(WHTM)– The 2024 presidential debate drew dozens out to HMAC in Harrisburg Thursday night, including Governor Josh Shapiro.

Polls show Americans are divided on who they want for president, but Governor Shapiro says the choice is clear. He spoke In front of a huge group of Biden supporters.

Governor Shapiro Thursday night telling this crowd that this election is a referendum, not just for President Biden and former president Trump, but for Americans and who we are as a country. Representative Justin Fleming (D) of Dauphin County was echoing a similar message.

But there were moments that Biden supporters weren’t happy with.

If you were watching the debate, you may have noticed some stumbles and pauses from President Biden.

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I asked Representative Fleming about that, “I have moments where I can’t recall what I’m thinking of or recall a name — it happens to all of us,” he said. “I don’t think that five or 10 seconds of silence should define this campaign or the competence that we’ve seen over the last four years from the Biden-Harris Administration.”

Republican Midstate congressman Scott Perry said before Thursday night’s debate those Biden-Harris policies have put America in a terrible spot when it comes to inflation and immigration. Other republicans also responding, noting President Biden’s stumbles and saying that both candidates are flawed and that this election will be a tough decision for voters.

“Joe Biden is still having difficulties with his voice, but at times can still kind of put through whatever his rasp is,” Chris Nicholas of Eagle Consulting said. “Trump started off, I think very low key for him and got more animated as time went on as they started trading barbs back and forth so I think trump has better style points.”

This November election is not just about the presidency, it’s about the senate, too. Governor Shapiro acknowledged that. The two candidates who are running are incumbent Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Dave McCormick.

We’ve reached out to both campaigns for a statement Thursday night but haven’t heard back.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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