By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Emporia State University political scientist Michael Smith saw Thursday night's debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden as closing the deal with the converted more so than getting true undecideds to decide.
"There are very few voters who are 50-50 undecided, right in the middle of the road," Smith said. "There might be one or two, but they're very, very rare. Most undecideds, especially at this point are actually leaning toward a candidate and waiting for that candidate to close the deal."
Smith saw Trump as being somewhat effective at closing the deal for his base Thursday.
"I don't think he persuaded any Biden supporters or any Biden leaners," Smith said. "Yes, Trump appeared a bit more presidential last night, especially in the first half of the debate. Folks that may have been a little bit concerned about his behavior, for example, in the first debate, he may have closed the deal with them."
Smith was less clear on whether Biden was a closer with his leaners Thursday.
"I'm not sure what their issue is, that he hasn't closed the deal," Smith said. "I do think that Biden had a pretty good presence. In particular, although they are both in their seventies, Biden's been hit harder with allegations about his age and I thought Biden has had good presence in the debates and on the campaign trail. I noticed that Trump didn't try to even bring that up last night."
The election is November 3.