Opinion: Political Needle Remains Unmoved in Gubernatorial, Senatorial Debates

In today's polarized political climate, convincing a sliver of swing voters or independents to change their vote seems more and more difficult as Americans file to their respective tribes and turnout and voter motivation are just as crucial in 2022 than any other time in history.

But the reality is that most people watching Florida's recent Senatorial and Gubernatorial debates probably didn't change their votes based on the performance of any of the candidates. Despite the lengthy diatribes by Florida's legacy liberal media outlets like the Orlando Sentinel, many people failed to tune to in, and those who did most likely had their mind made up.

True, DeSantis' decorum presented him as a dodger and even a little less effective on stage with an opponent than at his many blustering, swaggering pressers. Val Demings as well appeared to be totally whiplashed by Rubio's knowledge of policy, as the Congresswoman provided more platitudes and generalities on issues like Ukraine and China than real substance. Rubio also projected real knowledge regarding how the Federal government responds and shouls respond to storms in Florida while Demings tended to focus on emotionality, cloning Rubio's own childhood story about his working class parents.

In the end, Sean Freeder, an assistant professor of political science at the University of North Florida, agrees with the assessment that "both candidates performed evenly enough that each group of their supporters will probably feel as if their candidates won the debate."

Ultimately voters will make the final decision on November 8, 2022.