Former US President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris shook hands before stepping onto their first debate stage. Harris made a power move by going right up to him as she extended her hand. Trump looked a bit reluctant or surprised for a moment.
Once the debate got underway, the two candidates went head-to-head on a range of topics likely to sway voters in the campaign’s closing stretch. As expected, Harris spent much of the night goading her Republican rival into defending his past comments and actions. At the same time, she sought to highlight the effects of his policies on everyday Americans.
The candidates faced off on a variety of issues, including the economy, abortion rights, the Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, and immigration laws. Trump and Harris criticized the Obama administration’s handling of those conflicts but took different approaches when addressing them. During one of the first questions, Harris pushed Trump on his shift from liberal positions on oil shale fracking to more moderate stances such as expanding Medicare for all and banning plastic straws. He appeared to take her bait, though he ended his response by reminding viewers that he did not receive any handouts from his wealthy father.
On the subject of abortion, Harris pointed out that a majority of Americans disapproved of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. However, she also criticized Trump for his “brazen flip-flopping” on the issue over recent weeks, including shifting stances on fracking, marijuana legalization, and abortion rights.
During the debate, Harris also pointed out that Trump’s economic plan would not boost jobs. She also highlighted his record on women’s rights, citing that the number of women in prison has doubled under his presidency and that he has not met the commitment to end sexual harassment in the workplace.
At the night’s end, Harris received a boost from Taylor Swift, who posted on Instagram that she supported her for president. The post was signed, “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady for Kamala Harris.” The endorsement is another sign of how important the race has become just a few days before early ballots begin to be sent out in Alabama and other states.
