In a clash of political heavyweights, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris took the stage for a presidential debate on September 10th, 2024.
They traded barbs over the economy, international conflicts, and past controversies.
The debate underscored profound differences, setting the stage for a contentious election.
Economic and Domestic Issues
Economy and Inflation
Trump threw down some apocalyptic vibes, declaring, “Look, we’ve had a terrible economy, because inflation, which is really known as a country buster.”
He lamented that “People can’t go out and buy cereal or bacon or eggs or anything else.”
He added, “The people of our country are absolutely dying with what they’ve done. They’ve destroyed the economy.”
Harris countered with a contrasting vision, stating, “I believe in the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people, and that is why I imagine and have actually a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy.”
She said, “My opponent, on the other hand, his plan is to do what he has done before, which is to provide a tax cut for billionaires and big corporations.”
Abortion and Gun Control
Trump reaffirmed his stance, saying, “Now, I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. Now states are voting on it. Each individual state is voting. Now it’s not tied up in the federal government.”
On this matter Harris said, “I pledge to you, when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v Wade as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law.”
On gun control, Trump claimed Harris “has a plan to confiscate everybody’s gun,”
She fired back, “Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We’re not taking anybody’s guns away.”
International Conflicts and Leadership
Israel-Gaza Conflict
The Israel-Gaza conflict saw Trump and Harris in a heated exchange. Harris called for an immediate ceasefire, stating, “It must end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a ceasefire deal, and we need the hostages out.”
Trump fired back, “She hates Israel. If she’s president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now.”
Harris responded, “That’s absolutely not true. I have my entire career and life supported Israel and the Israeli people.”
Ukraine and Global Perception
On global perception, Trump emphatically claimed, “Viktor Orban said the most respected, most feared person is Donald Trump. We had no problems when Trump was president.”
Harris pointed out, “World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump,” highlighting a perceived dip in global respect.
On Ukraine, Trump was straightforward, “I want the war to stop. I want to save lives,” emphasizing his desire for peace while questioning Harris’s effectiveness given her tenure.
Harris painted a different picture, asserting, “If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now.”
Jan. 6 Capitol Attack
When the January 6th Capitol attack was brought up, Harris didn’t mince words, labeling it as an insurrection incited by Trump’s rhetoric. She stated, “I was at the Capitol. I was the vice president-elect… the president of the United States incited a violent mob.”
Trump deflected, saying, “I had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech,” and maintaining his innocence, further deepening the divide.
Debate Overview
Throughout the debate, Harris appeared prepared, weaving through various topics while aiming sharp critiques at Trump.
Her final remarks focused on hope and progress.
Trump, not one to shy away, emphasized his strong international standing and criticized the current administration’s policies.
He urged voters to remember past prosperity under his leadership.
In the end, the debate made one thing clear: the upcoming election is going to be anything but dull.