WASHINGTON– Voters from swing states came together in various settings such as homes, bars, party offices, and local wine shops on Tuesday night for what could potentially be the only debate between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his Democratic counterpart, Kamala Harris.

Carlos T. Carter, a supporter of Harris from Pittsburgh, noted that the vice president showcased her legal skills and seemed both prepared and presidential.

Heather Solesky, a Republican from staunchly conservative central Pennsylvania, expressed her disappointment over former President Trump’s loss of composure at various points throughout the debate.

With vote-by-mail ballots already dispatched in several states and early voting commencing in others, both Trump and Harris had a lot at stake. Election Day is under eight weeks away.

No additional presidential debates are set – although Harris’s campaign requested another one just moments after this debate concluded – making the 90-minute confrontation their likely only chance to engage one-on-one in what promises to be a very tight election.

Reporters from YSL News’s network partners spoke with swing-state residents during and after the Harris and Trump debate in Philadelphia. Here are their reactions:

Pennsylvania

Carter, supporting Harris from Beaver County, a region Trump won decisively in both 2016 and 2020, acknowledged that Trump effectively addressed the struggles of Americans and delivered a performance his base expects.

However, Carter felt that Harris clearly outperformed him.

Solesky recognized Trump’s frustration, noting that Harris frequently put him on the defensive with her criticisms of his rallies and other remarks.

Viewing the debate from her home in York County, Solesky commented that Harris seemed “well-coached” and like a “great performer.” She remarked that if she were an uninformed voter, she might find Harris appealing.

Despite Harris’s strong performance, Solesky still intends to support Trump in the upcoming election.

“While she may have won this round, I don’t believe she’ll win the overall battle,” Solesky remarked about Harris.

Nearly 300 Harris advocates gathered at a warehouse behind Lavery Brewing Co. in Erie for the debate, marking the largest turnout among the watch parties held statewide, according to event organizers. State Rep. Bob Merski noted it was the biggest crowd for a watch party since Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign.

During the initial moments of the debate, attendees laughed when Trump called Harris a “Marxist” and jeered him when he claimed the Biden administration was allowing criminals through the border.

“You’re a criminal,” one woman shouted.

When Trump suggested that abortions were permissible after birth, the audience responded with a mix of boos and laughter. They then erupted in applause when ABC moderator Linsey Davis corrected him, stating, “No state in this country allows the killing of a baby.”

“She’s doing great,” declared Jess Hubert, an administrative staff member at a local university. “She’s addressing the questions well and providing strong rebuttals.”

This was a stark contrast to what Hubert and her boyfriend, Robert Wagner, had observed during Biden’s debate with Trump in June.

“Now Trump finds himself in the same position Biden was in,” Wagner commented.

The couple watched the debate on a cell phone because the venue was at full capacity.

In another part of town, Renea Kovski stepped outside of Lefty’s Tavern to light a cigarette, feeling frustrated with Harris and what she labeled as her deception. She joined over 30 people for a GOP watch party inside the bar, where organizers requested the press to stay out.

“He’s handling it decently,” Kovski, in a Trump T-shirt, commented. “He’s losing his temper more than he ought to.”

Yet, she later expressed excitement, saying Trump was “doing amazing.”

“We anticipated it would be heated, and it certainly is,” she noted.

Arizona

In Phoenix, a group of mostly Democratic supporters settled into folding chairs at a Harris supporter’s home. They chuckled as Trump proclaimed that the economy was stronger during his presidency, and later, made further claims that sparked disbelief.

As part of Project 2025, a conservative policy plan created by former officials of the Trump administration, there was laughter over Trump’s assertions that Harris lacks a “plan” and labels her as a “Marxist.”

During the event, attendees chuckled when Trump made remarks that Harris “doesn’t have a plan” and referred to her as a “Marxist.”

Those hosting the event distributed bingo cards featuring popular terms such as “jobs,” “healthcare,” and “weird.”

Cliff Dawson was one of the few Republicans present at a watch party in Phoenix arranged by the Harris campaign.

Though he is registered as a Republican, Dawson has often voted for different parties. He chose Obama over John McCain in 2008, has never supported Trump, and would not back a GOP candidate who denies election results.

Dawson believes Trump is running for office primarily to avoid jail time, given his recent convictions on 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records. Before the debate, he expected to gain no new insights but was eager to see Trump make mistakes.

“I hope to witness some self-incrimination,” he stated.

Ricardo Reyes, a 42-year-old organizer for the veterans group Common Defense in Phoenix, praised Harris while attending a watch party in Mesa. Reyes, who has voted for both McCain and Obama, identifies as an independent.

“Kamala is handling Trump effectively,” Reyes remarked. “Trump tends to rely on fearmongering and divisive language, and I believe Kamala is managing it quite well.”

Georgia

During the debate, Beth Foster Marone, a 46-year-old behavior analyst, felt a surge of confidence in the Democratic Party under Harris’s leadership. “I believe Joe Biden made a wise decision. He exited at the right moment, and seeing Kamala Harris tonight reassures me that all choices made were correct,” she expressed.

Watching the debate at Revival Wines in Fayetteville with her husband Tom Marone, who is part of the Fayette County Democratic Committee, she noted that Harris stayed focused. “She avoided the pitfall of engaging in disparaging rhetoric, which is Trump’s strong suit.”

Inside the crowded winery, 25-year-old Justin Owens declared Harris the “clear winner” of the debate.

However, if there is a second debate between Harris and Trump, Owens hopes to hear a “stronger, more nuanced response” on the Israel-Gaza situation.

“Harris’ response has been moderate, but I would like her to be more specific,” Owens said. “I wish she would acknowledge that the current Israeli administration isn’t effectively serving the Israeli populace.”

By the debate’s conclusion, the atmosphere at the watch party was joyful and relieved, with some attendees lingering outside to view the ABC broadcast of the candidates vying for the highest office in the country on an inflatable screen.

Maura Keller, an independent candidate for Georgia’s 3rd congressional district, remarked that there was “no comparison” between Harris and Trump.

“Harris dominated the stage,” Keller stated. “As a woman, there’s a constant scrutiny over whether we display emotion. Everything she articulated was factual and calm, whereas Trump seemed erratic and devoid of facts.”

North Carolina

In the Wake County GOP office, around 50 individuals sat attentively, watching the debate while enjoying take-out pizza.

The room was mostly quiet, focused on the screen until Harris began to speak, prompting boos and occasional laughter from the crowd.

Glenn Watson, who resides in Cary, took notes on a folded piece of paper to keep track of Trump’s policies, intending to share them later with undecided and independent voters.

“When I engage with them, I hope to present what I believe is a balanced and rational perspective,” Watson explained.

Watson emphasized focusing on policies, feeling that Democrats weren’t providing enough specifics.

Nearby, in a quiet outdoor setting punctuated by the sounds of crickets, another group gathered on lawn chairs for a watch party.

North Carolina Rep. Julie von Haefen, a local Democrat, expressed that Harris was displaying her policy knowledge and ability to counteract Trump’s lies adeptly. “Her leadership qualities are shining through tonight,” she added.

“Her warmth really stands out this evening,” von Haefen concluded.

Regarding Harris’s shifting views on previous policies, von Haefen noted that altering one’s perspective is a natural and healthy aspect of life, especially for a politician.

“I believe she’s being genuine,” von Haefen remarked. “She’s acting like a real person. Sometimes, I too can alter my viewpoints, and it’s absolutely acceptable.”

Samantha Warren, 57, from Morrisville, expressed that Trump seemed “overwhelmed” facing Harris in the debate, stating that Harris was “very clear” about her policies and effectively introduced herself to the audience during the 90 minutes.

Nevada

Gabe Kanae, a 21-year-old Democrat in Washoe County, Nevada, is set to cast their vote in their first presidential election. The debate did not sway Kanae’s support for Harris and her vice presidential partner, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Kanae’s primary concerns include the cost of living and individuality. Having faced societal pressures related to race and gender, Kanae hopes to see the next president embrace acceptance for all.

Since Harris and Trump did not address Kanae’s main areas of interest, Kanae admitted to zoning out during the debate but still declared support for Harris “without a doubt.”

Rey Shirley, a small business owner from Reno focused on manufacturing and global sales, is particularly interested in policies concerning tariffs and intellectual property protection.

Before the debate, the registered independent expressed apprehension about possible lack of substance, especially with Trump’s participation.

“Even though I lean slightly conservative regarding fiscal policies, I am definitely worried about (Trump’s) rhetoric,” Shirley said. “Let’s discuss real policy transformations.”

After the debate, Shirley observed that both candidates offered minimal specifics on policies. While she believed they could have elaborated better on their plans, she felt that Harris made a stronger effort to tackle the issues presented.

Shirley noted that Trump seemed less combative than in previous debates.

“He managed to control himself more,” Shirley stated. “Harris maintained her composure well, which is commendable.”

Mary Bryant, a retired employee from the University of Nevada, Reno, felt the debate showcased two candidates on vastly different levels. Bryant entered the debate wanting to hear both candidates discuss their views on abortion. She appreciated that Harris emphasized it as a women’s right, rather than a decision made by state or federal authorities. However, Bryant found Trump’s statements on the topic confusing, particularly regarding his comments about children being killed.

She wished Harris had challenged Trump more on his false statements, noting, “She could have spent the entire time doing just that.”

Bryant viewed Harris as positive and full of good ideas, whereas Trump came across as negative and devoid of substantive proposals. “I thought she performed well and maintained a positive demeanor, especially considering her opponent,” Bryant remarked.

Maggie Babb, a teacher in Washoe County with a decade of experience, expressed disappointment that neither candidate addressed education or school safety. Teaching second grade at Desert Heights Elementary in Reno, she felt it essential to hear both candidates discuss plans to prevent school shootings following a recent incident in Georgia.

“How are we going to tackle the gun issue?” she asked.

Michigan

Jesse Randle, a retired heavy machinery operator from Saginaw, commented that Harris “provided better responses” and seemed to unsettle Trump at times.

“It wasn’t a strong debate for him,” Randle noted about Trump. “He resorted to his usual tactics.”

A lifelong Democrat, Randle expressed concern about the considerable support Trump retains, considering his background and his evident admiration for leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

“What are people thinking?” he questioned.

Eric Rosenberg, a lawyer from Novi in Oakland County, felt that Trump accomplished his objectives in a debate he described as “three against one,” facing not only Harris but also two moderators from ABC.

Identifying as a conservative, Rosenberg mentioned that the moderators fact-checked Trump but overlooked Harris’s controversial comment about “fine people on both sides,” made during the 2017 Charlottesville rally. Various media sources concluded that Trump wasn’t referring to neo-Nazis or white supremacists with that remark, but rather those involved in the debate about Confederate statue removals.

According to Rosenberg, Trump “clearly identified her with Joe Biden” concerning their policies, which was likely all he could realistically achieve given the situation.

Claudette Shaffer, who runs a small business and is semi-retired, lives near Beal City in central Michigan. She believes that Harris is a capable debater, while Trump tends to speak without regard for the truth.

“The looming crisis, which is our national debt, was not discussed by anyone,” Shaffer commented.

Shaffer, who has voted for both political parties in the past, hopes that Harris will take the issue of the deficit seriously due to her perceived competence. “I would never vote for Donald Trump, even if he were the only candidate left,” she expressed.

Mark Sinacola, a single father with two children in Highland Township, prioritizes inflation as his top concern. This is a significant reason for his support of Trump, as he feels the financial strain while working as a sales representative for a vodka brand. Sinacola stated his life was better during Trump’s presidency.

Sinacola noted that Harris managed to disrupt Trump’s rhythm by mentioning crowd sizes during the debate. However, he found it inappropriate for Harris to bring up rallies, especially considering there was a recent assassination attempt on Trump. “He has the wealth to pursue many other endeavors,” he said.

Wisconsin

At the Trump campaign headquarters in Green Bay, attendees displayed their support with “Team Trump” stickers and clothing featuring American flags.

They reacted negatively when Harris labeled the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection as a “violent mob,” with one woman burying her face in her hands and exclaiming, “oh my God, seriously?”

Christine Schiller, 73, believes voting for Trump is a straightforward choice. “He is honest,” she asserted. “I can’t imagine where we would be without him.”

In Madison, known as a liberal stronghold in Wisconsin, Harris’ debate performance inspired some hope among voters regarding her prospects in November.

“I’m confident she is the most capable candidate out there,” shared Lisa Pardon, 67. “I worry about how certain parts of our society get their information, but I strongly believe she will succeed.”

Nadir Carlson, aged 32, anticipates a closely contested election.

“It’s going to be a tight race, but I think her team is effectively targeting the crucial states they need to secure. People are realizing this is an opportunity to finally move past Donald Trump and his erratic policies and behavior,” he stated.

In Milwaukee, Craig Peterson, a veteran GOP strategist, organized a gathering for a mixed group of invitees who enjoyed a meal before the debate commenced.

As the debate continued, Peterson, who identifies as a Reagan Republican and supports Harris, said he felt that the vice president emerged as the victor of the night. His opinion of Trump? “He entered the debate unprepared,” Peterson remarked.