The first US Presidential debate of 2024, held on September 10th (September 11th IST), saw a fiery exchange between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. The debate, hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, was a preview of the fierce campaign to come, focusing on key issues like the economy, abortion, and immigration, but the Israel-Palestine conflict took center stage.
Harris, the Democratic nominee, emphasized her stance on the conflict, stating that Israel’s actions in Palestine constitute ‘self-defense’ as reported by the media. She condemned Hamas for the ‘slaughter’ of thousands of Israelis and called for a ‘two-state solution’ to the conflict.
Trump, the Republican nominee, launched a personal attack on Harris, claiming she ‘hates Israel’ and predicting its demise within two years if she becomes president. He also repeatedly asserted that he could have prevented the war if he were still in office.
In response, Harris defended her long-standing support for Israel, accusing Trump of attempting to ‘divide and distract’ from his own shortcomings on national security.
Beyond the Israel-Palestine conflict, the debate saw Trump and Harris engage in heated arguments about the US economy. Trump criticized Harris’s lack of a plan, accusing her of copying Joe Biden’s policies. Harris countered by highlighting Trump’s record, claiming he left the country with the worst unemployment since the Great Depression.
One bizarre moment of the debate saw Trump making the unsubstantiated claim that immigrants were ‘eating pets’ in an Ohio town. This shocking statement fueled further criticism of Trump’s rhetoric and his handling of immigration issues.
The first debate provided a glimpse into the fierce battle ahead. It showcased the deep divisions within the US on key issues and set the stage for a heated election campaign.
