On Tuesday, Sept. 10 the long-awaited Presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took place in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania at the National Constitution Center.
World News Tonight anchor David Muir and ABC News anchor Linsey Davis moderated the event, pressing the candidates with key questions about their policies and plans for the presidency.
Following President Bidens unexpected withdrawal from the race, the debate served as the first for voters to see Trump and Harris in the same place.
The debate began with a formal handshake—Kamala, slightly hesitant, stepped in front of her podium to initiate the gesture. Trump, though initially reserved, responded by shaking her hand before the 90-minute debate commenced.
To kick off the debate, Muir began by asking “When it comes to the economy, do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago? “ Harris responded asserting her plan to lift the middle class and working class.
Former president Donald Trump, given two minutes to respond, denied a claim Harris had made about a 20% tax on everyday goods, asserting that his policies focus on tariffs that brought in billions of dollars from China without causing inflation. He blamed the Biden-Harris administration for the current economic crisis and rising crime, promising to restore the strong economy he built before.
“From the limited amount of the debate I watched, I feel like neither Kamala nor Trump did well,” senior Josiah Powell said. “Trump let his emotions get in the way of things, and Kamala didn’t really strike it home for me.” Powell also noted, “What I will say is that Kamala is a better speaker and she seemed more content with the situation.”
Breaking two of the rules within the first 30 minutes– the first being candidates will not be permitted to ask each other questions along with no interrupting one another– it is safe to say this debate was heated between the two.
“As an AP Government Teacher, I always enjoy political debates,” Department Chair of Social Science and Global Studies Ryan Girard said. “It allows the citizens to hear directly from the candidates and gain a deeper understanding of their platforms.”
To bring the debate to a close, Trump emphasized his past successes with the promise of restoring the economic strength and tackling the issues of crime and immigration, while Harris focused on her outlook of unity and progression, critiquing Trump’s policies, noting her support for the middle class once again.
