The countdown to Tuesday’s presidential debate is underway as the two candidates, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris, meet for the first time in person.
The debate between Trump, a Republican, and Harris, a Democrat, will take place at 9 p.m. Tuesday and will be hosted by ABC News.
According to CBS News, the Biden campaign had requested that the candidates’ microphones be muted when their opponent was speaking during the June debate between Biden and Trump. Due to that request, Trump’s campaign opposed changing the rules for the upcoming debate, requiring both Trump and Harris to have muted mics during the live debate. Harris agreed.
The controversial back and forth conversations and disagreements between the two parties has left many voters with unanswered questions and numerous concerns.
There are many who want some answers and details on issues from both candidates during the upcoming debate.
Jered Butler, a first-year radiologic technology major at Tallahassee State College, is eager to hear what Harris and Trump have to say.
“With the presidential debate approaching, I’m really looking forward to hearing what both candidates are planning to do as far as policy, specifically on student loan forgiveness. With the recent pause in the student loan forgiveness program from the Biden administration, it has left a lot of students like myself in a limbo state of what to expect next,” he said.
There are plenty of students who have these same concerns. Some also said they would like to see a change in inflation costs as well.
“My concerns are more about the youth and how their plans will affect us since we will be the next ‘adult generation. How will they decrease inflation and increase pay wages so that the cost of living is affordable and enjoyable?” said Ciara Lewis, an integrated marketing communications major at Florida State University.
Harris has said it is important it is to get the new generation’s opinions and viewpoints on what needs to be done in order to make America a great country.
Nick Maddox, a Leon County commissioner, said he is more interested in learning what students have to say since the students are the future leaders. Maddox said the generations coming up will be taking over and that those are the opinions that matter the most.
Affordable college, affordable health insurance and better job opportunities are some of the main concerns voiced by students in Tallahassee, along with affordable food and gas.
“My main concern is how are they going to make big changes in policy and funding to solve the massive affordable housing crisis,” Leon County Commissioner, David O’Keefe said.
Harris reassured voters that her main focus for the debate is communicating with voters. Harris has said she is more than ready for the debate with Trump.