The first general election presidential debate of the year kicked off at 8 p.m. Thursday, pitting President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump on stage.
CNN, which hosted the debate, emphasized that the debate not only marks the return of the same presidential candidates from four years ago, but this is also the first televised debate between a former and current president.
Louisiana politicians and natives shared their thoughts on the social media platform X soon after the debate about the candidates' performance:
U.S. Majority Leader and Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, declared Trump the debate's winner after it concluded. Earlier in the debate, he decried Biden's economic plan.
Victory for President Trump! Can he count on you to double our lead? $5, $10, even $1, goes a long way to winning back the White House.https://t.co/U3ykmP2fYG
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScaliseGOP) June 28, 2024
But former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, a co-chair of the Biden campaign, blasted Trump:
The one universal truth about tonight: If Trump's lips were moving, he was lying. The fundamentals of what is at stake have not changed one iota-- our freedoms, our democracy, and a focus on rebuilding the middle class are all at stake under another dark Trump presidency.
— Mitch Landrieu (@MitchLandrieu) June 28, 2024
Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, posted to X, too, enthusiastic about the upcoming election.
Tonight, @realDonaldTrump proved yet again that he is the leader our country needs! He will deliver on his promise of a secure southern border, he will bring down soaring inflation, and he will keep our country safe.
— Jeff Landry (@JeffLandry) June 28, 2024
Louisiana is ready for November 5th!
State Rep. Mandie Landry, D-New Orleans and one of the Legislature's more progressive members, had this to say:
Biden: here are some real facts that I know like the back of my hand because I am a good-hearted academic nerdy honest sweetheart of a Democrat
— Mandie Landry (@votelandry) June 28, 2024
Trump: you’re the worst president ever
Debate winner: trump
(I am despondent 😭😭😭)
An hour into the debate, U.S. House Speaker and Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Benton, labeled it "the biggest mismatch in the history of presidential debates."
An objective truth that cannot be denied: Only one of the men on the stage tonight is qualified and capable of being elected President in 2024. This is the biggest mismatch in the history of presidential debates. pic.twitter.com/Hipa7TvFaJ
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) June 28, 2024
Donna Brazile, veteran Democratic Party political strategist, former Democratic National Committee chairwoman and New Orleans native, acknowledged Biden's missteps and sought to dispel talk that he would not continue on as the party's presidential nominee:
Say it. We got work to do. Biden will be our nominee. https://t.co/Czkpt79c16
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) June 28, 2024