Key Biscayne Eyes Up Candidates in First Democratic Presidential Debates

Key Biscayne residents watch the the initial presidential candidate debate, June 27, 2019. (Key News/Annali Hayward)

Who’s the Democratic front-runner for president in the minds of Key Biscayne voters? That was the question hanging in the air as Toby and Bill Rohrer opened their doors for two nights to a group of politically like-minded islanders, for the first watch parties of the 2020 election cycle. Around 16 debate watchers gathered each evening.

The buzz from both evenings centred around Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg, with Joe Biden garnering attention both good and bad amongst the Democrat crowd.

Attendees were treated to two nights of debate, as a crowded Democratic field saw 20 candidates qualifying for the NBC duels – half debating on Wednesday and half Thursday.

Local voices

Key Biscayne has about 2,000 registered Democrats – 26% of the total of 7,200 registered voters, according to the Miami-Dade Elections Department.  About 33% of voters are Republican, but the largest group are those who list no party affiliation — 40%. In 2016, over 3,000 Key Biscayners voted in a 58% majority for Hillary Clinton, with Donald Trump gaining 38% of the vote.

At the Rohrers’, a diverse group sat in comfortable companionship. During commercial breaks attendees milled around, snacking on gourmet, low-waste foods, or breaking off occasionally into groups to recount personal anecdotes supporting or rejecting candidates’ policies. As soon as the candidates began again they shushed themselves back into quiet concentration.

Not for long. The quiet atmosphere gave way to whoops of delight as Harris landed her first zinger,  schooling the bickering group not to engage in a “food fight.” Shortly after, Key Biscayne fans jumped up to applaud her attack on Biden over so-called busing policies.

“I think [Harris] kind of had to go after Biden – she had no choice,” attendee Jackie Kellogg told Key News after the debate. The consensus in the room was largely in agreement with Eric Swalwell’s plea for Biden – and arguably Sanders – to “pass the torch.”

Some felt a more moderate candidate like Biden could have a better chance against President Trump. Longtime residents Susan Westfall and Alan Fein (a former Council member) attended both nights. Westfall said “Biden was comfortable and did well, and that Harris came off harsh and calculating.”

Many at the watch party were disappointed in the lack of discussion on the climate crisis, especially given the presence of some Key Biscayners at the protest both days at the Arsht Center.

But “it was refreshing to hear intellectual people debating, despite the size of the field,” said Key Biscayner Joe Kellogg. “That’s why I love this process.”

Westfall agreed. “I appreciated the recognition from many of the candidates that Democrats this time must make this a fight to win.”

Opposition attracted

The debates also sparked the interest of those on the other side of party lines. Local radio station owner/host Manuel Cambó went to the Arsht Center to show his support for the President, and filmed his interaction with alt-right activist Laura Loomer for WSQF Blink Radio’s Facebook page.

“Every idea is stale,” Cambó told Key News. “I’m sick of all the lying and stealing – because tax is theft, in my view,” he continued. “The only tax I believe in is sales tax.”