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First Presidential Debate

How will the debate on Tuesday night impact the decisions of uncertain voters?

Sep 9, 2024

2 min

The race for presidency ramps up this week. Millions of Americans will tune in Tuesday night to the first – and potentially only – presidential debate between former president Donald Trump and current vice president Kamala Harris. Will this debate push uncertain voters toward a decision?

Political expert, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, has stated the importance of the upcoming debate in the decisions of voters, especially in key swing states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. In a recent interview, he spoke on how voters are deciding on a candidate. Here are a few key points:

Some voters, often referred to as “late-deciders,” have yet to settle on a candidate, either because they aren’t plugged into current political events or because they don’t have strong feelings about either option. Will the presidential debate be the key to candidates informing voters and creating a lasting impression?
Since the integration of television into the election cycle, voters seem to be making their decision based on feelings and perceptions of the candidates, rather than on policies. How will the muted microphone rule put in place for this debate affect the public’s perceptions of each candidate?
The outcome of key swing states, such as Georgia and Pennsylvania, may determine the vote of other swing states, based on national trends. What direction will these states lean after Tuesday night?

If you are a journalist looking to cover the presidential debate or election season, look no further than our knowledgeable experts for help.

Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding the first presidential debate, voters and the upcoming election. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

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Mark Caleb Smith, Ph.D.

Professor of Political Science

Dr. Smith is an expert in American politics, campaigns & elections, and constitutional law.

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Sep 18, 2026

2 min

From the Pump to the Bond Market: Why Rising Oil Prices Matter for Borrowing Costs

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Sep 21, 2026

1 min

White House Pushes Back on Calls for Broader AI Safety Guardrails

As calls grow from technology leaders, researchers and lawmakers for stronger artificial intelligence safety rules, the White House is signaling a different priority: keeping the United States at the forefront of AI innovation. The administration has pushed back on proposals that could slow development or create sweeping federal approval requirements for new models, arguing that excessive regulation could weaken America’s competitive position—especially against China. That does not mean the administration is ignoring AI-related risks. Its approach emphasizes national security, cybersecurity and enforcement against criminal misuse of AI. Recent White House action has encouraged voluntary collaboration between government and AI developers to assess the cyber capabilities of advanced models, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen defenses against malicious actors. But the framework specifically avoids mandatory licensing or government preclearance before companies develop or release new AI systems. The debate raises important questions for business leaders, policymakers and the public: How can innovation move quickly without sacrificing security, privacy and public trust? And where should responsibility rest—within individual companies, through voluntary government-industry partnerships or through enforceable federal safeguards?