On September 29, President Donald Trump and Former Vice President Joe Biden went head to head at the first Presidential Debate held at the Case Western Reserve University. With only 29 days until the Presidential Election, the debate left voters in a spiral of emotions. Now, with recent news of Trump’s COVID diagnosis, voters across the nation are left wondering what America’s next move will be.

The debates, as many viewers saw, were modified to follow CDC guidelines. Trump and Biden were separated and not allowed to shake hands, but they got to discuss significant issues facing America. The debate touched on the Black Lives Matter movement, the climate crisis, Coronavirus, and health care. Yet, by the end of the night, Americans perhaps had more questions than answers.

“Honestly, I thought the debate was like reality TV,” says Stockton student, Lileni Carrasco. “I’m voting for Biden because I disagree with Trump. He said the protests brought more violence. I don’t see it this way. The protests create awareness of what’s going on, such as discrimination against the black community.”

Another Stockton student, Nic McNaughton, said the debate made him anxious. “Trump had no right to speak over Biden, but Biden calling the president a “clown” and telling him to “shut up” made my gut turn, considering he was on live TV.” McNaughton, unlike many of his peers, will vote for a third-party candidate, Jo Jorgenson. “Jorgenson would be a great leader. She is less childish, wants to decriminalize drugs, cut government spending to reduce taxes, and wants to repeal the number of quotas with the number of people who can legally enter the United States.”

By early Friday morning, most students had found their consensus about Tuesday nights debate, until things took a turn once again. President Trump tweeted that he and the first lady tested positive for COVID-19.

“I was very worried about our president,” says Stockton student Jared DeWolf. “He seems to be doing better. I believe he will be a great source and spokesperson about this virus, considering he went through this.”

A Stockton student who wishes to remain anonymous said they felt the debate was more of a comedy show, rather than a civil debate. “I’m voting for Trump because he has provided millions of jobs,” the student said. “I also want him to continue his immigration enforcement. He’s done more in his almost four years in office and can bring so much more improvement before 2024.”

Many students shared different perspectives on the 2020 presidential election, and now, Trump’s own COVID-19 diagnosis. Soon enough, Americans will cast their votes and determine the future of our nation. For now, students can register to vote by visiting state.nj.us. The deadline to register is October 13.