Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are preparing for their first presidential debate scheduled for September 10.
Nate French, a political communications expert at Wake Forest University, is available to comment on the importance of the timing of this debate and its potential impact on the candidates’ campaigns. French, an associate teaching professor who specializes in North Carolina politics and the 2024 presidential race, will provide analysis both before and after the debate, focusing on which issues are likely to resonate with voters and assessing the candidates’ performance.
French emphasizes the significance of both verbal and nonverbal communication during the debate. “This debate will hinge on who appears more presidential and who can effectively communicate their readiness to lead,” he stated. “Did they manage to sway undecided voters or solidify their support base, and which candidate articulated their message more effectively?”
Key topics expected to arise in the debate include the economy, immigration, and reproductive rights.
French also highlights the debate’s timing as a critical factor. “This debate takes place very close to the election, which is significant. Early voting is about to begin in North Carolina and other states,” he explained. “This matchup is unique, especially in terms of gender dynamics. We’ve seen Hillary Clinton on the debate stage before, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen another woman contesting against Trump. His prior debate with President Biden was strong, but it remains to be seen if he will replicate that performance. Observers will be keen to see how both candidates respond to the questions posed by the moderator and handle the millions of viewers at home.”
French’s insights have been featured in several media outlets, including WGHP Fox 8 and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, among others.
The debate will be broadcast live on Tuesday, September 10 at 9:00 p.m. EDT, hosted by ABC News.
Additionally, a vice presidential debate will follow on October 1, featuring Democratic candidate Tim Walz from Minnesota, Harris’s choice, and Republican candidate JD Vance from Ohio, Trump’s pick.
Early in-person voting in North Carolina is set to run from October 17 to November 2, with the general election taking place on November 5.
For those interested in scheduling an interview with Nate French, media inquiries can be directed to Keri Brown through the provided contact details.
Wake Forest University, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., is dedicated to academic excellence and service to humanity, housing nearly 9,000 students across its various programs and locations globally. Established in 1834, it strives to foster leaders with character and integrity.