Iowa voters react to Trump & Harris debate performance

DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa — Voters in both parties attended debate watch parties on Tuesday in what may be the only presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle.

WHO 13 News attended Republican and Democrat watch parties in Dallas County to get live reaction from voters while both candidates were sparring on stage.

Dallas County Republicans gathered at Bevy’s Tavern in West Des Moines, with six other county parties joining.

“He’s not being nasty which is very important and she’s lying like she does, as you can tell I’m all for Trump,” said Mary Tonnemacher, a Dallas County voter, while pointing at her Trump shirt.

“I think he’s controlling his emotions quite well and he’s answering things in a very factual way and I think Harris is showing too much emotion,” said Sheila Murphy, a voter from Harrison County.

Some in attendance wanted to see the former president focus specifically on policy and leave some of the name calling aside; they were concerned it would take the spotlight off of the state of the country. Others wanted to see fireworks fly as that is who Trump is.

“Well personally I actually like that feistiness, I like that energy, I like his quick humor and some people say well you know let Trump be Trump if he’s too muzzled he turns into a different guy,” said Kelley Koch, Chair of the Dallas County Republicans.

Dallas County Democrats met at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, eager to see the first debate performance of Vice President Harris. Specifically, the voters there were wanting to see how she would articulate her vision for the future.

“I’m a little confused because I thought the microphones were going to cut off in between, but he seems like he’s been continuing on after he gives an answer,” said Diane Jones, a Dallas County voter. “But I’m really happy with how Harris has continued to focus on what’s important to people. We are tired of the divisiveness, we’re tired of the angry language, we’re tired of the insults. And I think she’s putting out solutions and I think she’s articulating those well.”

What both county watch parties had in common? Wanting more debates with the candidates leading up to November 5.

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