The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took place on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. Democrats were quick to declare Harris the victor, praising her performance and highlighting her ability to effectively challenge Trump on key issues.
President Biden, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his pride in Harris, stating, “America got to see tonight the leader I’ve been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasn’t even close. VP Harris proved she’s the best choice to lead our nation forward. We’re not going back.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also lauded Harris, writing on X, “Well, that was a knockout. I’m looking forward to seeing how Republicans try to spin this one.”
The debate saw a heated exchange on the issue of abortion, with Harris accusing Trump of supporting a national abortion ban with no exceptions. Trump, however, claimed he believes in exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Harris also challenged Trump’s stance on immigration, highlighting his legal troubles and accusing him of allowing criminals into the country. Trump countered by citing the increase in crime attributed to illegal immigration.
The debate also saw a tense exchange on the issue of crime, with Harris pointing to Trump’s criminal convictions and pending indictments. Trump, in turn, criticized Harris’ record on crime.
Following the debate, the Harris campaign called for a second debate in October, a request that Trump has repeatedly made. Trump’s campaign team has been pushing for more debates, perhaps sensing an opportunity to improve his performance after his less-than-stellar showing against President Biden in June.
The first debate has undoubtedly set the stage for a heated and contentious election season. It remains to be seen if the debate will significantly impact the race, which polls currently show as a tight contest. But one thing is clear: the American public witnessed a clash of ideologies and personalities that will continue to shape the 2024 presidential election.
