In their first presidential debate held on the night of Tuesday, September 10, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris squared off in a heated exchange. Hosted by ABC News and simulcast on NBC, the debate began at 9 pm EST and lasted about 90 minutes. The discussion covered a wide range of topics including the economy, abortion rights, immigration laws, and the ongoing conflicts in Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine. Both candidates were vocal in their criticisms of each other’s records.
Harris Receives Endorsement from Taylor Swift
Shortly after the debate, Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Kamala Harris on Instagram, praising her as a “steady-handed, gifted leader.” Swift expressed her belief that Harris’s calm approach is crucial for addressing the nation’s challenges, contrasting sharply with Trump’s more chaotic style. Harris used the debate to highlight her stance against Trump’s handling of economic issues, accusing him of worsening employment conditions since the Great Depression.
Debate Strategies and Reactions
The debate marked a significant moment for Harris, who has been in the race for only seven weeks. With limited time to establish her candidacy, Harris aimed to differentiate herself from Trump and gain voter support. Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters hoped he could overcome recent difficulties and leverage his strong performance in the debate to revive his campaign.
Abortion Debate Sparks Controversy
One of the most contentious topics was abortion. Trump defended the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned federal abortion protections, which he claimed was favored by both parties, though this assertion was incorrect. Harris strongly criticized this position, arguing that it led to restrictive bans and negatively impacted healthcare access. The debate highlighted stark differences between their views on this issue.
Media Reactions and Debate Outcome
US media outlets have given the edge to Kamala Harris. Politico and The New York Times praised her performance, noting her effective use of prosecutorial skills to challenge Trump. In contrast, Trump was criticized for relying on falsehoods and conspiracy theories. Harris’s confident and prepared demeanor helped her gain a clear advantage, contrasting sharply with President Joe Biden’s less successful debate performance in July.
Looking Ahead to November
As the November elections approach, recent polls show a tight race between Trump and Harris, with Harris holding a slight lead. If elected, Harris would become the first woman president of the United States. The debate demonstrated her readiness to take on Trump and defined key issues that will likely influence voters in the coming months.
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.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 11, 2024