Local Virginians share opinions on recent presidential debate

The first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump took place on Sept. 10. Virginia was a topic of conversation for many parts of the debate, which garnered local reactions.

Many Virginia locals expressed satisfaction with Vice President’s Kamala Harris’ performance against former president Donald Trump. 

According to Matt Royer, the president of Virginia Young Democrats, “I thought the vice president did incredibly well. She definitely commanded the stage. I think from the very first moment of the handshake, she put herself in a commanding position.”

Royer noted that he was especially pleased with Harris because she chose to discuss topics that affect everyday Americans, including housing, women’s healthcare, and the economy.

“I think about my generation: All of us are trying hard to achieve this American dream of home ownership, but housing costs, especially here in Virginia, are just astronomical—so much so that many of us won’t reach this goal,” Royer said.

He continued, “I think when we are talking about those issues, you’re talking about the things that are kitchen table issues, and that you’d be worried about every day; not some grand conspiracy issue brought up by Republicans.” 

Richmond local Tamer Mokhtar shared a similar opinion on the vice president’s performance.

Mokhtar said, “She was pitch perfect. I think she did an adequate job of providing more specifics on what she was thinking, and what her approach to an opportunity economy would look like.”

Many were concerned with how tough Harris would be on the aggressive former president, as it can be hard to hold your own in a debate with such a formidable opponent.

Dmitri Mehlorn, the founder of Oakland Corps and a Virginia resident, was especially pleased with Harris’ strength during the debate. He stated that the Vice President remained firm against her opponent.

Mehlorn continued by saying Harris “stood up for record oil and gas production on her watch. She stood up for her record in reversing Trump’s crime wave. Vice President Harris hammered home that she is Kamala, for the people.”

Less than two weeks after the debate, early voting kicked off in Virginia.

“It is important not to lose focus on what we need to do. While I think Vice President Harris did a great job, it’s still up to us to keep spreading the message to the people to vote,” Royer said. “We need all hands on deck.” 

When asked about the same topic, Mokhtar said, “On a scale of one to 10, I thought and still think that we’re on 3,000. It is very important to vote in this year’s election.”

Many local Virginians were overall pleased with the vice president’s performance. Harris held firm against the combative former president, clarified a lot of her policies, and spoke to the American people directly. Harris proved that her candidacy would be one for the people, a track record solidified by decades of advocacy for the everyday person.