MAINE, USA — Voters across the U.S. tuned in to hear where presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden stand on critical issues Tuesday for the first of three debates this election.
Key topics of discussion included the Supreme Court vacancy, coronavirus, racial injustice, health care, and taxes, among others.
NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with Maine voters Tuesday to find out how they were feeling ahead of the debate. Of those asked, all said the debate wouldn't change how they will vote on November 3, but many said they still planned to watch to be more informed.
But how are Maine politicians feeling about the debate?
Here's what they have to say.
Maine Governor Janet Mills
"Yesterday, Joe Biden laid out a clear vision of hope, unity, and prosperity for the next four years. Joe has a proven record of strong and sturdy leadership and a plan to address the COVID-19 pandemic, to rebuild our economy better than before, and to give working class Americans a fair shake. Maine people are already requesting their absentee ballots in record numbers, and, in 35 days, they will cast their ballots to elect a new leader in Joe Biden who will fight for our state and our communities and who will honor our military and our distinguished veterans at the highest level.”
Sen. Susan Collins
“Intolerance and white supremacy have no place in our country. The President should always condemn any kind of hate, and he should have done so last night.”
Sen. Angus King
"I unequivocally condemn white supremacy – because the America I know is a country constantly striving to better fulfill the principle that all men and women are created equal.
See, it’s not that hard to say."
Maine Speaker of the House, Senate candidate Sara Gideon
Gideon tweeted during the debate endorsing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and calling out Susan Collins for not stating who she supports in the presidential election.
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
"The people of Maine need a President who will fight for them no matter what, especially in the wake of an unchecked pandemic that has killed 200,000 Americans, wreaked havoc on the economy, and shed light on Donald Trump's total disregard for science and human life. Tonight, as President Trump stoked division and spouted falsehoods to protect himself and his failed presidency, Joe Biden demonstrated true and honest leadership that will finally move us forward and put Mainers first."
Biden for President Maine Senior Advisor Spencer Thibodeau
“For four years, President Trump has broken promises to Mainers, divided our communities, and prioritized himself and his wealthy friends over American families. Tonight will be no different. While President Trump fails to deliver any plan for struggling communities across the country, Joe Biden will lay out his clear vision for the future, including his plan to get the COVID-19 pandemic under control, protect Mainers’ access to health care, and rebuild our economy better than before. In less than a week, voters across Maine will start casting their ballots for Joe Biden - a leader who has proven he will fight for Maine workers and families as president.”
Office of Congressman Jared Golden
"Congressman Golden is busy in Washington this week pushing Democrat and Republican leaders to get a deal on a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package for America. For Congressman Golden, the needs of his constituents and community come first, campaign debates are secondary.”
Republican Second Congressional District candidate Dale Crafts
"Tonight, the voters will clearly see the difference between Joe Biden, Jared Golden and the liberal agenda and President Donald Trump and his commitment to restore our way of life, rebuild the greatest economy in history, and renew the American Dream. My opponent, who voted to impeach Donald Trump and has been endorsed by Joe Biden, is ready to raise your taxes, restrict your Second Amendment rights, and pursue a government-run healthcare system, leading to the closure of 19 rural Maine hospitals. I am ready to serve alongside Donald Trump to lower your taxes, support our law enforcement, increase access to affordable, quality healthcare, protect your Second Amendment rights, and Make America Great Again. The choice couldn't be clearer.”
Candidate for Maine US Senator, Max Linn
Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Lisa Roberts
“When Donald Trump takes the debate stage tonight, more than 200,000 Americans will still be dead from COVID-19 because he downplayed the virus and failed to create a robust national response, even though he knew how deadly it was from the beginning. Adding insult to injury, tens of millions of Americans -- including nearly 100,000 Mainers -- will be at risk of losing their health care while the pandemic still rages thanks to Trump’s repeated attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. No amount of lying or debate stage bluster can change that.
Tonight, we’ll also get to hear Joe Biden speak directly to Mainers who can’t afford another four years of Trump’s failed leadership. We’ll hear more about Joe’s vision for Maine and his plan to end this pandemic, build our country back better than before, and ensure working families and small businesses have a fair shot. That’s the vision we need in the White House, and that’s why Maine will elect Joe Biden 35 days from today.”
Republican National Committee spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris
"For ninety minutes, President Trump made a confident, commanding and compelling case for his re-election while taking Joe Biden to task for supporting radical policies that would raise taxes, destroy jobs and make our communities less safe.
After tonight’s debate, the choice between President Trump’s 47 months of delivering real results versus Joe Biden’s 47 years as a failed, career politician has never been clearer. In 35 days the American people are going to re-elect President Trump to a second-term along with Republicans up and down the ballot."
Maine GOP Chair Dr. Demi Kouzounas
“Joe Biden is going to have a hard time tonight explaining his job-killing agenda that has always left Mainers behind. President Trump continues to deliver results for Maine and Mainers are excited to deliver for him in November."
Former Maine Senatorial Candidate Betsy Sweet
Maine Author Stephen King