Harris performed better
23 people
Trump performed better
2 people
In the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, The Washington Post tried something new: We asked a group of uncommitted, swing-state voters in real time about their reactions to Tuesday’s debate.
They thought Harris performed better, regardless of how they plan to vote in November.
Participants’ answers are edited for clarity and style.
HARRIS PERFORMED BETTER
“I don't think Trump was at his best — too rambly. He would have been better had he stayed calm and made more of an intentional effort to answer the questions. Harris made a strong showing. It's not clear that her words actually stand up to scrutiny, but she sounded confident and seemed to make sharp and effective attacks against Trump.”
Aaron 30s, Pa.
HARRIS PERFORMED BETTER
“Harris knows what to say at the moment that gets under Trump’s skin.”
Branden 30s, Wis.
HARRIS PERFORMED BETTER
“Tonight, President Trump came forward with his brand of politics and frankly I believe we have all seen enough; I believe the Republican Party can do much better than him at this point. MAGA politics has served a cautionary role in reminding us of how fragile democracy is and why we need to protect it.”
David 30s, Ga.
HARRIS PERFORMED BETTER
“Trump was on defense. Harris stuck to her points, was coherent and frankly, more professional than I have ever seen her. Trump missed too many opportunities.”
Jason 40s, Wis.
TRUMP PERFORMED BETTER
“I don't think Harris gave any real answers to any question.”
Konnie 50s, Pa.
HARRIS PERFORMED BETTER
“Overall, I felt frustrated with tonight’s debate. We can do so much better. As a country, we deserve better from our leaders and from the discussions that shape our future. I appreciate Trump has strong views and trust his ability to make strong, decisive choices. I worry that Harris may lack clear convictions or follow-through.”
Melissa 40s, Nev.
HARRIS PERFORMED BETTER
“Harris was prepared and ready for Trump. She answered the questions well and took this opportunity to show why she is a better candidate.”
Shari 30s, Ga.
HARRIS PERFORMED BETTER
“I was leaning towards Harris before the debate and she made a good case for herself in her first real live event. Trump just seems to want to rely on fear-mongering and that doesn’t get real things done in people’s lives.”
Toby 40s, Wis.
Harris appears to have solidified the support of voters who were leaning in her direction.
How the views among swing-state voters changed post-debate
One voter did not provide their candidate preference post-debate.
How the views among swing-state voters changed post-debate
One voter did not provide their candidate preference post-debate.
How the views among swing-state voters changed post-debate
One voter did not provide their candidate preference post-debate.
Among 12 voters who said they would “probably” back her before the debate, five shifted to “definitely” voting for her and the rest said they still lean toward her. Among the nine voters who leaned toward Trump and answered the post-debate question, none shifted to definitely supporting him. Two said they will probably vote for Harris and one plans to vote for a third party.
Here are nine key moments we asked voters about:
95 MINUTES IN
Which candidate would better handle health care?
Trump said that his administration would look at alternatives to the Affordable Care Act but provided no specifics. “I have concepts of a plan,” Trump said. Harris said as vice president they’ve strengthened the ACA and for the first time allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices.
HARRIS
“She actually mentioned specific policy changes and plans, such as insulin price caps, and her policies sound concrete and promising.”
Edwin Under 30, Ga.
HARRIS
“I am pretty satisfied with the health care that I have received through Biden’s health plan. Medication prices are a little high, but I haven’t had any complaints.”
Eytam Over 60, Ga.
TRUMP
“Obamacare was written by Big Pharma and special interests. The Affordable Care Act is very affordable until you go to use it. Yeah, you have coverage. You also have high deductibles, high out-of-pocket services.”
Konnie 50s, Pa.
HARRIS
“The price of medication has substantially decreased, so what the Democrats are doing is working.”
Shari 30s, Ga.
Story continues below advertisement
88 MINUTES IN
Do you agree with Harris’s statement on what kind of president America wants?
Harris said, “ ... regardless of people’s color or the language their grandmother speaks, we all have the same dreams and aspirations and want a president who invest(s) in those not in hate and division.”
Disagree somewhat
1 person
Neither agree nor disagree
Nobody
AGREE STRONGLY
“What she says is what I hope the future of America is, but it sounds like a lot of politics talk. I don't know I can trust her.”
Alan Under 30, Ariz.
AGREE STRONGLY
“I remember a time when elections were about two slightly different ideas of America rather than completely different ideas on democracy.”
Benjamin Under 30, Pa.
AGREE STRONGLY
“I agree that most Americans are tired of the hate and division in politics. We want to move forward as a unit.”
Danika Under 30, Wis.
AGREE STRONGLY
“Everyone is allowed to have a dream to live a better life, and at one time America was the land of the great melting pot.”
Eytam Over 60, Ga.
DISAGREE SOMEWHAT
“We all have different dreams and aspirations, but we do need to stop the division.”
Heather 30s, Pa.
AGREE STRONGLY
“I’m a bit biased as a Mexican; but speaking as someone who's parents faced racism and stereotypes when they were just trying to live their life and provide for me and my sister, I'd love to live in a country where I don't have to worry if my housing application will go through because of my race or ethnicity.”
Linda Under 30, Pa.
77 MINUTES IN
Do you agree with Harris’s statement about Putin and Ukraine?
“If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now and understand what that would mean, because Putin’s agenda is not just about Ukraine,” Harris said.
Disagree strongly
4 people
Disagree somewhat
3 people
Neither agree nor disagree
2 people
NEITHER AGREE NOR DISAGREE
“I agree with Ukraine's independence, but I also don't think we should have been involved at the level we were.”
Konnie 50s, Pa.
DISAGREE SOMEWHAT
“I disagree. Democrats threatened we would have had WWIII during Trump's presidency. We did not. We actually had very few military engagements.”
Tamara 30s, Mich.
DISAGREE SOMEWHAT
“I think Trump would have allowed Russia to run all over Ukraine, but I don’t completely believe that Europe is under immediate threat.”
Toby 40s, Wis.
Story continues below advertisement
64 MINUTES IN — COMMERCIAL BREAK
How you are feeling about the debate so far?
“I am enjoying seeing them go back and forth with each other and the side remarks when they claim one is lying about the other.”
Crystal Under 30, Wis.
“Harris is performing much more strongly with clear, relevant responses. She isn't getting rattled by Trump's insinuations and performance. Trump sounds like a confabulating elderly braggart who refuses to answer questions or stay on topic.”
Danika Under 30, Wis.
“Right now I feel like I don’t want to vote for either one of them.”
Debra Over 60, Pa.
“It's pretty much what I expected. Trump can't stay on message, and Harris is giving scripted responses instead of answering moderator questions.”
Jaryd 30s, Ga.
“I feel like Harris is putting in a very strong performance and Trump seems to be stumbling a lot, repeating attack lines and he can’t even make eye contact.”
Toby 40s, Wis.
Story continues below advertisement
57 MINUTES IN
Trump said ‘We have a nation that is dying.’ Do you agree?
“And the problem that we have right now is we have a nation in decline, and they have put it into decline. We have a nation that is dying,” Trump said.
Disagree strongly
4 people
Disagree somewhat
6 people
Neither agree nor disagree
3 people
DISAGREE SOMEWHAT
“It's hard to tell from my vantage point whether America is declining on a grand scale or not. I suspect overall it's not, but there are likely many areas where America has gotten weaker.”
Aaron 30s, Pa.
AGREE SOMEWHAT
“Our economy is dying, and the American dream for the next generation seems extremely bleak.”
Alexander 30s, Ariz.
DISAGREE SOMEWHAT
“Even though the economy is down, the U.S. is still doing just fine and business is booming. Not seeing any decline here.”
Benjamin Under 30, Pa.
AGREE SOMEWHAT
“I think the economy is in decline as well as border safety.”
Heather 30s, Pa.
AGREE STRONGLY
“I'm only 21 and yet so much has changed. For example, my family's financial situation improved. However, it was easier for my parents to purchase a home when they earned only 20% of their current salary. ... I think we're headed to where it's hard to live the supposed "American dream," so I agree with that statement.”
Linda Under 30, Pa.
NEITHER AGREE NOR DISAGREE
“I think the world is in decline, not necessarily the USA.”
Steven 50s, Nev.
AGREE STRONGLY
“We need substance from both candidates, and we are not getting it. Both are not giving evidence of truly fixing this economy.”
Tamara 30s, Mich.
Story continues below advertisement
39 MINUTES IN
Did Trump’s statement on immigration make sense to you?
Trump falsely claimed that immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Officials in the city said there is no proof to these claims.
YES
“I feel like a lot of polls say crime is down, but I feel like everyone, including myself, see crime rising.”
Alan Under 30, Ariz.
NO
“Trump’s claim was baseless and extreme, so much so the moderator debunked his claims.”
Edwin Under 30, Ga.
NO
“I don’t know what he's talking about.”
Jonah Under 30, Mich.
NO
“There doesn’t seem to be any evidence to back this claim up, and it feels like he’s just saying it to scare people.”
Toby 40s, Wis.
23 MINUTES IN
Who made better arguments on abortion access?
Trump said he did a “great service” by appointing justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, returning the issue to the states. Harris said the government should not be telling women what to do with their bodies.
HARRIS
“Every woman has a right to choose. I believe in certain situations you should be allowed to have an abortion.”
Eytam Over 60, Ga.
HARRIS
“Trump told multiple lies about abortion laws in his answer. Harris appealed to what a majority of Americans want, which is the right for women to have an abortion.”
Jaryd 30s, Ga.
TRUMP
“I don't like the fact this is a discussion, but Trump explained better what to expect from him. I'm pro-choice, but I do agree with limits.”
Konnie 50s, Pa.
HARRIS
“She just argued more closely with what I believe: Abortion should be legal nationwide, not decided by states.”
Linda Under 30, Pa.
HARRIS
“While I appreciate that Trump says he doesn’t support a nationwide abortion ban and believes it’s not up to him, I found Harris to be stronger overall.”
Melissa 40s, Nev.
HARRIS
“Her approach is realistic and allows flexibility for individuals and health-care professionals to make the best decision in the moment.”
Michelle 40s, Mich.
Story continues below advertisement
11 MINUTES IN
Who made better arguments about how to handle the economy?
Harris spoke of an opportunity economy, with aid for housing and tax credits. Trump is seeking to impose tariffs on U.S. imports. Respondents were evenly split.
TRUMP
“Harris completely dodged the question of whether the American people are better off now than four years ago and did not address the issue of inflation over the last few years.”
Aaron 30s, Pa.
HARRIS
“She is planning to help middle-class families, unlike Trump who is trying to help billionaires.”
Crystal Under 30, Wis.
TRUMP
“Harris was asked if she believes the economy is better now than four years ago, but she never responded.”
Heather 30s, Pa.
TRUMP
“Trump provided a clear explanation of his plan, while Harris's points were broader. I didn't hear specific support for the middle class; her plan seemed focused on benefiting those with very low incomes.”
Melissa 40s, Nev.
TRUMP
“The pandemic and unemployment jab was a bit of a low blow. Harris is saying why Trump's plan wont work, and who says why, but does not explain why hers will work. She just says it will. How can we trust either of them?”
Tamara 30s, Mich.
ASKED BEFORE THE DEBATE
What are you most interested in watching?
“I’m looking to see if Harris can establish her policy platform and avoid falling for any of Trump’s provocations.”
Benjamin Under 30, Pa.
“Harris’s proposed plans and opinions on the issues as well as Trump’s ability to answer a question coherently and capably.”
Danika Under 30, Wis.
“I already have a general idea of where both candidates stand in terms of values and policies, but I haven’t seen any formal interaction between the two top candidates, and that interaction, along with their responses are both things I’m looking forward to.”
Edwin Under 30, Ga.
“The novelty of seeing Harris in an ‘unscripted’ situation.”
Gerard Over 60, Ariz.
“I’m most interested in seeing how both candidates maintain composure, knowledge on subjects being discussed.”
Jason 40s, Wis.
“Is Harris going to actually explain how her policies will be realized and made to be realistic and formulate an actual policy? Is Donald Trump going to be able to focus on the questions and answer them to the extent the public expects, or will he get pulled into back-and-forth arguing that gives us nothing?”
Tamara 30s, Mich.
Who we talked to
We asked participants for their 2024 candidate preference before and after the debate.
Aaron Pa.
White, 30s
Research staffer
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Trump
Alan Ariz.
Hispanic, Under 30
Grocery courtesy clerk
Pre: Neither
Post: Neither
Alexander Ariz.
White, 30s
Regional manager
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Leans Harris
Benjamin Pa.
White, Under 30
Graduate student
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Definitely Harris
Branden Wis.
Black, 30s
Parking attendant
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Harris
Crystal Wis.
Hispanic, Under 30
Sales associate
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Trump
Danika Wis.
White, Under 30
Student
Pre: Neither
Post: Leans Harris
David Ga.
Black, 30s
IT professional
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Definitely Harris
Debra Pa.
White, Over 60
Retired X-ray technician
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Neither
Edwin Ga.
Black, Under 30
Software engineer
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Leans Harris
Eytam Ga.
Asian or Pacific Islander, Over 60
Decorator and caterer
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Harris
Gerard Ariz.
White, Over 60
Retired
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: No response
Heather Pa.
White, 30s
Substitute teacher
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Trump
Jaryd Ga.
White, 30s
Social media marketer
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Leans Harris
Jason Wis.
Multiracial, 40s
Retired military
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Trump
Jonah Mich.
White, Under 30
Student
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Leans Harris
Konnie Pa.
White, 50s
Compliance officer
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Trump
Linda Pa.
Hispanic, Under 30
Student
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Leans Harris
Melissa Nev.
White, 40s
Nonprofit executive
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Leans Harris
Michelle Mich.
White, 40s
Account manager
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Definitely Harris
Millie Ga.
Asian or Pacific Islander, Under 30
Nurse
Pre: Leans Trump
Post: Leans Trump
Shari Ga.
Black, 30s
Customer service representative
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Definitely Harris
Steven Nev.
White, 50s
Internal auditor
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Leans Harris
Tamara Mich.
White, 30s
Sonographer
Pre: Neither
Post: Neither
Toby Wis.
White, 40s
Product manager
Pre: Leans Harris
Post: Definitely Harris
Our group is too small to statistically represent how swing-state voters feel overall, but their answers still offer a window into how uncommitted voters, who will be some of the most important voters this election, are thinking and feeling about the debate in real time.
Story continues below advertisement
About this story
Additional development by Jake Crump. Editing by Sarah Frostenson, Kevin Uhrmacher and Donna Cassata.
The debate reaction group was conducted during and after the Sept. 10 debate by SSRS for The Washington Post and George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. All 25 participants responded to a spring Post-Schar School poll of voters in six swing states, and all said they were undecided or “probably” voting for Harris or Trump before the debate.
Story continues below advertisement
