Valley Republicans gather for presidential debate
More than 100 people gathered to watch the Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton face off for the first time Monday night. For valley Republicans at the Republican Organizing Committee watch party, they said Monday’s debate reiterated what they already believe. They think Donald Trump should be the next President of the United States.
“I really do feel in my heart that I love Donald Trump,” said Betty Ekmanian-Smith.
Those watching the debate Monday at the Classic Club in Palm Desert think Donald Trump has what it takes to lead our country.
“He comes from a line of business, he knows what he’s doing, he’s been able to keep people employed, he’s prosperous and that’s what we want to see in the White House,” said Joy Miedecke the President of the East Valley Republican Women.
Some Republicans in attendance said their minds are already made up.
“I think he needs to keep doing what he’s doing and I think he’ll make it and I don’t even want to say think because I know he will,” Miedecke said.
Others shared their concerns about Hillary Clinton.
“She doesn’t have the ability to lead a county much less the world and this president will have to do both,” said Karen Miles who lives in Palm Desert.
Some noticed a change in Mr. Trump’s debate tactics from the primaries.
“When he originally announced he was running he had no filter on the brain and no filter on the mouth. He said what he wanted to say. Now he’s more scripted, he’s more teleprompter, more presidential,” said Johnny Hildreth the Chairman of the Board for ROC of the Desert.
Mostly, this debate solidifying what many valley Republicans were already thinking.
“We’re just to proud of this man because he cares about this country. He’s not getting paid and he’s going to be the right person for the job. We just all know it,” Miedecke said.
