The pervading sense from Tuesday’s vice presidential debate served as a stark contrast to the presidential debate in September – and not in a favorable way. The sparring between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was rife with nothing but conflict and relentless personal assaults, unlike the courteous, policy-focused exchange between Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz. It’s doubtful this exercise in sound and fury influenced a single voter, given both Harris and Trump were nothing but predictable echoes of their running mates’ stances.
Despite the relentless effort both sides put forth to justify their running mate’s historical performance, the question of who ‘won’ the debate becomes less important than imagining how beneficial it could be to see these vehement debaters go head to head once more. Surprisingly, the manner in which Vance and Walz contested their respective positions added a sorely missed constituent to the elections: civility. It was almost a novelty to witness, in an election season that’s notably lacked such decorum.
Even the underlying jabs thrown by Vance were often coated with a surprising hint of bipartisanship. The senator was surprisingly affable, repeatedly assuring that he believed Walz intended to address the nation’s problems, even if his faith in Harris’s intentions was notably lacking. Meanwhile, Walz was anything but a passive participant. Steering things towards controversy, he often brought up Vance’s not-so-secret criticisms of Trump’s legacy.
Cleverly, Walz dragged Vance into a potentially compromising position by making him answer the question about whether he acknowledged Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. Vance, true to form, responded by linking Harris to an administration that is increasingly losing favor amongst voters and relentless in questioning her proposed solutions. Yet, the exchanges were devoid of malice, offering a refreshing departure from the norm. The debate between Vance and Walz showed that there can be respect amongst rivals; their exchange seemed a beacon against the background of the spiteful and segregating rhetoric that has characterized too many political debates.
It was evident in their spirited contest that while Americans have diversely opposing views, common ground can be sought without resorting to personal slurs and diatribes. The debate stage on Tuesday seemed a battleground of desire, emphasizing the belief that elected officials, even when presented with drastically contrasting methods and strategies, still strive towards the best possible outcomes for the United States. However, it’s worth noting that against the background of a contentious Presidential race, neither Vance nor Walz is in the running for the top job.
Therefore, the pressure is on for another presidential debate. The citizens of this nation need an additional opportunity to hear the presidential candidates lay out their strategies on tackling critical challenges such as the escalating tension in Middle Eastern regions, issues surrounding the southern border, and the ever-looming economic concerns. A second duel between Trump and Harris is not just hugely beneficial to the nation’s interest, but Quinnipiac polls suggest a significant two-thirds majority of likely voters are in favor of this.
Coming close to election day, the presidential race remains an ambiguous horse race. Although national polls, like the Morning Consult’s, show Harris with a slight advantage of 5 points (51% to 46%), the murky picture becomes murkier when delving into swing states that ultimately decide the victor. In a surprising twist, Trump appears to be ahead in three states – Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia, whilst Harris edges him out in Nevada, Wisconsin, and Michigan, with Pennsylvania remaining a point of contention as a tie-breaker.
Interestingly, none of the leading candidates in the respective states have a margin of over 2 points. The fractional victory in North Carolina for Trump and similarly for Harris in Wisconsin tell their own story. A second debate could potentially swing the race for the undecided voters. A more polished and refined discourse focusing on core issues than the chaotic and divisive first debate could be what breaks this tie.
The first debate saw Trump and Harris aggressively slugging it out to the detriment of the undecided voters, who gained nothing beneficial. In stark contrast to this cacophony, the second debate should play out in the same respectful, yet assertive tone that we witnessed on Tuesday. It is indispensable that Trump and Harris put forth their campaign promises and policy frameworks in an articulate manner, giving voters a clear understanding of their respective roadmaps.
Priorities, undoubtedly, should be the solutions they propose to key challenges such as rebooting the economy, managing crime rates, and immigration concerns. Additionally, in light of the latest assault on Israel by Iran, which carries the menace of catapulting the US into a larger, more complex conflict, voters would benefit from knowing how Trump and Harris aim to manage this escalating geopolitical chaos.
With the elections just a stone’s throw away and the presidential race being an exceptionally tight one, both candidates should consider this as a final chance to make their ‘closing statement.’ Their voters are owed this opportunity to comprehend the course they plan to set for the country. A well-structured, content-rich second debate could build a definitive bridge towards that understanding and possibly sway the pendulum in their favor.
This moment offers a golden opportunity for both Trump and Harris to seize the narrative and give American voters what they want and deserve: a clear vision of the future under their potential presidency. It’s not just about winning an election but about persuading and reassuring voters about the course their nation is set to take.
While many might find the Biden administration’s performance questionable, the undeniable fact remains: the future of the country hangs in the balance, and this second debate could ideally steer the ship in a better direction than it seems currently poised for. The candidates owe it to America to seek this moment and seize the opportunity to put forward a compelling case for the future of this great nation.