BRISTOL, Pa. – The recent presidential debate marked a pivotal moment for Rosie Torres, a lifelong Republican. Her support for Donald Trump, already wavering due to his stance on abortion, was further shaken during his encounter with Kamala Harris, which she described as an “eye opener.”
In a statement made in Bristol, a riverfront town in suburban Philadelphia, Torres emphasized the need to prioritize the country over party loyalty. She expressed her disappointment in Trump’s conduct at Arlington National Cemetery, where she felt he showed disrespect towards veterans by allowing a staff member to push a cemetery official.
“I still was willing to vote for Donald Trump,” Torres remarked. “But what he did at the cemetery was inappropriate. I believe our country is being disrespected.”
As the debate reverberates across Bucks County, a crucial battleground in Pennsylvania, voters grapple with their choices ahead of November’s election. Unlike many Americans who have already made up their minds, residents here remain in contemplation.
Interviews conducted in Bristol and Langhorne revealed a spectrum of opinions among voters. A long-time Republican found herself intrigued by Harris yet uncommitted, a first-time voter expressed support for Trump, and a Democrat was left questioning after Trump’s controversial remarks about immigrants.
Mary Nolan, 70, of Bensalem, a Republican for half a century, is re-evaluating her stance after Harris’ performance in the debate. Despite voting for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Trump in 2020, she wants to learn more about Harris before making her decision. Nolan cited key issues such as immigration, the economy, and infrastructure as factors influencing her vote.
Nolan stated, “I like that Kamala Harris says she is going to be the president for everyone. Politicians don’t often make that assertion.” She intends to finalize her decision by the end of October while actively seeking a variety of perspectives.
“I take different opinions from all over. It’s simply news,” she noted.
Another voter, Terry Culleton, 68, expressed that Harris effectively articulated her plans during the debate. However, he was troubled by Trump’s assertions regarding immigrants, deeming them “moronic.”
“I think it’s democracy versus something close to totalitarianism,” Culleton reflected, noting the significance of supporting democratic values over authoritarian regimes.
Meanwhile, Kelli Surline, 28, previously politically disengaged, is now motivated by rising living costs. She has registered to vote and plans to support Trump, feeling frustrated with her current financial struggles.
Longtime Trump supporter Ron Soto, 86, articulated strong opposition to Harris and Biden, emphasizing illegal immigration as a critical concern. He expressed disillusionment with the Democratic Party, lamenting the perceived openness of borders.
Christine Desumma, 50, a former Trump voter and salon owner in Bristol, voiced her frustration with both parties and announced her decision not to participate in the upcoming election. Having reflected on her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, she is choosing to focus on personal well-being instead.
“I just made the decision that I’m not going to vote and I don’t want to hear it,” Desumma concluded. “I’m studying yoga. I got myself back.”
