Local party leaders identify top issues during first presidential debate

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Political leaders and party members gathered to watch the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign season on Thursday.

La Crosse County Democrats convened at the Rivoli Theater to watch the debate.

Lisa Vander, a registered Democrat, expressed interest in learning more about the former president's policies beyond taxation.

"I really wanted to hear what Trump would have said about his policies," she said. "I find that he has a lot of rhetoric, and he has a lot of comments that go back into conspiracy theories, but no policy. What is his plan for policy except for taxation?" said Vander.

William Garcia, chair of the La Crosse County Democratic Party, claimed that the tax cuts passed by former President Trump "blew a massive hole in the nation's deficit" and added, "other than that, got nothing else accomplished."

La Crosse County Republicans met at Congressman Derrick Van Orden's campaign office, though it was closed to the media.

Eau Claire County Republicans hosted a watch party as well. The group's vice chairman said he was glad the state of the economy was a primary topic, especially early in the debate.

He said inflation, higher interest rates and rents are all things hurting middle and lower class Americans--and that returning to a Trump presidency will fix that.

"He can do it again. He can create a very solid economy, put us into good trade deals around the world like he did when he was president," said vice chair Fred Kappus.

News 8 Now reached out to La Crosse Republicans for comment. They declined.

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