The Vice Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on September 10, 2024, generated significant interest across Washington D.C., with viewers gathering at various locations to watch the event. The debate, held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, which opened its doors in 2003, drew particular attention at Howard University and a local bar in the H Street Corridor.
At Howard University, founded in 1867 and often referred to as "The Mecca" of African American education, students eagerly anticipated the performance of their alumna, Kamala Harris, who graduated from the institution in 1986. The event's popularity led organizers to open a second viewing space to accommodate the growing crowd.
Anaya Brodie, a 17-year-old freshman, created a "debate bingo" game, a concept that has gained popularity in recent years as a way to engage viewers. The bingo cards included squares for moments such as mentions of Project 2025, a conservative initiative to prepare policy proposals for a potential Republican administration.
"Some people celebrate the Super Bowl, but it's Howard. So, like, the debate kind of feels that way."
The atmosphere at Howard was charged with enthusiasm, with students cheering for Harris and using finger snapping, a form of applause originating from beatnik culture, to show their approval. Many students expressed optimism about the possibility of Harris becoming the first Black woman president, building on her historic achievement as the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American Vice President in 2021.
Meanwhile, at Dirty Water, a bar in the revitalized H Street Corridor, the D.C. Young Republicans gathered to watch the debate. The crowd here had a different energy, with loud reactions to topics such as border security and immigration.
Ciprian Ivanof, the Republican candidate for D.C.'s shadow representative, a position created in 1978 to advocate for D.C. statehood, attended the event. He noted the isolation felt by Republicans in the predominantly Democratic city.
John Logan, a field director for U.S. Senate candidate Larry Hogan, who served as the 62nd Governor of Maryland from 2015 to 2023, expressed a more moderate view. Describing himself as a "Massachusetts Republican," a term often associated with a more centrist form of Republicanism, Logan felt that Harris had won the debate.
The contrasting reactions at Howard University and Dirty Water bar highlighted the diverse political landscape in Washington D.C. While Howard students celebrated Harris's performance, the Republican gathering at Dirty Water demonstrated support for Trump, who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
As the debate concluded, viewers at both locations reflected on the candidates' performances and their potential impact on the upcoming election. The event served as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the role of educational institutions like Howard University in shaping future leaders.