The second Presidential Debate of 2020 was canceled earlier this week by the Commission of Presidential Debates (CPD). Students’ reactions to the cancellation vary greatly.
Some students wish it had gone on as planned.
“I believe the second debate should have been held either in person or at least virtually,” said Milligan student Elliot Baldy.
Others did not care much about the change.
“Although I would enjoy the entertainment again, I believe the absence of the second debate does not have too big of an impact,” says junior Ethan Pfister.“Most of this election was decided months ago due to the lack of personal interaction.”
This lack of personal interaction has influenced the campaigns of both candidates, and caused much debate over multiple rallies and public appearances being canceled due to COVID-19 as well as others occurring without enforcement of health and safety guidelines.
“It seems odd that the President would decline to do a virtual meeting as it would minimize COVID-19 concerns,” said Baldy. “This action can only make one believe he is worried that another debate would impact his numbers negatively.”
However, some students suggested an online debate would hinder the purpose of the debate.
“I would have watched it, but I think it would have been much harder to follow virtually rather than an in-person debate,” said senior Nathan Baker.
Students commented on the usefulness of the debate while others brought the opinion that debates do not affect the majority of voters.
“In a typical election year, the debates often serve as icing on the cake for swing voters,” says Pfister. “After the debacle the first debate was, I really wonder how much of a difference a round two would make.”
Baker agreed, adding, “For me, it doesn’t change how I see the candidates.”
The canceled virtual debate would have been different than any other debate in history.
“The primary interaction candidates have had with the voter base,” pointed out Pfister, “has been through social media.”
In the end, experiencing a virtual debate will likely have to wait.
The next debate is scheduled for this coming Thursday in Nashville. While it has not been announced yet, the event is assumed to take place in person.
“Both campaigns seems to still be on board for the final debate,” Baldy said, “It will influence the direction of our nation for years ahead.”
Headline photo: President Trump and Joe Biden face off in the first debate of their campaign.