[ad_1]
OLD FORGE: With a “Cops for Trump” hat on his head, Tom Kenney comes out of the small room where a dozen supporters of the president of the United States are watching the debate of the candidates in the state of Pennsylvania.
“I got tired of listening to Biden,” he says.
Inside the building, Fox News coverage of the long-awaited first debate between Donald Trump and his presidential challenger Joe Biden rings out loud to the locals of Old Forge, a working-class Scranton district where Biden grew up.
Their colors are glued to the mast: a life-size cardboard cutout of Trump with two thumbs up welcomes those who gather to watch, and Trump posters and anti-abortion slogans generously pasted on the walls.
LEE: Trump deflects the question of the debate on whether he condemns white supremacists
The group listens in silence as the two candidates tease each other with enthusiasm, then burst out laughing when the president refers to his opponent personally, but with some contempt, simply as “Joe.”
“I think Trump is doing very well, I think Joe Biden is having a hard time arguing, making his case,” says Doug Miller, 30, wearing a red “Keep America Great” cap.
Locals in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, watch the first debate between President Donald Trump and his rival Joe Biden. (Photo: AFP / Angela Weiss)
Outside, Jackie Smith, who claims to be a fervent supporter of the president, smokes a cigarette in the rain.
“Trump has done a lot for us in his 4 years in office,” he says.
WATCH: Donald Trump and Joe Biden face off in first presidential election debate
Pennsylvania, like Ohio where the debate took place, is a rust belt state that has suffered heavy job losses in recent decades as heavy industry has declined. Trump won both in 2016, but they are up for grabs for Democrats in November.
Trump went to great lengths to denigrate Biden’s mental acuity before the debate and with the Democrat performing stronger than many expected, frustrations are beginning to simmer in Old Forge.
A life-size cardboard cutout of Trump welcomes those who gather to watch. (Photo: AFP / Angela Weiss)
Back on television, the candidates discuss the Supreme Court, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, topics chosen by debate moderator Chris Wallace, who allocates time to each candidate and does not hesitate to criticize Trump for interrupting. your opponent.
But your efforts are not greatly appreciated.
READ: Trump and Biden go on the attack in a chaotic and fiery first presidential debate
“I feel like for most of the night (Trump) wasn’t just debating sleepy Joe Biden, but he had to debate Chris Wallace, who I think is a total fool,” says Miller.
Wallace works for Fox News, a channel that leans toward conservatives but has a reputation for going after anyone he comes across, regardless of their politics.
TRUMP EARRINGS
After the close debate, opinions are divided on the performance of your candidate.
“The winner was Donald Trump. I mean, he was competing against Chris Wallace and Joe Biden,” says Lorenzo Febbo, a 20-year-old student. “Joe Biden tended to respond as he normally does, interrupting.”
A Trump supporter models her earrings dedicated to the President of the United States. (Photo: AFP / Angela Weiss)
But for Nicholas Haas, also in his twenties, neither of them came out ahead: “No one really won because I didn’t learn anything from either side.”
Resplendent in a dress the colors of the American flag, a Trump brooch and blue Trump earrings, Lynette Villano, 74, acknowledged that Biden’s performance was better than expected.
“He rested for a couple of days, so I guess that was fine.”
Warm praise from the Old Forge curators.
