A Brooklyn Debate Watch Party Reacts to Reproductive Rights Clash

(NEW YORK) — On Tuesday, about 25 Brooklyn residents gathered at a local Caribbean restaurant near Prospect Height for a debate watch party hosted by the local chapter of the NAACP. They snacked on plantain bites, rice and beans and curated cocktails as they watched the candidates go head-to-head on key issues. 

BK9 buzzed with energy as screens lit up the debate, but it was the segment on reproductive rights that sparked the most reaction in the crowd. Donald Trump argued that decisions on abortion, as established by Roe v. Wade, should be made at the state level. His comments were met with quiet murmurs of disagreement from the audience, the  majority of whom leaned Democratic. 

Kamala Harris responded forcefully, saying, “Donald Trump or the government should not be telling people what to do with their body,” which drew nods of approval and applause from the crowd. One attendee remarked, “She’s spot on.” 

The watch party atmosphere was vibrant, with moments of laughter, applause and occasional boos towards Trump’s comments echoing through the room.  Despite the lively  reactions from locals, many were hesitant to comment on their personal political views. One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, briefly shared their thoughts while leaving halfway into the debate, saying, “I think Kamala’s point of view makes more sense than Trump. Women should have the right to make decisions of their own body, I mean it’s 2024 – why is this even a topic up for discussion?”