Harris struggles in polls ahead of crucial debate tonight
- Outset conducted in-depth interviews with 90 undecided and independent voters who watched the recent U.S. presidential debate.
- 68 percent of participants felt that Vice President Harris won the debate, citing her clear communication and professionalism as key factors.
- The study highlighted a desire for more substantive debates focused on policy discussions, indicating that voters are seeking clarity and solutions from candidates.
On September 11, 2024, Outset, an AI-moderated research platform, published results from interviews with 90 undecided and independent voters who viewed the recent U.S. presidential debate. Each interview lasted approximately 15 minutes, allowing for in-depth insights into voter perceptions. The findings revealed that 68 percent of participants believed Vice President Harris had won the debate, with her clear communication and composure being significant factors in their assessments. Participants noted that Trump's bizarre statements were also a highlight of the debate, with many attributing his perceived loss to his focus on attacks and lack of credibility. The research indicated that voters are looking for more clarity and substance in debates, expressing frustration over the lack of focus on policy discussions and solutions. Comments from participants reflected a desire for candidates to articulate their visions for the future and address critical issues more effectively. This sentiment underscores the importance of moderators maintaining a neutral stance to ensure a fair debate environment. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for future debates to prioritize substantive discussions, as undecided voters are seeking more than just rhetoric; they want to understand candidates' plans and how they intend to tackle pressing challenges.