issues are you keen on hearing from him?
I can see Donald Trump talking about the increase in crime across our country. A matter that I have become increasingly concerned about. He blames the increase in migrants for the crime, I also stand by this belief.
I see that crime rates and immigration are significant concerns for you. Given Donald Trump's stance on these issues, what sort of tangible solutions are you hoping to hear during the debate? How important will his proposed solutions be in influencing your final voting decision?
I can see a one strike policy becoming a thing where if these migrants commit any crimes or are connected to individuals causing crime i.e a crime ring. They should be removed from our country.
Earlier, you mentioned that you view Kamala Harris as capable of providing more coherent responses. On which specific issues are you keen on hearing a clear and comprehensive stance from her during the debate?
I can see her speaking about the economy and how she plans to improve it during her presidency. I have read some news about her and Biden implementing a unrealized capital gains tax.
The upcoming tax policies are certainly significant issues. Are there any specific aspects of the economy that you are particularly concerned about and want Kamala Harris to address? How do you think the unrealized capital gains tax would impact these concerns?
I am especially interested in their policy to combat inflation and how this unrealized capital gains tax is beneficial to regular people like me. Taxing big hedge funds and corporations is understandable, but how will this unrealized capital gains tax impact common people is what I would like to hear more about.
I understand your concerns, taxation policies can significantly impact the economy and personal finances. If Kamala Harris fails to provide a satisfactory explanation about how the proposed unrealized capital gains tax would benefit regular people, would that decrease your support for her? Is the ability to clearly explain and justify her economic policies a deciding factor for you?
The ability to clearly and efficiently explain this policy is most definitely going to make in impact on my support for Kamala.
You've shared some insightful thoughts on what you're hoping to hear from both candidates on the debated topics. Could we delve a little further - What specific assurances or arguments could either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump make during the debate to definitively sway your vote in November?
I would appreciate clear concise answers to how they respond to the topics. I do not appreciate any runaround type answers that get nowhere and make people more confused.
I agree, clarity is essential. To get a better idea of specifics, could you share one or two key statements or plans you would ideally want to hear from the candidates in the debate that would significantly sway your decision? For example, would a specific policy proposal concerning economy or crime control make you lean more towards one candidate or the other?
I want to hear a clear and concise policy or plan to deal with crime in our cities first and foremost. Then I would like to hear about how they plan to deal with inflation.
Part 2 – Post Debate
Did you watch the presidential debate between Harris and Trump on September 10th?
Yes, I watched part of the debate
Continue Reading
How do you think Kamala Harris did in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
How do you think Donald Trump did in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
How much do you support Kamala Harris?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
I noticed that your support for Kamala Harris has increased after the debate. Can you share more about how the debate influenced this change in your support for her?
Although I didn't agree with all of her answers due to credibility. The main thing that swayed my support for Kamala was mainly how badly Donald Trump responded to the points I listened to.
How much do you support Donald Trump?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
I noticed your support for Donald Trump has decreased after the debate. Can you shed some light on how and why the debate influenced this change in your opinion?
I held a bit of optimism going into this debate that Donald Trump would have turned over a new leaf and be more coherent in his responses and reasoning. I was wrong to hold that belief.
Do you have a preferred candidate for the presidential election?
I greatly favor Kamala at this moment.
How well do you think the debate represented each candidate's stance on the issues?
I think the debate did well to represent Kamala's stance on this country's issues, while Donald Trump has worsened his stance with his embellished stories and hearsay.
That's an important perspective. Having watched the debate, do you believe Kamala Harris and Donald Trump addressed your primary concerns about crime and the economy satisfactorily? On a related note, did their responses change your thoughts or opinions about these issues in any way?
While I did not fact check everything at the time, if true, I believe Kamala wanted to allocate more funds to put more border agents to wrangle in the illegal border crossing that has led to the increase of crime. If it is true that Donald Trump called his republican friends in congress to kill the bill I would be against Donald Trump.
Based on what you've just mentioned, it seems like Kamala Harris's stance on dealing with crime relating to illegal border crossings resonated with you, and you were disappointed in Donald Trump's actions. Were there any other key moments or points during the debate that influenced your current preference for Kamala Harris? Or any other reasons that lead to your decreased support for Donald Trump?
When Donald Trump made up stories about migrants eating residents' pets as a food source without any clear evidence and backing makes someone in his position look foolish. I believe that Donald Trump is very susceptible to misinformation and may be greatly influenced by this misinformation and cause harm to our country.
That's a very fair point to make - verifiable evidence and truth in discourse are highly important, especially in such high-stakes situations. Was there any particular topic, issue or moment during the debate where you felt that Kamala Harris performed exceptionally well? How did that impact your overall impression of her?
As I could not tune into the full debate, I would still believe that the way Kamala represented herself when responding to the topics has left a positive impression of her. I am mainly concerned about crime and the economy. While the economic problem didn't really provide much insight, she did seem to have some sort of plan, while Donald Trump did not provide any road of progress.
How undecided are you about who you will vote for?
1 = not at all undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
I noticed that you seem more decided now than you were before the debate. Can you share more about how the debate influenced your decision? What factors or moments during the debate have helped you in becoming more decided about your vote?
The main factor for me was how poorly Donald Trump could not respond coherently to the topics and rebuttals. He could not move on from previous topics and continued to play the blame game and not provide any solutions.
Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming presidential election?
Kamala Harris
Your decision to vote for Kamala Harris is a shift from being undecided earlier. Could you explain what specifically about the debate led to this change in your voting intention? Were there any particular moments, statements, or actions during the debate that solidified your decision to vote for Kamala Harris?
Just the way Kamala carried herself on the podium and how clear and concise her responses were. Her proactive approach to deal with issues if she was voted in.
Did the candidates perform as you expected during the debate, particularly in relation to your hopes for clear, coherent responses and concrete plans? Were there any moments or aspects that surprised you?
I would say Kamala did much better than I anticipated. While Donald Trump performed worse than I had hoped. I think I was foolish to think that he would have turned over a new leaf.
Considering your expectations for the debate, in what ways did Kamala Harris exceed them? Similarly, could you provide some specific instances or areas where you felt Donald Trump fell short of your hopes?
Her attitude and quickness with her responses makes me believe that she understands the current struggle the American people are dealing with and she is thinking of solutions to these problems. Whereas Donald Trump did not provide any solutions, but instead provided unaccounted statements from people who have nothing to do with this country.
Are there any positions or policies that either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump described during the debate that were particularly memorable or important for you?
The most memorable part for me was Kamala saying that Donald Trump killed the bill that she put forth to provide more border agents at the border to combat the illegal crossing of migrants.
It seems like the topic of border control and migrant issues matter a lot to you. Can you elaborate more on why Kamala Harris's proposed bill to increase border agents resonated with you so profoundly? Furthermore, how did this specific instance impact your view of Donald Trump?
Due to the rise in migrants coming to the country my city has been flooded with migrants and thus an increase in crime. Just this week a lady from my neighborhood was shot in the face due to a botched robbery. There has always been crime in my city, but this influx has caused a rapid rise and lethality. Donald Trump did not provide any avenues of solution or support if he would be elected, only saying that if he was president this wouldn't have happened. He continued to blame Biden and his administration without providing any solid and coherent solutions.
Who won the debate?
Kamala Harris
You mentioned that you think Kamala Harris won the debate. Could you elaborate more on why you believe she was the winner? Was it her demeanor, the issues she addressed, her responses, or something else?
Her demeanor definitely played a role in my decision. She was poised and respectable as a leader should be. She was confident and firm in her approach.
Those are important qualities indeed. Apart from her demeanor, was there any specific point or argument made by Kamala Harris during the debate that you felt was particularly strong or convincing? Did these points contribute to your perception of her as the winner of the debate?
I cannot think of anything else at the moment.
Will this debate impact your vote in November?
Yes
Can you share more about how this debate will influence your vote in November? Specifically, what did you learn or observe during the debate that changed your voting intention?
I learned that Donald Trump is incredibly unfit to run this country for a second time. I also learned that he has a court hearing or something coming soon in November.
Clearly, the debate has significantly shaped your opinion about Donald Trump. Is there any other reason or particular moment from the debate that solidified your intention to vote for Kamala Harris, or was it mainly Donald Trump's performance that led to this decision?
Kamala's response and significant understanding of what is going on in this country was shown in this debate. Whereas Donald Trump seems to be stuck in a loop of fanatical support from his supporters thinking that that will be enough to improve our country. If I had to pinpoint a moment in where the debate went in favor of Kamala for me, it would be when Donald Trump could not speak cohesively about the January 6th riots that he incited.
28, White Male from Texas, Independent
Part 1 – Pre Debate
Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming presidential election?
Undecided
Continue Reading
How much do you support Kamala Harris?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
How much do you support Donald Trump?
1 = not at all
2
3
4
5 = a lot
2
3
4
5 = a lot
How undecided are you about who you will vote for?
1 = not at all undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
2
3
4
5 = very undecided
The presidential debate between Harris and Trump will take place on September 10th. Do you plan on watching it?
Yes
How well do you think Kamala Harris will do in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
How well do you think Donald Trump will do in the debate?
1 = very poorly
2
3
4
5 = very well
2
3
4
5 = very well
What are you hoping to see in the upcoming presidential debate?
I want to see them both actually discuss policy and their plans
It sounds like you're interested in hearing substantive discussions about policy during the debate. Could you further elaborate on what specific policies you're interested in hearing more about? Additionally, how will the candidates' plans affect your final decision on who to vote for?
I want to know what they will do for the middle class. Whoever will help me by keeping prices low and going after the rich to pay their fair share is who I will vote for. Both candidates are poor choices to me, so whoever can actually convince me they will do something and not just be a politician will get my vote
I understand; the economic position of the middle class is certainly a crucial topic. How will you determine during the debate if a candidate is genuine in their proposals and not just providing typical political rhetoric? Are there specific stances or behaviors that you'll be looking for that will convince you they're sincerely committed to your interests?
I want Kamala to come up with original policies, not stuff she parrots from Trump like she has. Trump needs to convince me he is of sane mind and level-headed. If they talk about housing and restricting corporations from buying single family residences I think that person gets my vote
That's very insightful. You're looking for authentic policy proposals, particularly around housing, and a candidate who comes across as level-headed. Given these expectations, would you say your decision will be mostly influenced by their stance on housing and corporate restrictions or are there other policy areas you would measure with equal significance?
Other areas are important such as climate change/national park preservation, healthcare, limiting immigration such as H1Bs, fixing police who don't protect citizens, and limiting rioters like what happened with George Floyd
Based on the expectations and significant issues you've outlined, which of the candidates - Kamala Harris or Donald Trump - do you currently feel is more likely to deliver a performance during the debate that aligns with your preferences, and why is that?
I honestly do not know. I think Kamala will be more level-headed, but if she brings up reparations or anything like that, she will lose my vote. Trump may be more hot-headed but I think will have more middle-class friendly policies that don't drag the US into a recession
From your response, it seems you're anticipating potential policy discussions during the debate that could influence your decision. What are your specific concerns around the topic of reparations, and why would this be a definitive factor for you? Additionally, could you share more about what kind of middle-class friendly policies you believe Trump might advocate for?
I don't think reparations will do anything, and it is not ethical to have tax payers who came after WW2 be punished for something my ancestors didn't do. Either implement UBI or don't give any handouts. I think Trump will limit corporations investing in single family homes, remove taxes on tips, and implement tax friendly policies to limit the burden on the middle class
Earlier you mentioned that you expect Trump to come across as more hot-headed and to potentially offer more middle-class friendly policies during the debate. Could you elaborate on that? Specifically, what actions or statements from him would meet or exceed your expectations in the upcoming debate?
Trump in the past has seemed like a child throwing a tantrum and often attacks opponents instead of their arguments. If he focuses on policy and doesn't take anything personal and get off topic I will be impressed.
You've mentioned some expectations for Kamala Harris, like coming up with original policies and not parroting Trump. Could you elaborate more on the kinds of actions or statements from her that would meet or exceed your expectations in the upcoming debate?
It seems like any time Trump puts forth a popular policy idea the Kamala team picks it up, like no taxes on Tips. If she is calm and focuses on the middle class and doesn't attack Trump at all then I will be impressed.
Based on our discussion about your expectations for the debate, can you pinpoint specific actions, statements, or policy discussions that you think could decisively win you over to vote for either candidate in November?
If they force corporations to divest from single family homes, limit investment by companies like blackrock and others in housing, expand and protect national parks, implement UBI, have an actual plan to stop congress from trading stocks, protect 2A rights with reasonable measures such as mandatory background checks and waiting periods, or guarantee the middle class will be better in 4 years than they are today I think that will make a decision on me
Those are quite a range of policies you're interested in. If you had to pick one or two as the most decisive for your vote, which would they be? Moreover, could you further elaborate on why these issues are so vital to you?
Housing is important to me because I rent, and I am considering buying but want to be able to afford a house equal to how hard I've worked. If I can't, then why should I try to work hard for my company (Defense sector)? The middle-class health is important to me because if I cannot afford anything I will likely end up trying to move to Europe, as I am already in the process of getting my citizenship there through descent. The rich are gutting America and either need to be controlled through the government or through the people.
Which candidate is more intelligent?
They are equal
Which candidate cares more about people like you?
They are equal
Which candidate will be better at bringing about the right kind of change?
They are equal
Part 2 – Post Debate
Did you watch the presidential debate between Harris and Trump on September 10th?
Yes, I watched the whole thing
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How do you think Kamala Harris did in the debate?
1 = very poorly
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3
4
5 = very well
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3
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5 = very well
How do you think Donald Trump did in the debate?
1 = very poorly
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3
4
5 = very well
2
3
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5 = very well
How much do you support Kamala Harris?
1 = not at all
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3
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5 = a lot
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3
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5 = a lot
How much do you support Donald Trump?
1 = not at all
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3
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5 = a lot
2
3
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5 = a lot
I noticed an increase in your support for Donald Trump based on your responses before and after the debate. Can you share with me if, how, and why the debate contributed to this change?
Even though he blurted out a bunch of nonsense, he at least seemed like he had a plan and didn't start the debate off by not answering the question. He seemed more cool-headed than I expected, and actually gave some ideas for how he would address the economy.
How undecided are you about who you will vote for?
1 = not at all undecided
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3
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5 = very undecided
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5 = very undecided
It seems like after watching the debate your indecision about who to vote for has changed. Could you help me understand more about if and how the debate influenced your decision-making process?
The debate definitely influenced me. This was my first time watching Harris, and I wasn't impressed at all. She dodged most of the questions and didn't have good answers for why her and Biden don't currently do certain things. She also seemed to play on people's emotions more than logic. Her opening argument didn't at all answer the question of "Are we better off today than 4 years ago" and she just went off on a rant and attacked Trump. Her policies should have spoken for themselves, instead, she decided to stoop and I don't want someone like that as President
Who do you plan on voting for in the upcoming presidential election?
Donald Trump
I noticed a shift in your voting intention from being undecided before the debate to choosing Donald Trump after the debate. Could you share more about how the debate influenced this change? Were there any particular moments or discussions during the debate that made you lean towards Donald Trump?
Trump at least has a plan and although it is not great (Tariffs), the US is a global powerhouse, and I don't think we will be impacted as much as Harris said the middle class would be. If anything, it can't be worse than the rampant inflation during their term. Also, Trump mentioned deporting people, which I strongly support because I know victims of crime from illegal immigrants.
Did the candidates perform as you expected during the debate, based on what you previously said you hoped to see? Was there anyone or anything that surprised you?
Kamala did a really poor job, I expected her to be what democrats claim online. People claim she is thoughtful, intelligent, strong, one who can easily breeze over others. Instead, she just bickered with Trump who I think was just messing with her after a while because he actually has policies, and she just has ideas that will just jack up prices. If you give 25k to all new home buyers the houses will just go up by 25k, welfare is not the answer to corporations taking over the middle-class life.
It sounds like you were disappointed with Kamala Harris' performance. Can you share a specific moment from the debate where you felt Harris fell short of your expectations? Do you think there's anything she could have done differently that might have improved your perception of her?
To start, she could have answered the first question instead of dodging it. To me that means she knows the answer is the middle class is worse off. If she could have just said "People are worse off, but that's off the heels of a pandemic and massive debt spending, and we have a plan to fix it" I would have been drawn to her in a heartbeat. To me, she is just another mindless politician trying to get elected and doesn't care about the middle class.
From your perspective, how did Donald Trump meet or exceed your expectations in the debate? Were there any specific moments that stood out for you where you felt he presented strong middle-class oriented policies?
When he said they were going to deport people to keep us safe and stop people from taking jobs from Americans.
Are there any positions or policies that either candidate described during the debate that were memorable or important for you, especially in reference to the policies or positions you were hoping to hear about?
Kamala listed all the money he was going to hand out, which to me sounds like bribing voters and then she will blame congress for why we can't get the promises delivered. Trump using the military to deport people and his economic policies are memorable for me.
You mentioned that Trump's approach towards using the military for deportation and his economic policies were memorable for you. Could you detail what aspects or specifics of these policies stood out for you? How do these align with your personal beliefs or impact your life directly?
The fact that it will be the largest deportation program in the US is what stood out. I think we should focus on securing the country and stopping illegal border crossings. There is too much risk to communities and people. I live in Texas and have lived in areas affected by illegal immigrants who are in gangs. I don't want to feel I need to carry a gun anytime I travel in Texas in case one of them tries to attack me or my family.
Who won the debate?
Donald Trump
You indicated that Donald Trump won the debate. Could you elaborate on why you felt he was the winner? What specific approaches, statements, or topics made you perceive him as more successful during the debate?
He gave policies and didn't need to constantly attack Harris, he had his own achievements from his term.
Was there a particular policy or achievement Trump spoke about during the debate that resonated with you or you found particularly compelling? How did this contribute to your perception of him as the winner of the debate?
The economy was doing well under him, I think he can do it again. Biden has not been good for the middle class, and I don't think Harris will be good either.
Will this debate impact your vote in November?
Yes
Given that the debate will impact your vote, could you share more about how it influenced your decision? Were there any key points or moments during the debate that significantly swayed your voting intention?
Kamala's entire performance was lacking and she didn't even answer the first question, there isn't much more to say than that. I don't want a crappy politician who doesn't answer questions about the middle class honestly
If you could ask the candidates one question what would it be?
With a yes or no answer, do you support reigning in wall street to prevent them from taking advantage of the middle class through the following means:
limiting single family residence ownership by corporations
increasing the tax that corporations or individuals pay on second homes
making stock buybacks illegal
banning congress from trading stocks, and any indicators of insider trading by friends or family persecuted to the fullest extent of the law
reducing the deficit through taxing unrealized capital gains
limiting the buy-borrow-die cycle in rich families by limiting the ability to take loans on illiquid assets
limiting single family residence ownership by corporations
increasing the tax that corporations or individuals pay on second homes
making stock buybacks illegal
banning congress from trading stocks, and any indicators of insider trading by friends or family persecuted to the fullest extent of the law
reducing the deficit through taxing unrealized capital gains
limiting the buy-borrow-die cycle in rich families by limiting the ability to take loans on illiquid assets
Which candidate is more intelligent?
Definitely Donald Trump
I noticed a change in your response about which candidate you perceive as more intelligent. Can you share with me if, how, and why the debate influenced this change?
Trump had definitive positions on things. Harris seemed to have good ideas but they were mainly handing out money. Making an economy of opportunity...like what does that even mean? That to me sounds like reparations and dragging one group down to bring another one up
Which candidate cares more about people like you?
Definitely Donald Trump
Your response to "Which candidate cares more about people like you?" has shifted from considering both candidates equal, to seeing Donald Trump as the one who definitely cares more. Could you share more about how the debate contributed to this shift in your perception? Was there a particular moment or discussion that led you to feel more seen or understood by Trump?
Donald Trump recognized the middle class is suffering
Which candidate will be better at bringing about the right kind of change?
Definitely Donald Trump
Your response to the question about which candidate will be better at bringing about the right kind of change shifted after the debate, with an increase in favor of Donald Trump. Could you share more about how the debate influenced this change in your perception? Was there a key point or discussion during the debate that led you to believe Trump is more capable of driving the right kind of change?
Donald Trump recognized the middle class is suffering, that was all I wanted from a candidate
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