Key Insights from Engage AI Interviews on the Presidential Debate

Reuben Paris

In the immediate aftermath of the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, we conducted interviews using Engage, our AI Conversation Interview platform. These interviews focused on persuadable voters—individuals who are still open to voting for either candidate in the upcoming presidential election. The aim was to understand the persuadable voters’ overall impression of the debate and to see whether the debate influenced them toward Biden or Trump, and to understand their opinions and preferences on various topics, including the candidates, policies, and media coverage. Below are some key insights and quotes from these interviews, along with their implications for the news industry.

Interview 1

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

I thought CNN did a good job, which was surprising given all of the conditions that were baked into the debate.

You mentioned that you were surprised at CNN's handling of the debate. Could you elaborate more on what specific actions or decisions by CNN stood out to you? Were there particular moments when you felt that the moderation was particularly effective or less so?

In order to even get a debate to happen Trump's election team had to make a myriad of concessions that were in place to protect Biden. In the past, the mainstream media was very much on the attack when it came to Trump and had a lot of biases against him, but this was a fairly measured debate with good questions.

I see. Can you recall any specific instances from the debate where you felt the questions were particularly well formulated or fair? How did this compare to your previous expectations or experiences of mainstream media's handling of such events?

I thought all of the questions were well formulated and fair. The pertinent questions were about: the economy, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine War, the Israel-Hamas War, and January 6th.

That's insightful. Could you share your thoughts on how Biden and Trump responded to these questions about the economy, abortion, the Russia-Ukraine War, the Israel-Hamas War, and January 6th? Were there any responses from either candidate that particularly stood out as impressive or concerning to you?

I thought Trump responded well about the economy, although I don't think he will offer any real solutions when in office. Trump was much more measured than usual with his answers, which favored him, and will broaden his appeal. The same with abortion, but playing both sides as a states' right issue. On the war front, Trump is not as strong. Unfortunately, Biden is no longer fit for office and didn't really answer any of these questions well.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Biden staring off into space numerous times was deeply concerning to me. It is quite obvious that the president is not in charge of the country, which calls into question...who is?

You've mentioned your concern about moments in the debate where Biden appeared to be staring off into space. Would you mind sharing more details about those moments? What were they discussing at that time? How did it make you feel, and in what ways did it affect your impression of Biden? Furthermore, how did those moments influence your perception of the debate as a whole and your understanding of the candidates' positions?

He had a lost look on his face nearly the entire debate, and answered some questions horribly. His answer to the healthcare question stood out as painfully bad. He should not be running. It's really sad that this is the best the Democratic Party could come up with. It represents the death of our country.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I didn't think I would vote for either man before the debate, but now I definitely won't vote for Biden. I don't like Trump, but with the Washington Establishment going on an all out assault against him, has actually strengthened him because most people can see that they are being lied to about him.

It sounds like the debate greatly shaped your perspective. Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either Biden or Trump? What led to that change?

It did not really change my perspective. I was shocked 4 years ago that Biden was able to perform in the debate with whatever cognitive cocktail they gave him, but not it's over. There are so many better options within the party, why can't we get one of them?

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

If the media insists Biden won, then it will just create more support for Trump. The media needs to be honest to get its respect back.

Interview 2

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

The part that stood out to me was the fact both candidates were up there in years. Biden looked sickly and will no doubt have that footage used in campaign ads against him until November.

You mentioned that both candidates' ages were noticeable and that Biden appeared unwell to you. Could you expand on that? What specifically about their appearances or actions led you to these observations?

President Biden is 81 and Donald Trump is 78, but one of the talking points was arguing whether Biden is too old to hold office when Trump isn't that far behind.

You've highlighted the candidates' ages and their potential impact on the perception of their capability. Could you share your thoughts on how this conversation influenced your overall impressions? Did it affect your evaluation of either candidate's competence or preparedness for the presidency?

It made me question whether either man was totally prepared to hold office again, as Trump would be 82 in 4 years time if elected while Biden 85. At the risk of sounding ageist, I'd rather have a candidate with a sharper mind that knows how to get us out of the economic funk we're in.

That's a very insightful observation. Considering the age factor and the potential impact on the candidate's performance, were there any specific moments in the debate where you thought their respective ages affected their ability to make their points adequately or articulate their thoughts effectively?

Again, I found it hypocritical for Trump to call Biden's age into question when he's not exactly a spring chicken. I think their age plays a part insofar as they hold antiquated views on the economy which I consider the biggest issue going into this election cycle.

Thank you for sharing. It sounds like the economic issues are very important to you in this election. Can you share a bit more about how you felt each candidate addressed these issues in the debate? Was there anything they said or did that resonated with you or made you question their economic policies or understanding?

Biden, once he warmed up, blamed the economy on Trump as the world was going through the early throws of the covid-19 pandemic during the last leg of Trump's presidency. However Biden didn't really do anything to curb inflation, so I wonder if this is just his age working against him again or did he simply not know what to do.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Biden went off on tangents throughout parts of the debate, like part of it when discussing the national debt and while arguing the rich should pay more taxes, he lost his train of thought.

Thank you for sharing that. You mentioned Biden getting lost in his train of thought, especially when arguing for the wealthy to pay more taxes. How did that particular moment influence your perception of his economic policies or his overall capability as a potential leader? Also, how did you feel at the time?

I felt like, as I mentioned earlier, his age is working against him. He's not as mentally sharp as I would expect from the leader of the free world. He came off as clueless and as much as I despise Trump and everything he stands for, he came out on top.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

It made me disappointed in Biden full stop. He really had no business standing up there and making the Democratic party look like a bunch of clowns. Trump is far from my ideal president, but I must admit he presented himself well in comparison.

You've mentioned that you felt disappointed with Biden's performance, even to the point where you found him making the Democratic party appear "like a bunch of clowns." Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate where you felt this disappointment peak? How did that specific moment make you feel, and why do you think it evoked such a strong reaction from you?

As I mentioned earlier, the way he couldn't finish his thoughts on the national debt and higher taxation for the rich, it was like I was watching a zombie on stage.

It sounds like Biden's difficulty articulating his thoughts on the national debt and potential higher taxes for the wealthy had a significant impact on your perception of him. Besides the concern over aging and mental sharpness, did this incident raise any other red flags about his potential to handle the economic issues you mentioned earlier? For example, did it influence your confidence in his economic policy or understanding of the current situation?

Considering things have only gotten worse economically since he was elected, I'd find his handling of the economy to be shoddy at best. Granted I know he alone isn't in charge of the economy but I noticed all throughout his term how he would flip flop on issues like student loan forgiveness, on one hand vowing to forgive the loans and on the other hand inaction.

Your point about Biden's inconsistency on issues like student loan forgiveness is thought-provoking. Reflecting on the debate, were you hoping for, or perhaps expecting, more clarity or a definitive stance from Biden on these economic issues? Did this element of the debate, or its absence, affect your overall impression of Biden's capabilities?

It affected my support for him greatly to the point where I'm actively considering third party candidates who wouldn't be better off as artifacts on display at the Smithsonian. I don't like the idea of staring down the barrel of an incompetent octogenarian or a convicted felon as my two choices for president.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

The main takeaways for me aside from the age of the candidates and the fumbling on the Biden camp on economic issues was the issue of minority voters.

Interview 3

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

The moment Joe said "we finally beat Medicare," in a hoarse and totally confused sounding voice made me feel defeated. A man that can't even remember important facts/names is running for our president for a second term, it makes me want to move out of America more than ever.

You mentioned the specific moment when Biden said "we finally beat Medicare" had quite an impact on you. Can you remember what exactly you were doing or how you initially reacted when you heard that? In your opinion, why was this particular moment so critical in shaping your perception of Biden?

I was watching on my phone with my boyfriend. At first we laughed, but then looked at each other almost in a panic. It was critical because we're stuck with whoever gets elected for the next FOUR YEARS. It's already been a long last four years, our country's economy is in shambles. How is someone that can't even function properly going to fix us? I don't personally think he'll even make it that long.

It's clear that Biden's momentary confusion during the debate had a significant impact on you. Seeing his performance, did it influence your perception about his ability to handle the responsibilities if he wins the election? Also, did watching the debate affect your potential vote in any way? Would you mind sharing how, if you're comfortable doing so?

I was already planning on voting for Trump, the LESSER of two evils, so no it did not affect my voting plans. Seeing Biden on stage looking confused, speaking with no confidence in a hoarse voice, yeah I have zero confidence of him doing anything good for our country. Honestly though, I don't think he's the one in charge, I think he's a face for the "others" who are truly in charge.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

The only change I felt was a little disappointment in Trump. He had a huge opportunity to really impact America and sort of squandered it by talking about golf handicaps and calling Biden a child. I'm disappointed in both choices, I wish we could get someone else in there who actually cares about the people.

Thank you for sharing. Even if the debate didn't change your voting decision, it seems to have influenced your view on both candidates. Could you clarify what you mean when you said it felt like the "others" were truly in charge? Who are these "others" in your view, and how does this perception influence your feelings towards the upcoming election?

The rich folks who are in charge of our country. The ones that pull the strings. I can't give you names because I don't know, but our president is barely capable of walking up stairs, so I doubt he's behind all of the decisions that have ruined our country in the last four years.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

The main takeaway is that people are really starting to see how screwed they are with our options. After looking at the reactions of the general public, we know we have limited options and have to try to make the best out of a bad situation. We'll all honestly be surprised if they stick with Sleepy Joe for the democratic nominee.

Interview 4

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

I feel the debate did not really favor Biden. Biden came as though he was unprepared and did not sound convincing at all. The moment that stood out for me was when Trump said he did not understand what Biden was saying and he's sure even Biden doesn't understand himself. Another highlight was the glaring evidence that Biden has become very old and unfit when he was helped out of the stage.

Could you expand a bit more on the specific statements made during the debate that caught your attention, and why did these statements or moments resonate with you?

So Biden was asjed a question and in response to the question h kept sounding disorganized making it difficult to make sense of what he was saying. Even me watching, I could not comprehend the message he was trying to pass across.

I see, it sounds like you found Biden's response to be unclear and disorganized. Can you recall what the question was about, and could you describe your immediate reaction to Biden's response?

The question was about medicare.

I see, the topic was on Medicare. Can you describe your immediate reaction when you found Biden's response to be unclear? More specifically, how did it make you feel, and did it change your perception about him or about the issue of Medicare itself?

My immediate reaction was me being shocked because I felt he should have done justice to the question. It changed my perception about him. Now I don't think he is fit to rule. Biden actually made the debate hilarious.

Thank you for sharing. It sounds like that moment significantly influenced your impression. While we're on the topic of impressions, could you describe how you perceived Trump's performance during the debate?

I feel Trump took advantage of the fact that Biden was unit and unprepared and he has gained more supporters with the debate.

Seems like you think Trump benefited from the debate. Did any particular statements or exchanges between the candidates stand out to you and influence this impression? Were there specific moments when you noticed a shift in Trump's favor?

By the way, I meant "unfit", not "unit" in my previous message. So back to your question, No particular statement influenced my impression because Biden's disorientation was clear for everyone to see. Trump just made it more obvious by throwing little shades.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

The moment for me was the Biden moment when he was talking and no one seemed to understand. If you cannot even put your words together in clear terms, how do you want to rule a country.

Your detailed descriptions give a clear picture of your impressions of the debate. This moment with Biden, when you found his response confusing, seems to have particularly impacted your perception. Do you think this moment may have a similar impact on others who watched the debate? Also, have this moment and your overall perception of the debate influenced your view or stance on the upcoming elections? If so, how?

Yes I believe that particular moment has impacted a lot of people. Right from time, I have always been an Independent. I do not really support either Trump or Biden because I actually do not trust politicians. The debate has not fully influenced my stance yet, it just made me realize one candidate is more prepared than the other.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

Like I said, the debate made me feel Trump is better prepared. I've said it over and over again, the disorganized speech from Biden led to the change.

You mentioned that the debate made you feel Trump is better prepared than Biden, especially after experiencing Biden's disorganized responses. Can you pinpoint a specific statement or behavior from Trump during the debate that reinforced your feeling of him being better prepared? What was it about his performance that stood out to you as indicative of preparedness?

I said he is better prepared because he made more sense in all he said than Biden.

Thank you for clarifying that. In your opinion, were there any moments during the debate where Trump particularly demonstrated clarity, coherence, or a strong grasp of policy issues? Any clear instances that you could possibly think of?

When he talked about Social Security and Medicare, he made more sense and felt like he has good plans.

It's interesting to hear that Trump's comments on Social Security and Medicare resonated with you. Could you elaborate a bit on why? Was it the content of his proposals, the way he presented them, or some other factor that made his stance appealing to you?

Trump was advocating for the existence of social security, and in his words, he was accusing Biden of trying to wipe out Social security and Medicare.

Got it. So Trump's position on preserving Social Security and Medicare, and his accusations against Biden, made an impact on you. Could you share why this issue is important to you, or why Trump's stance on it resonated with you?

Like I said, I do not trust both of them so it did not really make an impact on me. I just said overall Trump made more sense than Biden.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

I cannot speak for all voters, but the key takeaway for me from the debate is that Biden seems unfit to rule. Other people might have other takeaways.

Interview 5

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

It looked like a tough night all in all for Joe Biden. From the very beginning of the night, Joe simply had a hard time speaking and getting any of his thoughts out in any sort of meaningful way. Joe couldn't speak with any sort of power, his body language was weak, and it was just an all in all tough night for Joe. Quite frankly, it was hard to watch as a viewer. Donald Trump better. He spoke in a more clear and powerful manner, was able to articulate his thoughts, and compared to Joe, just stood and looked more powerful.

Could you describe any specific moments or statements from either candidate that particularly stood out to you? And what was your immediate reaction to them?

The biggest moment of the night was when Donald Trump said "I don't know what he said, and I don't think he even knows what he said." This to me encapsulated the night. Joe Spoke as if he didn't know where he was and when Trump point that out, it was basically a moment where he said what we were all thinking.

That's a vivid example. How did this comment from Trump align with or differ from your pre-debate expectations about each candidate's handling and articulation? Do you think this statement by Trump influenced your impression of either candidate?

This comment did align with my expectation of what I was expecting from Joe Biden but I didn't think he would look quite this bad. Trump handled this situation in an incredible way that really made him look good and powerful where Joe just sort of stood there with his mouth wide open and didn't say anything to response to that. This situation to me, was the moment of the debate that really created the impression for both candidates.

It's clear that this particular moment left a strong impression. Could you share more about how you felt during this exchange? Additionally, were there other moments where you felt particularly engaged or disengaged? What about the moderation of the debate, did it influence your experience and perception of the debate?

I would that I quite frankly felt embarrassed for Joe Biden. It was like watching my sick grandfather try and do something he just couldn't do anymore. I felt bad for Biden and I'm shocked the Democratic party is even making him do this stuff anymore. A moment where I felt very engaged was when there were speaking about the border issues just because of how passionate Trump was about it and how he listed off all the horrendous crimes of the people who have illegally crossed our borders. I thought the moderators did a good job as I didn't really notice them. They didn't really invove themselves too much and simply steered the conversation to what they thought were important topics.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

The moment of the debate that made a significant impression on me was when Donald Trump said "I don't know what he said and I don't think he knows what he said." This moment really captured the essence of what Joe Biden is as a president and I think it made it clear to everyone watching that Joe Biden is simply not suited to be the President of the United States and this moment also made Donald Trump look like the far more suitable candidate.

Great, thank you for your insightful responses. Can you tell me a bit more about Trump's discussion on border issues? How did his passion and details about crimes relate to your own views about this issue? And, how did this discussion influence your understanding of Trump's leadership and direction for the country compared to Biden’s?

Trump made it incredibly clear that he was horrified by the amount of illegal immigrants that are in the states right now. He believes that under the eye of Biden, immigrants have come into our country in record numbers and this has caused an increased in crime and violence. The way Trump spoke about this really showed his leadership and really showed that this is a topic he will want to focus on to ensure the safety and civility of the United states of America.

That's an insightful observation. In terms of policy priorities, it appears the border issue significantly matters to you. Do you feel Trump’s position on this issue aligns significantly with your values and concerns? Additionally, were there any other issues discussed during the debate that you felt strongly about?

Trump's position does align with my values and concerns. Illegal immigrants causes so many issues with this country including illegal crime, violence and so many other issues. I also enjoyed the discussion about abortions to go along with global war issues that Trump engaged in.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

This debate heavily influenced my opinion in a positive favor for Trump and negatively for Biden. Joe simply showed he is incapable of holding a position of this importance and Trump showed he is far more capable.

You mentioned feeling more drawn to Trump and less to Biden as a result of the debate. Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either candidate? How did you feel when that specific statement or moment occurred? Did it resonate with you or provoke a strong reaction? Why?

It was honestly the entire debate. Joe Biden simply couldn't speak properly, he looked like a fish dead out of water, and he would love his train of thought speaking about incredibly important issues including covid and abortion. Trump on the other hand handled all questions very well, spoke in a proper manner, and stood in a powerful and meaningful way. Seeing Joe forget about what he was talking about was very sad and it provoked a strong negative reaction out of me.

I understand. How you perceived the candidates' communication skills seems to have played a significant role in shaping your impressions. Can you elaborate more on the specific moments when Biden lost his train of thought? What were the topics being discussed then? Also, you mentioned being drawn to Trump's stance on abortion and global wars. How did those discussions align with or differ from your own beliefs? And what was it about Trump's presentation of these topics that resonated with you?

When Joe Biden was talking about Abortion he completely lost his train of thought and ended up saying he destroyed medicare which was completely off topics. Trump stood in support of abortion rights and mentioned his relationships with Putin and North Korea and it just aligned with me that he is far more suited to deal with these leaders on a global level compared to Joe Biden.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

The main takeaways from this debate is that Joe Biden doesn't have the health or stamina to be the President of the United States. Other points would include that Donald Trump was far more articulate and took better stances on topics like immigration border control, global affairs, and inflation.

Interview 6

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

I feel that this clearly demonstrated why Donald Trump should be in office and Joe Biden never should have been elected. Biden froze up multiple times, soft raspy voice, mumbled a ton, and seemed to have incoherent thoughts.

Thank you for sharing your observations. Could you provide some specific examples of moments in the debate that made you feel that Biden was struggling? Also, in contrast, were there any instances that demonstrated why you believe Trump should continue to hold office?

There was one answer he gave where Trump responded with "i don't even know what he said, I don't even think he knows what he said", then Biden never refuted it. He mumbled and spit out verbal vomit, where I literally said out loud multiple times what did he just say? Trump did good. I wish he had answered the questions more and stayed on topic.

Thank you for those specific examples. It's clear this debate has left quite an impression on you. I also understand where you're coming from regarding the wish for Trump to answer more questions in a direct manner. You mentioned that you believed Trump performed well, can you provide specific instances or aspects of the debate where you thought he excelled?

Over all Trump projected power and authority. Calling out Joe Biden on the "i don't even know what he said, I don't even think he knows what he said", Calling Biden out on the Southern Border, on border patrol, the economy and inflation. I also think he did an excellent job spinning the Jan 6th answer to look where you were then with economy and jobs.

Thank you for providing specific examples. Your observations give us a deeper insight into your perspective and impression about the debate. Now I'm curious, how did your expectations prior to the debate compare to the actual discussion and outcomes from the debate?

Ummm, not going to lie, Joe Biden let me down. After taking a week off to hide and prepare at camp david, I figured he was going to come out, hyped up on Adderall and 9 cups of coffee and come out on the offensive, he didn't he came out week and timid. Trump impressed me. He projected power, but didn't overly attack Biden. He hit the points with out getting too deep into the weeds.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

When Joe Biden mumbled some answer, where Trumps response was "i don't even know what he said, I don't even think he knows what he said", watching Joe Biden freeze on multiple occasions. The split screen also showed Biden to be an Alzheimer's patient. Sitting there, glassy eyed, mouth agap. It looked like Biden didn't even know where he was.

You've mentioned the moment where Trump said to Biden, "I don't even know what he said, I don't even think he knows what he said". Can you describe more about how you felt when this exchange occurred? Also, can you help me understand why you believe this moment to be so notable? Was there anything in that moment that made you find Trump's comments to be particularly poignant or persuasive?

I felt like FINALLY! Biden has been hidden away away, not taken any questions from the press, not being pushed on any of his issues or answers. FINALLY, he was brought out on stage and shown his current state and how bad shape he was in. I found Trump pointing these things out to be poignant, but more importantly just seeing how weak, confused and not sharp Biden was.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I wouldn't say my opinion changed. But im just glad Joe Biden has been brought to light the current state he is in. After the media has been telling us behind closed doors he is sharp as a tac, never better, sticking to it. Now you see what he is really like. AND THIS WAS AFTER 7 STRAIGHT DAYS OF PREP!!!!!!!

Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that reinforced your previous stance or opinion about either candidate?

The moments where Biden froze up, moments where Biden mumbled, the multiple answers Biden gave where at the end of it your like ""what did he just say""? I mean honestly I don't know if there was one coherent answer that was clear cut the entire debate. He also dropped a bunch of stuff about black colleges in there. At one point mumbled through an answer and then yelled Medicade at the end.

Thank you for sharing your perspective. It is clear that Biden's performance during the debate left a significant impression on you. We can agree that there is much at stake in these debates, as they allow voters to directly compare the candidates on the same stage. Now, let's shift the focus a bit. Throughout the debate, were there any statements or topics discussed that personally resonated with you or mirrored your own experiences or concerns? If so, could you elaborate on that?

I mean Trump hammed home the border, the increase in crime, the economy and inflation. I wish he had done deeper into how he was going to fix those items.

Thank you for your response. It's clear from your comments that there are specific issues, like the economy and border control, which are of particular interest and concern to you. Did you feel that the debate gave you a clear comparison between the candidates’ positions on these issues? How did this clarity or lack thereof impact your opinion of the candidates?

Yeah, I mean, Trump came out and pointed out all of Biden's failures, shown he hasn't dont much about them and Biden has no rebuttal. Like I said i Wish trump would have gone into how he was going to fix these things.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

Biden looks weak!

Interview 7

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

After watching the entire debate, I wished we had more candidates to choose from. I wish RFK Jr. was allowed to participate as well. Based on the answers provided by each candidate, I just did not feel like either of them are a good choice.

You mentioned feeling that neither candidate seemed to be a good choice, based on their answers during the debate. Could you please elaborate on what about their responses led you to this feeling? Were there any specific statements or moments that particularly stood out to you in this regard?

They both seemed to be focused on attacking each other instead of telling the american people what they can do for us.

Thank you for elaborating on that. Could you recall a specific instance during the debate where you felt the candidates were excessively focused on attacking each other, instead of discussing what they could offer the American people? And how did that particular moment make you feel?

When they were talking about cognitive abilities and golf. It felt so silly and unnecessary.

I understand, those moments can indeed feel off-topic. As an observer, how did you feel about the role of the moderator during these exchanges? Did you feel he was effective in guiding the conversation back to pertinent issues?

Yes

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Bidens closing statements, he did not seem to be all there. It bothered me because I did not think he was fit to be there.

Thank you for pointing out that moment. Could you elaborate more on why you believe Biden's closing statement indicated he was not fit to be there? Were there specific words he used or ways he presented himself that contributed to this impression?

He was stumbling on his words, made some errors and was all over the place.

I see, inconsistencies during the closing statements made an impression on you. Do you think that moment could influence your final decision, or how it might influence others' views on Biden? On a broader note, how important do you think consistent articulation is for a presidential candidate?

Yes, it influences my final decision and i believe it will influence others too. Articulation is very important for a presidential candidate. People get nervous and stumble on words or lose a thought once in a while and that is okay, but Bidens is constant and he looks lost.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I already knew I did not want Biden back in office. I lean RFK Jr. but preferred Trump over Biden. However, watching Trump last night, I was swayed even more against him as well.

Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either candidate? If so, can you please describe that moment and explain why it influenced you in the way it did?

When Trump kept using his time to respond to Biden instead of answering questions that I thought were important. For example, I wanted to know his plan to help Americans with the cost of childcare. It upset me that he never answered this question because it is important to me as a soon to be Mom.

I see, it seemed like the topic of childcare is particularly significant to you. How would you feel if any of the candidates had addressed this issue differently or more directly? Also, if there'd been a more comprehensive discussion around childcare, how might this have impacted your view of the candidates, or your decision-making process in general?

I would have felt better if they addressed it, it would have made me believe they at least thought it was important. If they discussed it, it could have swayed me more towards a candidate depending on their answer.

I see, it sounds like a candidate's stance on childcare could significantly influence your decision. Now, thinking about the debate as a whole, did one candidate seem to you more credible or trustworthy based on the information they presented and the way they presented it? Were there any specific factors that led you to this perception?

Nothing specifically but Trump did seem more credible just because of his confidence and his cognitive awareness.

Thank you for sharing. How significant do you think is this aspect of confidence and cognitive awareness in shaping your opinion about a candidate? Can these traits outweigh other factors such as policy standpoints or past performance in office?

Yes, absolutely. It is very very significant.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

I think the take away is that neither candidate is really our best option for what this country needs right now and we may need to make a change in candidates. Points and themes that are specifically impactful for voters would be the economy, abortion, childcare and the current state of our relationships with other countries which could lead to war.

Interview 8

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

It was almost embarrassing as an American. Is this really the best two options? Trump was lying and exaggerating his successes and Biden could barely form a sentence. It was bad.

I appreciate your candid feedback. It's clear the debate didn't meet your expectations. You mentioned that you found it almost embarrassing and pointed out issues with both Donald Trump's and Joe Biden's performances. Could you delve further into what particular moments stood out to you as clear examples of Trump's exaggerations and Biden's difficulty forming sentences? These specifics would be very useful for our study.

When Trump would talk about just anything he would say it was the best it has ever been. For example, he spoke about the environment and how it was the best it had ever been!? It just didn't make any sense. And Biden really just struggled through the entire debate. I do recall him trying to form a sentence and just ended up stopping and even Trump commented that he didn't know what Biden was trying to say.

Very insightful, thank you. To expand more on your observations, how did these specific instances influence your perception of the candidates and how did they affect your overall experience watching the debate? Did their language and tone during these moments have any impact on how you felt?

It made me feel very hopeless. Neither are good options for the United States, but it appears this is all we have. Trump is well-spoken but lies and Biden just can't get it together. There was a moment where Biden seemingly snapped and told Trump he sucked and was a liar. it was hilarious but also embarrassing.

Thank you for your honest feedback. It appears that the debate has left you with a disillusioned view of the options available in this presidential race. Let's touch a bit more on the moderation of the debate. How would you evaluate the role of the moderator in this debate? Did the moderation influence your perception of the debate in any way?

I actually think the moderators did really well. They were very even toned in their speaking and questions. I do think it was smart that they turned off the mics.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the moderation of the debate. I appreciate your time and openness in discussing these matters. To wrap up our conversation, how did this particular debate impact, if at all, your expectations or views about the upcoming presidential race?

As I said before, I almost feel hopeless...I don't feel good about making the choice between the two. But it is very clear to me Biden is not competent to hold that position. He should retire. I feel as though I am choosing the lesser of two evils at this point.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

There really wasn't one moment...the overall debate kind of answered who I would be voting for. I don't feel that Trump is a good fit but I also don't believe Biden is either.

Can you further clarify what made you lean towards one candidate over the other, despite your acknowledged disappointment with both options?

Biden is just a frail old man, I fear he has dementia or something...He is not capable of being president. Trump isn't a spring chicken by any means but he seems to still be of sound mind.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

Not particularly.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

I think that everyone needs to do their own research regarding the candidate's economic policies. I know that's most American's top concern...Biden seemed to exaggerated his successes, insulin is not $5 or whatever low cost he said...it's $35.

Interview 9

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

It was two super old men yelling at each other. Biden looked his age. Trump constantly lie. It is a sad representation of the political system that we have.

You mentioned Biden looking his age and Trump constantly lying. Were there specific moments or statements that intensified these impressions for you? Can you describe how you felt at those moments?

Biden looked very old and very tired and he was constantly stammering. Trump lied about every single thing he said. It's so embarrassing to be an american right now.

I can see that the debate has left you rather frustrated and upset. When you say Biden was "constantly stammering", can you recall a particular instance or topic where this was most noticeable? And, can you provide an example of a specific point where you felt Trump was not telling the truth?

It felt like biden couldn't form a clear coherent. He failed miserably at his rebuttles to trump. He should have done better calling out lies. Trump lied about the porn star, he lied about no terrorist attacks during his presidency. I cannot think of a single question he did not lie about.

Thank you for sharing those specific examples. It's clear this debate was a significant event for you. How did these instances, of Biden's failed rebuttals and Trump's perceived untruths, align with or differ from your expectations going into the debate? Did any of this influence your sentiments regarding the presidential race?

I thought Biden would rise to the occasion in the debates like he did in 2020. It seems as though he was unprepared, or doesn't have it in him anymore. I'm not sure which scenario is worse for America. Trump is an awful candidate that now has a chance to win because the democrats can't put forward a candidate that isn't comatose. It so sad what we have become.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Trumps inability to ever tell the truth was expected. Biden's low energy stammering was super concerning. I think everyone thought that they both were old and biden could show up like he did in the last debates. This clearly was not true.

Your comments highlight your concerns over the performance and integrity of both presidential candidates. You've raised the point about Biden's low energy and perceived lack of preparation. Can you recall a specific instance where Biden's performance fell short of your expectations? Similarly, could you describe a moment where Trump's dishonesty was glaring and evident to you? Please speak to how these instances made you feel, and why they were particularly impactful for you.

Biden was unable to ever call trump out on his lies. Trump especially lied about the porn star and his indictments. Biden should have constantly pushed that, but he didn't. Biden was just, not up for the moment. I am concerned that he is too old for this or he was just completely unprepared. Again, I am not sure which is the worst option. I am completely embarrassed by the whole debate.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I knew that trump was completely unqualified before the debate started. I thought biden would rise to the occasion. Somehow, they both looked worse. I likely won't vote for either.

Thank you for sharing your sentiments in such an open manner. Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about Biden or Trump? It could be a specific exchange or an overarching theme of their performance. Can you describe your emotional reaction to that instance?

The overarching theme of Trump lying and Biden being unable to call him out on the lies. It was frustrating. We all knew trump would lie. Did they not prepare biden to call him out on those lies?

It's clear that their responses during the debate has left you feeling frustrated. Do you think your frustration is directed more at the specific actions of the candidates during the debate or at the broader political process? Could you share more about why you feel this way?

The broader political process. Are these really the best two candidates. It is unfortunate that we cannot find someone better to take the job. This is clearly a better of two evils choice. I choose neither.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

Trump has not changed. He's still the same liar he ever was. Biden has clearly declined since 2020. I fear that people will choose trump because of bidens decline.

Interview 10

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

It was absolutely horrible, all the way around. Lies and lies and more lies on both sides.

Can you recall any specific moments or statements from the debate that you found particularly dishonest or misleading? How did these moments influence your perception of the candidates?

Trump lying about being disrespectful towards the US military. Also, Biden acting like he was shocked about Trump pointing out that he called African American's "superpredators".

Thank you for providing those specific instances. I understand how these moments could be impactful. Could you elaborate a little bit more on your immediate reactions when Trump denied being disrespectful to the U.S military and when Biden seemed shocked at Trump's accusations? How do these incidents align with your previous perceptions of the candidates?

I already knew both of them were not fit to run this country, but it just reconfirmed that for me.

Thank you for your honest opinion. It's clear that these moments had a significant impact on you. You mentioned earlier that there were instances where lies were prominent during the debate. Were there any parts of the debate where you felt directly engaged or thought the discourse was substantial? How did the moderation of the debate influence your experience? Do you feel like your expectations for the debate were met or not?

I mean, the whole debate was just a big session of lies and arguing over nothing of importance. I noticed that the moderators were cutting off Biden when I started speaking non sensibly but that didn't change my opinion on anything because he was clearly incoherent. My expectations were so low for the debate that yes, the expectation was actually met.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

When Biden appeared to be forgetting most of his words and losing his train of thought, I knew it was official that he's not fit to run this country. But that doesn't mean Trump is fit to run the country either.

I realize that the debate was disappointing for you overall. I'm wondering, was there a particular statement or exchange during the debate that you found to be insightful or perhaps confirmed your views about the elections/candidates? Can you tell me more about why you found that particular moment significant?

I honestly can't just pinpoint one moment because the entire thing was a wreck. Just trying to think about it, nothing stood out because the debate was just bad overall and none of it was really relevant to learning how these candidates will help the citizens of this country.

I understand and respect your viewpoint. Considering the content of the debate and the conduct of the candidates, do you think political debates are a good way of helping citizens make informed decisions about who to vote for? What changes do you think could be made to these debates to make them more valuable to the public?

Yes, I do think debates are a good way to keep the citizens informed about who to vote for but the candidates have to be strong and able to actually "debate". I think the debate structure is perfectly fine. It's the candidates that are the issue.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

No because I already knew what to expect from both candidates. I listen to political news and already knew that both are not who we need running this country so everything they said in the debate was right on par with my thoughts/opinion already.

You've mentioned that you follow political news and already had expectations about the candidates before the debate. Still, were there any statements or topics discussed during the debate that directly related to your personal experiences or concerns? If so, could you share more about how those moments felt for you? Also, in retrospect, did the debate provide a clear distinction between the candidates’ positions on issues important to you? How did the clarity or lack thereof affect your perspective on them?

That's part of the problem. Nothing was discussed to help me understand which candidate would be better at helping this citizens get on their feet again (financially). That's all most citizens are worried about but there was a lack of clarity about that subject and any other subject that is of importance.

Considering your disappointment with the lack of focus on citizens' financial well-being during the debate, are there specific issues relating this matter that you wish the candidates have discussed? And in your opinion, what could either candidate have said or clarified about their plans to help citizens financially that would have positively impacted your perspective of them?

I wish they would have gave concrete answers on how they will help to alleviate inflation and how they will bring down interest rates.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

I think the main take aways were Biden doesn't need to be the president, and Trump lies too much to be the president. I think nobody really has any idea who to vote for because both or horrible.

Interview 11

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

It was not a pleasant experience. Neither candidate should be president. Trump would lie a lot and Biden did not come across as competent.

I appreciate your candor. Could you delve a bit more into what you mean when you say that Biden did not come off as competent? Were there certain statements he made or moments during the debate when you felt this way?

He came across a disorientated. His answer on border security really did not make any sense. He coughed too much and someone should tell him to close his mouth so he doesn't come across as confused.

Interesting points. Can you recall any specific instances where Trump's lies were notable or particularly striking for you? What were those moments and why did they stand out for you?

Trump lied about Democratic led states allowing babies to be murdered. This is clearly not true at all. He said that Biden was going to quadruaple taxes--this in also not true.

I see. Apart from the candidates' statements, how did you feel about the manner in which the debate was conducted and moderated? Were there aspects of the moderation that particularly influenced your perception of the debate?

I feel sorry for the moderator--it is pretty hard to control these two--especially Trump. It often became a complete free for all without any structure.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

When Trump said, "I really don't know what he just said and I don't think he knows either." It conveyed the message that Biden is simply not up to being president.

I appreciate your sharing that quote from Trump. It seems that it had a strong impact on your perception of Biden's abilities as a potential president. Could you give me a little more insight into why you found this comment so striking? Was it just about the words themselves, or was there something about the way Trump delivered this line that made you find it impactful?

Trump almost came across as sympathetic when he said that. He said what everyone was thinking as Biden's performance was not good and he seemed confused. These two are less than 5 years apart in age, but if you just listened to the debate you would think that Trump is 20 years younger.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I knew that I really didn't support either candidate. I was hoping that I could support Biden, but his performance gives me serious doubts. My only hope is that the Democrats replace him on the ticket.

Thank you for sharing your views. Considering the statements and behavior of both candidates during the debate, were there any specific topics that gained or lost significance for you due to how they were handled?

Trump is still in denial about his role in the Jan 6th assault. It is so sad that he really won't fully commit to accepting the election results.

I understand that it might have disappointed you. Were there any other significant issues or topics that you were interested in hearing about during the debate but felt were inadequately addressed or not discussed at all?

Neither candidate's talking points about immigration really made any sense to me.

That's interesting. Can you elaborate a bit more on what you found unclear or confusing about their stance on immigration? How, in your opinion, should they have approached the topic?

neither candidate explained what they would actually do to solve the problem.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

The main takeaway for me (and many others based on what I am reading) is that I question Biden's ability to lead the nation.

Interview 12

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

Honestly, I have never been more disappointed in a presidential debate in my entire life. I felt like Biden was hardly even aware enough to properly convey his points. There were many pauses and I felt like the things he were able to get out did not give Biden an advantage. On the other hand, Trump was actually somewhat aware of where he was, but his talking points were awful, too. All around awful debate.

Thank you for sharing your feelings about the debate. To dig a bit deeper, are there any specific moments or exchanges between Biden and Trump that really stood out to you? What were your immediate reactions to these moments?

About half-way into the debate (like 50 or so minutes), Biden brought up Trump's supposed support of Hitler, and Trump's only response was "That was totally wiped out." The debate lacked so much professionalism, and I cannot believe these two will be our president.

Thank you for bringing up that specific moment. It indeed sounds like a noteworthy exchange. How did you perceive both candidates' reactions to that situation? Can you describe how their reactions made you feel and if their responses influenced your view on them?

Biden seemed to be very dazed, and he would pause periodically to look around, almost as if he did not know where he was. When he would look at the camera, he had a "deer in headlights" look in his eyes. On the other hand, Trump is no where near as bad when it comes to his awareness, but even he looks like he needs to be in a retirement home.

It seems like the candidates' cognitive awareness and ability to respond promptly were critical factors in your impression of the debate. Can you elaborate more on the importance of these factors for a presidential candidate? How do you believe these aspects contribute to their potential leadership style and performance if elected?

Well if someone is going to president, it is very important for them to be aware and updated on not only domestic interests but also international interests. If a candidate does not have the awareness and professionalism to properly do the job of president, it will make the United States look weak.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Again, the Hitler point was a really big one for me. There was absolutely no tact or empathy used during that discussion, and it was disrespectful to all the people who died under Hitler's rule.

You mention that the Hitler point was big for you because it lacked tact and empathy, a sentiment that seems likely shared by others as well. Can you go into more detail about how this particular moment occurred? For example, what was said and done that made it stand out to you? Additionally, how do you think it might have impacted other viewers' opinions of the candidates?

I guess Biden was trying to discredit Trump in some type of way, so he was the one who brought up the situation. Instead of acting like he genuinely cared, he used it as some kind of "gotcha" moment because was losing the debate badly at that point.

Thank you for those details. Could you further explain how you felt in that moment? Did Biden's approach to discredit Trump's change your perception of him? As for Trump's response, how did it impact your view of him? Ultimately, how do these moments influence your expectations for their potential leadership?

Both of the candidates left a sour taste in my mouth following that specific part of the debate. How can we trust those without empathy to lead a nation full of people? I expected so much more, and I severely disappointed.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

No, before the debate I was already disliked both candidates. I honestly thought this debate was going to be exactly like the one from 2020, but I was wrong.

You've noted that this debate left you feeling disappointed and hasn't swayed your already formed opinion of both candidates. Would you say there was a specific topic or policy issue discussed during the debate that you personally care about or feel passionate towards? How did the candidates' positions on this issue affect your opinion of them?

The discussion revolving around Israel's slaughtering and genocide of the Palestinian people. I was disgusted when both candidates expressed their approval of Israel, and I pledged to not vote for either candidate.

The Israel-Palestine issue seems to be a crucial topic for you, and it sounds like it significantly influenced your perception of both candidates. Could you explain a bit more about this? In particular, what messages or specific statements by the candidates disappointed you and what you were hoping to hear?

Both candidates expressed that Israel has a "right to defend itself" even though that nation is the biggest escalator of tensions in Palestine. Also, they both expressed they were not planning on decreasing the amount of money they will send to Israel. I refuse to let my tax dollars go towards hurting children.

Your feelings about this issue seem strong and personal. Do you think that your opinion stems from the candidates' stances on the Israel-Palestine issue or are there other factors involved? What kind of stance or actions would you like to see from a candidate on this problem? What impact do you believe this issue could have on the United States and its citizens?

I would have appreciated if any candidate was able to see that Israel is purposefully slaughtering the Palestinians. I wish one of the candidates admitted that Israel was commiting crimes against humanity. I wished one of them would have at least mentioned that Israel went to far. The lack of empathy is disgusting, and that is part of the reason why citizens in the US would rather die in debt from medical bills instead of care about others.

It's clear that the Israel-Palestine issue is a significant concern for you and the candidates' stance on this matter greatly influences your opinion of them. Paralleling this to domestic problems like medical debt, you've shared a powerful viewpoint. Do you believe more should be done to bring these issues to the forefront? What actions would you like to see taken at governmental and individual levels? And how do you think this might influence your view of future candidates?

Yes, I absolutely do! I want to see the government completely withdraw financial support from Israel, as well as bring them in front of the National Courts to be tried to crimes against humanity.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

My main takeaway is that the Democrat and Republican parties have degenerated significantly and it is time to bring in third parties.

Interview 13

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

I think we are all screwed. America is over. If these are the two best candidates for the most important job in the world, then what does that say about America? Trump lied constantly and Biden clearly has dementia.

You mentioned that Trump lied constantly and that Biden seemed to have dementia. Could you elaborate on what specific instances led you to this conclusion? For example, were there any statements or exchanges between the candidates that stood out to you and influenced your opinion?

Biden looked lost the whole time. He kept looking at Trump in between answers with his mouth open. I expected him to start drooling. And Trump was taking credit for things that he didn't do like he always does. He stated he didn't have sex with a pornstar, which he did...

That's quite a detailed observation. From what you've described, it seems that their body language and statements during the debate had a strong impact on you. Now, did these moments impact your initial expectations about each candidate? Also, did the moderation of the debate make a difference in your perception? Can you share more on this?

My initial expectation was that it was going to be bad. It was much worse than expected. There was no moderation in the debate. Trump was not fact checked a single time. They just read questions to the candidates.

Thank you for your openness. Could you please share if there were moments during the debate when you felt particularly engaged or disengaged, and why you felt that way? If they were to do it differently, what improvements do you think should be made to increase engagement with viewers?

I do not care about engagement with the viewers to be honest. I think that is unimportant. We need better candidates. We need debate moderators who keep the candidates on target, fact check them, call out lies, call out when a direct question was deflected instead of answered. Also, RFK Jr should have been allowed in this debate.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Biden stating "We defeated Medicare" because it was symbolic of his bumbling and stumbling answers throughout the evening. It was like he didn't even know what he was saying half the time.

Thank you for sharing that moment. From your perspective, did you interpret Biden's statement as a slip of the tongue or as indicative of a lack of understanding of the subject matter? How did that influence your overall perception of his competence? Going back to what you mentioned earlier about the need for better candidates, what qualities or traits would an "ideal" candidate possess in your view?

A slip of the tongue for sure. It confirmed that I view him as incompetent. He should not be President and should certainly not be running for reelection. An ideal candidate would be likeable, competent, honest, and relatable to average people.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

No, I hated them both before the night began.

Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that further confirmed your already negative stance or opinion about either candidate? Was there a moment you found particularly striking or memorable?

Trumps entire performance was all lies from start to finish. Biden is just old and out of touch.

Thank you for sharing your perspective. In your opinion, was there any difference in how the two candidates addressed the issues that mattered to you? If yes, could you provide specific examples? Despite your overall negative impression of both candidates, did you feel any of them did a better job in addressing key issues during the debate?

They both have terrible views on immigration and foreign policy. Biden is better on domestic policy but struggles to articulate that.

You mentioned that Biden is better on domestic policy, but struggles with articulation. Were there any moments during the debate where he was able to effectively communicate his stance despite his difficulties? Also, on the issues of immigration and foreign policy, what is it about each candidate's views that you find most dissatisfying or concerning?

No, he stumbled the whole night. They both support Israel - I do not. I want a ceasefire, I do not want another penny of my tax dollars used to murder innocent people in Gaza. They both have far-right views on immigration. People come here wanting a better life, but neither candidate wants people crossing the southern border.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these key issues. It seems like your beliefs on foreign policy and immigration are at odds with both candidates. If you could have a conversation with these candidates, what would you like them to know about your views on these subjects? And how might they address these matters in a way that would be more agreeable to you?

They won't care what I have to say. They will support whatever their big money donors tell them to support. What I would say is this: America should be an example to the whole world. We should be a compassionate, open, just society that does not demonize anyone or support those who demonize others.

Your view of the influence of big money donors is a valid opinion and critique of the current political system. In a world where candidates listened more to citizens like yourself, how do you envision that affecting future presidential debates and election campaigns? What sorts of changes or structures would you like to see implemented?

Publically financed elections would be a nice start. Allowing all candidates into every debate - like RFK, Jr. in this instance would also be good.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

Biden damaged his reelection chances. The takeway for me is that if the Democrats continue with Biden as the candidate they are going to get destroyed in this election. They need a new candidate ASAP.

Interview 14

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

Joe Biden wasn't convincing enough for me. at some point i felt like he does not have what it takes to be the president of the united states.

Can you recall any specific moments or statements from Biden during the debate that led you to feel he was not convincing enough? Could you also explain why these particular moments influenced your perception?

at some point during his speech, he was hesitant, sometimes stumbling over his words and at one point appearing to freeze. its like he has some health issues that he needs to take care of rather than fighting to be the president of the united states once again.

It's clear that Biden's performance during the debate left an impression on you. In light of this, could you tell me if there were any moments in the debate where you felt particularly disengaged or concerned due to Biden's hesitance or pauses? Also, how did these moments compare to your expectations going into the debate?

when he was talking about the economy and how he has been working on improving the economy, he was coughing and his words were faltering at some point.

I appreciate your candidness. How did Biden's faltering response during the discussion about the economy influence your perception of his capability to handle economic issues as president? Additionally, were there any exchanges between Biden and Trump during the discussion about the economy which particularly stood out to you?

At some point during the debate, they were both attacking each other with words and basically arguing about what each of them have done.

It's common for tensions to run high during these debates. How did this heated exchange between Biden and Trump affect your perception of them? Could you tell me more about your feelings towards this particular instance?

honestly, i felt like the debate was getting personal and wasn't really relating to the debate topic, especially from Donald trump's perspective. also Donald trump was playing with biden's words. for instance when they were talking about Medicare trump said Biden beat Medicare, but it was an irony.

It's clear that the personal aspects of the debate and Trump's style of engagement didn't sit well with you. So, moving forward from this point, how do you think these instances you've mentioned influence your view on the Presidential race as a whole? Do you believe the moderation of the debate was effective?

yes i believe the moderation of the debate was effective because despite all the attack on each other via words. they were still able to have a very sensible debate between each other.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

none that i can remember.

I see, that's perfectly fine. Now, let's shift our focus a bit. After engaging with the debate, has your opinion about the candidates changed in any way? If so, in what manner? Can you point to any specific instances during the debate that influenced this change?

My opinion towards Biden has changed, to be honest i was a big supporter of Biden, but now, i don't think it's the same. he hasn't shown me anything positive from the debate.

I'm curious to know more about this shift in opinion. Prior to the debate, what were the key qualities or reasons that made you a supporter of Biden? Can you pinpoint any specific moments in the debate that contrasted with your earlier perception of him?

prior to the debate i always had this perspective about Biden to be able to perform his duties as the president of the country well. he came with an idea that he is standing for two things; workers who built the country and values that can bridge its divisions. and i was happy with that to be honest. but now, he's not giving me anything to work with. besides, his health is not looking good to me.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

yes the debate influenced my opinion and feelings towards either candidates. trump came with the idea that Biden hasn't been doing a great job for the country, but for me Biden has done a good job so far. however, i feel like he does not know how to bring in new ideas. to be honest, i don't think either of them are ready for this position.

You mentioned that you don't believe either candidate is ready for the position. Could you expand more on that? Specifically, what characteristics or statements you expect from a presidential candidate that you feel were lacking in the debate?

for trump. i don't think he has the courage of convictions, he hasn't been able to convince me enough. and for Biden, he is not self aware enough for me.

Interesting points. Can you highlight any specific moments or topics from the debate that led you to believe that Trump doesn't have the courage of convictions and that Biden isn't self-aware enough?

take for example, the time when Biden's word were faltering, and when he had hangs in between questions, and the coughing. all these things are something that he s supposed to be aware of. but tome, i don't think he has that kind of self awareness. for trump, he was just using his words to play on Biden, and his facts were not convincing enough to show that Biden hasn't been doing a good job.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

i don't know to be honest.

Interview 15

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

My overall impression is one of disappointment. While I am not a supporter of Trump, Biden appeared to be inarticulate and feeble.

Thank you for your honest feedback. Could you delve a bit further into the reasons behind your disappointment? Were there any specific statements or behaviors from either candidate that contributed to it?

My disappointment has less to do with specific statements than behaviors, especially with Biden's failure to be articulate at several key junctures of the debate. It also seemed as thought Biden was merely repeating rehearsed talking points without any improvisation.

I see, your disappointment stems from Biden's communication abilities during the debate. Could you clarify what made you feel he was not being articulate? Were there any particular moments or topics during the debate where this was most noticeable?

His voiced lacked emotion. He was unable to finish sentences. His voice trailed off. He mumbled. These issues persisted throughout the debate.

I see, that's an important observation. How did Biden's lack of emotion and inability to complete sentences affect your perception of him as a potential President? Furthermore, did these moments influence your overall impression of the debate?

They make me less confident in him as a potential President. These moments did influence my overall impression of the debate. I believe Mr. Trump won the debate.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Biden's response to Trump around the 10-minute mark made a significant impression on me. I think this is where his communication issues became even more pronounced, even though they were present from the start. I think this is the moment when most viewers, including myself, began to tune Biden out.

Thank you for sharing that. Can you elaborate a bit more on what was happening around the 10-minute mark? What did both candidates say at the time? If possible, could you also describe more about your emotions and initial reactions during Biden's response?

Biden was responding to Trump's comments about the Biden administration's response to COVID. I felt annoyed.

Thank you for those details. You mentioned feeling annoyed during Biden's response to Trump's comments about the Biden administration's response to COVID. Can you share more about why you felt that way? Specifically, was your annoyance directed towards a certain comment or behavior? Or was it more of a general feeling due the overall conduct of the debate?

My annoyance was directed to Biden's communication issues.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I am now persuaded that Trump will win the election if Biden wins the Democratic nomination. This is due to Biden's communication problems and how the public will perceive them.

Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either candidate? If yes, could you please describe this moment and explain why it was influential?

Biden's response to Trump around the 10-minute mark. This highlighted his communication issues.

Understood. How did you feel when Biden was struggling with his response? Did Biden's difficulty communicating at that moment resonate with you or provoke a strong reaction? Why?

It made me less confident in him as a potential leader of the country. At a bare minimum, he should be able to clearly and concisely communicate his own views and responses to the citizens of the nation. He was not able to do so.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

I think taxes and abortion will be particularly impactful.

Interview 16

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

The highlight was Trump destroying Biden.

You mentioned "Trump destroying Biden" as a highlight of the debate. Could you please elaborate on that? What specific statements or moments stood out to you and made you feel that way? Can you recall your immediate reaction to those moments?

about Russia and Biden couldn't form sentences. He seemed lost and confused.

Thank you for elaborating. It seems like you were particularly struck by their discourse on Russia and by Biden's coherence in forming sentences. How did these moments make you feel? Were these moments surprising or aligned with your expectations going into the debate? Would you say these moments influenced your overall perception of both the candidates? Also, were there any moments during the debate when you felt particularly engaged or disengaged, and why?

They made me feel sad and disappointed. Very ashamed that this guy is our president.

I understand. These debates can often invoke strong emotions. Regarding your feelings of disappointment and sadness, were these solely based on Biden's performance, or were there other factors as well? In what ways, if any, did Trump's performance contribute to your overall sentiment? Additionally, could you mention if there were specific moments or behaviors in the debate that caused your feelings of disappointment and shame? Could you elaborate on those?

Trump made some false claims like that the only jobs Biden created were for illegal immigrants and bounce back jobs from Covid.

I see. It sounds like you were disappointed by some of the inaccurate statements made during the debate. How did these false claims make you feel about Trump's candidacy? More importantly, do you think this has influenced your perspective on the presidential election overall? Can you also share some thoughts on how the moderation of the debate added to your experience and perception of the debate?

It shows more of who he his and how he will just say random or false things to throw it out there. My thoughts on the experience and perception of the debate is mostly disappointment and sadness. It's sad that modern debates nowadays look like this. Where 1 candidate doesn't even seem like he knows where he is and can't answer questions. Then the other one is making very false and bold claims to very important topics that affect the American people. It makes so much sense to include one more candidate like Robert F. Kennedy, but the network doesn't even allow that.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

When Biden said having more border patrol and side monsters as he mumbled and stumbled through whatever he was saying. It felt like we were doomed as a country with this guy as a president.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

It made me lean more towards Trump as a president.

You mentioned leaning more towards Trump after the debate. Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment from Trump during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about him? Was there something he said or did during the debate that particularly resonated with you or provoked a strong reaction? And why did that moment have such an influence on you?

He seemed more composed and poised answering all questions. He seemed to have more numbers and actionable plans like for Russia and on tariffs.

Understanding the specifics can help us capture nuances. Was there a specific issue discussed during the debate that you felt particularly passionate about? Moreover, how did Trump's positions or approach to these issues affect your opinion of him? And did any of his specific numbers or actionable plans surprise you or change your perspective in any significant way? Lastly, in relation to the actionable plans that Trump highlighted, did you find yourself seeking more information on them post-debate? If yes, what did you find?

Trump reminding America that his tax cuts helped America before Covid. Also he was agreeing with the Supreme Court's decision to preserve access to abortion pills and not block it.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

Main takeaway point for me that this was a showcase how two sides to select a president is definitely not working for our system and it's sad and dismissing.

Interview 17

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

It was a bit of a waste of time. Nothing new was learned about either candidate in my opinion. Trump kept avoiding answering questions directly, changed the subject constantly, lied religiously, and cried about how things would be better under him. Biden fumbled through most of his answers and went on incoherent ramblings that went nowhere.

Thank you for your candid response. I understand your points about the candidates not meeting your expectations. To get a better understanding of your experience, could you share a specific moment from the debate that particularly frustrated you, and explain why it had such an impact on you?

When Trump mentioned illegal immigrants crossing the border and taking black jobs. It seemed like he was implying that jobs as farmhands and such were only for black people. Then Biden and him kept referring to us as "the blacks". It felt like Biden and Trump were pandering without awareness of the fact that their pandering was plainly obvious.

I see, thank you for sharing that. It's clear that their language had a significant impact on you. What specifically about the candidates' references to "the blacks" did you find most distressing, and could you elaborate on how you perceived their attempt at pandering?

Just the fact that they referred to the entire race/ethnicity as a monolithic entity whose votes can be bought by saying some buzz words and showing them that they care about us.

This is a key insight - Being seen and treated as monolithic can certainly strip any group of its individuality and diversity. Did this type of language change the way you view the candidates or their sincerity? Are there ways you feel a candidate could more effectively address the concerns and interests of the black community without being perceived as pandering?

Not really. Trump has always been an insincere conman in my opinion and Biden is a consummate politician which means that he's going to say whatever he thinks will get him the most votes. And yes, they could've just said african americans or black american.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

When Trump and Biden both had a little spat about golfing. Biden made a joke about his real height and weight which could've landed if he didn't meander through it the way he did. He sounded like he needs to drink some hot tea or something. It made Biden look weak due to him lowering himself to Trump's level. Not a good look.

That's an interesting point about how the tone of a joke and the manner of delivery can influence perceptions. When Biden made the joke and it didn't quite land as perhaps he intended, how did that moment make you feel in terms of your confidence in him as a candidate? Additionally, did it have any influence on your view of the debate as a whole?

It lowered my confidence in him but it still remained far higher than my confidence in Trump. It didn't really influence my view of the debate as a whole other than confirming that nothing of value was going to be discussed.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

Seeing Trump basically just say whatever he thinks will ring true with the lowest common denominator while also taking no blame whatsoever for some of his administration's fumbles made me realize that he's not, nor has he ever been, a president who cared about the future of this country. When Biden seemed to get some energy when talking about how no president ever disparaged America on the national stage the way Trump was doing it all sort of became obvious that Trump was out for himself.

Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either candidate? What was the emotion that you felt when that happened?

The gold exchange between the two candidates made me change me rethink some of the things I had thought about Biden. It showed that he had a bit more personality than I had assumed and that made me feel amused.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

The main takeaways from the debate are: 1. Biden is suffering from some sort of cognitive decline but still has America's best interest in mind. 2. Trump is still the consummate narcissist and con-man and will say whatever he thinks will make him look the best at the moment. 3. Trump thinks that his base's main gripes with the country are illegal immigration and our spending money on foreign wars. 4. Biden wants to increase taxes on the wealthy and he believes he helped many Americans in regards to health insurance and finding jobs. Point 3 and 1 will be particularly impactful since 3 shows what Trump's platform will mostly be about and 1 will shake the faith of some voters who may have been on the fence in Biden's ability to be an effective president.

Interview 18

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

I felt like Biden made the best points and was largely truthful, but was not the loudest or best talker. I'm afraid that he didn't made a good impression on people who are worried about his age.

Thank you for sharing your initial impression. Would you be able to elaborate a bit more on the moments or statements from Biden that stood out to you? Additionally, could you describe your immediate reaction to these moments?

There were places where his speech impediment seemed to be interfering with his ability to make a clear point. My reaction was sympathy and disappointment.

I see, thank you for sharing that. Can you recall any specific exchanges between the candidates where you felt this had a particular impact? How did these moments influence your impression of Biden and Trump?

Moments where Biden misspoke specific numbers and had to correct himself. my immediate reaction to these moments was a feeling of disappointment and sadness.

Thank you for providing those specifics. In your opinion, how did these moments of uncertainty from Biden compare to Trump's performance during the debate? Did you perceive any particular moments where Trump might have stood out, positively or negatively?

It was easy to see Trump break character and slide back into his obsession with himself, the media, the alleged size of a crowd years ago. He is the same awful person he ever was.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

The argument about golf. That seemed like a caricature of two old white men arguing about something that no one else cares about - a rich old white man's sport. Embarrassing.

It's interesting that you highlighted the golf argument. Could you please elaborate on why that moment felt significant for you? What about this exchange was memorable, and how did it impact your perception of the candidates?

It felt like a reinforcement of how out of touch these guys are with regular people, with women, and with what real problems are. I think Biden knows, but that moment was one where he stooped and I don't think that really helped his argument that he is a skilled leader.

I understand, thank you. If I may ask, do you think this moment significantly shift your opinion about the candidates, or did it primarily confirm your existing perceptions?

It did not shift my perceptions.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I am less excited about Biden than I was before, but it does not change the fact that I will vote for him.

Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either candidate? If yes, could you please elaborate on the factors that contributed to that change?

I had not been as concerned about Biden's age or image as a competent leader before the debate as I was after.

I understand. Could you specify a particular moment or incident during the debate that contributed to your increased concern about Biden's age and competency? Could you describe your emotional reaction during that moment?

I already described the moments where I felt Sorrow, disappointment, hopelessness.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

I am sorry to say that I think Trump's demonization of The Other (immigrants) will continue to make people needlessly afraid and reactionary.

Interview 19

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

Overall I think the debate made Biden look incompetent. It stood out to me that Trump said he did not know what Biden said at one point and he did not think Biden knew either.

Thank you for sharing your impressions. Could you elaborate more on the moments when you felt that Biden looked incompetent? What specific statements or actions led you to this conclusion?

Biden spoke slowly, he had a lost look in his eye, and he lacked enthusiasm.

I see, so the way Biden presented himself had an impact on your perception. Were there any specific exchanges between the candidates or statements made by either candidate, that stood out to you or particularly influenced your impression of them?

Not really but the way Jill walked Joe off stage was almost sad.

It sounds like you paid attention to not only the debate itself but the assorted behaviors surrounding it as well. Could you share more about how Joe Biden being walked off stage by his wife affected your perception of the event?

It again made it look like Joe was a bit lost.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

The discussion about golf was odd and unexpected.

You mentioned that the discussion about golf was unexpected. Could you explain exactly what made the discussion feel so out of place during the debate for you? And did it change your perception about the candidates in any way?

The american people care about a lot of issues and golf is surely not one.

I see, so you felt that the discussion about golf was not relevant to the pressing issues that Americans are concerned about. Could you share if there were other discussions or topics during the debate that you think were more meaningful or important to you or to the public?

I think concerns about illegal immigrants and crime are important.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

The debate made me concerned about Biden's abilities, comprehension, and energy. He just did not present himself well.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You mentioned that Biden's energy and presentation concerned you during the debate. Based on his performance, did it change or confirm any previous views you had of him prior to the debate? Can you pinpoint a particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either candidate?

When Biden did not answer questions about immigration clearly and confidently that caused me concern.

I appreciate your insights. Were there any topics discussed during the debate that made you feel particularly strongly or that resonated with your personal experiences? How did the candidates' views on these topics impact your opinion of them?

Topics about immigration concerned me because of recent violent crimes in the news. Trump seemed more confident and knowledgeable about the issue.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

Trump was well spoken and calm.

Interview 20

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

I think they both had valid points. Biden made the most sense to me.

That's a good starting point. Could you tell me about any specific statements or moments during the debate that particularly caught your attention and why?

I paid special attention to the immigration debate they had. I really favored Trump on that issue.

Thanks for sharing. Could you please elaborate on what it was about Trump's stance or comments on immigration during the debate that resonated with you? What were your immediate reactions to these moments?

he was right about the immigrants getting better care than some Americans and veterans.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Were there any moments or exchanges between Biden and Trump during the debate that particularly influenced your impression of them or shifted your perspectives?

Yes, when Trump said that immigrants are staying in luxury hotels while veterans are homeless.

Thank you. How did this statement from Trump affect your view of him and the issue of immigration in general? Would you also like to comment on how Biden responded to such statements?

I think this statement made me view Trump in a better light. I think Biden should do more about the immigration issue.

Thank you for sharing that. Were there moments during the debate when you felt particularly engaged or disengaged? Could you also tell me how the overall moderation of the debate influenced your experience and perception of it?

I felt like Biden was making a lot of speech mistakes, and the moderators did a good jobs keeping things going when Biden got stuck with his words.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

Biden started off slow and he stammered a lot. He warmed up mid way. He definitely started making valid points towards the end of the debate.

Thanks for elaborating on Biden's performance. You mentioned that he started off slow, but warmed up midway and made valid points by the end. Can you recall the specific point or topic where you noticed a shift in Biden's delivery and why it made an impression on you? And did this shift in his performance influence your opinion about him or the topics discussed, in any way?

yes, he started pointing out how Trump wasn't actually using facts. Biden was using real facts, he made me believe in him and in this nation. Biden was more patriotic towards the end of the debate.

Thank you for elaborating. It's insightful to hear that the use of facts and the level of patriotism displayed by Biden impacted your perception of him. On the note of patriotism, can you share how Biden's display of this quality influenced your opinion of his suitability as a leader? Additionally, were there specific fact-based arguments Biden made that you found particularly persuasive?

Biden questioned, what kind of president would speak the way Trump was speaking. Trump was saying that he wanted some sort of retribution, Biden questioned that use of the word from a president. That really made me look at Trump in a bad way.

That's a significant observation. Clearly, the way the candidates conducted themselves during the debate had an impact. As well as their choice of words. Could you share more about how Biden's question relating to Trump's language influenced your view of both candidates? How important do you think the choice of words and tone is for a presidential candidate?

overall, Trump acted less groomed and was pretty much outclassed by Biden.

Thank you for your observation. Can you elaborate a bit on what specific behaviors or instances led you to perceive Trump as being less groomed or outclassed by Biden? Also, how did these perceptions influence your opinion of both candidates, if at all?

Trump seem to get upset and start speaking less facts at the end of the debate. while Biden became more assertive and factual.

Thank you for elaborating on that. It sounds like the composure of the candidates and their approach to sharing facts were important factors in your perception of the debate. Could you share a moment from the debate when you felt that the candidates' behavior particularly highlighted this difference? How did this moment influence your thoughts on their suitability for presidency?

They both seem to be well over the ideal age for president, in my opinion. But I just think Biden was more prepared and he stuck to the facts. Trump made valid points about immigration, but he also started taking about different leaders that don't like Biden. I think that's more subjective, and he should have been more objective.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

I already had a leaning towards Biden. But I wasn't really sure how I felt about Trump. After watching the debate, it seemed to me that Trump just be saying things for shock and awe value. I definitely see Trump as less of a Presidential figure after watching the debate.

It's quite interesting to hear about your experience. Could you please pinpoint any particular statement or moment during the debate that made you rethink your previous opinion about Trump? In other words, was there a particular incident where you felt Trump was just going for shock and awe value?

when he started saying he was the best at everything when he was in office.

How did it make you feel when Trump made those assertions about his performance in office? Did it provoke a strong reaction in you? Why?

yes, because I know its impossible to be great at everything.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

abortion was an issue, and so was immigration.

Interview 21

To start off, could you share your overall impression of last night's presidential debate between Biden and Trump? Feel free to highlight any moments that stood out to you.

It was insane. I cant believe these two are our nominees. I think overall trump won the debate simply because he had more energy. he was sassy with his comebacks and honestly it was entertaining. biden spoke so slowly and it was hard to understand him sometimes. he was not as sharp as trump. the parts that stood out were comical. for instance when biden said he's looking at a felon on stage and trump nodded was hilarious.

Thank you for your candid response. Going off what you've shared, can you further expound on what struck you as comical? Other than the instance with Biden's comment and Trump's nod, were there other exchanges or statements that caught your attention? How did these moments grab your attention?

there was a part where trump said he didnt understand what joe said and he doesnt think joe knew what he said. another part that stood out was them talking about their health. its crazy they are near the same age but trump sounds lively. joe said he'll play trump if trump carries his own bags. This is crazy to have at a debate. It's funny. it reminds me of veep.

Thank you for sharing more about those moments. It sounds like you found humor in their exchanges, which is an interesting point of view. Could you tell me more about your immediate reactions when these moments happened? For example, were you surprised, amused, or did you have another reaction? And how did these moments align with or differ from your expectations going into the debate?

i was amused throughout because trump was sassy and an idiot. he never answered questions. he let his personality take over. i was not expecting this at a debate. i expect serious convos about serious topics. we did not get that.

Thanks for your response. It seems like the behavior of the candidates during their exchanges had a significant influence on your perception of them. Can you share more about how these moments made you feel, especially in terms of the contrast between the serious conversation you anticipated and the reality of the exchanges? How do these feelings affect your view on the presidential race?

This made me feel disbelief. at this point I do not care who wins. I might even vote for trump myself even though I am a democrat.

Reflecting on the debate, was there a particular moment or aspect that made a significant impression on you? Why do you think that was?

there wasn't a specific moment rather various moments where biden slurred his speech. at that points I feel nothing in the world makes sense.

You mentioned that you were particularly struck by moments where Biden slurred his speech. How did that exactly make you feel, especially as a democrat? Did this observation contribute to your understanding of Biden as a presidential candidate? And how do these moments might influence your final decision towards the election?

it made me feel sad this was our candidate. i dont want him as president. it just made me think we could have done better and it makes me not want to vote joe.

Did the debate influence your opinion or feelings towards either candidate? If so, in what way were you persuaded, and what specifically led to that change?

yes it made me want to vote trump. it was his sassy responses that entertained me.

Thank you for your insights. Can you pinpoint a particular moment or statement during the debate that made you rethink your previous stance or opinion about either candidate? What did they say or do that influenced you this way?

it wasn't any one statement. it was multiples instances where I felt joe wasn't as sharp minded. he looked lost and confused on stage and spoke so slowly at times.

What would you say are the main takeaways from the debate? Are there any points or themes that you think will be particularly impactful for voters?

the key takeaway is joe is not all there. i can understand the nickname sleepy joe now. he was simply lost on that stage. he didn't even have good comebacks to trump. voters will see he is slow.

Conclusion

These insights from persuadable voters interviewed using Engage, our AI Conversation Interview platform, reveal the varied and complex reactions to the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Learn more about how Engage can transform your research.

Key Insights from Engage AI Interviews on the Presidential Debate

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Conclusion

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Personal and Institutional Information

Detailed Research Proposal Questions

Budget and Grant Tier Request

Research Timeline

Key Insights from Engage AI Interviews on the Presidential Debate

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