Kentucky politicians react to Trump-Harris presidential debate

Kentucky lawmakers and political figures had plenty to say about the presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

ABC hosted the debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia Tuesday evening. Rules for the debate mandated that each candidate's microphone only be turned on when it was their turn to speak, no audience would be in the studio and candidates could not bring notes with them.

CNN hosted the first presidential debate in Atlanta between Trump and President Joe Biden in June, prior to Biden's announcement that he would drop out of the race.

Some Republican Kentucky lawmakers praised Trump for his performance in the second debate.

Rep. Andy Barr posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Trump was "coming out on top," and the American people aren't "fooled" by Harris' "socialist policies."

Also on X, Sen. Rand Paul said the Democrats are now the party of "endless wars" and seemed to criticize Harris for saying she has support from former Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney.

State Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, said in a social media post that the early minutes of the debate were "more vibe, no substance so far."

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And TJ Roberts, a Republican candidate for the Kentucky House of Representatives, posted during the debate multiple times, criticizing moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis for interrupting and arguing against Trump.

Meanwhile, Democrats criticized Trump and praised Harris.

The Louisville Democratic Party posted an image of Trump and Harris during the debate as a response to Trump's answers to the questions.

Morgan Eaves, executive director of the Kentucky Democratic Party, shared a post from the Texas Democrats' account — accusing Trump of interfering with the bipartisan border bill — with two emojis indicating a mic drop.

Colmon Elridge, chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party, criticized Trump's performance, saying it was time for "Jesus (to) take the wheel."

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky politicians react to Trump-Harris presidential debate