Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Clash in First 2024 Debate \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The first debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election took place in Philadelphia. Both candidates clashed on key issues, including healthcare, gun rights, and the economy. Trump questioned Harris’ effectiveness as vice president, while Harris focused on forward-looking policies for the middle class. This debate may be the only one before the November election.
Harris vs. Trump Debate Quick Looks
- Debate overview: Harris and Trump faced off in Philadelphia for their first debate of the 2024 election.
- Key issues: The candidates discussed healthcare, gun control, racial issues, NATO, and abortion rights.
- Trump’s critiques: Trump criticized Harris’ policies, claiming she hasn’t achieved her goals as vice president.
- Harris’ strategy: Harris emphasized her middle-class background and plans for economic opportunity while accusing Trump of being out of touch.
- Debate length: The debate extended to an hour and 45 minutes, longer than the scheduled 90 minutes.
- No second debate scheduled: It remains unclear if another debate between the two candidates will happen before the election.
Deep Look
The highly anticipated debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the leading contenders in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, took place in Philadelphia. Tuesday night’s event provided Americans with their first direct comparison of the candidates as they discussed a wide range of issues, with both offering starkly different visions for the country.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump The Debate’s Key Moments
A Shifted Landscape
Since the last debate in June, the dynamics of the 2024 election have shifted dramatically. President Joe Biden exited the race following a poor debate performance, setting the stage for Kamala Harris to take the lead for the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Trump survived an assassination attempt, further intensifying his campaign. Both candidates selected their running mates, with Harris choosing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Trump opting for an undisclosed partner.
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Healthcare and the Affordable Care Act
Healthcare emerged as a contentious issue during the debate. Trump’s criticism focused on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a frequent target in his previous campaigns. However, the ACA has grown significantly more popular in recent years, with a 2023 KFF Health Tracking Poll showing 62% of Americans now view it favorably. Harris, in response, emphasized her plans to expand healthcare access and criticized Trump for failing to present a viable alternative to the ACA. Trump admitted he had “concepts of a plan,” but provided no details.
Gun Ownership Debate
Gun rights became a flashpoint when Trump accused Harris of wanting to confiscate firearms. Harris swiftly responded by revealing she and her running mate, Tim Walz, are both gun owners. She reiterated her stance that she supports gun ownership for personal safety while advocating for responsible gun laws. Harris first revealed her gun ownership in 2019, underscoring her experience as a prosecutor focused on public safety.
Race and Division
The debate also touched on race, with Trump revisiting claims about Harris’ racial identity, stating he didn’t care how she identified herself but had “read conflicting reports.” Harris accused Trump of repeatedly using race as a divisive tool throughout his career. She reminded voters of Trump’s controversial call for the execution of the exonerated “Central Park Five” and his role in spreading the false “birther” conspiracy about former President Barack Obama. Trump’s remarks, she argued, continued a troubling pattern of racial division.
NATO and Foreign Policy
Foreign policy played a significant role, particularly when Trump questioned the value of NATO, a position he has often taken in his political career. Trump suggested some member countries were failing to meet their financial commitments, a claim experts have refuted by explaining that NATO countries do not pay “dues” but commit to investing a percentage of their GDP in defense. Harris defended the alliance, emphasizing its importance in global security.
Closing Arguments
In their closing statements, Harris and Trump offered contrasting messages. Harris presented herself as the candidate focused on the future, stressing her plans to support the middle class and deliver a more equitable economy. Trump, on the other hand, criticized Harris for not implementing her policies during her tenure as vice president, repeatedly asking, “Why hasn’t she done it?”
The Debate’s Aftermath
This debate may be the only opportunity for voters to see Harris and Trump square off before the November general election. With no other debates currently scheduled, the Philadelphia event will be a critical moment for voters deciding between the two starkly different candidates. While Harris sought to project optimism and unity, Trump leaned heavily on his well-established campaign strategy of questioning the accomplishments of his opponents and promising future plans with few specifics.
Voters will now have to weigh the results of this debate as they head toward the 2024 election. Both candidates left the stage with their strategies clear: Harris focusing on a future-oriented message while Trump stayed rooted in critiques of the past.
