Kamala Harris Loses CNN Town Hall in Lieu of Losing a Debate
October 27, 2024.png)
Key Takeaways
- Harris's CNN town hall solidifies pre-existing negative views for most, and the remaining small portion shifting from neutrality to opposition.
- Most Independent and undecided voters strongly prefer other candidates like Trump or say they’re not voting.
- Voters are unhappy with Harris’s performance, citing lack of clarity, unwillingness to accept accountability, and feelings of distrust.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
68,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
1 Day
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
A CNN town hall with Kamala Harris, hosted by Anderson Cooper, foments skepticism and disillusionment toward her candidacy. Across the board, responses indicate her performance failed to sway voters who are already critical of her. Many vocally express their preferences for Trump or suggest they will abstain from voting.
😂 David Axelrod on Kamala's Town Hall: "When she doesn’t want to answer, she goes to 'WORD SALAD CITY.'"
— Beats in Brief (@beatsinbrief) October 24, 2024
Anderson asked about Israel—“Would she be stronger than Trump?” After seven minutes, we were still lost in the salad and never got to the dressing! #CNNTownHall pic.twitter.com/vyDl3C5y6r
Propensity to Vote
MIG Reports data shows a strong inclination away from support for Kamala Harris. Only about 20% of online discussions express any intent to vote for her. Even these comments often mixed support with a sense of reluctance or criticism.
Between 50-69% voice a preference other than Harris—mainly Trump. About 25% say they are completely indifferent to voting at all, citing feelings of disillusionment with the entire political landscape. These individuals are frustrated with both major parties and feeling alienated by the current state of U.S. politics.
Kamala Harris: "I may not have the answer as soon as you ask it about a specific policy sometimes because I'm gonna want to research it...I'm kind of a nerd sometimes ha ha ha ha ha! I confess!" pic.twitter.com/Rsa7zRQJvn
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 24, 2024
.png)
Calcified Perspectives
Most voters responding to Harris’s town halls have already formed strong opinions. They say her performance only solidifies these existing views. Her answers during the broadcast entrench long-held frustrations, particularly around her credibility and leadership.
Many also say her media appearances only confirm their intention to vote for Trump or another candidate. Issues like immigration, economic management, and her consistent evasiveness during when questioned only further cement negative views.
Those who have changed their minds say their perspectives have shifted from neutrality or mild curiosity to one of firm opposition. For these voters, Harris’s responses—particularly on issues like the border and economic policies—lack depth and authenticity, leading them to reject her candidacy altogether.
.png)
.png)
First-Person vs. Third-Person
An analysis of first-person versus third-person language usage sheds light on the emotional investment and detachment voters feel toward Harris.
First-person comments are highly personal, voicing frustration or disillusionment with things like, “I will vote for Trump,” “I vehemently disagree with Harris.” These comments frame reactions within the voter’s own experiences and personal stakes. This suggests people view the election as having direct consequences for their lives.
Most of the discussion is presented using third-person language, using a more detached and analytical tone. Voters critique Harris’s candidacy from a distance, frequently referring to her in broad terms like, “Harris is incompetent,” “Her campaign is a disaster.” This shift puts distance between their personal experience and Harris as a symbol of the political establishment.
Kamala’s town hall was so bad even CNN is calling her out? pic.twitter.com/h2NPy0iSUk
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) October 24, 2024
.png)
How Voter Talk About Harris
Voters use words like “liar,” “fraud,” and “disaster” to describe Harris, painting her as an ineffective politician and failed leader. They say they feel betrayal and that Harris and the Democratic Party are out of touch or elitist.
Comments focusing on specific policy critiques—such as Harris’s stance on border security—often contain fear-based rhetoric, invoking terms like “drug cartels” and “terrorists” to amplify a sense of urgency and failure. Meanwhile, more reflective comments question Harris’s integrity and authenticity, with some calling for greater accountability and transparency from political leaders in general.
jesus -- Dana Bash says she's hearing from people that Harris failed "to close the deal." These folks are gonna bothsides us straight into fascism. pic.twitter.com/XwGpxWKj8q
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 24, 2024
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
_.png)
_.png)
_.png)