In a heated presidential debate on Tuesday, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris pressed her Republican rival, Donald Trump, with pointed attacks on his suitability for office, his support for abortion restrictions, and his ongoing legal troubles.
As a former prosecutor, Harris, 59, dominated the debate from the outset, frequently irritating Trump and eliciting a visibly frustrated response from the 78-year-old former president.
Trump’s reactions were marked by a series of inaccurate claims and defensive statements.
Harris provoked Trump by commenting that attendees often leave his rallies early due to “exhaustion and boredom.” In response, Trump boasted about the size of his rallies and then pivoted to an unfounded assertion about immigrants allegedly consuming pets in Springfield, Ohio—a claim that has circulated on social media and was previously amplified by Trump’s vice presidential candidate, Senator JD Vance.
“They’re eating the dogs! The people that came in, they’re eating the cats! They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump declared, prompting Harris to respond, “Talk about extreme,” as she laughed in disbelief.
With eight weeks remaining before the election and early voting beginning soon in several states, this debate— the only one scheduled—offered both candidates a crucial platform to present their cases to millions of viewers.
The debate covered topics such as immigration, foreign policy, and healthcare but lacked detailed policy proposals. Harris’s assertive performance shifted the focus squarely onto Trump, leading her supporters to celebrate and some Republicans to recognize Trump’s difficulties.
Trump continued to promote falsehoods about election fraud and criticized Harris as a “Marxist,” while also making unsubstantiated claims about migrant-related crime waves. Marc Short, former chief of staff to Trump’s Vice President Mike Pence, criticized Trump for focusing on election denialism and bizarre claims rather than addressing economic and border issues.
In a notable post-debate development, pop star Taylor Swift endorsed Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, on Instagram, boosting Harris’s campaign. Swift’s endorsement included a reference to controversial remarks made by Vance, which added to the debate’s aftermath.
According to online prediction markets, Trump’s chances of winning declined from 52% to 47% during the debate, while Harris’s odds improved from 53% to 55%. In response to the debate, Harris’s campaign suggested a second debate in October, a proposal Trump has yet to commit to, questioning the need for another face-off if he believes he won.
Trump, who had previously launched personal attacks on Harris, refrained from such tactics during the early parts of the debate but became increasingly agitated as Harris pressed her points. When asked about past comments he made regarding Harris’s race, Trump responded dismissively, while Harris condemned his divisive rhetoric.
Throughout the debate, Harris aggressively challenged Trump on a range of issues, including abortion limits and the Project 2025 conservative agenda, which Trump disavowed despite some of his advisers’ involvement.
Republican strategist Ron Bonjean noted that Trump’s performance might not have improved his standing, as polls indicate that most voters have already made up their minds. With the election potentially decided by a narrow margin in a few key states, even minor shifts in voter opinion could prove decisive.
The debate opened with a rare handshake between the candidates, and while Harris’s assertiveness and critique were evident, the broader impact of her performance on the election remains uncertain.
