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| Harris and Trump to Duel on Key Economic Issues in Upcoming Debate Img source: ABC news |
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off on the debate stage for the first—and possibly last—time.
Kamala Harris kicked things off by crossing the stage to shake Trump's hand, saying, “Kamala Harris. Let’s have a good debate.” Trump responded, “Nice to see you. Have fun.” This exchange set the tone for the next 90 minutes: Harris took control at times, challenging Trump on his economic policies, his refusal to concede the 2020 election, and his rally performances. Trump, initially measured, grew visibly irritated as the debate progressed. One significant moment came after the debate when pop superstar Taylor Swift announced she would vote for Harris.
Key Takeaways:
Harris Takes On Trump's Policies:
Harris wasted no time going after Trump’s policies. She criticized his tariffs, stating they would create a “sales tax on the middle class,” and accused him of overseeing “the worst attack on American democracy since the Civil War”—the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. She also condemned Trump's stance on women’s rights, saying, “Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.”
She didn’t stop there. She mocked Trump’s praise of authoritarian leaders, adding, “You did in fact lose that election. Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people,” referring to the vote count in the 2020 election. Harris also took jabs at Trump’s rally sizes, noting people often leave early, which visibly annoyed Trump. In response, he insisted his rallies were larger than hers.
Trump's Counterattacks:
While Harris was assertive, Trump was often on the defensive but managed to reinforce his key campaign message: inflation and immigration are hurting Americans. He criticized Harris by tying her to President Joe Biden, saying, “She is Biden.” He accused Harris of shifting her political stance, adding, “She’s going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. But if she ever got elected, she’d change it.”
The Swift Endorsement:
One of the most consequential moments came after the debate when Taylor Swift, who has a massive following among young women—a key demographic for Harris—endorsed her. Swift called Harris a “gifted leader,” telling her fans to “do their research and make their own decisions” but concluded, “I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice.”
Racial and Identity Politics:
Moderator David Muir asked Trump about his comment last month that Harris had “turned Black.” Trump downplayed it, saying, “I don’t care what she is, you make a big deal out of something, I couldn’t care less.” Harris took the opportunity to list Trump’s long history of racial controversies, including his legal settlement for discrimination against Black tenants in the 1970s and his false claims about former President Barack Obama's birthplace. She said, “I think the American people want something better than that, want better than this.”
Debate on Abortion Rights:
Harris defended abortion rights forcefully, stating, “The government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.” She described the struggles women face when traveling out of state for an abortion. Trump, however, argued that overturning Roe v. Wade and leaving the decision to the states was a service to Americans. Despite corrections from the moderator, he continued to claim falsely that Democrats support abortion after babies are born.
Trump's Strategy:
Trump tried to flip a famous line used by Harris during the 2020 Vice Presidential debate with Mike Pence when he said, “Wait a minute, I’m talking now. Sound familiar?” However, he offered little in the way of outreach to undecided voters, while Harris made explicit appeals to Republicans and independents.
Looking Ahead:
In a nation divided, the election will likely come down to a small segment of swing voters in key states. Harris emphasized unity, making an appeal to voters across the political spectrum, including Republicans. Trump, meanwhile, largely ignored any call for unity and remained focused on his core supporters.
The debate ended with Trump getting visibly more agitated as Harris pressed him on his various legal issues. When questioned about his responsibility for the Capitol riot, Trump placed blame on Democratic leaders and defended the rioters, again denying that he lost the 2020 election. Harris responded, “Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people, let’s be clear about that, and clearly he’s having a very difficult time processing that.”
Both candidates stayed behind their podiums throughout the debate, avoiding any overt gender-based attacks. Unlike the 2016 debates where gender dynamics played a significant role, this debate focused more on policies, personal attacks, and each candidate's vision for America.
In the end, the debate showcased the stark contrast between Trump’s defensive posture and Harris’s assertive approach, setting the stage for what could be a highly contentious election season.
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