US Presidential Debate: Trump and Harris Clash on Key Issues

In a highly anticipated and closely watched debate, former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off on Tuesday, clashing on key issues such as abortion rights, immigration, and economic inequality. The debate, moderated by ABC News, lasted one hour and 45 minutes and took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Harris adopted a strategy aimed at baiting Trump, consistently challenging him with remarks designed to provoke him. She called him "weak" and "wrong," mocked his 2020 electoral defeat, and referred to him as a "disgrace" according to military leaders. Trump, on the other hand, repeatedly returned to conspiracy theories and false claims, including about the 2020 election and immigration.

The debate highlighted the sharp contrasts between the two candidates’ leadership styles and visions for the country. Harris focused on middle-class Americans, while Trump defended billionaires and big corporations. Trump also claimed that crime was on the rise in the US, despite being contradicted by FBI data presented during the debate.

The debate also touched on international issues, with neither candidate providing clear solutions for ending the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Harris highlighted Trump’s closeness to authoritarian leaders, while Trump argued he would have prevented these conflicts from occurring.

Trump was also questioned about his past comments questioning Harris’ racial identity, which he dismissed. Harris took the opportunity to address Trump’s long history of racial discrimination, including the Central Park Five case and his involvement in the birther movement against Obama.

The debate served as a crucial moment in the 2024 US presidential election, allowing both candidates to present their policies, contrast their views, and engage directly with each other. According to CNN’s Poll of Polls, Harris and Trump were closely matched in support at 49% and 48%, respectively, before the debate.

In conclusion, the debate highlighted the differences between the two candidates, with Harris successfully baiting Trump into defensive and erratic responses, while also drawing attention to critical issues like abortion and economic inequality. Trump, on the other hand, focused on promoting conspiracy theories and painting a dire picture of the US under Democratic leadership, but struggled to engage meaningfully on policy topics.