TULSA, Okla. — A worldwide pandemic, protests across the county, unemployment and an election year unlike any other, 2020 remains a year of obstacles.
With the first Presidential debate under our belt, 2 Works for You spoke with Oklahoma leaders on both sides of the aisle here in Green Country.
One thing is clear, after Tuesday nights debate, there is a lot of tension between Democrats and Republicans. That negativity, happening across the country and here locally, has taken a toll on us all, and after talking with both local parties, they both agree.
For example, right here in Tulsa County, a Trump flag was torn, burned and left on the owner's porch just this week. The word "Commie" was spray-painted in the driveways of Tulsa residents.
READ MORE: Trump flag torn, burned, left on owner's front porch — group could face arson charges
These are just a few examples, and local party leaders said it's not what Oklahoma stands for.
“There is no need to be burning down buildings, and causing disruption like that. Threatening people, it’s gone way beyond the pale, it’s gone way beyond reasonable levels of expectations from people. I am pretty disappointed in where it’s gone,” Tulsa County Republican Party Chair, Bob Jack said.
“Here in Tulsa, a Republican candidate had a swastika in her driveway," Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Alicia Andrews said. "A known democrat had 'commies' written in his driveway. There has been ugly mail coming from one side, coming from dark money that can’t be traced. I am hoping that in 35 days, we can return to Oklahoma decency and the morals that we are known for.”
As these negatives could possibly continue, the question is, where is it all coming from?
Andrews believes America is in the middle of a crisis, and that people are restless. Jack said the country is divided, and, personally, he wants to leave it all in God's hands.
Both Andrews and Jack also agreed that COVID-19 is damaging more than just the economy. “COVID has changed how we campaign in all kinds of ways," Andrews said. "Democrats are used to knocking on doors, going one on one, interacting with the voters, and due to the coronavirus, that’s not as safe. So, we are doing a lot of no-touch literature jobs.”
“Our conventions changed, even though we did have our state convention in Oklahoma City, it was both in-person and virtual,” Jack said.
Both parties doing what they can to keep the public safe, during a year unlike any other, and encouraging Oklahomans to get out and vote come this November.
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