BANGOR, Maine — On Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debated one another for the first time. While some found their preferred candidate's performance inspiring, many Bangor area residents still feel dissatisfied with their options.
Zac Allen, a student at Eastern Maine Community College, said the debate felt more like a competition with less focus placed on the American people. He had to admit, "I guess I'm not a huge fan of either candidate."
A fellow EMCC peer, Jeremy Hanc, said that "both candidates lacked substance" in the debate. Begrudgingly, he knows how he will vote.
"I honestly do unfortunately plan on voting for Donald Trump because I feel backed into a corner on certain issues," Hanc said.
His number one issue—and why he will vote for Trump—is the economy. That is a sentiment shared by many residents in the area.
Fran D'Errico plans to vote for Harris but wants more details on what she will do in office.
"I think I'd like more definition on inflation and the economy, the price of grocery and everything we face daily," D'Errico said.
Another reoccurring priority is reproductive rights. One voter defined herself as an "undecided Republican" but plans to vote for Harris based off of Trump’s stance on abortion.
For Jane Phillips, it goes a bit further.
"There are a lot of issues. Of course, one of them is abortion. The biggest thing in my opinion is to save democracy," Phillips said.
Still, some voters set on one candidate are longing for another option. Matthew Parrotti feels Trump has proven himself to be competent on the economy and border. However, Parrotti doesn’t believe Trump is perfect.
"All would just like somebody a little more rounded in all aspects. You know, everybody has good and bad. But my personally opinion is that neither one of them is going to make the best president," Parrotti said.
Regardless of who makes it to the White House, he does hope that country improves.
"It's not about Congress; it's not about the presidency; it's about the people. In person, my opinion—when I look around me, I see my country going in a bad direction," Parrotti said.