Communities gathered across Hamden to watch the presidential debate between Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, and Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday night.
The debate showed Americans new insights into the minds of both future leaders. More importantly, the debate brought communities together regardless of their party.
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett partnered with the Hamden Democrats to host a fundraiser and watch party in her backyard. Along with a suggested $10 donation to the Democratic Town Committee, the Hamden Democrats asked those who came to bring a dish and blanket to sit around a bonfire and watch the debate.
“I like bringing people to my home to meet me and hope that you know, it makes me more approachable … when you’re kind of cheering from your own living room, it doesn’t feel as powerful, but when you’re cheering on as a group, it feels more powerful,” Garrett said.“But I think that talking to voters and making sure that they understand the importance of this election is really important, and that’s what our democratic town committee and I do for every election.”
This theme of camaraderie around an important event goes beyond Mayor Garrett. Residents of Hamden value community as well.
“It brought you, it brought me, maybe different ages, different parts of the town. I assume we’re all pretty much on the same page,” Linda Muirhead, a Hamden resident, said. “But you know it’s kind of nice that you’re not out there alone, (there’s a) community of like-minded people.”
Quinnipiac University’s Office of Community Engagement hosted a watch party in the Carl Hansen Student Center, which brought together students from different parties to watch the national event.
Students from all different backgrounds and beliefs gathered to educate themselves on the policies and views of both parties. Those attending stressed the importance of young voters learning about democracy and what role they play.
Julianna Mazzella, a sophomore political science major at Quinnipiac, helped organize the event.
“It’s important because of democracy. We are democracy. And this is you having a voice in such a powerful and extraordinary event. This is more than Quinnipiac – this is America. And we are here, we are representatives and citizens of America. It’s our duty to participate in voting and it’s important for our voices to be heard and to be a part of change,” stresses Mazzella.
The theme of bringing the community together shines through in both local events. Views aside, Democrats and Republicans alike feel more connected to those around them by attending events like the presidential debate watch parties and leaving with a more educated outlook on the election.
“To be surrounded by fellow poli-sci majors, people who are also politically, civically engaged, and those who are concerned about the future of the country,” Christian Knight, a junior political science major, said. “It’s fulfilling to be able to share that same sentiment and to watch this exchange between the two candidates in a way where we can have a conversation and potentially learn something from this.”