The first face-off between Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris was a heated affair, marked by personal attacks and stark ideological differences. The debate, hosted by ABC News, saw Trump repeatedly label Harris a “Marxist,” a term he used to paint her as an extreme leftist.
“She’s a Marxist. Everybody knows she’s a Marxist. Her father is a Marxist professor in economics, and he taught her well,” Trump declared, linking Harris’s political views to her father’s academic background. Throughout the debate, Trump frequently referred to Harris as “Comrade Kamala,” further emphasizing his view of her as a socialist.
Harris, in response, criticized Trump’s economic policies, particularly his imposition of tariffs on foreign goods, which she described as a “sales tax on the middle class.” She contrasted this with her own plan to provide tax benefits for families and small businesses.
The debate also touched on the issue of unemployment, with Harris blaming Trump for the high unemployment rates during his presidency. “Donald Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression,” Harris stated, referencing the peak unemployment rate of 14.8% in April 2020, though it’s worth noting that this was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump, in turn, criticized the current economic situation under the Biden administration, specifically pointing to inflation. He also brought up his signature issue of immigration, repeating his unsubstantiated claims about immigrants crossing the southern border.
The 90-minute debate, held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, was conducted without a live audience, and candidates’ microphones were muted during their opponents’ speaking turns. Despite the absence of a physical audience, the debate provided a glimpse into the contentious nature of the upcoming US presidential election.
Both candidates prepared for the debate in their own ways. Harris spent several days in Pittsburgh, conducting mock sessions on a stage designed to mimic the debate setting. Trump, on the other hand, prepared through informal discussions with advisors, campaign appearances, and media interviews. Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who had a tense exchange with Harris during a 2019 Democratic presidential debate, even provided Trump with advice.
The debate offered a platform for both candidates to present their views and attack their opponent’s policies, setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched election.
