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The �þ��� Los Angeles hosted a presidential debate viewing, not focused on political ideology but on public perception of the candidates.

Brad Lemack, director of �þ��� Los Angeles, hosted fall semester students, alumni, Los Angeles Bridges program participants, staff and faculty for the debate watch and a post-debate discussion about how the two candidates, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump, scored on their branding, their performance and the impact of their presentation on the ABC News event.

For many students, it was their first time viewing a presidential debate; some shared that they had limited political knowledge or prior interest, making this event a timely opportunity to analyze the debate from business, communication and public relations perspectives.

�þ��� made several insightful observations after the viewing, commenting on various elements, such as wardrobe, set design, the role of the moderators, debate format and the impact of muted microphones. Chris Holt ’25 observed that Trump wore a traditional red, white and blue pin, while Harris opted for a gold flag pin, leading to a discussion about how subtle choices contribute to a candidate’s branding. Edgar Ramirez Luna ’25 noted how Trump frequently used his time to respond to Harris, while Doug Baker ’25 remarked on Harris’s quick, precise and targeted communication, which he attributed to her focused preparation.

Entertainment PR professor Mitch Messinger shared his experience as a White House intern during the George W. Bush administration, which provided a valuable insight into the political campaign process.

“Debates seldom change voters’ minds, as most tend to focus on what aligns with their preexisting views,” said Messinger, providing an important perspective for attendees to consider in the conversation about their assessment of the candidate’s performances.

The goal of this �þ��� Los Angeles gathering was to create awareness among students that their voices, and, more importantly, their votes, matter. For many in attendance, they will be casting their first vote in a presidential election in November. Doug Baker ’25 had an evening more than well-spent: “After watching the debate, I feel more encouraged to make sure that I vote,” said Baker.

For more than 16 years, Elon University has offered specialized, career-focused and immersive academic programming and internship opportunities for students in domestic National �þ��� locations. The endeavor began with �þ��� Los Angeles, under the umbrella of Study USA and the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center, in 2008. Enrollment for the �þ��� Los Angeles spring and summer 2025 programs is now underway. Visit the Los Angeles National �þ��� site for information.

�þ��� is hosting many events for Election 2024 aiming to promote civic discourse and engagement in the democratic process on campus. More information on upcoming events can be found here.