1. Harris Throws Trump Off His Game
Kamala Harris entered the debate with a clear strategy: provoke Donald Trump and capitalize on his outbursts. She attacked him on his legal issues, low rally attendance, and failed policies, leading Trump into emotional rants rather than focusing on key issues. Her calm demeanor contrasted with Trump’s heated reactions, marking a win for Harris in terms of composure and control.
2. Trump’s Pet Conspiracy Takes Center Stage
One of the most bizarre moments of the debate was Trump doubling down on the unfounded conspiracy theory that immigrants in Ohio were eating pets. When challenged, Trump refused to back down, reiterating the claim. This moment went viral and distracted from more pressing policy discussions, further showcasing Trump’s reliance on sensationalism over substance.
3. Harris Highlights Trump’s Self-Interest
Throughout the debate, Harris focused on framing Trump as someone more concerned with his own well-being than with American citizens. She repeatedly accused Trump of focusing on self-defense in legal matters rather than addressing the concerns of middle-class families, effectively positioning herself as the advocate for everyday Americans.
4. Abortion Becomes a Key Battle
Abortion rights took center stage, with Harris slamming Trump’s handling of the issue. Trump attempted to moderate his stance, but Harris hit hard on the consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade. She shared personal stories of women struggling to access medical care, contrasting Trump’s vague statements with her empathetic approach.
5. Trump’s Allegations of Election Fraud Resurface
Trump once again pushed the narrative of widespread election fraud, repeating claims that have been widely debunked. He tied this to his ongoing legal battles and insisted that the 2020 election was stolen. Harris, in contrast, didn’t dwell on these conspiracy theories, letting Trump’s increasingly extreme statements speak for themselves.
6. Trump’s Foreign Policy Criticisms
Trump criticized Harris and Biden for their foreign policy stances on Gaza and Ukraine. He claimed that these conflicts wouldn’t have escalated if he were in office, positioning himself as a peacemaker. However, Harris countered by pointing out Trump’s coziness with authoritarian figures and argued that dictators prefer Trump because they find him easy to manipulate.
7. Harris Focuses on the Economy
Harris made an appeal to middle-class voters by emphasizing tax cuts for families and small businesses. She painted Trump’s economic policies as favoring billionaires and corporations. This positioning helped her connect with voters who feel left behind by the economic elite and contrasted sharply with Trump’s focus on himself.
8. Harris vs. Trump on Race
When asked about his past comments on Harris’ race, Trump deflected by saying, “I couldn’t care less.” Harris responded by highlighting Trump’s history of racial discrimination, including the Central Park Five case and his role in spreading the birther conspiracy. This exchange put Trump on the defensive as Harris framed the issue as a broader problem of racial division under his leadership.
9. A Historic Handshake Moment
The debate began with a handshake between Trump and Harris, marking their first in-person meeting. The gesture set a formal tone, but it quickly devolved as Trump returned to his usual attacks and conspiracy theories. Harris maintained her composure throughout, symbolizing a clash of styles between a calm, prepared candidate and a bombastic, impulsive one.