Students Reluctant to Watch Presidential Debate

Monday night’s debate will give the American public a chance to step away from the headlines and hear each candidate defend their own policies on the national stage. With Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump with in two points of each other on some national polls, many are expecting these debates to impact the outcome of the election. However, after asking students from Twitter if they were planning on watching the debate, less than 50 percent said yes.

Please answer this poll for an upcoming story:

Are you planning on watching the presidential debate on Monday?

— Robinson Knights (@RobinsonKnights) September 23, 2016

For Liliam Clavijo (’17), watching the debate is an opportunity to see how the issues most important to her are viewed by each candidate. To Clavijo, immigration and global terrorism are top priorities.

“The stances are so completely different [between the candidates] with the refugees and terrorists,” Clavijo said. “I think [the debates] are more important in this election than any past elections.”

However, some students have become so disillusioned with the election, that they do not plan on watching the debate, despite being concerned about the issues.

“There’s nothing intelligent that is going to come out… of either of the candidates,” said Graham Willoughby (’18), who sees significant flaws in both Clinton and Trump. “It’s a mess.”

Like Willoughby, Deborah Goncalves (’18), is also disappointed with the campaign. However, she sees value in watching the debate and staying informed.

“Honestly, I think it is one of the most ridiculous elections of this nation,” Goncalves said. “But I still keep up with it. The fact is that this election will be a part of our futures… A lot can happen in four years with a President.”

The debate will be held on Monday, Sept. 26 at 9 pm. The topics will be chosen by NBC Nightly News anchor Lestor Holt and will be broadcast from Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY.