PHILADELPHIA—The scene outside the National Constitution Center during the Sept. 10 presidential debate held in Philadelphia transformed into a melting pot of dissent, as hundreds of protesters gathered to voice their concerns on various issues. The largest group among them, the Philly Palestine Coalition, made their presence known with a powerful demonstration.
The atmosphere on Independence Mall buzzed like a vibrant marketplace, with each area dedicated to a different cause. Supporters of former president Donald Trump wrapped themselves in American flags, poets for peace shared their verses with passersby, and representatives from the Party for Socialism and Liberation distributed literature.
When the people arrived at the National Constitution Center, they faced an imposing wall of police officers in riot gear and heavy metal barriers. These barriers kept them far from the building, but despite the physical separation, the protests were marked by an overwhelming sentiment that neither presidential candidate would adequately address their concerns.
“I’m here as a press liaison for the Revcom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity, and we’re taking a stand at this debate. This has become a battleground—a stage for the infighting within the ruling class, pitting MAGA fascists against war criminal Democrats,” Raymond Lotta told The Final Call.
“Let’s be clear, when the slave masters are at each other’s throats, it opens up more room for the slaves to rise. That’s our evolving analysis. We’re saying there’s no need to choose between these war-criminal Democrats and the fascists. Instead, we must focus on building a movement for revolution.”
Latoya Green from New Jersey shared her thoughts. “I feel like things are really messed up. People aren’t paying attention to what’s truly happening. Everyone’s so caught up in other things that they’re missing the bigger picture,” she said.
A gentleman from Harlem, New York, who was present said he did not care who was president. “I don’t really care who’s president. To me, it’s a free world, you know?
But everything is covered up by imaginary borders, conflicts, and wars that touch everyone. It’s like the beef in rap music—rappers killing each other over nothing. We need to learn how to live together.
Yet, you have these two political parties throwing their own parties, and we’re not invited. It’s about understanding politics for what they truly are. If you stand on your own morals, none of that really matters,” he said.
Tammy Martin from West Philly voiced her support for the Palestinian people. I’m marching for the Palestinians. Children are being killed, and we must put an end to this supremacy—whether it’s White supremacy, Jewish supremacy, or the colonization of Palestinian people,” she said.
When asked about both presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Ms. Martin didn’t hold back her thoughts. “Kamala is terrible, and so is Donald. Both support Israel. … Mark my words, Israel will fall. I’m certain of it.”
The protest, organized by a coalition of grassroots groups, was led by pro-Palestinian activists. The demonstrators clashed with police as the heated debate continued inside.
Hundreds of passionate protesters marched toward the National Constitution Center, resulting in a tense standoff with around 100 police officers at Fourth and Market Streets. Protest organizers reported at least three detentions, though the police could not immediately confirm the arrests.
The protest’s impact reverberated beyond the immediate vicinity of the National Constitution Center, sparking a significant shift in public opinion. The demonstration highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the current political discourse and the platforms of the presidential candidates. Many protesters expressed frustration that their voices and concerns were not being adequately addressed by the candidates inside.
“I believe the foreign policy establishment remains entrenched regardless of who takes office. Trump’s disruptive nature has caused a stagnation in governance, leading to government paralysis.
This disruption, whether by Trump or Harris, highlights the parties’ inability to find common ground, resulting in shutdowns and budget issues,” said Samir Butt from Montgomery County, Pa.
“Since around 2015-2016, I’ve been actively participating in Palestine protests. This particular event garnered a national spotlight, and I hoped Philadelphia would make a strong statement. It’s amazing to see how people of all ages, especially the youth, are expressing their feelings,” he said.
As voters and political pundits reflect on the debate in Philadelphia, it was clear to some who attended the protest that what is key to the urgent need for political leaders to engage more deeply with the diverse and pressing concerns of the American people.
The unrest outside the debate served as a stark reminder that for many, the current political landscape leaves much to be desired. Calls for meaningful change and representation continue to grow louder.
In a deeply insightful interview Zeni, who chose not to give her last name, from Alpharetta, Georgia, told The Final Call, “The occupation of Gaza, the presidency, and the potential for peace in Palestine are intertwined in a complex web of issues.
Both presidential candidates fall short in addressing the concerns of lower-income Americans, focusing more on the wealthy elite. This neglect perpetuates the wage gap and hampers access to basic necessities for many citizens.
“The solution? A revolution. But for this to succeed, individuals must prioritize humanity over materialism and unite against oppression. The challenge lies in awakening a complacent population to the need for change. Protest marches, like the one today, offer a glimmer of hope, signaling a willingness to take a stand rather than succumb to apathy,” she said.
