Editor’s note: The author of the following article joined Georgia Gwinnett College in 2023. He is a graduate of McGill University and earned his doctor of philosophy from Oxford University. He previously was vice-rector of Epoka University in Albania and on the faculty at St. Leo University in Florida.–eeb
By Dr. David Felsen
Georgia Gwinnett College
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | Millions of Americans watched the first presidential debate last night between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in Atlanta. The question remains: will this debate influence how people vote in November?
Felsen
I have taught U.S. government and have lectured on American and global politics in the U.S. and abroad. I believe that this presidential debate was as relevant as past debates.
While the country is extremely polarized today, many voters are unimpressed with both presidential candidates. A sizable number of Americans may decide not to vote. That is why this debate matters. Both Republicans and Democrats want to capture that small but important sliver of the electorate that is still on the fence, particularly in swing states like Georgia.
What should viewers take from this debate?
Voters watched for several things in this debate. Undecided voters wanted to see one of the two candidates say something that might dispel negative views and address issues that are important to voters. Voters also wanted to see whether the candidates, who are both older candidates by historical standards, demonstrated their fitness for office.
Historically, presidential debates are televised so that voters can get an up-close view of the two candidates, learn the candidates’ positions on a series of domestic and foreign policy issues, and see how presidential hopefuls perform under close questioning by moderators who generally are members of the news media.
The four Kennedy-Nixon debates of 1960 were the first televised debates. Historians have noted that these debates helped define the images of the two candidates and shaped the course of the presidential campaign.
Of particular note during the nation’s first debate, Nixon’s facial stubble on his face showed unflatteringly against the black and white background. Also, during the debate Nixon’s excessive sweating began to make him appear unhealthy or even sinister. Nixon had refused to use makeup for the debate. By contrast, Kennedy, who did agree to use makeup, maintained his boyish good looks throughout the evening. These debates helped seal Kennedy’s eventual victory in 1960.
Perhaps you can articulate your feelings about the Biden-Trump debate of 2024 in Atlanta.
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