Thursday’s televised presidential debate between presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and his Republican counterpart Donald Trump offered potential voters their first comparison of the candidates vying for a second term in the White House.
“Right now we’re choosing between the last two presidents,” said voter Dylan Luna, who we spoke to at Campbell’s B-Pizazz Barber Shop.
Luna says the economy and rising inflation are the dinner table issues that will determine who he votes for in November.
“I want a clear plan to move the economy forward. Inflation has been going through the roof in recent years. Doing something as simple as going out to eat is really draining the dollar for a lot of people,” he says. said.
Customer Damyon Thompson says he plans to watch the debate on Thursday, hoping for a decent and substantive discussion.
“A civilized debate. Less personal attacks. Less name calling. More of a substantive debate on the issues. Less personal stuff. That’s what I’m looking for in the debate,” he said.
Thompson said it’s not yet clear how much influence a mid-summer debate will ultimately have on a decision made in late fall.
According to him, it is much more likely that the candidates will fight each other without being knocked out. He tries to keep it interesting, at least for the voters watching at home.
“I’m not expecting a knockout tonight. I think people are already entrenched on their side. They know what they’re looking for,” Thompson said. “But in the coming months, during the summer, something may happen in world events or in the economy that shifts the direction.”
The barbershop’s longtime owner, Belinda Bush, says she’s largely made up her mind, but encourages all of the shop’s customers to look, listen and decide for themselves.
“They’re both old. But you have to look at… I look at who benefits me,” Bush said.
And whether they like it or not, the American public is getting a political rematch between two candidates who each served one term and are now hoping for a second.
“It’s a little disappointing that we don’t get a new face from either side,” Luna said.
Devin Fehely
