“We’re not going back”: Harris-Walz team hosts debate watch party at Tara Atlanta

The Presidential debate between United States Vice President Kamala Harris and former United States President Donald Trump has arrived.

Team Harris-Walz held watch parties in various places in Georgia such as Augusta, Albany, Macon, Columbus, Savannah, and yes, Atlanta. The Atlanta Voice attended a watch party hosted by U.S. Representative Nanette Barrágan, D-California, Mayor of Birmingham Randall Woodfin, and former Chief Judge in Georgia and TV personality Judge Glenda Hatchett at the Tara Atlanta movie theater.

This watch party was also among 180 taking place in Georgia and come on the heels of a “Weekend of Action” organizing blitz across the state this weekend.

Walking into Tara, you could feel the energy for the Harris-Walz Campaign. Supporters, voters, and volunteers alike were brought together wearing “Harris-Walz” shirts. As you walked into the theater room, you could see “Harris-Walz” signs plastered on the walls.

During the debate watch party, other Georgia-based community members influencers, and local leaders proved why voters should show up and support Democrats in and down the ballot this November.

Hatchett said, “Let’s do what we need to do.”

“Let’s win. I refuse to accept defeat and we’re going to win because the alternative is not acceptable,” she said.

After Hatchett finished speaking, the crowd chanted “We’re not going back” and claps echoed throughout the theater.

Additionally, Woodfin expressed confidence and said he “feels good” in Harris’ ability to debate Trump effectively, highlighting her potential to connect with everyday Americans and articulate a sharp vision for the country.

“When it comes to debating Donald Trump, since 2016, the balance has not been equal and there is no expectation on the front line. All the weight is on Harris, our Vice President, and our soon-to-be president, and I’m more than confident she can handle her own,” he said.

He also said he’s honored to be a surrogate for the Harris-Walz campaign and Georgia is so important and critical, as it relates to the election results.

“We’re in a position to go from a persuasion to mobilization, so today is about good energy and cheering on Harris,” he said. “It’s more importantly about reminding people about the importance of the next 60 days.”

Furthermore, Woodfin said for those who are unsure or don’t want to vote that “it could not be a clear contrast between the two candidates running for President of the United States.

“Harris is an authentic, genuine human being of good character and just a cool person. She wants to stand for us all and has an unclouded vision that she’s articulated to all Americans, and she provides hope and a way forward to be the solution of solving issues that affect everyday Americans.”

Once the debate started, “Come on Kamala” echoed through the theater. Confusion also ran through people’s faces when Trump denied any involvement on Project 2025.

Dr. Cherry Collier said she was looking forward to [Kamala] Harris being able to show how amazing she is.

“It’s really funny they have this whole thing set up where the person who’s the most qualified has the bar even higher, but the person who isn’t qualified has a very low bar, so I’m extremely excited for her to go over that high bar and really show what she’s made of,” she said.

Collier also said she showed up for herself, who happens to also be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

“Showing up is important because historically when you think about African-American women and the community, we support each other, and so the divine nine, the entire group, we’re all making sure we support the candidate so she can be successful,” Collier said.

Collier also gave a piece of advice to people who may still be undecided about voting or don’t want to vote by saying “there’s no competition or confusion” and “Trump keeps us in a fight or flight space, and we want to be calm with a time of hope and peace.”

Barrágan also emphasized the importance of Georgia in the upcoming election, highlighting the energy and excitement among voters. She also expressed the significance of building coalitions with the Latino and African American communities.

The moment Harris walked out on the stage and appeared on the screen, the crowd shouted and hollered with excitement. When Trump started to speak, people began laughing, mocking, and trashing his responses by saying, “Cut his mic” and “You’re not answering the question.”

Overall, the night felt, ironically, like watching a good movie with a great ending. Between Harris’ facial expressions during Trump’s rebuttals and her comebacks, the crowd laughed, clapped, and shouted in excitement with each response she gave.

Once the debate was over, the theater was engulfed in “Kamala” and “not going back” chants. Many people said it was safe to say, Harris won the debate, and they left noticeably confident in Harris and the upcoming election.

The deadline for voter registration is October 7. Early voting in Georgia begins on Oct. 15 and Election Day is November 5. 

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