Here’s what Iowans thought of the Trump-Harris debate

We asked, you answered: What are your thoughts after Tuesday night’s presidential debate?

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, met in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 for a presidential debate. It was the first debate between the two. For Trump, it was his second presidential debate of 2024; he last debated President Joe Biden in June. Biden announced he would drop out of contention shortly afterward.

There was a lot said during the debate, which you can watch here in full, or read about here and here.

But more importantly: What did Iowa Starting Line readers think?

@iowastartingline What do you think? #iowa #debate #kamalaharris #donaldtrump ♬ original sound – Iowa Starting Line

Here’s a sample of the responses we received to our newsletter question:

“I was disappointed in the follow-up promised by CBS after the debate where fact checking was supposed to occur; there was no fact checking. In fact, our local KCCI news team with Dennis Goldford of Drake University was non-committal, Mr. Goldford commenting the Harris supporters got what they expected and were satisfied and Trump’s supporters got the same. For me the question is: Why do our news outlets continue to support this B.S. Mr. Trump vomits continuously? He IS undermining our representative democracy with the support of our local politicians.” ~Chris H.

“Maybe you should fact check your fact checkers. Most of this article is incorrect and/or misleading.” ~Eric H. (NOTE: I replied to Eric to say I would be happy to correct anything wrong in the article. He has not, as of this writing, responded.)

“I’m not sure citing an Hungarian dictator, who destroyed democracy in his country, was a person I’d choose as a supporter. Guess Taylor Swift felt the same way.” ~Dee V.

“3-on-1 as expected. Harris did not get fact checked. She looked rattled multiple times but was able to say what she had memorized. Trump should have debated like he did against Biden. I hope there is at least 1 more debate.” ~Jeff M., Stuart (NOTE: Bad news, Jeff: Trump doesn’t want another one.)

“How come no one has acknowledged Trump’s new hairdo? Gone is the ginormous comb-over. It’s been replaced by some trendy wispy bangs. Now they need to work on this scowl.” ~Loree M.

“Watching the debate was like watching a bullfight. Kamala kept baiting Trump like the toreador teases the bull. And he fell for it every time. There is no doubt who won this debate. But the Republican party chair is still trying to justify Trump and his behavior. If I were a Republican, I’d be so embarrassed. Iowa used to be a Republican state, in the manner of Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower, but now it has sunk to a new low. Will Iowa ever wake up to the truth? Who is working the Democratic Party these days? … Now is the time to support Kamala and change Iowa’s direction.” ~Saundra R.

“If you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent and listened to the debate, l believe the clear choice for your vote would be Harris regardless of your party.” ~Steve N.

“I wish they would mute Trump’s mic when he butts in in comments, doesn’t stop talking when his time is up, and speaks out of turn. Seems as though they allowed him to have the last word most of the time. However, he was rattled by VP Harris’ comments, and it showed. He rarely answered the question asked, preferring to say whatever he wanted to say.” ~Mary T.

“Harris kicked butt with Trump receiving the kicks! I don’t think she really needs to debate him again because she has enough money to make some videos about some of the things she has managed to do as VP. Maybe she can do a town hall with Anderson Cooper and have questions from the audience as well as questions Cooper wants to know about. 61.5 million of us tuned in to watch or listen to the debate.” ~Cassandra A.