JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Democratic and Republican Party supporters across Jacksonville packed different presidential debate watch parties as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump went head-to-head.
Thursday marked the first general election debate ahead of the 2024 election season.
The GOP watch party was held at Cuba Libra Lounge on Atlantic Boulevard in the St. Nicholas neighborhood.
“It’s very vital for President Trump because that margin is a deciding margin,” Coalition of Black Republican Americans Shamari Lewis said. “What we’ve been doing over the past few years is continuously engaging in the community. We’ve been continuously giving and advocating on behalf of the African American community in Duval County.”
Bradon Ludwig is the state chairman for Florida Young Republicans. He said the organization has actively worked to reach younger audiences.
“You have to make politics relatable to the average person. You have to find ways to find folks who may not necessarily always be interested in the process,” Ludwig said. “For us, we find the issues that really matter for young people right now.”
Despite party affiliation, many voters shared similar concerns about the cost of living, immigration and appealing to young voters.
The Duval Dems made sure to pack out Five Points to watch the debate. Hundreds RSVPed for the event.
Duval Dems Chairman Danial Henry said he was excited the organization could provide a location to watch the debate.
“I think everyone regardless of your party affiliation, is really looking forward to issues that deal with their kitchen table. So, the cost of everyday living, the cost of groceries, the policies that both candidates are going to be able to bring to make people’s lives just a little bit easier,” Henry said.
Vice President of Jacksonville Young Democrats Kevin Luhrs also addressed what Democrats were doing to attract young voters to the polls.
“I understand the frustration with Biden. I understand the frustration with his age, but at the end of the day, what I have to say to young voters is, ‘Who do you want to be organized under for the next four years? Do you want to be organizing under a president that maybe you disagree with him on Israel and Gaza? Or do you want to be organizing under a president who will actively undermine your civil liberties?” Luhrs said.
Republican Party supporters reacted to the topics of abortion, immigration and Social Security while watching the debate.
“I think that what you see is a very plain display of cognitive ability, without filters and without editing. And so, the people who are watching this debate live are able to see the difference of cognitive ability in the two candidates. And I don’t think Joe Biden’s cognitive ability is boding well for him,” Lewis said.