How the 2016 U.S. Presidential Debate Affected Voting Decisions

Was the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential debate enough to swayed your voting decision? Did it reaffirm your choice, or did it cause a change of heart? Let's dive into the perspectives from voters and analyze the impact of this pivotal moment in the election.

Reaffirming a Stand

Some voters found the debate to be a decisive moment that solidified their choice. For instance, one voter stated, 'Yes, it did. I realized that even though I’m in a solidly blue state, it reaffirmed my decision to vote for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, even if I need to crawl a mile in the snow out of my deathbed with a crippling fever to "pull the lever." ' This underscores the significant role that debates play in reinforcing electoral choices.

Unchanged but Affirmed

Others felt that the debate did not change their minds, but it did strengthen their resolve. For example, another voter noted, 'No it did not change my mind. But it did affirm my opinion of the clear-cut winner. Ms. Harris gave a masterful performance while Mr. Trump flailed around like an ill-prepared doofus.' This highlights the importance of a candidate's performance and delivery in influencing voter perceptions.

Debates as Farces

Some argue that the debates are nothing more than a spectacle orchestrated by both parties. One perspective was that 'All of the Presidential "debates" have been farces run jointly by the Republican and Democratic parties. If you need to watch one to make up your mind who to vote for, you're too stupid to vote.' This viewpoint suggests that debates, while important, may not provide insightful information.

Factual Considerations and Bias

Another voter remarked, 'Nothing from either candidate. VP Harris did better than expected yet lied numerous times. Trump did worse than expected and lied numerous times. The only things we learned from last night's debate is that both candidates lie, VP Harris did a bit better than expected yet still gave zero details about anything she plans to do, Trump hasn't changed much and the report over the weekend of ABC News's bias toward the VP was proven true. They fact-checked Trump 4 times and did so once with completely inaccurate information. They did not fact-check VP Harris once even though she lied repeatedly about Trump’s record. It was at best a draw and it changed nothing.' This perspective is critical of the debates, highlighting the potential for bias and lack of substance.

Voting Decisions Beyond the Debate

Debates are not the only factor in voters' decisions. As one voter emphasized, 'I always planned on voting for President Biden/VP Harris again and I do still consider that Biden won that debate. Now that he's still the President but decided not to run again, I still will vote for Kamala/Walz because I cannot even think of having to look at that ORANGE FASCIST/RAPIST ever being president again! He is nasty, ignorant, uneducated, vile, disgusting, and ugly both inside and out!!! He will never allow "all Americans" to be FREE and that includes his supporters so VOTE!!' This illustrates that voter loyalty and personal beliefs can play a significant role in maintaining certain voting preferences.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, there are those who would not vote for Kamala Harris, as illustrated by, 'No, I wouldn't vote for Kamala if you held a gun to my head.' Some prefer to maintain their stance, as the simple assertion of 'VOTE BLUE' reaffirms, emphasizing political allegiance. Others, like 'VOTER 31159-3600,' were swayed by how the debate influenced public perception, 'No. I've known all along. I'm voting for Trump. But I have concerns following the debate which has nothing to do with what either candidate said. I'm talking about audience perception. Kamala projected a more energetic persona than Trump. To me, that is not important, but to the easily impressed, it won her some points.' This sentiment highlights the impact of the debate on not just the candidates but also on how voters perceive them.

Concluding Thoughts

The 2016 U.S. presidential debate was a highly influential moment in the election. While it may not have changed every voter's mind, it certainly had an impact on those who watched and analyzed the performance. The debates remain a crucial part of the electoral process, and their significance should not be underestimated.