Key Insights from the Harris-Trump Presidential Debate by Reuters

By James Oliphant and Gram Slattery

PHILADELPHIA – Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump faced off on Tuesday in their first and potentially only debate, a crucial moment for the upcoming November 5 election as surveys indicate a closely contested race.

Key Takeaways from the Debate:

RILING HER RIVAL
Harris made a concerted effort to provoke Trump, successfully getting under his skin. She encouraged viewers to attend a Trump rally, highlighting his past bizarre claims, such as the assertion that windmills cause cancer, and suggested attendees often leave his rallies exhausted and bored, a sentiment some have echoed.

Trump, known for the large crowds at his rallies, appeared visibly irritated. He boasted about the scale and energy of his rallies while accusing Harris of bringing in attendees to her own events.

In a controversial statement, Trump claimed that undocumented immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were killing and eating pets, a baseless rumor that had circulated on social media and been amplified by his running mate. City officials quickly refuted his claim, and Harris responded with laughter, calling it "extreme."

PLAYING DEFENSE
As a former California prosecutor, Harris focused on holding Trump accountable for his previous actions, particularly regarding his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. An hour into the debate, it was clear that Trump was on the defensive as Harris pressed him on various issues.

When questioned about the January 6 Capitol riot, Trump distanced himself from the event, claiming he had little role aside from delivering a speech. He continued to falsely assert that he won the 2020 election. Harris used Trump’s actions to argue for a need for change, asserting that he was "fired by 81 million people" and could not be trusted to uphold democracy.

Trump retaliated by claiming Harris had received "no votes" when seeking the Democratic nomination, suggesting her rise was a result of a conspiracy against Biden. This exchange seemed to support Harris’s argument that Trump lacks the temperament to lead effectively.

‘WEAPONIZED’ JUSTICE
Both candidates accused each other of manipulating the Justice Department for political gain. Trump claimed that the legal challenges he faces are a product of conspiracy orchestrated by Harris and Biden, a statement lacking evidence. Harris countered by pointing out Trump’s open intentions to target his adversaries if re-elected.

"This is someone who has openly said he would terminate, I’m quoting, terminate the Constitution,” she remarked, emphasizing the gravity of their contention over the election stakes.

RACIAL DIVIDE
As the debate progressed, the issue of race emerged. Trump was questioned about his previous remarks questioning Harris’s identity as a Black and South Asian woman, to which he responded dismissively.

Harris countered his statements by highlighting instances of racial discrimination in Trump’s past, including his family’s history of refusing to rent to Black tenants and his focus on racially charged incidents involving wrongly accused minorities. She condemned his approach, stating that America deserves better than a leader who uses race to create division.

HANDSHAKE
Ahead of the debate, there was speculation about how Harris and Trump would greet each other. Harris decisively approached Trump, extended her hand, and introduced herself. This assertive gesture came after weeks of Trump’s derogatory remarks towards her.

SPARRING ON THE ECONOMY
In the early moments of the debate, both candidates clashed over economic issues crucial to voters. Harris outlined her recent economic initiatives, while Trump emphasized his plans to shield the economy from foreign competition. Although both exchanged barbs, Trump found himself on the defensive over an issue where he historically holds an advantage.

A SCHISM ON ABORTION
The candidates also disagreed sharply on abortion, where Harris appears to have a polling lead. Trump defended the Supreme Court’s decision to dismantle constitutional protections for abortion, falsely suggesting it was favored by both parties.

Harris challenged Trump’s claim and expressed outrage at the consequences of state-level decisions affecting access to care, especially in emergencies.

WORLDS APART
One of the most intense discussion points was centered on Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Trump hesitated to express support for Ukraine, instead emphasizing a desire to quickly resolve the conflict. In contrast, Harris argued that Trump’s approach would have consequences for Ukraine’s sovereignty, asserting that under Trump, Russia would have made significant gains.

Throughout the debate, Harris frequently challenged Trump’s statements, reaffirming her stance on the need for truthful dialogue around critical issues.