Princeton | CSDP

ALT Amy Walter (front) in conversation with Frances Lee

ALT A promo image for Amy Walter's event at Princeton SPIA

ALT Tali Mendelberg: “Whatever one thinks about public funding of transgender operations for imprisoned people, or about granting weekend furloughs from prison, these ads could further stigmatize people who are often subjected to severe discrimination.”

ALT Jonathan Mummolo

ALT Frances Lee, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs; Co-Director, Center for the Study of Democratic Politics “The debate clarified the choice more than it is likely to influence the outcome of this election. With unhappy voters wanting a change, both not-quite non-incumbents promised a new direction. VP Harris spoke to undecided voters by offering to turn the page on the chaos and division. She mounted little defense of the Biden record or of her own controversial past positions. Former President Trump played the hits, including a reprise of the “big lie” about the 2020 elections. He appealed to voters who feel nostalgia for a better economy and think Democrats and migrants are destroying the country.”

ALT Lauren Wright, Associate Research Scholar and Lecturer in Politics and Public Affairs: “One of the most memorable moments of tonight’s debate was when Trump doubled down on the lie that he won the 2020 election, placing him at odds with moderate members of his own party and swing voters who might otherwise consider him a viable option. Harris was well-prepared for this moment, citing numerous high-profile Republicans and former Trump administration officials who now oppose him because of his actions on and after January 6. Harris’s responses to questions about her own controversial record and policy plans were much less detailed and clear—a missed opportunity to address weak spots in her own candidacy.”