Community Reactions to the 2024 Presidential Debate
Impact Volunteers, Nationwide
At the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the South Asian community and the nation got a firsthand look at the contrasting choices before us this November: a path forward for everyday Americans led by a fighter for all people, or an extreme agenda from a narcissist who only fights for himself. South Asians across the country will play an outsized role in choosing to turn the page forward, and we are fired up to share why we are #KamalaKeSaath:
Sona Sood, a coach and actor from Atlanta, GA, said “I watched the debate very carefully tonight. While Vice President Harris remained calm, offered substantive answers on policy, and continually offered us solutions, Donald Trump fell to the level of an ill-prepared and unstable individual who has no right going near the White House. He refused to answer questions. He had no plans he could offer, whatsoever, including his “health plan,” and within minutes of the debate starting, dished out xenophobic and racist comments. He continually bashed immigrants, he derided the Exonerated 5, he couldn’t speak intelligently about any foreign policy, and indulged in angry tirades that had no point. Every American needs to ask themselves who they trust to lead this country based on what they witnessed tonight.”
Lakshmi Iyer, a mother in Exton, PA, said: "Not answering the question must be a Trump specialty. Yes or No on the abortion ban"
Michigander Angana Shah on Trump's attempt to distance himself from Project 2025: "He says 'I didn’t read it' – we know you don’t read. We also know that Project 2025 was written by all your advisers, and that your proposed VP, JD Vance wrote the introduction to the Project 2025 leader's book. You know what it is, and you know it is your plan."
Neha Saraiya, a pediatrician in Montgomery NJ, is “grateful for Vice President Harris correcting the erroneous info on “9-month” and “post-birth” abortions — glad she spoke on healthcare and women’s rights. I’m thankful for the factual statements by Vice President Harris on all issues. Keep fighting for democracy.”
Shobhaa Ravi, Managing Director of a Cybersecurity Consulting company, pushed back against many of Trump’s claims from the night: “He said China paid billions of dollars in tariffs. This is false, as any increase in tariffs is passed on to US consumers, who pay higher prices for the same product. Unless there are competing cheaper products, it is US consumers who pay for the higher tariffs. Trump also stated that millions of illegal immigrants are pouring into US from jails in other countries. This needs to be checked closely. I cannot find any report that validates his claim. He further claimed that people give him credits for building military. According to the WSJ Editorial Board: ‘He failed to build U.S. military prepared for world’s compounding dangers.’”
Shirley Desai, a writer in Chicago, IL, felt that “Kamala really put Trump on the defensive. I was pleased to see her clearly express complex global issues in a simple way. Go Kamala!”
Sujatha Srikanth from Sugarland, TX, said "VP Harris is articulate, thorough, wove facts and valid statistics into her answers at the debate. Her opponent merely repeated lies and didn’t really answer any question.”
Seema Dixit, a school board member in Fairfax County, VA, said "As a small business owner, I loved how many times Kamala emphasized her support for small businesses -- while Trump only supports the rich and wealthy!"
Rachita Bhatt, an attorney who excitedly watched the 2024 Presidential debate with her family in Metuchen NJ, said “Kamala Harris is the best Presidential candidate for women - her leadership and experience are exemplary. She will protect a woman’s right to choose - a criticality in basic healthcare access.”
Jeena Ann Kidambi, a 9th grade social justice activist, watched with her mother and said the following about Donald Trump:
“What is he talking about?”
“How can he say he doesn't have plans because he is not president? Isn’t the whole point of a campaign to get people to go along with your plans?”
“Maybe he wants to take my US government and politics class with me.”
