Chairs of Hawaii’s Democratic and Republican parties weigh in on presidential debate

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump went head-to-head in Atlanta on Thursday as they attempted to sway undecided voters in the first presidential debate ahead of the November election.

A raspy and sometimes halting President Joe Biden tried repeatedly to confront Donald Trump, as his Republican rival countered Biden’s criticism by leaning into falsehoods about the economy, illegal immigration and his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

FACT FOCUS: Here’s a look at some of the false claims made during Biden and Trump’s first debate

Representatives from Hawaii’s Democratic and Republican parties weighed in on the presidential candidates’ performances.

“It was disturbing, it almost looked like robotic with the days in the distance that Joe Biden had. It just looked like a blank stare, and lost in in confusion again in a couple of times with ending his his sentences and stutters,” said Tamara McKay, chair of the Hawaii Republican Party.

“I thought it was really important that Donald Trump did state that he had a physical and they that he got high marks for his current health and status and mental abilities.”

“Trump continues to refuse to accept the results of the 2020 election. He’s gonna, he already has refused to accept the results of this upcoming election, he spouted out some pretty gross falsehoods about laws meant to protect women’s reproductive rights under Roe v. Wade,” said Derek Turbin, chair of the Hawaii Democratic Party.

“So I really think I want to encourage us to also focus on the weaknesses and leadership that the other side show.”

The next debate is scheduled for September.

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