This Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to debate former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia. This marks their first joint appearance this election period, making it critical for both candidates to effectively communicate their platforms.

After President Joe Biden’s underwhelming debate in June, the Democrats are eager for a fresh start and hope for improved outcomes with Harris at the forefront. However, there are still voters who are not familiar with her, making this debate an important opportunity.

A recent Harvard Youth Poll indicated that 16% of voters aged 18-29 were undecided leading up to this election. This debate could clarify the positions of each candidate for young voters and those from Generation Z.

My aspiration for this debate is that the presidential candidates will prioritize discussing their policy ideas rather than exchanging insults. Given Trump’s track record, that may be a challenge. Yet, it’s crucial we hear some details about their campaigns amidst any personal attacks from the former president.

Will Trump repeat his misleading statements on abortion? Can Harris seize the moment?

Abortion stands out as a significant issue in this election cycle. A New York Times/Siena College survey found it to be the primary concern for 23% of young voters in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

This should be a straightforward topic for Democrats, especially after Biden’s unclear response in the June debate. I hope to see a full discussion on this matter: detailing plans to codify Roe v. Wade into law while emphasizing its importance for the campaign.

For Trump, it will be crucial to maintain a clear message. Recently, he suggested support for a Florida initiative that seeks to expand abortion rights. This is the same individual who has proudly claimed responsibility for appointing the justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, which raises skepticism about his sincerity.

In the previous debate, Trump made claims about abortions occurring “in the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after birth.” Expect more misleading statements in the upcoming debate.

Both candidates must address immigration issues

Immigration remains a top priority this election, as a majority of Americans aged 18-29 feel there is a crisis at the southern border.

Gallup reports that 55% of citizens believe immigration should decrease.

During the last debate, Trump heavily emphasized immigration, claiming, “We have the largest number of terrorists coming into our country right now.”

As a progressive, I hope for less alarmist rhetoric regarding undocumented individuals. It’s essential to focus on actual policies rather than using fearmongering tactics.

This means Trump should be held accountable for attempting to undermine a bipartisan border security proposal that included funds for his border wall.

Harris supports similar provisions as those found in that bill, but I also want to hear her share how the Biden administration is managing this situation and her plans for a more efficient immigration system.

Democrats face challenges regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict

According to Harvard’s research, a significant portion of young people are in favor of a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has become a tough topic for Democrats and is one where Republicans have not yet presented a clear stance.

Conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 12,000 Israeli casualties. This serious issue is particularly pertinent as we approach the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and it appears unlikely that a resolution will be reached in the near future.

Kamala Harris has indicated that she and President Biden are striving for a cease-fire in the area; she is perceived to be more sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinian people. To resonate with the majority of Democrats and persuade undecided voters, she should emphasize her commitment to ending the conflict and outline her strategy for achieving this if elected.

Donald Trump has mostly avoided discussing the Israel-Hamas conflict, apart from asserting that Harris would handle the situation even worse. He has claimed that he is the only one capable of preventing World War III, asserting that a Harris presidency could lead to the demise of Israel within two years. This statement is quite extreme.

Trump should clarify how he intends to collaborate with Israel rather than evading the topic or making bold accusations against Harris. However, given his track record, I’m not very optimistic.

Stay updated by following YSL News elections columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly known as Twitter, @sara__pequeno.