The second presidential debate of 2024 took place in Philadelphia, PA, marking the first face-to-face meeting between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The debate covered key issues such as the economy, abortion, immigration, foreign policy, and healthcare. However, at times it seemed to focus more on questions about President Trump. For New Mexicans, the primary concerns remain the economy, immigration, and crime.
"Tonight, New Mexicans wanted to know which candidate is going to make their groceries cheaper, their border secure, and their communities safe," said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce.
Pearce commented on the performance of both candidates: "Both sides executed their points pretty well, but it’s going to come down to will voters believe the utopia Kamala Harris is selling them or what they see. Times are very tough right now and they are about to get tougher. I’m talking to people every day—restaurant owners and small businesses that may have to close because they can’t afford the rent anymore. New Mexico now has the highest poverty rate in the nation, so inflation impacts our citizens more than in any other state."
According to Pearce: "Trump is in a stronger position through his policies to stabilize the economy, get wages up, and get costs down. On the other hand, Harris avoided addressing important questions about the economy and dodged the critical question of why Americans feel they are worse off than before during her administration over the past three and a half years."
Pearce continued: "The underlying question for Harris is why isn’t she already doing the things she is proposing? But as usual, she did not give voters an answer."
Pearce highlighted Trump's direct appeal: "President Trump spoke directly to New Mexicans who know their neighborhoods have become unsafe and to our border communities who feel abandoned—those whom Harris seemed to laugh about. Harris could not explain why her administration opened the border to this crisis on day one."
Regarding energy policy differences: "Trump made it clear that he would protect New Mexico’s oil and gas industry which accounts for thousands of jobs and almost 50% of our state’s budget. Harris had a more confusing stance; she twisted herself into a pretzel trying to explain how she supports fracking despite previously saying she wants to ban it while also saying that her values have not changed."
Pearce concluded by emphasizing consistency: "President Trump has remained consistent in his policies; what you get is what you see with Trump. Tonight we saw a very rehearsed Harris who could repeat talking points but couldn’t go beyond when pressed about her past record. New Mexico is in play this year and races up and down the ballot will be very competitive. If New Mexicans want relief in core issues like inflation crime—and-the-border—the-clear-choice-is-the-Republican-ticket.”