The former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris went head-to-head in their first presidential debate for the 2024 election, on Tuesday.
The event, moderated by ABC News, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and lasted just under two hours.
Throughout the debate, Trump and Harris clashed on major issues like abortion rights, immigration, and crime, offering voters a stark contrast between their leadership styles and visions for America.
Trump vs. Harris: A Heated Exchange
The debate marked a critical point in the 2024 U.S. presidential race, as both candidates sought to win over undecided voters. Harris, adopting a confrontational strategy, consistently aimed to provoke Trump, while the former president stuck to his usual playbook of conspiracy theories and false claims.
Initially, the debate was set between Trump and President Joe Biden, but after Biden stepped down, Harris took his place.
Harris’ Debate Strategy
Harris was prepared and assertive. She frequently targeted Trump, calling him “weak” and “out of touch” while mocking his 2020 election defeat. Harris focused on middle-class issues and criticized Trump for catering to billionaires and corporations. She highlighted Trump’s failure on key issues like health care and workers’ rights.
Trump’s Reactions
Trump, visibly agitated at times, often went off-script, making unfounded claims. He revisited conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and made false statements about immigration and crime. Despite moderators fact-checking him on-air, Trump doubled down on his stance, painting a bleak picture of America under Democratic leadership.
Abortion Takes Center Stage
Abortion rights were a key topic, with Harris criticizing Trump for his role in overturning *Roe v. Wade*. She pointed to the impact on women who were denied medical care. Trump defended his stance, arguing that abortion decisions should be left to the states, though he falsely accused Democrats of supporting infanticide.
Immigration and Crime
The two candidates also clashed on immigration. Harris criticized Trump for his failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform, while Trump responded by promoting debunked narratives about migrants and crime. Despite his claims, FBI data showed a decrease in overall crime rates, contradicting his assertions.
International Policy
On foreign conflicts like the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, both candidates avoided offering clear solutions. Harris emphasized Trump’s history of cozying up to authoritarian leaders, while Trump claimed he would have prevented such conflicts.
Race and Identity
When asked about his past comments on Harris’ racial identity, Trump dismissed the issue. However, Harris took the opportunity to remind viewers of Trump’s history of racial controversies, from the Central Park Five to his role in the birther movement.
Personal Jabs
Harris didn’t shy away from personal attacks, mocking Trump’s rally sizes and his obsession with crowd numbers. Trump, visibly irritated, defended himself, but struggled to redirect the conversation to substantive policy discussions.
Polling Impact
Before the debate, polling showed Harris and Trump nearly tied, with Harris at 49% and Trump at 48%, according to CNN’s Poll of Polls. The debate likely solidified opinions on both sides, with Harris successfully pushing Trump into defensive and erratic responses.
Conclusion
The debate showcased the wide gap between the candidates’ approaches. Harris, focused on social and economic justice, aimed to highlight Trump’s self-centered leadership, while Trump leaned on conspiracy theories and fear tactics.
Although no clear winner emerged, the debate provided voters with a deeper understanding of their starkly different visions for America.
