41 Action News asked student voters at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Rockhurst University what they are looking for when Hillary Clinton faces off against Donald Trump in tonight’s first presidential debate.
The overwhelming focus is on personal traits over policy.
“I’m hoping that Hillary will be more personable and relatable so we can get to see that side of her more,” said UMKC student and Clinton supporter Trevor Thorton, “and that Trump will be able to express his thoughts without yelling.”
According to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, 34% of voters are still undecided.
Alan Adams is among the undecided voters looking to Monday’s Hofstra University debate to swing his vote.
“I’m really just looking for sincerity to be completely honest,” said Adams, a UMKC senior. “If they can give me something that I feel they really mean and is not really something to capture the public or the popular vote…”
Adams says he’s also looking for tangible policy.
“A plan of action that seems realistic,” said Adams
Some Donald Trump supporters, like Rockhurst political science student Steven Amrein, are hoping for a tamed Trump.
“I hope that he just comes out civilized,” said Amrein. “He just can’t be off the chart like he was in the republican primary.”
Amrein will be looking for both candidates to stick to facts.
“You’ve got to know your facts. You’ve got to know what you’re saying and you can’t lie to the American people,” said Amrein.
POLL: Who do you think will win tonight's presidential debate?
— 41 Action News (@41ActionNews) September 26, 2016
Clinton supporter Paul Hughes believes Clinton’s strategy will be to show she is the more professional choice. Hughes calls himself a “#NeverTrump” voter, but admits candidate performance could soften his stance.
“If [Trump] can actually get hard data and elaborate on his policies, maybe I’ll consider him,” said Hughes.
---
Brian Abel can be reached at brian.abel@kshb.com.
