The verbal showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump was intense, filled with fiery exchanges and personal jabs, as both candidates sought to secure a critical edge in the 2024 election. In the historic “Constitution Center” in Philadelphia, their 90-minute confrontation left audiences wondering: who truly won?
CNN’s Jake Tapper remarked that Trump “took every one of her baits.” Chris Wallace drew a comparison to Biden’s earlier slip-ups, asserting that Trump faced a similar fate this time, with the “New York Times” declaring, “Harris put him on the defensive!” Even Fox News, a traditionally conservative outlet, expressed disappointment in Trump’s missed opportunities, with commentator Brit Hume noting that Harris maintained her composure. Star commentator Sean Hannity though criticized her for what he described as “rehearsed platitudes” and took aim at ABC for being an “unfair” host broadcaster.
Harris surprised Trump with a handshake
The debate’s tone was set early when Harris greeted Trump with a handshake, introducing herself formally, a move that caught him off guard. But the civility quickly faded. Trump accused Harris of destroying what he called “the best economy ever,” pointing to inflation and immigration. Harris fired back, pointing to the health crisis, job market struggles, and the attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters.
The tension escalated further when Trump accused Harris of having no guiding philosophy beyond her “Marxist father,” and joked that she had stolen so many of his ideas she might as well wear a MAGA hat. Harris countered with sharp critiques on key issues, especially abortion. When Trump spoke of extreme abortion practices, Harris called out his lies and criticized his stance on women’s rights, striking a chord with pollsters.
Wild claims about migrants eating pets
Trump also made wild claims about Haitian migrants in Springfield, OH, eating pets, a rumor that have been spreading on Social Media like wildfire the last days and prompted a flood of Ai generated memes portraying Trump as savior of pets. During the debate, it was certainly a bizarre moment that dominated headlines.
Trump’s frustration was evident, as Harris looked visibly satisfied. The personal attacks continued, with Trump belittling Harris as a “radical liberal,” while she condemned his immigration policies and alleged electoral fraud.
Trump attempted to regain ground by discussing foreign policy, insisting that conflicts like the Ukraine war wouldn’t have happened under his presidency. He claimed he could end the war quickly, but evaded specifics. His attack on Biden as a president who “doesn’t even know he’s alive” seemed to energize his base but did little to unsettle Harris.
The debate left observers with much to analyze, as Harris’s calm and calculated demeanor contrasted with Trump’s more aggressive and erratic performance.
