By Beth Clayton
Alabama Political Reporter
BIRMINGHAM—Young Democrats across Alabama hosted public watch parties for the last presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on Wednesday night.
The Alabama Young Democrats, a statewide organization, along with members of their Birmingham, East Alabama and North-Central Alabama chapters, hosted a joint watch party with the Hillary Clinton campaign at the Historic Carver Theatre in downtown Birmingham. More than 250 attendees packed the theatre, booing and cheering together throughout the debate.
The Young Democrats were joined by Congresswoman Terri Sewell, State Representative Merika Coleman and many local candidates and elected officials.
“We were so inspired by the turnout and grateful for everyone who helped make the event successful,” said Josh Coleman, lead organizer for the Hillary Clinton campaign and President of the North-Central Alabama Young Democrats, as well as an officer in AYD. “The debate was exactly as painful as we expected because Donald Trump doesn’t have any policy positions longer than 140 characters; but watching it with good people made all the difference.”
In Mobile, the Bay Area Young Democrats met at Saucy Q’s BBQ for good food and Debate watching, along with State Representative Napoleon Bracy and Councilman CJ Smalls.
“It was a great turnout,” said Christian Smith, President of the Bay Area Young Democrats. “We had more than 80 people come to the party, ranging in age from two to 82 years old. It was clear the Gulf Coast is ready to send Donald Trump back to Trump Tower, far away from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.”
In other corners of the State, the Shoals Area Young Democrats met at their local headquarters to watch the debate.
“We had a small group of our chapter members get together to watch the debate and talk about how we can make a difference for Democrats up and down the ticket,” said Brandon Willcutt, President of the Shoals Area Young Democrats.
Young Democrats chapters across the state in the Bay Area, River Region, Birmingham and the Shoals will also host watch parties for Election Night, too.
