On Tuesday Sept. 10, 2024, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debated for the first time. As millions of Americans watched around the nation, the Carbondale NAACP chapter and the Black Graduate Greek Council were watching in Faner Hall. 

In this debate they talked about a variety of issues, some including immigration, abortion, economic plans and health care. 

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In the Sharp Museum Auditorium, the group watched the two politicians debate. 

With no audience, no prepared notes and muted mics, Trump and Harris met for the first time. 

The candidates also discussed the war in Gaza and Israel. 

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“If she is president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now,” Trump said. “I’ve been pretty good at predictions. I hope I’m wrong with this one.”

Harris continued her stance as an ally with Israel. However, she stated she believed the war needs to end.

“What we know is that this war must end, it must end immediately,” Harris said. “And the way it will end is we need a cease fire deal and we need the hostages out.”

“I’m actually going to do something unusual,” Harris said before inviting people to attend Trump’s rallies.  

“It’s a really interesting thing to watch. You will see, during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter,” Harris said. “He will talk about windmills cause cancer. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.”

Trump, who has in the past questioned Harris’ race, changed his stance and said he did not care which race she is.

“I read where she was not Black … and then I read that she was Black, and that’s okay,” Trump said. “Either one was okay with me. That’s up to her.”

As they were debating in Philadelphia, SIU alumni Marjorie Bryson was watching in Carbondale. 

In response to Harris, Bryson said “I think she’s a very intelligent person.”

As an AKA member, Bryson feels a connection to Harris. Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first historically intercollegiate African American sorority. Harris is a member of this sorority and has recently attended events for them. Even so, Bryson has more reasons to prefer Harris. 

“I believe in her, not just because she’s an AKA, but because I think she’s a good person,” Bryson said. 

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