US elections 2024: Five takeaways from Harris-Trump debate
1. Candidates' first televised face-off saw them battling it out issues such as immigration, abortion, diplomacy etc
The U.S. presidential election saw a pivotal moment on Tuesday with the first televised debate between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris. The debate tackled major topics like immigration, abortion, and diplomacy, proving to be a more dynamic exchange compared to the previous debate in Atlanta, which had led to President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race and Harris's rise as the Democratic candidate.
Here are five key takeaways from the debate:
**1. Combative Demeanor**
Despite the debate’s rules designed to maintain decorum, Trump and Harris frequently interrupted each other. Harris, in particular, aggressively challenged Trump on his record and his inflammatory rhetoric, accusing him of perpetuating lies and mishandling his 2020 election loss. Trump, visibly frustrated, criticized the Biden administration's policies and struggled to maintain focus on Harris as she continually addressed him directly.
**2. Abortion Controversy**
The debate highlighted a significant clash over reproductive rights. Following the Supreme Court's reversal of federal abortion protections, Trump defended his actions as a return of the issue to state control. He made controversial claims about abortion practices that Harris vehemently rebutted, emphasizing the real-world consequences of restrictive policies and the dangers faced by women seeking medical care.
**3. Immigration Conspiracy**
Trump's discussion veered into debunked conspiracy theories, including an unfounded claim that Haitian immigrants were stealing pets for food. Despite moderator interventions highlighting the lack of evidence, Trump persisted with his claims, attributing them to unspecified "people on television."
**4. Diplomatic Dispute**
Foreign policy was a secondary focus but still featured strong critiques. Harris labeled Trump as ineffective on national security, accusing him of being ridiculed by global leaders and suggesting he would cede Ukraine to Russia. Trump, on the other hand, called Harris a poor negotiator and expressed skepticism about her commitment to Israel's security.
**5. Harris's Performance**
Analysts noted that Harris managed to effectively counter Trump's attacks and present her own arguments with clarity. According to University of Virginia's Larry Sabato, Harris outperformed Trump and avenged Biden’s previous debate loss. Republican strategist Liam Donovan and Princeton University’s Julian Zelizer both praised Harris for her strategic execution and contrast to Trump's chaotic and misleading rhetoric.
