The 2024 United States presidential race took a significant turn on Tuesday night as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in their first and possibly only debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The event, broadcast live by ABC News, allowed both candidates to present their vision for the country and respond to pressing concerns from voters.
The debate lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes and was marked by sharp exchanges, differing policy positions, and emotional appeals from both sides. Here’s an in-depth look at the debate’s major moments and the key takeaways from the candidates’ performances.
A Strategy of Contrast
Both candidates entered the debate with clear strategies to define the race on their terms. For Vice President Harris, the approach centered on highlighting policy differences with Trump while positioning herself as an advocate for middle-class Americans. Harris frequently invoked her upbringing as a “middle-class kid” and focused on economic policies aimed at helping families and small businesses.
Trump, meanwhile, presented himself as the defender of American values and sought to frame the debate around issues such as immigration, crime, and the economy. He often drew attention to his tenure as president and positioned his campaign as a bid to restore America’s standing in the world and address what he described as a “nation that is dying.”
Harris’ Economic Vision vs. Trump’s Record
One of the most pivotal moments in the debate came when the conversation turned to the economy. Harris made it a point to contrast her vision of tax cuts for working families and small businesses with Trump’s record of tax breaks for the wealthy and large corporations. “Donald Trump has no plan for you,” Harris said, emphasizing her belief that the former president is more concerned with defending himself than with the needs of ordinary Americans.
Trump responded by defending his administration’s tax policies, arguing that his tax cuts helped stimulate economic growth and benefited Americans across all income levels. He also pointed to the pre-pandemic economic boom as evidence of his economic leadership. “We had the strongest economy in history before COVID hit, and we can do it again,” Trump stated, making the case that his approach would lead to a resurgence in economic growth.
Both candidates presented sharply different economic visions. Harris emphasized support for small businesses and workers, while Trump focused on the importance of deregulation and tax policies designed to spur investment and job creation.
Immigration: A Divisive Issue
Immigration proved to be one of the most contentious topics of the night. Trump repeatedly criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the southern border, claiming that illegal immigration had reached unprecedented levels. He painted a dire picture of a country overwhelmed by crime and drugs, often returning to this theme throughout the debate. Trump also proposed additional tariffs on countries he claimed were contributing to illegal immigration, describing his plan as a way to make them “pay for their actions.”
In response, Harris defended the administration’s efforts to secure the border while balancing humanitarian concerns, citing her background as a prosecutor who worked to combat human trafficking. She highlighted a bipartisan immigration bill that she said Trump had helped sink, arguing that he preferred to “run on a problem rather than solve it.” Harris emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform, stating that the country needed “orderly immigration processes” that uphold the law and protect the dignity of migrants.
While Trump’s rhetoric on immigration was often alarmist, it resonated with his base, which views the issue as a central concern. Harris, in contrast, framed immigration in broader terms, calling for a balanced approach that prioritizes security alongside the country’s longstanding tradition of welcoming immigrants.
Fireworks Over Abortion
Another critical moment in the debate came during the discussion of abortion. This issue has galvanized both political parties after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Harris used the opportunity to appeal to women voters, passionately speaking about the difficulties some women have faced in states that have banned abortion without exceptions for rape and incest. She cited personal stories of women denied healthcare due to restrictive abortion laws, calling such policies “immoral.”
Trump, who appointed three Supreme Court justices who played a role in overturning Roe, took a more measured approach than in previous debates. He reiterated his belief that abortion should be decided by the states and defended his administration’s role in returning the issue to local control. Trump also mentioned that he supports exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother, a position that he has sought to highlight as a more moderate stance within the Republican Party.
The debate highlighted the stark differences between the two candidates on the issue of reproductive rights, with Harris championing federal protections and Trump advocating for state-level control. Both candidates framed the issue as one of fundamental importance, and it remains a key battleground as the election approaches.
Foreign Policy: Diverging Approaches
When it came to foreign policy, the debate shifted focus to global flashpoints, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Trump argued that these conflicts would never have occurred if he had remained in office, stating that his relationships with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, were vital to maintaining peace. “Russia would have never gone into Ukraine if I were president,” Trump claimed, adding that he would secure peace “before even becoming president” by leveraging his diplomatic relationships.
Harris, on the other hand, called out Trump’s fondness for authoritarian leaders, accusing him of being manipulated by strongmen like Putin. She supported Ukraine’s defense and argued for continued U.S. leadership in global alliances such as NATO. Harris also touched on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a two-state solution while reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself.
Both candidates sought to appeal to voters with contrasting visions of U.S. foreign policy. Trump presented himself as a dealmaker who could negotiate peace, while Harris emphasized the importance of democratic values and international cooperation.
Trump’s Reliance on Conspiracy Theories
One of the most unusual aspects of the debate was Trump’s repeated references to debunked conspiracy theories, particularly regarding immigration. At one point, Trump claimed that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were “eating people’s pets” – a statement that both local officials and fact-checkers swiftly debunked during the debate. Harris responded with a mixture of disbelief and amusement, allowing Trump to continue defending his statement without engaging directly.
Trump also reiterated false claims about the 2020 election being stolen despite multiple investigations and court rulings that found no evidence of widespread fraud. These assertions were met with pushback from the moderators, but Trump remained steadfast in his position, saying, “The people on television are saying it; we’ll find out.”
While these conspiracy theories are central to Trump’s appeal among some voters, they may alienate more moderate Republicans and independents, who are looking for a focus on tangible policy solutions rather than debunked claims.
A Moment of Civility: The Handshake
Despite the heated exchanges, one moment of civility stood out during the debate. As the two candidates took the stage, Harris walked over to Trump and offered a handshake, introducing herself and wishing him “a good debate.” Trump responded kindly, shaking her hand and saying, “Nice to see you.”
It was a symbolic gesture that set a tone of professionalism, though sharp contrasts and heated rhetoric marked the rest of the debate.
Taylor Swift’s Surprise Endorsement
In an unexpected post-debate development, pop icon Taylor Swift took to Instagram to endorse Kamala Harris, signing off her post as “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady” – a nod to a controversial comment made by Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. Swift’s endorsement could be pivotal in energizing younger voters, particularly women, as the election heats up.
The Aftermath: A Divided Response
The immediate reaction to the debate was predictably split along party lines. Trump’s supporters praised his forceful defense of his record and his willingness to challenge the moderators. Many Republicans echoed Trump’s post-debate comment that the event felt like “three-on-one,” as he frequently clashed with the moderators overtime limits and fact-checks.
On the Democratic side, Harris’ supporters lauded her composure and ability to keep Trump on the defensive. Many saw her successfully framing the debate around Trump’s controversial record while projecting an image of stability and competence.
What’s Next?
With no further debates scheduled, both campaigns will now focus on rallying their bases and winning over undecided voters. Trump will continue to rely on his core supporters, hoping to leverage their enthusiasm into voter turnout, while Harris seeks to expand her appeal to moderate voters and independents.
The debate underscored the deep divisions in the country and the contrasting visions for its future. As Election Day approaches, it remains to be seen whether this debate will have a lasting impact on the race, but one thing is sure: the stakes couldn’t be higher for both candidates.