BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – What did Vermonters think of the presidential debate? And did the performances of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris change any minds?
The day after any presidential debate is buzzing with press coverage, highlights on social media, cable news and spin. We wanted to know how Vermonters feel. So, armed with a blank slate and curiosity, we hit the road to get a sense of how voters felt about Tuesday’s debate and the state of the presidential race. On bustling Church Street in Burlington, we took the political pulse of Vermonters.
“It was a good debate, one of the better ones I’ve watched. Trump and Kamala both. But I agreed more with Kamala and what she was saying,” said Sam Wick of Burlington.
“Kamala Harris did better than expected, was clear, to the point and had policies,” said Hank Prensky of Burlington.
The debate follows a historic political switch after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, bringing Harris to the top of the ticket and energizing Democrats.
“I probably wouldn’t have watched had Harris not been in it. I didn’t watch the last one,” said Susannah Sakal of Burlington.
Others say Americans have not had enough time to vet her or her policies.
“It wasn’t something she was fully prepared for. She probably has some good views and some good ideas, but Trump has the experience,” said Fillup, who declined to share his last name.
But some who declined to go on camera told us they felt like neither candidate represented their values and they felt frustrated.
North Country Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik weighed in, saying Harris: ” … tried to hide from her radical record supporting banning fracking, raising taxes, defunding the police, and opening the border.”
So with about two months until Election Day in a nation where politics has become polarized, did the debate change anyone’s mind?
“Two or three nationally,” Prensky said.
“I’d like to say yes, but I don’t know,” said Sean Shannon of Burlington. “I think the people who are Trump fans are Trump fans and will vote Republican. The same with Democrats.”
We don’t know whether there will be another presidential debate between Harris and Trump, but we do know there are 54 days until Election Day.