Philadelphia, Kamala Harris skillfully engaged Donald Trump during their first, and possibly only, debate on Tuesday night, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Throughout the event, Trump responded eagerly to Harris’ provocations, which were crafted to unsettle him.
Harris, having thoroughly prepared, used each answer to needle Trump. She claimed that world leaders laughed at him, military leaders considered him a “disgrace,” and that he was “fired” by 81 million voters in 2020, referring to Biden’s victory. “Clearly, he’s having a hard time processing that,” she remarked.
In contrast, Trump was combative, frequently repeating falsehoods. He continued to push the baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in 2020 and bizarrely alleged that immigrants were eating pets in the U.S. Trump also falsely stated that Democrats support post-birth abortions, which are illegal nationwide. He described America in stark terms, reminiscent of his 2017 “American carnage” inaugural speech, declaring, “We have a nation that is dying.”
As the debate neared its conclusion, Harris gained additional momentum when pop star Taylor Swift publicly endorsed the Democratic ticket on Instagram, referring to herself humorously as a “Childless Cat Lady,” a nod to remarks made by Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, that alienated many women.
Key Moments from the Debate:
Harris Strikes Trump Over Rally Crowds:
Harris succeeded in repeatedly throwing Trump off balance. When she mentioned his legal troubles and shrinking rally crowds, Trump took the bait, diverting attention away from policy issues. He veered into an extended defense of the size of his rallies and criticized Harris, claiming, “People don’t leave my rallies. We have the biggest rallies in the history of politics.”
Trump Promotes Conspiracy Theories:
Trump did not shy away from repeating outlandish claims, including the baseless conspiracy theory that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating people’s pets. Even after ABC moderator David Muir pointed out that local officials denied such reports, Trump doubled down, saying, “We’ll find out.”
Abortion Takes Center Stage:
The debate starkly contrasted Biden’s previous performance with Harris’ firm stance on abortion. Trump defended the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade and criticized extreme abortion bans, while Harris emphasized the harm these policies have caused, recounting stories of women denied medical care after miscarriages. “You want to talk about what people wanted?” she asked. “Pregnant women bleeding out in parking lots didn’t want that.”
Harris Paints Trump as Self-Serving:
Harris framed Trump as more focused on his own interests than those of the American people. “Donald Trump has no plan for you,” she said, positioning herself as a middle-class advocate. She highlighted tax cuts for families and small businesses, while accusing Trump of prioritizing billionaires.
The Shake of Hands Sets the Tone:
At the debate’s outset, Harris and Trump exchanged a rare handshake, a gesture not seen since Trump’s debate with Hillary Clinton in 2016. This moment seemed to set a civil tone, though Harris frequently expressed bemusement at Trump’s remarks throughout the debate, often responding with laughter or a shake of her head.
Race and Identity Issues Resurface:
When asked about past remarks questioning Harris’ racial identity, Trump brushed them off, saying, “Whatever she wants to be is OK with me.” Harris, in response, pointed to Trump’s history of racism, including his role in the Central Park Five case and his promotion of the birther conspiracy against President Obama. “We deserve better than that,” she asserted.
Global Conflicts and Leadership:
On issues like Gaza and Ukraine, neither candidate offered detailed plans for ending these conflicts. Harris called for a ceasefire and underscored her commitment to a two-state solution in Gaza. Trump claimed that neither war would have occurred under his leadership, stating, “Russia would never have invaded Ukraine if I were president.” Harris countered by accusing Trump of being easily manipulated by dictators, emphasizing his history of praising authoritarian leaders.
Throughout the debate, Trump frequently reverted to well-worn narratives, attempting to undermine Harris’ credibility while she focused on highlighting his past failings. The evening showcased the sharp contrasts between their leadership styles, with Harris successfully keeping Trump on the defensive.