The latest edition of the Dixie Dems on the Lean to the Left podcast features a lively discussion of the Sept. 10 Trump-Harris debate with Arthur Hill, vice-chair of the Brunswick County, NC Democratic Party and Robert Thompson, of Georgia, and host of the Got Damn Liberal podcast.
The conversation focuses on memorable moments, political implications, and personal reactions to the debate in which Trump got his butt kicked soundly by Vice President Kamala Harris, according to virtually every poll and most political experts -- including many Republicans.
There was a particularly surreal moment when Trump claimed immigrants from Haiti were stealing and eating residents' pets in Springfield, Ohio. It was an absurd comment that set the tone for a debate marked by sharp contrasts in rhetoric and demeanor between Trump and Harris.
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General Reactions to the Trump-Harris Debate
Arthur Hill agreed with the initial assessment, noting that less than 24 hours after the debate, it was safe to say that "the emperor has no clothes." Hill referenced a book by Dr. Rachel Beitkofer recommending that Democrats stop moral high-grounding and start fighting back fiercely, which he felt Kamala Harris demonstrated during the debate.
Key Takeaways
Immigration and Fear-Mongering
Hill and I were appalled by Trump's repeated, baseless comments on immigration, constantly returning to that theme throughout the debate as he reprised his claims that illigal immigrants are flooding the country, committing violent crimes, raping women, and more.
Trump's claim that Haitians were eating pets in Ohio was just an example of his patently false claims.
Harris’s Poise and Composure
Throughout the debate, Harris presented herself as confident and composed. She handled Trump's baseless claims with remarkable equanimity. Hill commended her for standing firm against Trump, even when he resorted to juvenile name-calling and blatant misinformation.
Presidential Conduct
The discussion emphasized the disparity in presidential conduct between Trump and Harris as Trump was sour, negative, and scowling, while Harris was friendly, happy, and positive.
Analyses of Specific Issues
Climate Change
Harris pointed out that Trump has called climate change a hoax and that while he claims to support solar energy, he still pushes the use of fossil fuels like coal and oil . Harris's position that climate change is a crucial issue for America’s youth was reiterated, emphasizing the importance of a scientifically grounded approach to environmental policies.
Economy and Jobs
Harris deftly refuted Trump’s assertions that Harris will ban fracking, a coal mining process used in Pennsylvania. She said that charge is untrue, despite her previous support for restrictions on fracking, which is harmful to the environment.
Thompson pointred out that the economy is vastly improved, that inflation is declining, and that the stock market is an all-time high, refuting Trump's claims that the Biden-Harris administration is responsible for a virtual economic disaster.
National Security and Foreign Policy
Hill highlighted Harris's strong stance on Ukraine and NATO, commending her for making it clear that Trump’s leniency towards Putin and Russia was detrimental to US interests. She scored points by noting the importance of NATO in curbing Russian aggression, an issue Trump seemed to misunderstand or downplay.
The Polls
Thompson warned that even though polls are trending in favor of Harris, that the election "is not over" and Democrats need to work hard on behalf of Harris and to turn out the vote. He also noted that some analysts contend that MAGA Republicans do not respond to pollsters' calls as frequently as do liberal voters, a trend that he implied could skew the poll results in favor of Harris.
The Insurrection
Asked if there was anything he regretted about his actions on January 6, 2021 when the mob he incited attacked the U.S. Capitol, trying to overturn the election of Joe Biden, Trump said he told his followers to go to the Capitol "peacefully."
Harris said she was at the Capitol that day and that Trump, then still the president, invited a violent mob to attack the Capitol, an act for which he was indicted and impeached by the House of representatives.
Conclusion
The Lean to the Left podcast's analysis of the Harris and Trump debate presents a vivid picture of a contest between positivity and negativity, truth and misinformation.
Kamala Harris, with her preparedness and poise, was seen as a leader capable of guiding the United States towards a better future. As the election approaches, the podcast underscores the critical importance of staying informed and engaged in the political process.
Check out the full discussion on the Lean to the Left podcast for a more comprehensive breakdown and stay tuned for future episodes as the race to the election continues.
View the podcast: https://youtu.be/_hQKUrymxfE
Listen to the podcast: https://feeds.podetize.com/ep/Har31At6p/media
Read the transcript:
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