In a pivotal moment of the 2024 presidential race, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris engaged in a heated debate, marking their first direct confrontation. The 90-minute event, occurring approximately 11 months ago, showcased stark differences between the candidates on various issues.
Trump criticized Harris for allegedly shifting her stance on multiple policies, claiming she had changed her position on "at least 12 and probably 14 or 15 different policies." The former president particularly focused on Harris's apparent reversal on fracking and police funding.
Immigration emerged as a contentious topic, with Trump asserting that Harris's policies would lead to unrestricted border crossings. He claimed that "21 million people" were entering the country monthly, a figure disputed by policy experts. Official data indicates that the total number of "encounters" at both northern and southern borders, including legal ports of entry, was approximately 10 million over the past three and a half years.
The economy was another key point of discussion. Trump promoted his proposal for steep tariffs on foreign imports, while Harris labeled this a "Trump sales tax," claiming it would cost middle-class families $4,000 annually. The non-partisan Tax Policy Center has questioned this figure.
On foreign policy, Harris leveraged her experience in government to criticize Trump's approach. She accused him of being soft on China during his presidency, stating, "He ended up selling American chips to help [China] improve and modernize their military."
The debate also touched on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began on February 24, 2022. Trump refused to explicitly state that he wanted Ukraine to win the war, instead emphasizing his desire to "get the war settled."
: "I want to get the war settled. I want to get it done, negotiate a deal ... [and] stop these human lives from being destroyed."
The 2020 election results remained a point of contention, with Trump refusing to concede his loss. Harris countered by stating he had been "fired by 81 million people."
Abortion rights, a particularly sensitive issue since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, sparked intense exchanges. Trump claimed to have done the country "a favor" by allowing states to determine abortion restrictions, while Harris criticized the resulting limitations on healthcare access.
In their closing statements, Trump attempted to link Harris to the current administration's perceived shortcomings, while Harris positioned herself as representing "a new generation of leadership for our country."
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election, scheduled for November 5, 2024, draws nearer, this debate has set the stage for what promises to be a closely watched and fiercely contested race.