Debate Night 2024: Watching with Purpose and Perspective

Photo by Lucas Sankey on Unsplash

As we prepare to watch the presidential debate on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump on ABC, let’s approach it with an open mind and a critical eye. The goal is to figure out who is truly best suited to serve in the Oval Office based on where we are today and what lies ahead.

Before tuning in, take a moment to reflect on where you stand in your finances, family, and faith. What matters most to you? What are the top three issues you need to hear about in this debate? Personally, I’ll be listening closely for discussions on immigration reform, women’s rights, and social justice. After that, I’m looking for insight on healthcare, foreign policy, and taxes. Your list might focus on other priorities like human rights, housing, or education.

Write down your top three and use that as your lens during the debate. It’s important that we watch with intention and clarity, paying attention to these key factors:

1. Clarity of Policy Positions

• Are the candidates offering detailed, realistic solutions to key issues like the economy, healthcare, education, or social justice?
• Do their plans seem practical, or are they more about political rhetoric?

2. Style of Communication

• Are they clear and concise in presenting their ideas?
• How do they handle pressure? Are they poised or defensive?

3. Facts Matter

• Are they presenting accurate information or throwing out false claims?
• Are they digging deep into domestic and foreign issues, or just scratching the surface?

4. Consistency

• Do their positions today align with what they’ve stood for in the past, or are they flip-flopping?

5. Respect and Civility

• Do they show emotional intelligence? Are they empathetic and understanding of the issues affecting diverse communities, including social justice, civil rights, and inclusion?

6. Vision for the Future

• Do they present a vision that aligns with your values? Are they thinking about future generations?

7. Leadership Qualities

• Do they show strong leadership traits like decisiveness and the ability to collaborate across party lines?

Additional Considerations:

• How do they address voter rights?
• How do they view media accountability?
• What are their thoughts on immigration, women’s rights, and social justice reform?

Once the debate is over, do your due diligence. Fact-check what was said. Were they truthful? Did they answer the questions directly, or did they avoid them? How did they handle the tough moments?

I’d love to hear your thoughts as we navigate this election cycle together. Let’s keep the conversation going — drop your insights below!

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