Democrat, Republican, and Independent voters share their thoughts on the most memorable moments from Tuesday night's debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with one voter accusing the vice president of "race baiting."
In a lively focus group discussion, voters from across the political spectrum weighed in on the standout moments from the highly anticipated debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. While some praised Harris's assertiveness, others took issue with her tactics.
One voter, who identified as an Independent, expressed strong disapproval of what they perceived as Harris's attempts to stoke racial divisions. "Race baiting and fear mongering was a big part of her tactics tonight," they asserted.
Voters React to Kamala Harris's Debate Performance: "He Was Gaslit
The voter specifically pointed to Harris's comments on the Central Park Five, a group of five black and Latino teenagers who were wrongly convicted of raping a white woman in 1989. Harris's reference to the case, which Trump had previously supported the death penalty for, was seen as an attempt to portray the former president as racially biased.
"I think that's a hot button issue, especially for a lot of African Americans, but she leaves out a lot of specifics to that," the voter said. "Like the lead prosecutor was a Democrat at the time."
Voters React to Kamala Harris's Debate Performance: "He Was Gaslit
Another voter, a Republican, concurred with this assessment. "I think he was gaslit throughout the entire debate, and that is probably why he was so defensive," they said. "Even when he brought up the topic of race, he brought that up because she's pandering, she's using being black as a trope to get black votes."
The Republican voter went on to criticize Harris for not presenting a clear plan for black voters. "I would have liked to see her lean into the fact that 'yes I am a black woman, and this is my plan black America,'" they said. "But she clearly doesn't have a plan because she's essentially not black."
Voters React to Kamala Harris's Debate Performance: "He Was Gaslit
Democrat voters, while acknowledging some of Harris's shortcomings, generally defended her performance. "I think she did a good job of holding him accountable," said one Democrat. "He has a history of being racist, and she was not afraid to call him out on it."
The focus group discussion underscores the deep divisions in American politics today, with voters holding vastly different views on the conduct and message of the candidates. As the election season enters its final stretch, these debates will continue to shape public opinion and influence the outcome of the race.
Voters React to Kamala Harris's Debate Performance: "He Was Gaslit
