KENDALL, Fla. – Tuesday’s presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump drew significant attention from South Florida voters, who gathered at various watch parties across the region to evaluate their performances.
A Local 10 News crew heard from voters at a sports bar in Kendall who were closely watching the debate.
“His rhetoric isn’t as confident. It’s not as concise” said State Rep. Kevin Chambliss. “He reminds of a boxer that’s on the ropes.
In contrast, Republicans in Fort Lauderdale shared their frustration with what they perceived as a biased approach from the moderators.
“This is a three-on-one debate with the reporters and Kamala all attacking Trump, ”said Frank Kobylov, a member of the Young Republicans of Broward County. “They’ll try to fact-check Trump on every move he makes, but they haven’t fact-checked Kamala once.”
The debate covered several significant topics, including abortion, which is particularly pertinent in Florida as voters prepare to decide on a constitutional amendment in November.
Harris argued that abortion decisions should be left to patients, their families, and their doctors.
This stance was met with approval from many Democrats, who believe in the importance of personal medical choices.
“She basically said that this should be a medical decision left up to patients, their families and their doctors,” said Anna Hochkammer of the Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition. “Whatever your political persuasion, if you’re in Florida, you probably agree with that.”
On the other side, Trump’s emphasis on returning abortion policy decisions to the states was a focal point for Republicans.
“Trump’s doing great right now,” said Kobylov. “He looks sharp and he’s right. He’s taking down Kamala. He’s eating her lunch right now.”
“I think he’s absolutely dominating,” said Broward County Young Republicans member Brianna Reeves. “He thrives under pressure where Kamala does not. She’s floundering; she can’t handle it. She doesn’t even know what her policies are.”
As the debate concluded, reactions were mixed, with no clear winner emerging immediately. Both sides expressed confidence in their respective candidates.
Democrats felt Harris presented her policy proposals strongly, meeting a long-standing demand from voters and the media. Republicans, on the other hand, were impressed by Trump’s assertiveness and perceived dominance in the debate.
The debate has set the stage for what promises to be a contentious election season, with both candidates aiming to address the concerns and priorities of voters in the coming weeks.