Kansas voters, party leaders react to first presidential debate
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Democratic party is speaking out after the first presidential debate ahead of the general election.
Thursday, June 27, President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump faced off in the first presidential debate of 2024. According to the Associated Press, the debate "was defined by personal attacks after U.S. President Joe Biden delivered rambling answers and his Republican rival, Donald Trump countered with falsehoods."
In an exclusive interview with Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass, she told 27 News Thursday's debate was a good representation of each candidate.
"I thought that we saw two different views of our country," Repass said. "We got a good, clear view of both candidates. And I feel like we heard one candidate who repeated lies and vitriol and was dishonest with the American people, and one candidate who cast vision about his accomplishments and what he hopes to see for the future of this country."
Repass said Trump appeared to be "someone who was unhinged from the truth," whereas Biden had an off day, and "he picked a bad day to have one."
After the performance of Biden with several pauses and stumbles, some strategists and voters say they are panicking.
As of now, the Kansas Democratic Party is still fully backing Biden as the presidential incumbent.
"In Kansas we don't panic," Repass said. "We stay the course and we understand what's at stake for our democracy and our country, our future, and specifically for women, our reproductive freedoms."
One Topekan told 27 News after watching the beginning of the debate, he couldn't watch the full thing because of both candidates actions and answers.
"It wasn't too far into it, I just couldn't," Charlene Marlow said. "I was done. It's so sad the way everything is in this country right now. I just didn't think it was a really good showing on either part to be real honest."
When asked if Biden should step away from running for his second presidential term, Repass was firm in her answer.
"Absolutely not. President Biden has nowhere to go," Repass said. "He needs to go right back to the White House and actually needs to get on the road, and take his message of success on behalf of the American people right to them. And he did that today in his rally."
Repass told 27 News, if Biden were to ask for her advice, she would say "slow down... take the pressure off of it."
To watch the full debate, click here.
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