The New York Times surveyed undecided voters following Tuesday's presidential debate, finding that a majority remained unmoved by either candidate's performance.
A new survey of undecided voters conducted by The New York Times reveals that Tuesday's presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris failed to sway a majority of their opinions.
Interviews conducted with voters in five states indicated that many were left underwhelmed by both candidates' performances.
Undecided Voters Split on Trump-Harris Debate Performance
"It was all disappointing," said Sharon Reed, a retired teacher from Pennsylvania.
Despite Trump's claims of voter fraud and allegations of migrants stealing and eating pets in Ohio, voter Shavanaka Kelly of Wisconsin found his statements difficult to take seriously.
Undecided Voters Split on Trump-Harris Debate Performance
"She didn't, kind of, separate herself," Kelly said of Harris, adding that she remained undecided.
A couple from Pennsylvania expressed disappointment in the lack of detailed policy solutions offered by both candidates.
Undecided Voters Split on Trump-Harris Debate Performance
"Mr. Trump's tariffs and Ms. Harris's aid to young families and small businesses — would help a couple like them, living on a fixed income that has not kept pace with inflation," the Times reported.
However, after the debate, Sharon and her husband, Bob, both 77 years old, questioned the potential costs of the candidates' policies.
Undecided Voters Split on Trump-Harris Debate Performance
Interviews with undecided voters over the past several months indicated that Harris was perceived as more presidential than Trump.
"Trump had the more commanding presentation," said Jason Henderson from Arizona. "There was nothing done by Harris that made me think she's better. In any way."
Despite the general lack of enthusiasm, two voters did express a change in their views after the debate.
North Carolina resident Kristen Morris, previously intrigued by Harris, decided to vote for the vice president after the debate.
"My expectations have been met," Morris said.
On the other hand, Keilah Miller of Milwaukee said she felt "nudged unexpectedly toward Trump."
"Trump's pitch was a little more convincing than hers," Miller said. "I guess I'm leaning more on his facts than her vision."
The survey also highlighted that fact-checking played a role in the debate. ABC News moderators fact-checked Trump four times during the 90-minute event but did not correct Harris once.
The findings suggest that undecided voters remain largely undecided after the debate, with both candidates failing to make significant inroads with this critical group.
