The first presidential debate between the candidates might also sway voters here in central Illinois, especially those who are still undecided.
“I mainly look for intelligence, um and also family values is really important to me.”
Jennifer Milthaer is an undecided voter, and paid close attention to Monday night’s debate.
“During some points, they were really respectful of each other, you know, you get both ends of the spectrum I think,” Milthaer said.
She’s one of the estimated 80 million people who tuned in for the debate, with each candidate looking to pick up the undecided vote.
“There’s very few people who are undecided, for them, last night may have made a bit of a difference.”
Megan Remmel is a political science professor at Bradley University.
She says the debate was tough at times for both parties, and doesn’t think either picked up many new supporters.
“There are a number of people who say they’re undecided, but are actually kind of leaning in one direction or another but need that final push,” Remmel said.
She says their final decision might come down to personality rather than policies.
“More so in Trump, I think he shows his true self more so than Clinton, I think she puts on a fake act a lot of times,” Milthaer said.
“I thought Hillary did an outstanding job and Donald Trump just sounded like a Bully,” said Clinton supporter, James Taylor.
Those are big factors for those who might be voting as early as Thursday.
“They are trying to figure out who they want personality wise, and Donald Trump has some of the charisma, the personality that people have wanted,” Remmel said.
Personalities that are sparking more interest, and could bring more people to the polls in November.
“It does say something about how bizarre this election is, if something close to Superbowl numbers showed up to watch these two candidates,” Remmel said.
Only about 8 to 10 percent of people are actually undecided voters and Remmel says both candidates will try to appeal to them.
