In their first-ever debate, the Republican and Democratic candidates clashed over immigration, the Ukraine conflict, and the war in Gaza.
11 Sep 2024
The debate between U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump began with a handshake but ended with both candidates labeling each other as unfit for office.
For over 90 minutes on Tuesday, Harris and Trump traded sharp personal attacks, with little focus on substantial policy. Trump tried to frame Harris as a far-left candidate advocating for open borders, banning fracking, and confiscating guns. He also linked her closely to President Joe Biden, suggesting they share the same political approach.
Harris fired back by questioning Trump’s fitness for office, calling him a "disgrace" and occasionally appearing to suppress laughter during his remarks. Her responses were generally more focused, though it remains unclear how this will impact the race.
Even conservative pundits on Fox News noted that Harris seemed to leave Trump unsettled. Shortly after the debate, pop star Taylor Swift endorsed Harris, praising her performance.
Here are some key takeaways from the debate—the first encounter between the two candidates:
**Trump’s Disjointed Responses and Focus on Immigration**
Throughout the debate, Trump’s responses meandered across various topics, often deviating from the moderators' questions. One moment he’d discuss the economy, and the next, he’d switch to pipelines. He would jump from healthcare to immigration and back again, struggling to maintain a clear message. His answers lacked coherence, and he seemed more focused on attacking Harris than addressing the issues.
Time and again, Trump circled back to immigration, attempting to gain points by highlighting Harris’s record on the issue. At several points, he also perpetuated the false claim that Haitian migrants and refugees in Springfield, Ohio, were eating people’s pets.
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” he asserted.
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