In a highly charged first US presidential debate, Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic opponent Kamala Harris sparred over key issues ranging from the economy to abortion, immigration, and global conflicts. With eight weeks remaining until the US presidential election, the debate, hosted by ABC News, marked the first time the two contenders shared a stage, signaling the start of an intense campaign season.
The debate opened with a historic handshake between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, ending an eight-year streak of no handshakes between presidential candidates. The gesture was notable, as it was the first in-person meeting between the two.
Kamala Harris just owned Trump.
It started with a handshake and ended with Trump getting his ass handed to him.#Debate2024pic.twitter.com/ulzi3Wd5Fh
— Ted Corcoran (RedTRaccoon) (@RedTRaccoon) September 11, 2024
Harris took the first opportunity to target Trump on economic issues, emphasizing her middle-class roots and pledging support for small businesses and families. She criticized Trump’s economic record, accusing him of prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy, saying, “Donald Trump has no plan for you.”
Trump responded by defending his past economic policies, asserting that he did not receive enough credit for his handling of the pandemic and touting his administration’s achievements.
BREAKING: In a stunning moment, Donald Trump just admitted he got involved with the Taliban. Retweet so all Americans see this. pic.twitter.com/9QMjlQyfKF
— Kamala’s Wins (@harris_wins) September 11, 2024
Sharp Divide on Abortion and Immigration
When asked about abortion, Kamala Harris warned that Donald Trump would push for a nationwide ban if re-elected, to which Trump simply replied, “She is lying.” Trump appeared uncertain when asked whether he would veto such a ban, suggesting that it wouldn’t pass Congress.
This is the moment where Kamala Harris destroyed Trump on reproductive rights. Share this clip everywhere. Spread it like wildfire! pic.twitter.com/oXPjpnHdeI
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) September 11, 2024
On immigration, the debate became even more heated. Harris mocked Trump’s rallies, claiming they were filled with conspiracy theories and fictional narratives. Donald Trump retaliated with a personal attack, accusing Harris of being a Marxist, while also referencing a baseless social media conspiracy theory about immigrants eating pets in Ohio, which drew laughter from Harris and the audience.
ALSO READ: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris participate in first presidential debate
National Security and Foreign Policy
As the debate shifted to international matters, Kamala Harris argued for a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine, while Donald Trump insisted the conflict wouldn’t have escalated if he were in office. Harris responded firmly to Trump’s claims that she harbored ill-will toward Israel.
Omg Trump takes the bait and starts rambling about crowd sizes and repeats baseless claims about immigrants eating pets and gets fact checked
Kamala Harris immediately capitalizes on it pic.twitter.com/naaXf1GFiq
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 11, 2024
On the Ukraine war, Harris accused Trump of being too lenient on Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that “Putin would be sitting in Kyiv” if Donald Trump had been President. Trump avoided directly supporting Ukraine’s victory, stating only that the war needed to end for the benefit of the US.
Personal Attacks and Identity Politics
Throughout the debate, Donald Trump repeatedly tried to tie Kamala Harris to the Biden administration’s failures, but Harris reminded him, “You are not running against Biden.” Trump also faced criticism for previously questioning Harris’s racial identity. Kamala Harris condemned his attempts to use race to divide Americans, calling it a “tragedy.”
BREAKING: Kamala Harris just slammed Donald Trump for being fired by 81 million people and having a terrible time handling it. Retweet so all Americans see this takedown of Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/9HDoNUbRY5
— Kamala’s Wins (@harris_wins) September 11, 2024
With eight weeks left until US Election Day, this first debate set the tone for what promises to be a contentious and closely watched campaign. Both candidates showcased starkly different visions for the future, leaving voters with much to consider as they head to the polls.
