The September 10 debate in Philadelphia between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was a fiery showdown as both candidates clashed over critical national issues. The debate began with a surprising moment when Harris confidently walked over to Trump’s podium and extended her hand, catching him off-guard. “Let’s have a good debate,” Harris remarked, to which Trump responded, “Good to see you, have fun.” This exchange set the stage for a tense evening.
The Big Issues
Harris wasted no time in addressing Trump on key issues, particularly abortion rights and the January 6 Capitol riots. “Women’s rights are under attack, and we need leadership that will stand up for them,” she said, directly challenging Trump’s stance on reproductive rights. Trump, in turn, accused Harris of supporting what he called “extreme policies” in the Biden administration. “Your administration has failed to protect Americans and has weakened our country on the world stage,” Trump retorted, shifting the debate towards foreign policy and immigration.
As the night progressed, Trump focused heavily on the Biden administration’s handling of the economy and immigration. “This administration has allowed chaos at the border,” he declared, attempting to link Harris to policies he described as “reckless and dangerous.” Harris countered by stating that Trump’s past policies “stoked division and harmed America’s standing globally,” urging voters to look beyond “fearmongering” and support more progressive leadership.
The debate also saw heated exchanges over healthcare. Harris criticized Trump for attempting to dismantle the Affordable Care Act during his presidency, saying, “You tried to take healthcare away from millions of Americans.” Trump defended his actions, stating, “We were working on a better plan to give people more options, something Biden and Harris have failed to do.”
The back-and-forth highlighted the candidates’ stark differences in approach to healthcare reform.
On foreign policy, Harris emphasized the need for diplomacy and alliances, accusing Trump of alienating U.S. allies. “We need to rebuild our relationships, not tear them apart,” she stated. Trump, however, stood firm on his ‘America First’ approach, saying, “I put our country first, and that’s what we need to do again.” The debate highlighted their divergent visions for America’s role in the world.
In the end, both candidates framed the debate as a fight for the soul of the nation. Trump warned that Harris would “continue the failed policies of the Biden administration,” while Harris called for voters to reject “divisive rhetoric” and choose a path forward that includes “equality and justice for all.” With sharp contrasts in their platforms, the debate showcased the intense stakes heading into the November 5, 2024 election.
