As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney, dean of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences and political communication scholar, continues to be a prominent voice in the national and international media around debate time. Recognized for his expertise in political communication and presidential debates, McKinney's insights are highly sought after, especially as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump prepare for their first debate on June 27.
C-SPAN Interview: Analyzing Debate History and Expectations
On June 26, 2024, McKinney appeared on C-SPAN to discuss the historical significance of presidential debates and what to anticipate from the upcoming Biden-Trump face-off. Drawing on his extensive research and practical experience, McKinney provided viewers with a comprehensive overview of how debates have shaped past elections and how this one might influence the current political landscape.
WFMJ-TV: The Stakes of the Upcoming Debate
In an interview with WFMJ-TV on June 24, 2024, McKinney emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming debate, predicting a tightly contested election. He highlighted the importance of the debate in helping undecided voters make their decision, noting that every performance could sway the outcome in such a close race.
Time Magazine: Historical Perspectives on Debate Impact
Also on June 24, McKinney's commentary was featured in Time magazine's article on pivotal presidential debates. He examined key moments from past debates, such as Kennedy-Nixon in 1960 and Carter-Reagan in 1980, offering a nuanced view of how these events influenced election results. McKinney explained that while debates often play a crucial role in close elections, their impact can vary based on the candidates' performances and public perceptions.
The New Yorker: Decisive Moments in Debate History
On June 23, 2024, McKinney's analysis appeared in The New Yorker, where he discussed the potential implications of the Biden-Trump debate. He noted that even a small shift in voter attitudes, influenced by a decisive debate performance, could determine the outcome of the election. McKinney's research underscores the importance of these events in razor-thin elections, drawing parallels to the Bush-Gore race in 2000.
Global and Local Influence
Beyond the 2024 election, McKinney's research has had a significant impact on the structure and practice of televised debates both in the U.S. and internationally. As an advisor to the U.S. Commission on Presidential Debates, he was instrumental in developing the presidential town hall debate format. His expertise has also been sought by national election commissions in South Korea, Germany, Great Britain, and New Zealand.
McKinney's work remains at the forefront of political communication scholarship. His frequent commentary for major media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, C-SPAN, NPR, and BBC News further solidifies his reputation as a leading authority on presidential debates.
As we look forward to the upcoming presidential debate, McKinney's insights will undoubtedly help shape the public's understanding and expectations of this crucial event.
Related:
- Bio: Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney
- Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at UA
- School of Communication at UA
Story by: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.