Two very different debate watch parties in Monterey
MONTEREY, California (KION)
In Monterey, debate watch parties were held in two very different ways on Tuesday night.
Democrats gathered for a zoom meeting with some 50 people who had preregistered, yet the turnout appeared lower. Meanwhile, Republicans held an in-person watch party at the Monterey County Republican Headquarters.
“We made the decision to side with safety in terms of the pandemic,” said Elena Loomis, Chair of the Democratic Party.
Meanwhile at the headquarters office for Republicans off of Del Monte Ave in Monterey, people kept arriving with out a mask on. Inside there was no social distancing and only a couple of people had a face covering.
The Coronavirus pandemic and a vaccine was at the forefront of debate topics. Former Vice President Joe Biden blamed President Trump for the high death rate in the U.S., which is higher than any other country at nearly 206,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. Trump responded by saying he saved many lives by closing travel to China when he did. Democrats on the other hand, argues Trump, would not have made that decision.
“I’m a believer in personal liberty and I don’t believe in government affecting my civil rights and civil liberties as an American. If i want to be in a public place with my friends, than I am going to choose to do that,” said Hunter Garrison
The debate at times didn’t seem to be much of a debate at all. The President not letting Biden or the moderator, Chris Wallace, to get a word in. Republicans say it was unprofessional on both sides.
“He definitely was interrupting. I don’t disagree with that. I think thats his game plan all along. I think that’s a strategy in debating another opponent,” said Garrison who is also running for Monterey City Council.
Democrats say the President made insensitive attacks on Biden's son, Hunter. They also say they are appalled that the President did not denounce white supremacists, when asked by Wallace. Instead, they believe Trump side-stepped the question.
