Alabama Political leaders react to Presidential debate

America watched Thursday night as sitting U.S. President Joe Biden sometimes struggled to form sentences in a debate against former President Donald Trump, who repeatedly told unchecked lies from the podium.

Alabama leaders, who have long endorsed Trump, agreed Thursday night that Trump won the debate. 

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt said the debate showed a “stark contrast” between the two nominees.

“On one hand, you saw a dithering and diminished President struggling to stand by his failed record,” Britt said. “On the other, President Trump made it crystal clear that he’ll restore secure borders, stable prices, safe streets, and a strong defense. That’s what American families want.”

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said the debate “truly exposed” Biden and called the mainstream media the “enemy of the people.”

State leaders were more reserved in their celebration of Trump’s apparent victory, choosing not to highlight Biden’s cognitive issues that dominated the national discussion.

“Donald Trump delivered a strong debate performance, speaking directly to the American people, addressing their concerns, and showing his commitment to fighting for our country,” said ALGOP Chairman John Wahl. “He emphasized the urgent need to secure the southern border, defend individual liberty, and assist struggling families by reducing the cost of living. Trump articulated a vision of restoring the American dream through common-sense policies.

“In contrast, Joe Biden seemed more focused on personal attacks against his opponent than on the pressing issues facing the American people. Under Biden’s leadership, our nation is struggling, and this debate highlighted the necessity for change.”

Gov. Kay Ivey said the “choice in November is clear” but did not elaborate.

While Biden did not always tell the truth on stage—CNN’s fact check estimates Biden made nine fall or misleading claims—it paled in comparison to Trump’s confident and coherent commitment to lying on the stage.

Trump frequently turned the debate toward immigration, claiming that “migrant crime’ is sweeping America despite numerous studies showing no connection between immigration rates and crime, and crime actually dropping in 2023 despite spikes in border crossings.