- The initial handshake quickly turned into a display of sharp disagreements
- The debate featured intense back-and-forths on multiple hot-button issues
- Moderator stepped in to correct misinformation on abortion claims
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris clashed fiercely on Tuesday night in their first debate ahead of November’s presidential election.
The 90-minute duel in Philadelphia saw a volley of personal attacks as they tussled over abortion, immigration and foreign policy.
While the debate was intense, it did not produce a decisive moment that could significantly shift the trajectory of the close presidential race. Here are five notable moments from the debate:
- Handshake to Hostility
As the debate began, Kamala Harris extended a handshake to Donald Trump, introducing herself with a cordial “Let’s have a good debate.” Trump responded with a casual “Nice to see you. Have fun,” marking the first handshake in a presidential debate in eight years. Throughout the debate, Harris frequently directed her attention towards Trump, often displaying a range of reactions from smirks to laughter, while Trump generally maintained a straight-faced demeanor.
- ‘I’m Talking Now’
Harris came out aggressively, targeting Trump on his criminal trials and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump, in turn, redirected the conversation to inflation and immigration, critiquing the Biden-Harris administration and labeling Harris a “Marxist.” The exchange became heated when Harris mocked the attendance at Trump’s rallies, while Trump accused Harris of lacking a substantial policy agenda and criticized her for interrupting him.
- ‘They’re Eating the Dogs’
Trump brought up a controversial and unverified claim about Haitian migrants allegedly stealing and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Despite city officials denying the claims, Trump reiterated the story, prompting Harris to criticize him for spreading extreme and unsupported allegations.
- Moderator’s Abortion Fact-Check
The debate delved into abortion, a contentious issue for Democrats following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Harris accused Trump of supporting an abortion ban, which Trump denied, asserting he supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or risk to the mother’s life. The debate moderator intervened to clarify that no state permits infanticide, countering Trump’s assertion that babies were being “executed” post-birth.
- Policy Disputes
Trump criticized Harris for allegedly lacking original policies, claiming she had merely adopted some of his ideas and labeling her as another version of Biden. Harris rejected this characterization, emphasizing her distinct policy positions and accusing Trump of fabricating plans, particularly regarding healthcare and the economy.
Trump criticized her plans as radical and unfeasible, while Harris countered by asserting the validity of her proposals and her ownership of a firearm, which she used to refute claims about her stance on gun control.
