Sunday September 15, 2024, 2:30PM MST Supporters from throughout the valley came to observe Kamala Harris’s first debate with former president Donald Trump. The Arizona Democratic Party hosted an invite-only debate watch party on Monday September 10th at the Mesa Convention Center with a special appearance from Vice President hopeful and current Governor to Minnesota Tim Walz.
At 3:45PM the line slowly trickles into the small venue, taking as long as an hour to reach the front entrance all while bearing the plus 105 degree heat in the process. “I really hope it’s a lot cooler inside,” says Akela Brown, A local Phoenix resident and supporter for Kamala Harris. “I have been waiting for over an hour to get inside and there’s people out here passing out from the heat.” Arizona’s Phoneix metro areas have endured over 100 days of 100-plus degree temperatures this year, a new record since recording the data from the National Weather Service.
Local paramedics and police were constantly checking the line to assist with anyone that were having issues due to the heat. “Is everyone ok?” asks a Mesa Police officer as he’s strolling up and down the line. He then sees a woman sitting on the side and begins to inquire into how she’s feeling. Paramedics soon arrive within minutes and asks a few questions into her wellbeing before helping her to her feet and escorting her inside the venue, where cooler temperatures await.
Once inside the atmosphere was calm and cooler than the environment and process to enter the premises from the outside. There was an elegant style buffet set-up for everyone to enjoy and plenty of soft drinks and water for the thirsty. Security was notable and on standby. The Mesa police department in conjunction with the United States Secret Service and Arizona’s Department of Public Safety (State Police) were aptly prepared for any interruptions or safety concerns.
Tim Walz joined the party and made a speech about the state of the campaign and what he expects from their supporters. Speaking in front of a little over two-hundred invite-only attendees and volunteers, he expressed his thanks to the crowd and that work is still needed in Arizona. He encouraged all to go out and do their part and get people to the polls and vote for himself and Kamala. It wasn’t even five minutes into Walz’s speech until he was interrupted by two Pro-Palestinian female protesters with one screaming “You are all full of blood, you are all full of blood with your one vote.” While the other was holding up the Palestinian flag. The Secret Service quickly swept in and swiftly led the two female protesters out the building while Walz continued to flow with his words without missing a beat, practically ignoring the protesters.
The brief attempt from the protesters was quickly dismissed and Walz wrapped up his delivery and thanked the crowd, advised them to enjoy the debate with Trump and Harris and continue to work with the Arizona Democratic Party. Three large LED Screens gave the audience a larger-than-life view of the hour and a half long presidential debate. Periodically boos were heard during the debate along with some unsurprising laughter and concerning sighs, the audience felt confident that Kamala held her own.
Overall, the event was a show of force and the opportunities that still lie ahead for the Walz and Harris campaign. It’s definitely evident that Arizona is on both party’s radar, with a recent visit from Ohio Senator JD Vance on September 4th, which was also held in Mesa. It seems as if someone from either party is constantly making an appearance in Arizona. Former president Trump rallied in Tucson on the 12th of September, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr stopped by Glendale two days later to show his support for the former president as well. I guess it’s safe to say that with less than two months left and until the polls are open we will continue to see more of this activity. Arizona is ground to the battle of the two parties, and the people here are seeing and feeling it.
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