BADO Blog

The Trump administration’s recent embrace of pronatalist policies—ranging from “baby bonuses” to fertility-tracking education—may appear, on the surface, like compassionate solutions to declining birthrates. But behind the glossy incentives lies a darker, more coercive agenda: one that threatens to reduce women to wombs and reinstate patriarchal control over family life and reproduction.

This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. It echoes the dystopia of The Handmaid’s Tale, where women’s value is measured by their fertility and autonomy is stripped in service of the state’s needs. Proposals like state-funded menstrual cycle tracking, a “National Medal of Motherhood” for women with six or more children, and fertility-based scholarship quotas for government fellowships are not policy tweaks—they are ideological weapons dressed in populist rhetoric. They don’t merely promote families; they promote a very specific kind of family: heterosexual, married, and child-filled. Everyone else—single parents, queer families, childfree women—is pushed aside, devalued, and, eventually, punished.

What makes these efforts even more chilling is the hypocrisy embedded in them. While the administration calls for a national “baby boom,” it simultaneously slashes funding for reproductive health programs and maternal care. As reported by NPR and Politico, Trump’s health department recently gutted the Division of Reproductive Health—cutting the very lifelines that help women safely have and raise children. It’s not about creating a healthier society. It’s about control.

If this agenda continues unchecked, we risk cementing a future where women are incentivized—or eventually coerced—into motherhood. This isn’t just speculative fearmongering. It’s already happening. Transportation funding is being prioritized for communities with high marriage and birth rates. Fertility education is being proposed for school curricula—replacing comprehensive sex education with thinly veiled religious doctrine. These are not fringe ideas anymore. They are federal priorities.

Meanwhile, we already know what actually works to support families. Expanding pre-K programs improves academic success and relieves financial burdens on working parents (NPR). Universal healthcare gives families security and ensures better maternal and infant health outcomes (Politico). Paid parental leave improves child development and maternal mental health. These policies empower people to start families because they feel supported, not because the government offered them a one-time bonus or symbolic medal.

We must call this what it is: a cultural crusade wrapped in a policy package. If we do not challenge it forcefully now, we may soon find ourselves in a nation where motherhood is no longer a choice—but a patriotic duty assigned at birth.

This moment demands clarity, courage, and action. Speak out. Vote. Push your representatives to support inclusive, proven family policies—not regressive gender mandates masquerading as family values. The line between our reality and Gilead isn’t as far as it seems—and it’s getting thinner by the day.

Sources:

NPR: Trump says he’ll support free IVF treatments in a second term

Politico: Trump’s IVF order: a PR move that gives pronatalists cause for cheer

NPR: Paid family leave improves outcomes for children and mothers

Politico: Trump says he won’t ban birth control. Here’s what he may do instead.

Barrington Township Deserves Leaders Who Serve the People, Not Themselves

As Barrington Township voters head to the polls on April 1, 2025, they face a crucial decision: elect a team that has already delivered real results for the community or hand the township over to a Republican slate more interested in partisan ideals than actual governance. The choice could not be clearer. The "Here to Serve" slate—Bob Alberding for Supervisor, Lisa Decatorsmith for Clerk, and Mike Deering, Vince Deligio, John Langan, and Dan LeTourneau for Trustees—has proven its commitment to transparency, community service, and effective leadership.

Meanwhile, the Republican slate have made misleading claims and focused more on political maneuvering than on improving township services. Let’s set the record straight and expose the failures of their so-called "leadership."

Meet the "Here to Serve" Team—The Right Choice for Barrington Township

• Bob Alberding for Supervisor: A proven leader with over 30 years of experience, Bob has led efforts to modernize township operations, expand community services, and increase government transparency. Under his leadership, the township’s food pantry was expanded, facilities were upgraded, and crucial partnerships were formed to provide health and financial assistance to residents. Unlike his opponent, Bob has spent his time working for residents—not playing politics.
  
  

• Lisa Decatorsmith for Clerk: A 23-year Barrington resident and dedicated community advocate, Lisa understands the importance of an accessible and efficient township government.
  
  

• Mike Deering, Vince Deligio, John Langan, and Dan LeTourneau for Trustees: Each of these candidates brings invaluable expertise in finance, law, and public service to ensure Barrington Township continues to thrive.
  
  

The “Here to Serve” slate isn’t just making promises—they’ve already delivered results that have improved Barrington Township. Bob Alberding and Dan LeTourneau have both led efforts to modernize township services, and they’re not alone in making tangible improvements.

Vince Deligio, as the head of the College Streets HOA, has worked directly with the Township Board to develop a five-year plan for road improvements. He’s also built a strong, cooperative relationship with Bob Alberding and Dan LeTourneau, ensuring that critical infrastructure projects move forward efficiently. Beyond roads, Vince is spearheading a plan to take ownership of local wetlands, transforming them into an interpretive path for students while improving safety for children walking to school.

John Langan has already developed a strategic approach to addressing the traffic flow around Grove Avenue Elementary, prioritizing student safety—something the Republican slate hasn’t even acknowledged as an issue.

Lisa Decatorsmith is laying the groundwork for a major initiative to digitize township records, significantly improving government transparency and public access to important documents.

Mike Deering’s passion to serve our community through the food pantry will lead his work to expand the food pantry hours so more working families and seniors have access as well as expand our local partnerships. 

This is what real leadership looks like. While the Republican slate talks in vague generalities, the “Here to Serve” team is taking action.

Fact-Checking the Republican Slate’s False Claims

The Republican candidates—led by Peter Kopsaftis—have put forward a slate that is more focused on partisan loyalty than serving the community. Their platform is riddled with empty promises and outright lies. Here’s the truth:

1. "Transparency in Setting the Township Tax Levy"

The opposition claims to champion transparency, but the record tells a different story. In both December 2023 and December 2024, Republican Trustee Helen Edwards voted against the township fund and general assistance fund—resources that directly help residents in need. If their team cared about transparency, they wouldn’t be actively working against funding the very programs that keep the township running.

2. "Increase Community Engagement"

Helen Edwards, who was appointed the Chair of Community Relations at the beginning of her term, has done little to promote or expand township outreach efforts. She didn’t initiate newsletters or updates and admitted that she assumed the Village of Barrington was handling township promotions, therefore making no additional efforts herself. The reality? Supervisor Bob Alberding and his administrative team had to step in and do her job for her—creating partnerships with the Lions Club and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital to bring essential services like vision, hearing, and health screenings to the community.

3. "Modernizing Township Facilities"

Bob Alberding and his administration have already made significant improvements to township facilities—expanding the food pantry, upgrading HVAC systems, improving the Assessor’s office, and implementing modern technology for more efficient governance. The Republican slate is offering a vague talking point about modernization, while incumbents Alberding and LeTourneau have actually done the work.

4. "Establish Local Government Cooperation"

If the Republicans truly cared about cooperation, why are they so obsessed with partisan control? Barrington Township is already an active partner of the Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG), with Alberding serving as its Chairman. He also leads the Township Officials of Cook County Supervisors Association, giving Barrington Township a voice at the county and state levels. Meanwhile, the Republican slate is too busy playing political games to participate meaningfully in these efforts.

The Republican Slate’s Real Agenda: A Partisan Power Grab

The Barrington Township Republican Organization isn’t just fielding candidates—it’s stacking the ballot with its own leadership. Look at the overlap:

• Peter Kopsaftis (running for Supervisor) – Chairman of the Republican Organization
  
  

• Tim O'Donnell (running for Trustee) – Republican Organization President
  
  

• Jackie Kapcheck (running for Trustee) – 2nd Vice President, Communications Chair
  
  

• Mike Gentile (running for Assessor) – Republican Treasurer, Election Operations Committee Co-Chair
  
  

• Helen Edwards (running for Trustee) – Republican Board Member
  
  

This isn’t a slate of public servants—it’s a group of political operatives trying to take over your township government to push their own agenda. Their biggest concern? That Bob Alberding and Dan LeTourneau, once affiliated with their party, had the courage to stand up to their toxic politics and work for all residents—not just Republicans.

Their response? A desperate attempt to get them removed from the ballot altogether. Thankfully, democracy won, and Barrington Township voters will still have a choice. But make no mistake—if the Republican slate wins, partisan politics will take precedence over good governance.

Vote for Real Leadership—Vote "Here to Serve" on April 1st

The Republican slate has shown their true colors: They want control, not community service. They want political power, not transparency. And they will put party loyalty above the needs of Barrington Township residents every single time.

Bob Alberding, Lisa Decatorsmith, Mike Deering, Vince Deligio, John Langan, and Dan LeTourneau have already delivered results for this township. Bob and Dan have worked to improve services, modernize operations, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively, delivering results throughout the community, including right here in Barrington Township. 

On April 1st, don’t let partisan hacks take over Barrington Township. Vote for the team that’s actually here to serve.

Resources:

January 2025 Meeting Minutes- E. Alvarado Statement: https://barringtontwpil.gov/meeting-minutes

BTRO Candidate 2025 information: https://www.barringtongop.com/friends_of_barrington_4_2025 

Here to Serve Slate information: https://www.barringtonareadems.org/home/2025-candidates/barrington-township-candidates 

Archived Meeting Minutes for Barrington Township: https://barringtontwpil.gov/archived-agendas%2Fminutes 

Trump’s Inauguration Speech Response- A Call for Unity and Action in NW Illinois

Donald Trump’s speech on January 20th, 2025 in the Capital Rotunda was yet another reminder of the stark contrast between his vision for America and the inclusive, progressive values that Democrats hold dear. As residents of NW Chicago suburbs, it’s critical to examine how his proposed policies could directly impact our communities and what we can do to stand together for a brighter future.

Immigration: Fearmongering vs. Humanity

Trump’s pledge to declare a national emergency at our southern border and end the practice of catch and release is a chilling proposal that revives the specter of targeting immigrants based on their nationality. Our communities thrive on diversity—immigrants contribute as small business owners, students, and neighbors. In Illinois, immigrant-led households generated $10 billion in state and local taxes in recent years. Demonizing these residents undermines the very fabric of our society.

Instead of divisive policies, we should champion comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship and safeguards our shared values of inclusion and opportunity.

Action Step: Support organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), ACLU of Illinois, Raices, and advocate for state legislation protecting immigrants’ rights.

Environment: A Critical Local Issue

Trump’s vow to “end the Green New Deal” and champion fossil fuels is a direct threat to Illinois’ future. Our state has been at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, with initiatives like the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) creating clean energy jobs and reducing pollution.

For NW Chicago suburbs, where natural beauty and outdoor recreation drive tourism and local economies, failing to act on climate change risks devastating consequences. From Lake County’s flooding challenges to rising temperatures affecting local agriculture, our environment demands proactive leadership.

Action Step: Join groups like the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, Citizens for Conservation, or volunteer for local clean-up events to protect our natural spaces.

Social Justice and Equity: Upholding American Ideals

Trump’s rhetoric on gender policies and education undermines the progress we’ve made in building a society that respects everyone’s identity. The NW Illinois suburbs are home to public schools that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring all students feel valued and supported.

Let’s remember that policies aimed at erasing LGBTQ+ rights or censoring curriculum don’t align with our values of freedom and fairness. Our schools should be safe spaces for learning, not battlegrounds for political agendas.

Action Step: Attend local school board meetings to support inclusive policies and vote for candidates who value diversity in education. All regular Board of Education Barrington D220 meetings are held on Tuesday evenings, beginning with a Closed Session at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by Open Session at 6:00 p.m. For more information visit: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/barrington220/Board.nsf/public  

The Stakes for NW Chicago Illinois Suburbs

Trump’s proposed policies don’t just affect Washington—they affect us. Ending renewable energy initiatives risks local jobs. Targeting immigrants harms our neighbors. Divisive rhetoric erodes the sense of unity that makes our communities strong.

But we are not powerless. As residents, we can act locally to counter these regressive ideas and build momentum for the future we want: one that is inclusive, sustainable, and fair.

What You Can Do Now:

1. Stay Informed: Follow local Democratic organizations like Barrington Area Dems for updates and action opportunities and utilize reputable news sources such as NPR, BBC, The Associated Press, and Reuters.

2. Engage: Participate in canvassing, voter registration drives, and community forums. With our consolidated election on April 1st, there are many candidates who need our help!

3. Advocate: Write to your state and federal representatives to voice your concerns about these proposals. Find your elected officials here: https://www.elections.il.gov/electionoperations/districtlocator/districtofficialsearchbyaddress.aspx 

Let’s continue to lead with courage and compassion, ensuring that NW Chicago suburbs stand as a beacon of progress and resilience. Together, we can reject divisive politics and build a future that works for everyone.

January 20th, 2025 Inauguration Speech by Donald Trump: 

“Thank you. Thank you very much everybody. Well, thank you very, very much. Vice President Vance, Speaker Johnson, Senator Thune, Chief Justice Roberts, justices of the United States Supreme Court, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my fellow citizens. 

The Golden Age of America begins right now. 

From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first. Our sovereignty will be reclaimed. Our safety will be restored. The scales of justice will be rebalanced. The vicious, violent and unfair weaponization of the Justice Department and our government will end. And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free. 

America will soon be greater, stronger, and far more exceptional than ever before. I return to the presidency confident and optimistic that we are at the start of a thrilling new era of national success, a tide of change is sweeping the country, sunlight is pouring over the entire world, and America has the chance to seize this opportunity like never before. 

But first, we must be honest about the challenges we face. While they are plentiful, they will be annihilated by this great momentum that the world is now witnessing in the United States of America. 

As we gather today, our government confronts a crisis of trust. For many years, a radical and corrupt establishment has extracted power and wealth from our citizens, while the pillars of our society lay broken and seemingly in complete disrepair. 

We now have a government that cannot manage even a simple crisis at home, while at the same time stumbling into a continuing catalog of catastrophic events abroad. It fails to protect our magnificent, law-abiding American citizens, but provide sanctuary and protection for dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions that have illegally entered our country from all over the world.

We have a government that has given unlimited funding to the defence of foreign borders, but refuses to defend American borders or more importantly, its own people. Our country can no longer deliver basic services in times of emergency, as recently shown by the wonderful people of North Carolina, been treated so badly. And other states who are still suffering from a hurricane that took place many months ago. 

Or more recently in Los Angeles, where we are watching fires still tragically burn from weeks ago without even a token of defence. They’re raging through the houses and communities, even affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer. That’s interesting, but we can’t let this happen. Everyone is unable to do anything about it. That’s going to change. 

We have a public health system that does not deliver in times of disaster, yet more money is spent on it than any country anywhere in the world. And we have an education system that teaches our children to be ashamed of themselves, in many cases to hate our country despite the love that we try so desperately to provide to them. All of this will change starting today, and it will change very quickly. 

My recent election has a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal, and all of these many betrayals that have taken place, and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy, and indeed, their freedom. 

From this moment on, America’s decline is over. Our liberties and our nation’s glorious destiny will no longer be denied, and we will immediately restore the integrity, competency, and loyalty of America’s government. Over the past eight years, I have been tested and challenged more than any president in our 250 year history, and I’ve learned a lot along the way the journey to reclaim our republic has not been an easy one that I can tell you. 

Those who wish to stop our cause have tried to take my freedom, and indeed to take my life. Just a few months ago, in a beautiful Pennsylvania field, an assassin’s bullet ripped through my ear. But I felt then and believe even more so now, that my life was saved for a reason. I was saved by God to make America great again. Thank you. Thank you very much. 

That is why each day under our administration of American patriots, we will be working to meet every crisis with dignity and power and strength. We will move with purpose and speed to bring back hope, prosperity, safety, and peace for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed. For American citizens, Jan. 20th, 2025 is Liberation Day.

It is my hope that our recent presidential election will be remembered as the greatest and most consequential election in the history of our country. 

As our victory showed, the entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increases in support from virtually every element of our society, young and old, men and women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, urban, suburban, rural and very importantly, we had a powerful win in all seven swing states, and the popular vote we won by millions of people. 

To the black and Hispanic communities, I want to thank you for the tremendous outpouring of love and trust that you have shown me with your vote. We set records and I will not forget it. I’ve heard your voices in the campaign, and I look forward to working with you in the years to come. Today is Martin Luther King Day and his honor, this will be a great honor, but in his honor, we will strive together to make his dream a reality. We will make his dream come true. Thank you. Thank you.

National unity is now returning to America and confidence and pride is soaring like never before. In everything we do. My administration will be inspired by a strong pursuit of excellence and unrelenting success. We will not forget our country. We will not forget our Constitution and we will not forget our God. Can’t do that. 

Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense. It’s all about common sense. 

First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. 

We will reinstate my remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.

Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. And by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities. As Commander in Chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions and that is exactly what I am going to do. We will do it at a level that nobody has ever seen before. 

Next, I will direct all members of my cabinet to marshal the vast powers at their disposal to defeat what was record inflation and rapidly bring down costs and prices.

The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill. 

America will be a manufacturing nation once again, and we have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have, the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth and we are going to use it, and they use it. We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again, right to the top and export American energy all over the world. 

We will be a rich nation again and it is that liquid gold under our feet that will help to do it. 

With my actions today, we will end the Green New Deal and we will revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry and keeping my sacred pledge to our great American autoworkers.

In other words, you’ll be able to buy the car of your choice. We will build automobiles in America again at a rate that nobody could have dreamt possible just a few years ago and thank you to the autoworkers of our nation for your inspiring vote of confidence. We did tremendously with their vote. 

I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens. 

For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our treasury coming from foreign sources. The American Dream will soon be back and thriving like never before. 

To restore confidence and effectively is to our federal government, my administration will establish the brand new Department of Government Efficiency.

After years and years of illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts to restrict free expression, I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America. Never again will the immense power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents. Something I know, something about. We will not allow that to happen. It will not happen again. 

Under my leadership, we will restore a fair, equal, and impartial justice under the constitutional rule of law and we are going to bring law and order back to our cities. 

This week I will also end the government policy of trying to socially engineer race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. We will forge a society that is colourblind and merit based. As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female. 

This week, I will reinstate any service members who were unjustly expelled from our military for objecting to the COVID vaccine mandate, with full back pay. And I will sign an order to stop our warriors from being subjected to radical political theories and social experiments while on duty. It’s going to end immediately. 

Our armed forces will be free to focus on their sole mission: defeating America’s enemies.

Like in 2017, we will again build the strongest military the world has ever seen. We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into. 

My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier, that’s what I want to be, a peacemaker and a unifier. I’m pleased to say that as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families. 

Thank you. America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth, inspiring the all and admiration of the entire world. 

A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and we will restore the name of a great president, William McKinley to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs. President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent. He was a natural businessman and gave Teddy Roosevelt the money for many of the great things he did, including the Panama Canal, which has foolishly been given to the country of Panama after the United States, the United States, I mean, think of this spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38,000 lives in the building of the Panama Canal. 

We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made and Panama’s promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharge, charged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form. And that includes the United States Navy and above all, China is operating the Panama Canal and we didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama and we’re taking it back. 

Above all, my message to Americans today is that it is time for us to once again act with courage, vigor, and vitality of history’s greatest civilization. So as we liberate our nation, we will lead it to new heights of victory and success. We will not be deterred. 

Together, we will end the chronic disease epidemic and keep our children safe, healthy, and disease free. The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation, one that increases our wealth, expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons.

And we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars.

Ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation and right now, our nation is more ambitious than any other. There’s no nation like our nation. Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs and pioneers. The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts. The call of the next great adventure resounds from within our souls.

Our American ancestors turned a small group of colonies on the edge of a vast continent into a mighty republic of the most extraordinary citizens on Earth. No one comes close. Americans pushed thousands of miles through a rugged land of untamed wilderness. 

They crossed deserts, scaled mountains, braved untold dangers, won the Wild West, ended slavery, rescued millions from tyranny, lifted billions from poverty, harnessed electricity, split the atom, launched mankind into the heavens and put the universe of human knowledge into the palm of the human hand. 

If we work together, there is nothing we cannot do and no dream we cannot achieve. Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But as you see today, here I am, the American people have spoken. I stand before you now is proof that you should never believe that something is impossible to do. 

In America, the impossible is what we do best. From New York to Los Angeles, from Philadelphia to Phoenix, from Chicago to Miami, from Houston to right here in Washington, DC, our country was forged and built by the generations of patriots who gave everything they had for our rights and for our freedom. They were farmers and soldiers, cowboys and factory workers, steel workers and coal miners, police officers and pioneers who pushed onward, marched forward, and let no obstacle defeat their spirit or their pride. 

Together they laid down the railroads, raised up the skyscrapers, built great highways, won two world wars, defeated fascism and communism, and triumphed over every single challenge that they faced. After all we have been through together, we stand on the verge of the four greatest years in American history. With your help, we will restore America’s promise and we will rebuild the nation that we love and we love it so much. 

We are one people, one family, and one glorious nation under God. So to every parent who dreams for their child and every child who dreams for their future, I am with you. I will fight for you and I will win for you. We are going to win like never before. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 

In recent years, our nation has suffered greatly but we are going to bring it back and make it great again, greater than ever before. We will be a nation like no other, full of compassion, courage and exceptionalism. Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent and totally unpredictable. 

America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith, and goodwill. We will be prosperous. We will be proud. We will be strong and we will win like never before. We will not be conquered. We will not be intimidated. We will not be broken and we will not fail. 

From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign and independent nation. We will stand bravely. We will live proudly. We will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans. 

The future is ours and our golden age has just begun. Thank you. God bless America. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.”

The Real Nonpartisan Breakdown:

The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was an intense and revealing showdown, with Harris emerging as the clear winner in the eyes of many. Throughout the night, Harris effectively positioned herself as the candidate of the future, contrasting her forward-looking vision with Trump's past presidency. Her best moment came when she challenged Trump directly on his outdated policies and rhetoric, emphasizing her commitment to progress on critical issues like healthcare, climate change, and women's rights.

Trump's performance was typical of his debate style—brash, confrontational, and aimed at energizing his base. He doubled down on his previous policies regarding immigration, border control, and the economy, but struggled to offer new ideas. One key moment for Trump was his defense of his economic track record, where he claimed credit for job creation and tax cuts. However, he faced criticism for evading questions on sensitive topics like abortion and the January 6th insurrection.

Harris shone throughout the debate, maintaining composure while effectively countering Trump’s attacks. She not only highlighted the accomplishments of the Biden administration but also laid out her own vision for the future. Harris's being the first woman of color to be in such a position resonated with many, particularly when she spoke about breaking barriers and the importance of inclusion. Her key moments included sharp rebukes of Trump's handling of immigration and the COVID-19 pandemic, which she linked to his administration’s failure to protect the most vulnerable Americans.

Debates like this are crucial for understanding the vision each candidate brings to the table. It’s important to watch debates, read about candidates’ platforms, and research your ballot to make informed decisions. As the election approaches, ensure you are ready to vote by November 5th, and take the time to understand each candidate's goals for the future. Every vote counts, and being an informed voter is key to shaping the direction of our country.

Top Quotes of the debate:

“They’re eating the dogs.”

—  Donald Trump

“It’s a really interesting thing to watch. You will see, during the course of his rallies, he talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter. He will talk about windmills cause cancer. And what you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom.”

— Kamala Harris

"(Hungarian Prime Minister) Viktor Orban said the most respected, most feared person is Donald Trump. We had no problems when Trump was president," 

— Donald Trump

"I pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v Wade as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law," 

— Kamala Harris

"Now, I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. ... Now states are voting on it. ... Each individual state is voting. It's the vote of the people. Now it's not tied up in the federal government," 

— Donald Trump

"[Democratic Vice Presidential nominee] Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We're not taking anybody's guns away," 

— Kamala Harris.

"I had nothing to do with that [January 6 attack on the Capitol], other than they asked me to make a speech," 

— Donald Trump

"I believe in the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people, and that is why I imagine and have actually a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy," 

— Kamala Harris

Biggest Fact Check Catches of the Debate: 

-- Inflation Claims: Trump claimed there was "virtually no inflation" during his presidency and that inflation under the Biden-Harris administration was historically high. While inflation did reach a 40-year high of 9.1% in 2022, it has since fallen to 2.9%. This surge in inflation is attributed to global factors like supply chain issues post-pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which raised energy and food prices. U.S. government spending under both the Trump and Biden administrations may have contributed by increasing consumer demand. Despite rising prices, wage growth has outpaced inflation, giving workers more purchasing power than before the pandemic.

-- Immigration and Crime: Trump accused migrants of driving up crime and taking over towns, citing Aurora, Colorado, as an example. While Venezuelan migrants have moved into Aurora, claims of violent gang takeovers are exaggerated. Aurora police confirmed they arrested 10 members of a Venezuelan gang, but there’s no evidence of widespread gang control. Moreover, violent crime rates are decreasing across the U.S., and research shows that immigrants, including undocumented ones, are significantly less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. Studies from Stanford University and the CATO Institute further debunk Trump’s claim, showing lower crime rates among immigrants.

-- False Claims about Migrants Eating Pets: Trump also repeated a debunked claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets. This baseless rumor, which circulated in far-right circles, was dismissed by local police. The story originated from a Facebook post and gained traction among extremist groups before being picked up by political figures like JD Vance. The Springfield News-Sun reported that local law enforcement has no evidence supporting this claim, and it has been condemned as a dehumanizing, racist falsehood.

-- Voting by Undocumented Immigrants: Trump asserted that Democrats are encouraging undocumented immigrants to vote, but there’s no credible evidence to support this claim. Noncitizens are legally barred from voting in federal elections, and voter registration forms require a sworn statement of citizenship. Fraudulently registering and voting is punishable by jail time and deportation. Studies have shown that incidents of noncitizens attempting to vote are extremely rare. For instance, a Brennan Center survey found only 30 suspected cases out of 23.5 million votes cast in jurisdictions with high immigrant populations, representing an insignificant fraction of total votes.

Wrap Up:

Kamala Harris delivered a powerful and focused performance during the first presidential debate, positioning herself as the candidate of the future. She effectively outlined her vision on critical issues like healthcare, climate change, and women's rights, underscoring her commitment to moving the country forward. Harris emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequality, from immigration reform to protecting reproductive rights, and made it clear that her administration would prioritize fairness and inclusion. Her ability to maintain composure while directly confronting Donald Trump’s outdated policies demonstrated her readiness to lead the country with a fresh and progressive approach.

On the other hand, Donald Trump represents the politics of the past, offering little in terms of new ideas or forward-thinking policies. His debate performance showed a reliance on divisive rhetoric, with a focus on past achievements rather than a clear path forward. Trump’s handling of key issues, from immigration to healthcare, has been marked by exclusion and regression. His inability to address critical problems facing the country, such as climate change and systemic racism, makes him unfit to lead in the future. Voting for Trump would be a step backward, hindering progress on issues that matter most to Americans today.

Harris’s candidacy represents the change many Americans are calling for. She has not only served as a highly capable Vice President, but her personal story—rising to the top as the daughter of immigrants—resonates deeply with the American dream. Harris’s focus on building an economy that works for all, combating climate change, and ensuring healthcare access for everyone makes her the best choice for leading the country toward a brighter, more equitable future. With her track record of standing up for marginalized communities and her clear vision for the future, Kamala Harris has proven she is the leader America needs.

Direct sources of Presidential candidate information & helpful Election Links:

Donald Trump: https://www.donaldjtrump.com/

Republican Party: https://gop.com/

Kamala Harris: https://kamalaharris.com/

Democratic Party: https://democrats.org/

Voting resources: https://www.ballotready.org/ 

State of Illinois Voters: https://ova.elections.il.gov/

Low bias + Highly factual news sources:

Read: https://www.nbcnews.com/

Watch: https://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs_evening_news/ 

Listen: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first and https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-daily