Intense assaults during the competitive TV clash between Trump and Harris
During the discussion, Harris aimed to convey a optimistic vision of a reunified nation, while Trump depicted the deterioration of the USA and a "failed state".
The two individuals, who hadn't interacted previously, began with a brief handshake before launching into forceful criticisms towards each other.
"Donald Trump led us into records of worst unemployment since the Great Depression," asserted Harris about Trump's tenure (2016-2022). The GOP figurehead, she explained, was responsible for "the most significant challenge to our democracy since the Civil War." Since then, she and President Joe Biden have been dedicated to "rectifying Donald Trump's mistakes."
Trump continued to label Harris a "Communist" and claimed she lacked a plan. "She blatantly copied Biden's plan, which consist of merely four sentences that merely propose lowering taxes," stated the 78-year-old billionaire. He persistently accused his Democratic opponent of dishonesty in her assertions.
Regarding abortion, Harris stated that Trump was spreading numerous falsehoods. As president, he seleceted three Supreme Court justices with the intention of overturning the nationwide right to abortion. Deliberately misinforming about these processes, "he's insulting American women," argued the vice president.
In foreign policy, Harris alleged that Trump was a worldwide joke. "World leaders are chuckling at Donald Trump," claimed Harris. She accused Trump of endeavoring to collaborate with dictators such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, who "would devour you for breakfast." Dictators and despots revel in seeing Trump in the White House, she asserted, because they sense they can manipulate him using flattery and favors.
Trump yet again declined to admit his defeat in the 2020 election. "You merely have to consider the evidence... I secured almost 75 million votes, the most votes any incumbent president has ever secured," asserted Trump.
The Republican Trump failed to acknowledge his defeat against the current occupant Joe Biden in 2020, informing deceptively that he had been cheated out of his victory. Due to his attempts to reverse the result and convert it into a victory, the 78-year-old faces two trials.
During this year's campaign, he has unequivocally indicated that he would not accept a defeat in the 2024 presidential election and would dispute it. Harris reminded Trump of his numerous legal cases and the fact that he is now a convicted felon following the verdict in the hush money case.
This was the first TV debate between Trump and Harris. Directly following the debate, the Harris team challenged the 78-year-old Republican to a second debate. To date, neither side has agreed on further dates.
Trump declared it his "best debate" and imputed bias on the two ABC moderators. "It was three against one," he wrote on his online platform Truth Social.
Just a few minutes after the debate, pop star Taylor Swift scored a major victory: The singer announced via Instagram that she would be supporting Harris in the November 5 election.
Harris expressed concern about Trump's portrayal of the USA, stating, "Despite Trump's depiction of a 'failed state', President Biden and I are committed to rectifying Trump's mistakes and moving towards a more united nation." Furthering the discussion, Harris criticized Trump's approach to mental health, saying, "Trump's rhetoric and policies have exacerbated feelings of depression and anxiety among Americans, particularly during his term, which is a significant challenge we must address."
