TYLER, Texas — Community members from both sides of the political aisles across East Texas gathered Tuesday night for the first debate against Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
"Vice President Harris is a well informed candidate, and she's been a light to the Democratic Party the last few months. I feel like her policies and her decisions on border control and abortion access are going to be top notch, and I can't wait for her to express those to former President Donald Trump," Texas House District 6 candidate Cody Grace said.
Debate watcher Alice Mosley said the issues Harris are promoting are important to all Americans.
"I mean freedom, democracy, those things are important. And when those are taken away, when your rights are taken away, what do we have left," Mosley said.
Smith County Democrats say, in order for Harris to be victorious during this debate, she needed to focus on her policies and what she can do for this country.
On the hand, Smith County Republican viewers said Tuesday night's debate was a chance for them to learn more about Harris' policies.
"The American people get to hear what they're entitled to here. We're going to finally find out what Kamala Harris stands for because she's been very secretive about that up until now," Smith County Republican Party Vice Chair Sean Healy said.
Debate viewer Gary Hopkins said he believed Trump was going to make his stances known for those watching.
"I'm sure President Trump is going to be able to hold it where it needs to be, and just hopefully they will both get a chance to express where they stand on different issues," Hopkins said.