Presidential debate sparks conversation about white supremacy
Presidential comment puts "Proud Boys" into standby mode
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - On social media, "stand back and stand by," is trending after Tuesday night's Presidential Debate.
That phrase was President Donald Trump's response to the question of whether or not he was willing to condemn white supremacists.
"Proud Boys" is also trending. It's a far-right, neo-fascist male-only organization that both promotes and engages in, politically-inspired violence.
One Imperial County woman says she feels like President Trump’s statement was enticing violence on communities of color.
“It almost seems like he’s trying to encourage that behavior which is really scary for a lot of minorities because we see a lot of mistreatment and a lot of racism growing and for him to say it’s not his problem and not talk about it it’s really discouraging,” said Erica Mariscal, Voter.
One Imperial county man felt it was the opposite.
“I honestly don’t think he’s enticing violence at all umm I’ve seen it before he’s denounced the super far just any supremacists group he hasn’t show any support for them at all none that I’ve seen,”said Malik, Voter.
Annette Gonzalez-Buttner is the Chairperson of the Imperial County Democratic Party. She says Vice President Biden promised to be a president for all Americans: Democrats, Republicans, and everyone else.
Gonzalez-Buttner says Biden addressed issues important to Imperial County, including environmental safety, racial equity, economic opportunity, and the future of real people working to pay their bills.
The Imperial County Republican Central Committee believes Tuesday's debate showed voters they have a clear choice for Americans in this election. Steven Mireles, the Committee's Vice-Chair says the policies of Joe Biden and the Democrats for the past 47 years have not, and will not solve our nation's problems.
Mireles says that's why it's for America to Re-Elect President Trump. He says Trump will lead the nation down the path of shared prosperity, justice, and peace during these uncertain times.
The next presidential debate is October fifteenth.