Less than two months are left before the US Election Day and just then Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have their first presidential debate. Both the leaders squared off on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
The debate covered a range of important topics, like the economy, immigration and border regulations, abortion rights, and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Moderators from ABC News fact-checked Trump in real time on topics like abortions and violent crime.
The discussion grew heated as Harris and Trump traded, sharp criticisms on one another’s personal qualities. Harris accused Trump of being made fun by global leaders, in response to which, Trump claimed that President Joe Biden “hated” her.
Let’s look at some of the key points from the debate.
Harris’ Take on Economy
Donald Trump came under heavy fire as Vice President Kamala Harris sharply accused Trump. She charged him with the “worst unemployment crisis in the US since the Great Depression.” She argued that Trump’s administration left the country in chaos, which her government has been working to rectify.
Additionally, Harris also aimed at Trump’s handling of what she called “the worst public health epidemic in a century.” Her remarks were meant to highlight the distinctions between the previous administration and her administration’s efforts.
The Clash Over Abortion Ban
Trump and Harris also engage in a prolonged discussion over abortion. Trump however, seen avoiding directly answering the question of whether he would veto a federal abortion ban if Congress passed one. He defended the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to abolish safeguards for abortion, inaccurately claiming that both Republicans and Democrats supported the decision.
Furthermore, Trump made a controversial statement regarding states allowing post-birth abortions, which ABC News moderator Linsey Davis refuted. In response, Harris responded saying if the public actually wanted restrictive state-level abortion laws that had prevented them from accessing emergency care.
Harris’s Strong Denial on Democracy and Division
Harris refuted angrily, labeling Trump’s actions “the worst attack on US democracy since the Civil War.” She charged the former President of employing “divide and distract tactics,” to inflame division on matters such as immigration, racism, religious intolerance, race, and hate crimes.
Harris specifically highlighted the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 and accused him of fomenting the tensions that resulted in the storming of his crucial institution.
Argument over Immigration
Donald Trump who heavily focused on immigration and border issues in his campaigns, claimed that immigrants in Ohio town were eating pets.
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that come in, they’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of people who live there.”
Donald Trump on the alleged incident in Springfield
Additionally, he referred to Harris as the Biden administration’s “border czar.” However, the moderator had to intervene, noting that Trump’s allegations have no evidence.
Responding to this, Kamala pointed Trump’s statements “extreme” and countered by bringing up his Trump’s own criminal record to refute his claims of “migrant crimes.”
Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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