In a heated and contentious 90-minute debate in Philadelphia, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clashed for the first time during the 2024 U.S. presidential election campaign.
Harris came out strong, focusing on policy initially but soon turning to personal critiques, particularly mocking Trump’s rally crowds and his handling of key issues such as abortion, immigration, and the January 6 Capitol riots.
Trump, in turn, attacked Harris’s record on immigration, the economy, and accused her of shifting positions on energy policy.
Harris blamed Trump for what she termed “Trump abortion bans,” referencing his role in overturning Roe v. Wade by appointing conservative justices to the Supreme Court.
She also suggested that foreign leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin would easily manipulate Trump, accusing him of being weak on national security.
Trump defended his policies, notably his stance on immigration and the economy, while dismissing Harris’s attacks as ineffective. He also claimed victory despite snap polls indicating that Harris may have won the debate.
Adding to the political drama, pop star Taylor Swift publicly endorsed Harris shortly after the debate, marking a significant cultural moment in the campaign.
“I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,” she wrote.
“I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
The debate further underscored the stark differences between the candidates, both in policy and temperament, with observers and commentators describing the exchange as fiery and intense.
