The Dickinson College Student Senate hosted a viewing of the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in the Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium for students. This debate, held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and broadcasted by ABC on Sept. 10, was the first time the two candidates met, which caused immense anticipation and interest on behalf of students before the debate.
With two months until the 2024 presidential election, there were still many questions to be answered and plans to be clarified by both candidates.
When asked what she would like to hear from the candidates, Audrey Herman ’26, Parliamentarian for the Dickinson Democrats, stated, “I am wanting to hear confirmation from Kamala that she cares about young voters … I am looking for reassurance that it is all going to be okay, because I know a lot of people are feeling [uncertain] right now.”
Harris made it known in the tail end of the debate that she was running for a new generation of leadership to be established in the United States. With it being the first time most of the Dickinson student community is eligible to vote in a presidential election, words weighed heavier and debate strategies had a lasting impression.
Matthew Craig ’25, President of the Dickinson Republicans, stated, “I really want to see President Trump ask, ‘you [Harris] have been a part of the status quo, you have been a vital key of this administration, in fact, you are the Vice President of the United States, why haven’t we done anything in the past four years?’”
President Trump was quick to narrow in on the recent changes regarding the new Democratic candidate and how her policies aligned and differed from that of President Joe Biden. The policies that stirred the most reactions from the student crowd included the economy, abortion rights and immigration.
Harris made a point to further introduce the details of what she calls an ‘opportunity economy,’ which includs tax breaks for small business owners, first time home buyers and couples with children. Meanwhile, Trump made a point to remind the viewers around the United States about the decrease of inflation recorded within his time as president.
On the topic of abortion, Trump stated that he ideally wanted the decision to be within the hands of the states. Harris, who has immense passion about this subject, stated that she would reinstate the holding of Roe v. Wade.
The event had a great showing from the Dickinson community and showed that the young voters on campus want to be as well informed as possible for the upcoming election. Zoe Selig ’27, Voter Engagement Coordinator for Dickinson Votes, stated “I’m here to help students register to vote so that they can make up their own minds about who they want to vote for, then they can take that action and actually show up to the polls on November 5.”
