From shrinking crowd sizes to immigrants running amok to steal pets for their nutritional needs, the presidential debate between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had its share of memorable moments.

Leaving the meme-worthy exchanges behind, local democrats are praising their candidate while republicans are talking about anything else.

OutSFL reached out to several leaders immediately after the debate ended.

Alfredo Olvera, President of the Dolphin Democrats, focused on Harris’ plan and Trump. “Tonight, VP Harris showed the United States that she has a plan to make this country better, and Donald Trump doesn’t. Donald Trump showed how unhinged he is.”

Todd Delmay, Executive Director at SAVE, praised Harris’ style of directly addressing Trump and the audience. “What sticks out is the way she spoke to voters directly, to camera, and was the only one to have actual plans to move us forward.”

Kristen Browde, President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, said Trump was clearly evasive and untruthful in his answers. “When Trump wouldn’t say that he wants Ukraine to win, I think he lost all credibility with people who actually want America to be a power in the world. And when Trump went off into a rant about the fictional pets being eaten, he showed himself to be addled, incompetent.”

Dolphin Democrats Vice President, Adrianna Tender, says she likes what she heard on policy. “In my opinion, Vice President Harris clearly won the debate. She presented her platform in a way that was not only clear but also actionable, outlining exactly what she plans to do for the country. As a Black transgender woman who is currently focused on buying a home and growing my family, her proposed plan to provide $25,000 in down payment support for first-time homebuyers was especially impactful. This type of policy speaks directly to people like me who are working toward homeownership but may face financial barriers.”

Republican Reaction

Trump’s performance left Republicans and right-leaning media generally attacking the process. Many were upset that ABC News moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir fact-checked the candidates, saying they mostly corrected false statements by the former president.

Other Republicans, like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), told Politico it was “a missed opportunity” for Trump to lay out his accomplishments and the Biden-Harris administration’s failures.

Jason Loring, President of the Broward County chapter of Log Cabin Republicans, declined to comment, saying it has nothing to do with Broward politics. A check of their social media pages showed no post-debate activity.

The national LCR group posted to X/Twitter about Trump’s IVF policy, but that is all.

What’s Next

With just under eight weeks until the elections, and with some states already printing and mailing ballots, both candidates have little time to waste to get their message across.

Local democrats say it’s time to get out the vote. “She needs to continue doing the rallies,” Olvera said. “I hope she does a town hall. But really, it is up to us the voters and supporters to make sure everyone gets out and vote this Nov. 5.”

Delmay wants each voter to become their own “get out the vote” operation. “Too many people still won't vote. LGBTQ voters especially need to get in the game, make a plan to vote early and bring their friends.”