Harris, Trump Spar in First Debate

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Facts

  • US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, and Republican former Pres. Donald Trump squared off in the pair's first election debate Tuesday night. The ABC News-hosted event took place as the candidates were nearly tied in the polls.[1][2][3]
  • The candidates were asked about the economy, with Harris accusing Trump of having 'no plan' and pledging to create an 'opportunity economy.' Trump called out the Biden-Harris administration on inflation, which he described as the 'worst in our nation's history.'[4][5]
  • On immigration, Trump called the Biden-Harris policies 'a disaster' that has 'destroyed our country.' Harris said Trump will implement a 'detailed and dangerous plan' aligned with Project 2025. In a notable moment, Trump stated that migrants were eating people's pets in Springfield, Ohio — he was then rebuffed by the ABC moderator.[4][5]
  • When the debate turned to abortion, Harris accused Trump of supporting abortion bans, which Trump said he's 'not in favor of.' But the former president added, 'it doesn't matter, because this issue has now been taken over by the states.'[6][5]
  • In her closing statement, Harris said that throughout her career she's only had one 'client' — the 'people.' She reiterated that her goal is to 'be a president that will protect' the 'fundamental rights and freedoms' of all Americans regardless of political party affiliation.[4][7]
  • Trump, meanwhile, in his closing statement questioned why Harris hadn't implemented the policies she described. He said that under the Biden-Harris administration — the 'worst president, the worst vice president in the history of our country' — the US is in 'serious decline' and is being 'laughed at all over the world.'[4][7]

Sources: [1]Ft, [2]Wsj, [3]Guardian, [4]Independent, [5]FOX News, [6]BBC News and [7]New York Post.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Washington Post and New York Times. Harris brilliantly exposed Trump's worst and most dangerous qualities while also offering the country a bright future under her leadership. She articulated clear policy proposals and skilfully balanced compassion with pragmatism on sensitive topics, including abortion and foreign policy. There's no question Harris represents a better way forward for the US.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by Federalist and InformationLiberation. Trump was at a disadvantage the whole night because ABC decided to team up with Harris — interrupting and fact-checking the former president while letting the vice president get away with provably false rhetoric. Somehow Trump overcame the obstacles and dominated the debate, making major points on immigration, the economy, and ending endless wars.

Predictions