As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney, dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and political communication scholar, continues to be a prominent voice in the national and international media around debate time. Recognized for his expertise in political communication and presidential debates, McKinney's insights are highly sought after.
The Vice Presidential debate between Senator J.D. Vance (OH) and Governor Tim Walz (MN) took place October 1, 2024.
WFMJ-TV: Vice Presidential debate recap
October 2, 2024 - McKinney said that both candidates delivered strong performances, focusing on policy and avoiding major missteps. McKinney noted that Vance adopted a "kinder, gentler" Republican tone, contrasting with Trump’s typical rhetoric. Vance also acknowledged the need for the GOP to regain women’s trust, particularly on the topic of abortion. Walz, meanwhile, presented himself in a "folksy" manner, which complemented his image as a common man.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump prepare for their first debate on September 10, 2024.
C-SPAN Interview: Previewing the Second 2024 Presidential Debate
September 10, 2024 - McKinney reflected on the impact of the previous presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden and highlighted how that debate significantly shifted the trajectory of the race, culminating in Biden's decision to withdraw from re-election. Looking ahead to the upcoming debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, McKinney forecasted a pivotal moment in the campaign, noting that the contrasting styles and messages of the two candidates would offer voters a clear comparative assessment. He also emphasized the tightness of the race and the potential for this debate to sway undecided voters, citing historical precedents where debates played decisive roles in close elections.
WFMJ-TV: Could the presidential debate make or break the race?
September 10, 2024 - McKinney discussed the high stakes of the upcoming presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. He emphasized that, with the race being incredibly close, this debate could significantly influence the outcome of the 2024 election. He also explained how debates have historically played a pivotal role in close contests, shaping voter perceptions and decisions in the final stretch. He pointed out that undecided and not firmly committed voters will be closely watching, making the debate a critical moment for both campaigns.
ABC News Article: Memorable Moments from Political Debates Past
September 10, 2024 - ABC News highlights key moments in political debate history that have shaped U.S. elections, with experts including McKinney noting that debates offer candidates the chance to either boost or damage their campaigns. From the groundbreaking Kennedy-Nixon debates in 1960 to more recent confrontations, debates have provided memorable and sometimes game-changing exchanges.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump prepare for their first debate on June 27, 2024.
ABC News Interview: Presidential Debates' Impact on Voters
June 26, 2024 -- McKinney discussed how presidential debates shape voter perceptions. Interviewed by ABC News’ Linsey Davis, one of the journalists who would later moderate the Harris-Trump debate, McKinney highlighted the importance of debates in giving voters a direct comparison of the candidates' leadership, policies, and communication styles. He emphasized that debates are particularly influential in tight races, where strong performances can sway undecided voters, while missteps can severely damage a campaign’s momentum leading up to Election Day.
C-SPAN Interview: Analyzing Debate History and Expectations
June 26, 2024 - McKinney appeared on C-SPAN to discuss the historical significance of presidential debates and what to anticipate from the upcoming Biden-Trump face-off. Drawing on his extensive research and practical experience, McKinney provided viewers with a comprehensive overview of how debates have shaped past elections and how this one might influence the current political landscape.
WFMJ-TV: The Stakes of the Upcoming Debate
June 24, 2024 - In an interview with WFMJ-TV, McKinney emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming debate, predicting a tightly contested election. He highlighted the importance of the debate in helping undecided voters make their decision, noting that every performance could sway the outcome in such a close race.
Time Magazine: Historical Perspectives on Debate Impact
June 24, 2024 - McKinney's commentary was featured in Time magazine's article on pivotal presidential debates. He examined key moments from past debates, such as Kennedy-Nixon in 1960 and Carter-Reagan in 1980, offering a nuanced view of how these events influenced election results. McKinney explained that while debates often play a crucial role in close elections, their impact can vary based on the candidates' performances and public perceptions.
The New Yorker: Decisive Moments in Debate History
June 23, 2024 - McKinney's analysis appeared in The New Yorker, where he discussed the potential implications of the Biden-Trump debate. He noted that even a small shift in voter attitudes, influenced by a decisive debate performance, could determine the outcome of the election. McKinney's research underscores the importance of these events in razor-thin elections, drawing parallels to the Bush-Gore race in 2000.
Global and Local Influence
Beyond the 2024 election, McKinney's research has had a significant impact on the structure and practice of televised debates both in the U.S. and internationally. As an advisor to the U.S. Commission on Presidential Debates, he was instrumental in developing the presidential town hall debate format. His expertise has also been sought by national election commissions in South Korea, Germany, Great Britain, and New Zealand.
McKinney's work remains at the forefront of political communication scholarship. His frequent commentary for major media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, C-SPAN, NPR, and BBC News further solidifies his reputation as a leading authority on presidential debates.
As we look forward to the upcoming presidential debate, McKinney's insights will undoubtedly help shape the public's understanding and expectations of this crucial event.
Related:
- Bio: Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney
- Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at 暗黑爆料
- School of Communication at 暗黑爆料
Story by: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.