South Dakota Republicans and Democrats give thoughts ahead of Tuesday’s Presidential Debate

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to square off in Philadelphia on Tuesday for their first presidential debate.

With Vice President Kamala Harris entering the race only a month ago and the election only two months away, Tuesday’s Presidential debate comes at an interesting time and could create separation for both candidates in the race for the White House.

“It will be a great opportunity for the Trump campaign to you know, really harp on the merits of the Trump administration and to call out Kamala Harris’ lack of when answering questions to the public,” said the South Dakota District 30 Senator Nominee Amber Hulse.

“I think if we talk about plans, we focus on the plans, you will definitely see Vice President Harris, the track record of President Biden, and her vision for the future,” said the Executive Director for the South Dakota Democratic Party Dan Ahlers.

Ahlers is hopeful for a clean debate.

“You know (if) history repeats itself, we’re gonna see the personal attacks and stuff like that. I would hope that both of them could conduct themselves in a way that we wouldn’t see that, even if the former president decides to go down that path,” Ahlers added.

Both Hulse and Ahlers don’t believe Harris’ late entry into the race will have an impact on her debate performance or chances of winning the election.

“She’s been in politics for a long time. She was Vice President for the last four years, so she’s been existing, you know in this world. So, I don’t think that’s necessarily something that’s going to be a detriment to her,” Hulse said.

“All you can do is put your foot on the gas and keep going forward till you get to the end and reach as many people as you can, but I think she’s got the means to do that. I think she’s gotten off to a great start,” Ahlers said.

Ahlers and Hulse find both Harris and Trump as formidable candidates and are eager to see what transpires Tuesday night.

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