By Ollus Ndomu
In a high-stakes face-off at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for their first debate ahead of the November 5 presidential election. The debate showcased a series of sharp exchanges and memorable moments as both candidates laid out their visions and criticisms.
The debate, moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, quickly became a battleground of intense rhetoric. Harris challenged Trump on his repeated attacks on President Joe Biden, asserting, “You’re not running against Joe Biden. You’re running against me.” Trump countered with personal jabs, including a controversial remark about Harris missing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress to attend a sorority event, which he falsely claimed was indicative of her priorities.
The debate covered a wide range of topics, from immigration to foreign policy. Trump reiterated his debunked claim that Haitian immigrants were involved in eating pets, a statement Harris condemned as extreme. Trump also questioned Harris’ racial identity, an issue she labeled as divisive and rooted in racial politics.
Harris critiqued Trump’s foreign policy, suggesting that dictators and autocrats are “rooting for you to be president again” due to his susceptibility to manipulation. Trump, in turn, made ominous predictions about Israel’s future under a potential Harris presidency, suggesting, “If she is president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now.”
The debate also touched on the Israeli-Gaza conflict, with Harris advocating for a cease-fire and reaffirming her support for Israel’s right to defend itself. On the topic of reproductive rights, Harris vowed to protect women’s rights to choose, contrasting sharply with Trump’s stance.
Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his 2020 election loss was a focal point, as he dismissed recent remarks about losing “by a whisker” as sarcastic and maintained his stance on the election’s legitimacy.
As the candidates exchanged barbs and challenged each other’s records, the debate highlighted the stark differences between Harris and Trump, setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched election campaign.
