Countdown sign was backdrop to Democrats viewing debate at Kearny Mesa headquarters. Photo by Ken Stone
They cheered and laughed as Hillary Clinton got off zingers. They moaned as Donald Trump repeated familiar lines. But local Democrats at Monday night’s presidential debate watch party were urged by local leaders to look beyond the TV spectacle.
From left, Carol Kramer, Karen Liu and Charleen Johnson react to debate. Photo by Ken Stone
Before and after viewing the CNN broadcast, county Democratic Party Chairwoman Francine Busby and San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria exhorted the audience of 100 to commit themselves to contacting neighbors — by foot or phone — to help local Democrats win their own races.
“The thing about elections is once they’re over, they’re over,” Busby said at the phone-bank office adjacent to her party’s Kearny Mesa headquarters.
Busby stressed accentuating the positive: “If you’re tweeting and Facebooking, mention Hillary” and her performance, rather than bashing Trump and giving the Republican more free attention.
Democrats had plenty of material, cackling as Clinton cited “Trumped-up trickle down” economics and jabbed her rival with “I know you’re in your own reality” and “Join the debate by saying more crazy things.”
Will the first presidential debate move the needle for local Democrats in down-ballot races?
San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria asks audience: “Who thinks Hillary will knock this out of the park?” Photo by Ken Stone
Jess Durfee, a state Democratic Party official who was county party chair before Busby, said he thought so, given the huge buildup and reach of the televised contest.
“That shows a level of interest and enthusiasm” from the electorate that could translate into a bigger November turnout — with Democrats benefiting the most, he said.
“We’re getting close to the election, close to reality,” said Durfee, a University Heights resident.
Busby differed on the issue.
The debate was “not necessarily” a game-changer for local Democratic candidates, Busby said afterward, stressing “it’s the job of the county party” and citizen volunteers to assure victory.
The longtime Clinton backer also said Bernie Sanders supporters would come to realize the importance of this election and “pivot to Hillary” rather than sit out the Nov. 8 vote or back third-party candidates.
She repeated her earlier admonition — guided by Clinton campaign directives: “Be sure to be active on social media and be positive about Hillary.”
County Democratic Party Chairwoman Francine Busby is interviewed after the debate. Photo by Ken Stone
Councilman Todd Gloria made energetic pitch for local Democratic candidates. Photo by Ken Stone
County Democratic Party Chairwoman Francine Busby, with Councilman Todd Gloria, urged down-ballot voting. Photo by Ken Stone
Men watch debate at Kearny Mesa offices of the county Democratic Party. Photo by Ken Stone
County Democratic Party Chairwoman Francine Busby records audience before debate. Photo by Ken Stone
Democratic endorsement cards were made available at watch party. Photo by Ken Stone
USD student Elena Gonzalez, 19, worked her phone at times during the debate. Photo by Ken Stone
Two local stations set up cameras at Democratic debate watch party. Photo by Ken Stone
CNN broadcast was choice of local Democratic debate watch party. Photo by Ken Stone
Audience member reacts to debate. Photo by Ken Stone
From left, Carol Kramer, Karen Liu and Charleen Johnson react to debate. Photo by Ken Stone
From left, Carol Kramer, Karen Liu and Charleen Johnson react to debate. Photo by Ken Stone
Hillary Clinton cutout was set beside flas-screen TV. Photo by Ken Stone
From left, Carol Kramer, Karen Liu and Charleen Johnson react to debate. Photo by Ken Stone
San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria asks audience: “Who thinks Hillary will knock this out of the park?” Photo by Ken Stone
San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria speaks before debate. Photo by Ken Stone
About 100 people packed a party office used for phone banks. Photo by Ken Stone
San Diego Councilman Todd Gloria applauds county Democratic Party Chairwoman Francine Busby. Photo by Ken Stone
Countdown sign was backdrop to Democrats meeting at Kearny Mesa headquarters. Photo by Ken Stone
Former county Democratic Chairman Jess Durfee applauds Hillary Clinton during debate. Photo by Ken Stone
Fans cooled off party office that lacked air conditioning on a 100-degree day. Photo by Ken Stone
Fans cooled off party office that lacked air conditioning on a 100-degree day. Photo by Ken Stone
Debate viewers monitored their phones at watch party. Photo by Ken Stone
Local Democratic Party Executive Director Ryan Hurd prepared the main party office as a spillover room for debate viewing. Photo by Ken Stone
