The debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was one of the most anticipated political events of the season. Opinions on both sides were strong, but one thing was clear: the night had a decisive winner, and the panel of political experts had plenty to say.
Kamala Harris came out strong, and her performance seems to have landed just as the Democratic Party had hoped. Let’s break down what the experts noticed during the debate and why they feel Harris won the night.
Kamala’s Performance and Presence
Kamala Harris was clearly focused and in control throughout the debate. Several panelists pointed out how her tone, body language, and confidence made a significant impact. She projected strength and, more importantly, optimism—a quality that resonated with undecided voters and independents. In contrast, Donald Trump appeared visibly angry, which worked against him. His demeanor was scrutinized closely by viewers looking for stability and composure, and Harris outshined him on that front.
One of the standout moments was how Harris addressed key issues that matter to voters, including health care, the economy, and handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Her ability to stay composed and her refusal to engage in aggressive outbursts was framed as a win for her campaign.
A Loss for Trump?
The panel members were quick to point out that, just as Joe Biden took a hit in the earlier debate, this night didn’t go well for Donald Trump. Rick Pearson, a political analyst during the discussion, noted that Trump stumbled, particularly when defending his foreign policy. Instead of citing NATO or long-standing U.S. allies, Trump referenced Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán, known for his authoritarian style. That misstep likely didn’t sit well with voters prioritizing strong diplomatic relationships and trust with major global powers.
At a time when international affairs are crucial, Trump’s reliance on citing a controversial leader rather than core NATO allies was seen as a glaring weakness. This helped Harris solidify her position and demonstrated that Trump’s global credibility might be in question.
The Importance of Body Language
Body language can tell a lot in debates, and it didn’t go unnoticed during the discussion. Jim Durkin discussed how Donald Trump’s angry expression throughout the night may reflect not just frustration, but an inability to win over undecided voters effectively. Voters notice these subtleties, and his scowling aura stood in stark contrast to Harris’s confident poise.
Durkin explained that independents and swing voters wait for these key visual and emotional cues to help them decide. On a stage where being presidential is a priority, Harris’s calmness and determination further added to her appeal.
Where Do Republicans Stand?
Durkin weighed in on his position as a Republican, making it clear that, while he is ideologically a conservative, the night’s performance didn’t help Trump. Durkin, identifying as a “John McCain Republican,” shared that many Republicans, especially those who value old-school principles and leadership, might not feel aligned with Trump anymore.
He also admitted to still valuing the broader Republican Party’s principles but had already distanced himself from Trump. This discussion suggests that traditional conservatives are now questioning whether Trump embodies the values they once rallied behind.
Conclusion
The expert panel agreed—the debate was a win for Kamala Harris. Her approach stayed centered, strong, and optimistic. On the flip side, Donald Trump’s aggressive demeanor and mishandling of key issues like foreign policy likely hurt him. Trump’s reliance on authoritarian figures rather than traditional U.S. allies undercut his standing on the global stage, while Harris’s steady performance appealed to a broader audience, including some Republicans and undecided voters.
This debate may prove to have lasting effects as voters head to the polls, but if this panel’s analysis is any indicator, Harris left the night with a clear advantage.
