By Samantha Puentes, Writer | September 18, 2024
Photo courtesy of Instagram (@thebeatwithari)
The 2024 presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was an important factor for the upcoming election on November 5th.
Both candidates discussed important issues, such as the economy, that will affect the country.
The debate may seem boring to students or unimportant, but for many who will be 18 by November 2024, it can assist with deciding who to vote for. After all, the future of students depends a lot on who becomes president.
The outcome of the election can affect a student's education, job availability, and a variety of opportunities.
Ultimately, it’s important for students to speak up and share their opinions to help shape a better future for everyone, and the most powerful way that a student can share their thoughts is via the vote.
If you still can’t decide on who to vote for, there is plenty of readily available information about each candidate.
Kamala Harris is the current Vice President of the United States. Her policies focus on women’s rights, healthcare, and supporting the middle class.
During the debate, Harris focused on protecting women’s rights, especially around issues like abortion, and making sure that everyone has access to excellent healthcare.
On the other hand, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, focused on topics like immigration, the economy, and national security.
During the debate, Trump highlighted topics surrounding building a stronger economy and controlling immigration.
Overall, Harris’s policies focused on the people while Trump’s policies focused on the wealth of the country.
Harris also came off as calmer while Trump was more direct and forceful.
One moment that stood out was when Trump mentioned immigrants "eating cats and dogs," which many people found strange. This quote quickly became a meme online because it seemed so unexpected and confusing. While some people found it funny, others felt it took away from the serious issues that were being discussed.
Conversely, Harris made sure to stay mature and focused.
Both candidates had their moments, but the debate sparked a lot of arguments about their different approaches.
After the debate, several online poll results stated that Kamala Harris won, and Donald Trump lost.
Photo courtesy of Author
It seems like many Carson High School students also agree with the assertion that Harris beat Trump.
Of 80 CHS students or 67.5% of students polled agreed that Kamala Harris did better in the debate while 32.5% agreed that Donald Trump did better.
Additionally, 88.8% of CHS students polled agreed that a candidate’s personality and morals matter while 11.3% said that they don’t matter.
During the poll, many students voiced their opinions by adding notable comments.
One CHS sophomore stated, “People were eating cats and dogs in Springfield 😭😭😭.”
“The fact that Donald Trump would state a lot of statements without evidence behind it,” stated a CHS senior.
“Trump in the debate was not going to the point [and] was mentioning,” remarked a CHS junior. “Biden a lot when he is no longer running for president. I found that strategy not clever because Biden is no longer running for president.”
Not all of the feedback was pro-Harris.
“Kamala is not fit to be president,” said a CHS freshman.
“Lowkey both of them are funny, but like, if I’m being [honest], Kamala has been like caught [telling lies],” said a CHS sophomore. “Trump has experience, and he made everything cheap when he was president.”
Whoever you end up voting for, remember to do your research before making any claim. For instance, when Trump was president, he was under Obama's plan so that’s why the economy was much better before.
“They both said some pretty good things. Right now, I don’t know who to vote for,” said CHS senior Deandre Jones.
Photos courtesy of Instagram (@mrernestowens)
Some voters are still on the fence, but the overwhelming response from CHS students passionately support Harris as next in line for president.
“Prior to the debate, I already sided with the Democrats. After the debate, I think I sided even more towards the Democrats,” said CHS junior Dulce Calderon. “When I’m at the age to vote, I’ll side with the Democrats. As of now I do not support Trump.”
Harris also seemed to reflect a lot of the student body’s own personal values.
“I felt represented by Harris because she is protecting women’s rights, like abortion, and she’s protecting women in general, and standing up for them,” said Calderon. “She’s a good candidate for women. She represents us for our rights.”
Students' voices matter.
CHS students felt that Harris was the candidate that earned a slight edge over Trump. November 5th will determine if their prediction is accurate.
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