Over 200 Democrats gathered joyfully at Kiggins Theater in downtown Vancouver on September 10 to support Vice President Kamala Harris and one another. A feeling of nervous anticipation filled the air alongside the smell of popcorn, as community members prepared to watch the second debate of the 2024 election season and the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, and Republican and former U.S. president, Donald J. Trump.
As the two candidates walked onto the stage, one a former prosecutor, Attorney General for the State of California, U.S. Senator, and current vice president, the other a former president with 34 felony fraud convictions and several other court cases pending, the crowd saw Kamala Harris set the tone for the debate on the big screen at Kiggins. Because Donald Trump went straight to his podium, rather than meeting her in the middle as is customary, she walked all the way across the stage, assertively stretched out her hand to shake his, and looked her opponent straight in the eye, saying, “Kamala Harris.” This clear message to the man who deliberately and regularly mispronounces her name elicited a cheer from the crowded theater. That would be the last time her opponent made eye contact with Kamala Harris throughout the debate.
As the event proceeded, attendees from around Clark County listened carefully to the candidates, confident that the Democratic nominee would show her mettle. Kamala Harris did not disappoint. She not only demonstrated her intelligence, acumen, and experience, she also displayed the cool required of a national leader, even as her opponent became visibly angry.
As Chair of the Clark County Democrats, Tim Probst, commented:
“Americans are tired of seeing rage and resentment rather than leadership from Donald Trump. Kamala Harris’s performance showed us that it is possible to be strong, competent, and calm in the face of chaos. Our local Democrats want good jobs for working people and thriving rural communities. The energy and big crowd during the debate shows that regular, good people are rejecting angry rhetoric and division, and voting for common sense and responsibility.”
The Democrats count the event as a major success. Energized local voters picked up signs, met local candidates, and signed up to volunteer for the Clark County Democrats during the election season. In the spirit of unifying the country and our own community, as called for by Vice President Harris, Clark County Democrats Vice Chair Donna Sinclair adds, “We hope you will join us. Volunteer, attend our events, and most importantly, vote for Democrats!”
