Was this debate a turning point?

Debates don't often matter in elections, but with a strong performance, Harris might have turned some voters. Will it be enough?

As a long-time political campaign manager, I've never put much stock in debates.

The reason? Most people who tune in have already made up their minds.

From an organizer’s perspective, debates can be more of a hassle. They pull candidates away from what matters—knocking on doors and meeting with undecided voters.

Two nights ago, I went to a private debate-watching party with about twenty people to watch the first Harris/Trump debate. Every single one of them was already decided. For them, the debate was just confirmation of what they already believed.

As I mentioned in my last post, Kamala Harris had the most to lose in this debate. I said that for her to come out on top, she needed to avoid getting sucked into Trump’s provocations and instead speak to middle Americans and independents. If she managed that, I argued, she'd win the debate.

But winning a debate and swaying voters are two different things. While she may have moved a few people, I’m not convinced this debate will have a major impact on how people vote on November 5.