More than 57 million political pundits, Democrats, Republicans, and undecided voters tuned in Tuesday night to the “Olympics of Politics,” known as the 2024 Presidential Debate. ABC News Anchors Linsey Davis and David Muir moderated the near 2-hour debate live from Philadelphia. The rules were clear: The microphone was only on for the speaker. It was on mute unless it was time for the speaker to speak. Notes were not allowed. Presidential Candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris set the tone for the debate. Her body language spoke volumes. After candidates were announced, Trump walked to his podium while Harris walked past hers
The Great Debate 2024: Harris, Trump, and the Facts Hispanic Heritage Month: Why We Celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.
Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States
for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping
our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and SpanishAmerican wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans.
Today, the Latino population in
the United States is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.
What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?
Hispanic and Latino are the two most used terms to describe Americans with Latin American and Caribbean ancestry. You may often see these terms used interchangeably, but
to extend her hand and said “Kamala Harris.” It was clear that Trump had not intended to meet her halfway nor
shake her hand. Throughout the debate, Kamala looked directly at Trump, while he
By TheNational Museum of the American Latino
looked straight ahead. At times,
Publisher’s Message
Inglewood’s Social Media Team Wins National Honors at 2024 Savvy Awards
By Willie Brown
The City of Inglewood’s Video and Social Media team earned national recognition last week, taking home two prestigious awards for their ‘How Wood Are You?’ series at the 2024 3CMA Savvy Awards in Arlington, Texas. Celebrating the best in creative marketing and communications for cities and counties nationwide, Inglewood won Best Overall Social Media Strategy and Most Innovative Communications, standing out among over 1,100 entries from across the United States and Canada.
The ‘How Wood Are You?’ series was created and developed by Thomas Bunn to engage younger audiences, promote community pride, and provide
humorous yet educational content. Coproducer Alani Perkins, an Inglewood native and proud graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, also hosts the series, bringing a fun and engaging energy that gives each episode its unique charm. With filmmakers Kendell Sellers and Carlos Orozco contributing through their creative work in videography and photography, the series quickly became the City’s highest-performing social media initiative, widely celebrated by the community.
Thomas Bunn, Inglewood’s Video and Social Media Manager, explained, “How Wood Are You” was designed to focus on our community while making folks feel proud to be from Inglewood. Our guiding ethos was to entertain and educate through humor, and we’re thrilled with how well it’s been received.”
The campaign’s results speak volumes: Inglewood’s social media following increased by 25%, post reach jumped by 63% to 1.7 million users, and profile reach skyrocketed by 64.5% to 2.1 million users compared to the previous year.
The Savvy Award judges commended the series as a benchmark for civic engagement, stating: “The ‘How Wood Are You?’ series effectively combines humor and education
Inglewood Today Announces Summer Internships
Inglewood Today (https:// inglewoodtoday.com) has announced immediate internship opportunities for aspiring journalists and data/research assistants. The 31-year old media company is considering college and high school students for 3-6 month internships working hybrid 4-8 hours per week.
Journalist interns will have an opportunity to build their writing portfolios while interviewing celebrities, elected officials and other community leaders. They will also cover issues related to Inglewood and surrounding areas. Data/research assistants will work behind the scenes maintaining databases and helping to organize and launch a new blog.
Interested candidates may apply by submitting resumes to veronica@inglewoodtoday. com. If applying for the journalist internship, candidates must also submit their best 2-3 writing samples.
to increase engagement, promote community pride, and provide valuable civic information.” The judges also praised the team’s resourcefulness in producing the series inhouse without additional costs.
Bunn, a life-long Inglewood resident, has revolutionized the way the City communicates with the public since joining City Hall 8 years ago. His creativity and leadership has brought Inglewood national acclaim, having now won four Savvy Awards in the last three years. Inglewood Today is proud of former contributor Thomas Bunn, who was instrumental in the rebranding of the newspaper. During his time with us, Bunn highlighted the accomplishments of the city’s youth through his series ‘Inglewood on the Positive Side,’ which celebrated the positive impact young people were making in the community.
The City’s recent Savvy Award win is a testament to the dedication and creativity of the team, and it solidifies Inglewood’s place as a leader in innovative, community-focused communications nationwide.
different people understand and use these terms differently. The National Museum of the American Latino uses the term “Latino” to describe the diverse residents of the United States with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean. For many, the term “Latino” also creates room for acknowledging Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other heritages on equal terms with European ancestry. The term “Hispanic” is used to signal a connection to Spain or the Spanish language.
When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan 20 years later in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.
Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community. Key Independence Days
celebrated within Hispanic Heritage Month include:
• September 15 - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
• September 16 – Mexico
• September 18 – Chile
• September 21 - Belize Why is Hispanic Heritage Month so Important?
Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/ Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.
Representation matters. Latinos and Latinas continue to shape our nation as business owners, activists, artists, public servants, and more. From serving in the U.S. military to being champions in the fight for civil rights, Latinas and Latinos remain strong leaders and changemakers.
It’s crucial to make sure that the contributions of the Latino community are showcased, and that Latinas and Latinos have a voice. According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, one in every four children in the United States is Hispanic/ Latino. A recent study found that Latino history is largely left out in high school textbooks that are used across the United States, despite the increasing percentage of Latina and Latino students. This also comes at
a time when the economic output of American Latinos would rank fifth in the world if the community were an independent country. As the country continues to increase in diversity, it’s necessary for all citizens to learn more about American Latino experiences to recognize and value the many contributions Latinas and Latinos have made.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys, and achievements. Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together.
Hispanic Heritage Month also provides opportunities to showcase the cultural influences the Latino community has had on the United States. From entertainment and sports to business and science, Latinas and Latinos enrich our society.
As athletes, Latinas and Latinos have been game changers. For example, over the years, the Latino community has helped to shape America’s favorite pastime, baseball. As of opening day in 2023, about 30 percent of Major League Baseball players are Hispanic/ Latino. With the accomplishments of past players like Roberto Clemente and present ones such as Francisco Lindor and Javier Báez leading the way, the sport will continue to evolve.
Latinas have also shaped baseball history, serving as players, broadcasters, and team owners. In the 1990s, Linda Alvarado purchased the
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF INGLEWOOD
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NOTICE OF NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE City of Inglewood
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following persons have been nominated for the offices designated to be filled at the General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Inglewood on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
For Member of the City Council District Three Vote for One (1)
Eloy Morales, Jr
For Member of the City Council District Four Vote for One (1)
Dionne Faulk
Angelique Y. Johnson
Leslie Jones
Carlos Zurita
For Member of the City Clerk Vote for One (1)
Aisha L. Thompson
For Member of the City Treasurer Vote for One (1)
Angela Allen
Taylor R. Bryant
Colorado Rockies and made history as the first woman to ever win a bid to buy a team. This purchase also resulted in her becoming the first Hispanic MLB team owner. The contributions of Latinas like Alvarado and others, such as baseball player Margaret “Marge” Villa and sportscaster Jessica Mendoza, have forever transformed the game of baseball.
There is a plethora of online resources to learn more about American Latino experiences and how you can join the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
• Latino Culture: Learn about the diverse Latino culture and how it has contributed to the society and culture of the United States.
• Latin Independence Days: Learn about the different Independence Days across Latin America and how they are celebrated and honored each year.
• Latin Food: Explore Latino recipes and learn about special events that Latino dishes are a central part of.
• Famous Latinos: Learn about famous Latinos and Latinas who have helped to shape the history and culture of the United States.
• Latino Art: Discover Latino artists who have used their unique experiences to help shape American culture through creative forms.
• Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Resources: Find all the Hispanic Heritage Month resources you need to teach yourself and others about Hispanic heritage and culture. For more ideas on how to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, visit https:// latino.si.edu/.
CITY OF INGLEWOOD
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
AVISO DE NOMINADOS PARA CARGOS PÚBLICOS Ciudad de Inglewood
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que las siguientes personas han sido nominadas para los cargos designados para ser elegidos en las Elecciones Municipales Generales que se llevarán a cabo en la Ciudad de Inglewood el martes 5 de noviembre de 2024
Para Miembro del Concejo Municipal Tercer Distrito Vote por Uno (1)
Eloy Morales, Jr.
Para Miembro del Concejo Municipal Cuarto Distrito Vote por Uno (1)
Dionne Faulk
Angelique Y. Johnson
Leslie Jones
Carlos Zurita
Para Miembro dela Secretaria Municipal Vote por Uno (1)
Aisha L. Thompson
Para Miembro del Tesorero de la Ciudad Vote por Uno (1)
Angela Allen Taylor R. Bryant
Para Miembro del Fideicomiso Área Cuatro Vote por Uno (1)
Margaret Turner-Evans
Member of the Board of Education District Four Vote for One (1)
Margaret Turner-Evans
Ronald Gomez
Member of the Board of Education District Five Vote for One (1)
Ernesto Castillo
Aisha L. Thompson City Clerk
Ronald Gomez
Para Miembro del Fideicomiso Área Cinco Vote por Uno (1)
$76 Million in State Grants: Religious Orgs, Non-Profits Can Apply to Upgrade Security
(CBM) – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ (SFBFS) campus, located on Bell Avenue in the state capital, is set to get a $131,583 security facelift.
The funding is courtesy of the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which has awarded nonprofit community and faith-based groups across the Golden State with financial support to prevent hatemotivated violence since 2015.
SFBFS is home to the largest hunger relief group in Sacramento County and a food bank that distributed 31.6 million meals nutritious meals to people in need in 2023.
SFBFS Director of Communications Kevin Buffalino said the grant money will enhance the safety and security of the food bank site.
“We’ll be adding security lighting, security cameras, access control systems to ensure we continue providing food assistance to over 305,000 people every month safely and without interruption,” he said.
SFBFS was one of 193 community organizations across the Golden State to receive $39 million in awards from the grant program in April to enhance their security. In late July, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state’s Office of Emergency Funding is accepting applications from community-based
nonprofits to apply for $76 million in expedited funding from the security grant program.
According to a 2023 hate crimes report compiled by the California Department of Justice, Black Californians remain the most affected group by hate crimes. Hate incidents and hate crimes targeting Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ people are also increasing.
Newsom said an attack against any community is an attack against all of California and its values.
“Every Californian deserves the ability to worship, love, gather safety, without fear or hate,” he said in a news release. “This new round of funding is aimed at helping high-risk organizations protect themselves against violent attacks and hate crimes.”
Funds are awarded through a competitive grant process in which groups, particularly those targeted on the basis of race, religious affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status or similar criteria may apply.
The monies allow organizations such as Black and LGBTQ+ groups, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship to implement
security equipment upgrades such has access control systems, doors, gates, high-intensity lighting, and inspection and screening systems. Requests for proposals are on the Office of Emergency Services website. Groups eligible include ones exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23.
Because anti-Black hate crimes continue to be the most prevalent in the Golden State and last year there was an increase in bias activity against Jewish. Muslim, and LGBTQ+ communities, Newsom increased funding for the grant program, which
added an additional $20 million for nonprofits to use.
The initiative awarded $39 million to nonprofits and faithbased organizations in the spring, following Newsom funneling an additional $20 million into the program in October 2023. The state received 1,254 applications from groups.
The program has awarded $152,750,000 in state funding to 924 community groups since the grant program’s beginning.
Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D- Los Angeles) and Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said in a statement that the California Legislature will stand firm in its commitment to support vulnerable communities targeted by hate despite budget difficulties. They also thanked Newsom for expediting the deployment of the security funds.
“We have no doubt that this funding will continue to make a major difference in protecting the Jewish community and all communities targeted by hate,” Gabriel and Wiener said.
Voting and Voter Registration: What You Need To Know
By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media
There are less than 60 days to go before the BIG election. Voters will decide whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump will hold the office of Commander in Chief. Equally, if not more important, decisions will be made at the local and state levels.
Registered voters in California will decide on ballot initiatives that impact the state’s minimum wage, same sex marriage, prescription costs, wages for prison labor, health care tax, homelessness and much more. Voters will also choose which candidates are best qualified for state and local offices—city council members, city clerks, city treasurers, school board members, judges, state assembly members and senators, tax
board members, and more.
With so many important decisions to make, everyone needs to show up to vote on or before Election Day, November 5—either in person or by mail. To register, potential
voters must be 18 years old on Election Day, a U.S. citizen and California resident, and currently not serving a prison term for a felony conviction. If you have moved or changed your name since the last election, you will need to re-register.
Inglewood City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson is hosting National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will be held
at Inglewood City Hall, First Floor (City Clerk’s Office).
Registration Deadlines
Otherwise, anyone who is not yet registered is advised that the deadline to register online or to have your registration form postmarked, if mailing, is October 21. The deadline to register in person for early voting is between October 7-November 4. You may also register on Election Day, November 5.
The early voting period varies by location. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by November 5. You can also return your ballot in person at any voting precinct by 8:00 PM on Nov. 5. Look for ballots to be sent to actively registered voters between October 7-October 26.
Inglewood Today News
Sports & Entertainment
Boycott the Bachelor and Bachelorette (Reloaded)
By Maya Mackey
Hopefully, you’re all caught up on the drama following the finale of Jenn Trann’s season of The Bachelorette. If you need a breakdown, check out my report from last week’s taping of “After the Final Rose” on https://inglewood.com.
Since the fall out, ABC has tried to put a bandage on the situation by rushing to add Jenn to the 33rd season of Dancing with the Stars. Just like ABC’s announcement of Jenn Tran as The Bachelorette, it was not very mindful or very demure of them. ABC continues to give Tran, the “here, damn” treatment, constantly treating her as an afterthought. The only planned Bachelor Nation star scheduled for the DWTS season was Joey Graziadei, this year’s former Bachelor.
However, that’s not the biggest jaw drop to take place since last Tuesday. Today, Devin Strader (the crowd’s favorite villain on Jenn’s season) posted a lengthy Instagram video, detailing the highs and lows of their relationship and exposing a huge lie that Jenn told at “After the Final Rose”. In order to connect the dots, let’s rehash what Jenn shared on the After the Final Rose finale.
One of the greatest shocks on Jenn’s finale was that Devin had “canceled” a sponsored couple’s visit over a month ago and ended their engagement over the phone, stating he just didn’t love her anymore and “regretted getting engaged.” Jenn also shared that Devin had “ghosted” her since leaving Hawaii and that a day after the breakup, he had followed Maria Georgas (the woman Bachelor Nation cannot seem to let go of) on Instagram. Needless to say, the audience was just as confused as Jenn , as moments later, we watched Devin express that he “loves [Jenn] with all of [his] heart and never wants that to go away.”
That brings us to today, September 10th. Devin exposed several text messages shared between he and Jenn that paint a slightly different story than the one shared on their finale. Originally Jenn had expressed that Devin “didn’t want to go to couples counseling. He didn’t want to fight for the relationship anymore.” However, Devin shared screenshots of text messages clearly showing that he was attending couple’s counseling. He
asks Jenn for the zoom link to attend their virtual sessions. Furthermore, he shared a text exchange detailing that Jenn fired their couple’s counselor— without his consent—because “she didn’t like her” and found the therapist to be “inexperienced.”
Certainly, therapy is a delicate process and you should absolutely be comfortable with whomever you’re sharing your deepest, darkest secrets with but couple’s counseling involves two people and the hiring or firing of a couple’s counselor should not have happened without talking to her partner. Full stop. There’s no way to defend or justify that.
Secondly, Miss Tran, also expressed on the finale that, “[she and Strader] were full-blown engaged and in love and now you’re ignoring my text like I mean nothing to you.” Today, Devin debunked that myth as well. The slew of text messages show that Jenn, actually, was pretty negligent with her responses to her then fiance. You can see several double and triple texts sent from Devin with no response, but he seemingly shrugs it off and tries not to take it to heart.
Strader’s credibility could be called into question due to how choppily the video is edited. He starts off sharing text messages from early August detailing the breakup and then jumps to messages from early June showing little tiffs they seemed to have over scheduling visits and whether or not they were receiving enough attention from the other. Why we needed to see as many text messages as we did remains only sensible to Devin himself. I understand his wanting to defend himself against the allegations
and rumors. That is certainly his right but when the allegations were “ghosting Jenn” and “being unwilling to do counseling and work on the relationship”, screenshots of call logs and a request for the counseling zoom link would have sufficed. We didn’t need to see text messages hashing out unrelated arguments.
The “loopholes” in what caused their ruin remain. There is about a 2-3 second flash of text exchanges towards the earlier half of his recent Instagram video. I tried several times to pause the video in time to be able to read the messages but it moves incredibly fast. I’m skeptical of anybody who chooses to fast forward through the alleged “proof” they have of their innocence. If you’re innocent, show it all, without manipulation or editing. What I could catch from the video is that Devin was indeed demonstrably attentive to Jenn. Whether it was genuine or not, we’ll never know. Even on “After the Final Rose,” Devin admitted that he repressed his authentic feelings of doubt for two months in order to try and make their relationship work (also double verified by his text messages shown on the Instagram video).
Looking at the situation as sensibly and as mature as I can, the Tragedy of Jenn Tran and Devin Strader is nothing more than a tale of two adults with insecure attachment strategies, attempting to find love in a hopeless place (the hopeless place being Reality TV). Jenn very much seems to have a Fearful-Avoidant attachment style. Both craving love yet being skeptical of it when it
arrives. In the penultimate episode of her season, she all but admits that Devin scares her because she has never received as much attention, positive affirmation and dedication as Devin displayed on the show. Devin, who had a breakdown during the final stretch when Jenn hadn’t confessed to being in love yet, is likely an anxious attacher, feeling lower in worth when his feelings aren’t reciprocated. You mix two people with insecure attachment styles and a conniving production team, who’s bottom line is scandal and viewership, and you get the plethora of reality dating competitions we currently have at our disposal.
I do not believe Devin is a good person but two things can be true at once. He did not ghost Jenn and they had several conversations before the After the Final Rose show (Jenn claimed that ATFR was the first time they’re speaking since the breakup). Jenn did not need to lie to gain sympathy from viewers. Devin (who posted an Instagram update at 6 PM saying he shouldn’t have and “didn’t mean to” air their dirty laundry and that he “gains nothing” from posting these text messages, which you would have to be a damn fool to believe) is manipulative at best and a covert narcissist at worst. Jesse Palmer, the show’s host is sorely lacking in practiced empathy (even if he experiences it internally). The producers clearly have a vendetta against her and it’s time to throw this whole season and frankly the whole show in the trash.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage and Culture in Inglewood
Festival es Y Gratis Abierto al público.
The festival is free and open to the public. There will be live performances by Ballet Folklorico Macias, Tierra, Corazon de Mana, Clave Dura, and The Reel Band. Radio personality Caro Marquez will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. Other activities include a classic car show, information and
vendor booths, health screenings, children’s activities, and more. There will be delicious food provided by Pupusas Rita, Baja Fish Tacos, Tamale Fiesta, Sending Noods, and Wetzel Pretzel, to name a few.
Inglewood, CA (September 3, 2024) - On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the City of Inglewood will host its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Market Street from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. and Community Services Department at (310) 412-8750 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofinglewood. org (search keyword: Hispanic Heritage Festival). Follow the City of Inglewood on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) for reminders and announcements.
For more information about Inglewood’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, contact the Parks, Recreation
he seemed visibly angered and scowled. Harris made faces at some of his remarks, but never lost her cool. “Harris looked like she belonged on the stage,” noted political commentator Jonathan Karl.
Early in the debate, Harris warned viewers that they were going to hear many lies from Trump and he would bring up immigration several times, even when it was not related to questions being asked.
Economy
Muir asked Harris why the Biden Administration left Trump’s China tariffs in place. Harris sidestepped the question and talked about Donald Trump “selling out” America by selling American made computer chips to improve China’s technology. She criticized Trump for cozying up to a man who was deceitful about the origins of Covid-19.
NPR.org called out Trump for making this false statement about the economy during his presidency:
Trump: “I had no inflation, virtually no inflation. They (Biden-Harris) had the highest inflation, perhaps in the history of our country, because I’ve never seen a worse period of time. People can’t go out and buy cereal or bacon or eggs or anything else.”
NPR: Inflation soared to a fourdecade high of 9.1% in 2022 (during Trump’s presidency), according to the consumer price index. While inflation has since fallen to 2.9% (as of July), prices — particularly food prices— are still higher than many Americans would like.
NPR also debunked Harris’ claims about inflation during Trump’s time in office:
Harris: “Donald Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression.”
NPR: At the height of the Great Depression in 1933, the national unemployment rate was near 25%, according to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. At the start of the COVID pandemic, the unemployment rate peaked at 14.8% in April 2020, a level not seen since 1948, according to the Congressional Research Service. But by the time Trump left office, unemployment had fallen to a lower, but still elevated, level. The January 2021 unemployment rate was 6.3%.
January 6
Trump: Noting the insurrection at the nation’s capitol after Trump urged supporters to go and protest him losing the election, the former president told ABC, “I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech. I showed up for a speech… No one on the other side was killed.”
Fact: Capitol police lost their lives on January 6. Harris, who was Vice-President Elect and a member of the U.S. Senate at the time, said. “144 capitol police were injured and some died. The former president has been indicted and impeached for that reason.”
Immigration Trump had a lot to say about immigration. In fact, it came up several times regardless of what question was asked. He accused the Biden-Harris Administration of letting in millions of
undocumented people cross the U.S. border without restriction. Harris defended her record of being tough on immigration as Attorney General of California. But it wasn’t clear what she actually did in her role of Vice President for the past 3+ years.
Harris: “I prosecuted trafficking of guns, drugs and human beings,” she said before turning the table on Trump (alluding to Trump’s 34 convictions). She noted the former president has been “Prosecuted for national security crimes, economic crimes, election interference, and sexual assault… His next big court appearance is in November for his own criminal sentencing.”
But what got Trump in deep, hot water was his assertion that migrants are eating pets of Ohio residents for food. At this point, Muir stepped in to fact-check him this assertion:
Muir: “I just want to clarify here. You bring up Springfield, Ohio. ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
Trump: “Well, I’ve seen people on television”. “The people on television say my dog was taken and used for food. So maybe he said that and maybe that’s a good thing to say for a city manager.”
Muir: “I’m not taking this from television. I’m taking this from the city manager.”
Abortion
A hot button for sure, Trump’s current stance on abortion comes after a series of flip-flops influenced, no doubt, by his dwindling support from women voters. Around the time he appointed several Supreme Court justices to rule against federally mandated Roe vs. Wade Decision, insuring women the right to have abortions. He said women who have abortions need to be punished, but left it up to each state whether to uphold the new law or leave Roe vs Wade in place. Now, he’s back pedaling, saying pregnant women should have more than 6 weeks to decide. But what raised the most eyebrows was the narrative that Democrats are on board with a woman who goes to term—even having a child and then opting for an abortion—even saying if a woman has a child before it is aborted that it will be executed.
Trump: “Her vice-presidential pick (Tim Walz) says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says, ‘execution after birth’ — execution, no longer abortion because the baby is born — is okay.”
Washington Post: This is false. Walz has not said this, and “execution after birth” is illegal in all states.
This is a common Republican talking point — that Democrats support nationwide abortion on demand up until the moment of birth. The implication is that lateterm abortions are common — and that they are routinely accepted by Democrats.
About two-thirds of abortions occur at eight weeks of pregnancy
or earlier, and nearly 90 percent take place in the first 12 weeks, or within most definitions of the first trimester, according to estimates by the Guttmacher Institute, which favors abortion rights.
Davis: “There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it’s born.”
Healthcare
Trump evaded questions about his healthcare plan, primarily because he has flip-flopped so much on the Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama. Trump tried and failed several times during his presidency to repeal the healthcare legislation, and now seems content to let it go.
Trump: “We’re looking at different plans. We will change it if we come up with something better… I have “concepts of a plan. I’m not president right now.”
Harris pointed to the Biden administration capping insulin prices at $35 for Medicare beneficiaries. She also highlighted the Biden administration establishing a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, which is slated to take effect for Medicare enrollees in 2025.
Harris: When I am President, we will do that for all people.Access to healthcare should be a right, and not just a privilege…The plan has to be to strengthen the Affordable Care Act.”
Climate Change
This topic was disappointing on both sides, echoing either a lack of information or a lack of care. Harris focused on the importance of fighting climate change. She talked about her work with the Biden Administration, but did not mention how she will improve climate change in the future. She did mention that she has the endorsement of auto makers.
Trump went off the rails altogether and began talking about Hunter Biden (President Joe Biden’s son) being convicted on various tax charges.
In a post-debate segment, ABC News panelists, Jonathan Karl, Martha Raddatz, Rachel Scott and Mary Bruce chimed in on the candidate’s performances. “Almost everything Kamala Harris said got under Donald Trump’s skin,” Bruce said.
Harris’ running mate Tim Walz said, “We saw Donald Trump, angry and unhinged, talking about things that are deeply concerning. It reminds you of an old man yelling at the clouds, ‘Get off my yard!’”
Voters Will Decide
As expected, Harris supporters said she nailed the debate, while Trump supporters said his performance was far superior to hers. According to a CNN poll, Harris won 63% to Trump’s 37%. Polls can only tell part of the story, however. What will ultimately matter is what happens inside the voting booth.
“It’s very Important to see what the voters think.” Raddatz said. The Harris camp wants a second debate in October. No word yet from the Trump camp.
