The recent presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has certainly tightened up the race for the White House. I must say I am impressed by Harris's performance and the boost it seems to have given her campaign.
Let's be real: going into that debate, a lot of people, myself included, were highly skeptical that Harris would be able to hold her own against Trump on the national stage. But she came out swinging and, in my opinion, clearly outclassed him. The snap polls showing her the winner by a wide margin back that up.
What mostly impressed me was how cool and composed Harris remained while landing some pretty sharp "blows" against Trump. She didn't let him bully or intimidate her, called him out on his record without resorting to petty insults, and did so in a way that was tough yet presidential.
That being said, I am not sure just how much this debate is going to move the needle when it comes to votes because the polls already showed a tight race, and most voters probably had their minds made up. Be that as it may, to any undecided voter, I think Harris made a pretty strong case for herself as a capable leader.
But looking at the broader state of the race, it's amazing how fast things have moved since Biden dropped out. Harris has managed to consolidate Democratic support and even pull slightly ahead of Trump in national polls. But those battleground state numbers are nail-bitingly close.
Frankly, I'm concerned about just how close several states, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, are. Those were the states that put Trump over the top in 2016, and they could very well decide it again this time. Harris absolutely needs to hold onto them if she is going to win.
One thing I do believe might be in Harris's favor is the potential to make history as the first woman president. That is not, all on its own, a reason one should vote for her. Rather, it's that additional layer of excitement and motivation that might be provoked, I believe.
On the other side, of course, is the fact that Trump has retained a very devoted base that should not be underestimated. The peripatetic endorsement he received from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may also make it easier for him to seek at least some independent voters. Let's not forget, either, how the polls underestimated Trump's support not just in 2016 but even in 2020.
It is an election whose outcome, quite frankly, will come down to turnout.
Both campaigns need to put more effort into mobilizing supporters to go out on election day and vote. Since things are so competitive, even slight shifts in turnout could swing the outcome one way or another.
Personally, I have my fingers crossed about Harris's candidacy, at the same time remaining quite optimistic. It seem to me that she has had a strong campaign so far, even managing to prove herself bar to bar with Trump. Of course, there is still sufficient time for more twists and turns before November 5th.
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