Emerson College Students and Faculty Discuss Polls, Politics at Debate Watch Party

The roaring applause and howls of laughter emanating from the Bordy Theater on Tuesday night weren’t the result of a comedy show or film screening – they were from the presidential debate, the first and possibly only matchup between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump. 

Before Tuesday night’s debate watch party Communication Studies Chair Gregory Payne and Journalism Chair Lu Ann Reeb fielded questions from students, with Boston Globe political reporter Emma Platoff. 

“I think voters often don’t differentiate between style and substance,” Platoff said prior to the debate. “People don’t remember the debate in June because of the issue and policies brought up. People remember that debate because Biden looked like he was getting up in years. This is televised for a reason, and a lot of this is about vibes for the voters. You’re not just choosing a policy – you’re choosing a person.”

Reeb hoped that the candidates would avoid personal attacks and instead talk about important issues affecting constituents. 

“People like us, voters, want to hear about the economy, inflation, interest rates,” Reeb said. “What about groceries? There’s some long term things they can talk about, but I think what’s right in front of voters’ faces is important.”

Platoff said she thought the debate would be an important opportunity for Harris.

“We know from polling that voters feel they have a good sense of Trump,” Platoff said. “Kamala has an opportunity to make an impression. It’s a tricky line to walk criticizing Biden, and a lot of the pressure is on her. I think people have a certain expectation of Trump, and the critical thing for reporters is that you are applying scrutiny and accountability to her also.”

According to the most recent Emerson College Polling reporting, Harris had 49% of supporters among likely U.S. voters compared to Trump’s 47%. Emerson College Polling Director Spencer Kimball spoke before the debate and said Harris would need to use the debate to pick up momentum prior to election day.

“I think we’ve got an interesting state of the election,” Kimball said. “Trump was picking up a point or two a week until Biden dropped out. Over the last three or four weeks, it’s been about even nationally.”

After the 90-minute debate, some students said their minds had not changed.

“I knew Trump was not going to bring anything to the table,” said Media Arts Production major Sandra Sheedy ‘27. “He had no plan and brought such negative energy. Kamala just brought optimism.”

Journalism major Hannah Brueske ‘26, contrasted the difference between the candidates. 

“It’s a choice between a person who is all about division and using fear, and someone who believes in the future of America,” Brueske said.