2024 Presidential Debate : Key Highlights
The highly anticipated debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris took place on September 11, 2024, at 9 PM ET in Philadelphia.
- The 90-minute debate was hosted by ABC News and moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis.
- The debate followed rules similar to the June 2024 Trump-Biden debate, including:
- Muted microphones
- No live audience
- No communication with staff during breaks
Key Campaign Focus Areas:
- Kamala Harris: Focused on economic issues, with plans to address food and housing affordability.
- Donald Trump: Emphasized illegal immigration and the rising cost of living.
Polling & Public Reception:
- Pre-debate polls showed a tight race, with Trump leading Harris in some national surveys, but Harris ahead in key battleground states.
- Harris’s team claimed victory after the debate, while Trump called it his “best debate ever.”
The debate was closely watched by the American public and the world, with many tuning in to assess the candidates’ performance.
Latest News on the US 2024 Presidential Debate
- Debate Overview: The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took place on September 11, 2024. This debate was crucial as it occurred just 56 days before the election, and both candidates aimed to solidify their positions on key issues like the economy, immigration, and healthcare.
- Performance Highlights: The debate was marked by aggressive exchanges, with both candidates addressing critical issues. Trump focused on illegal immigration and economic policies, while Harris emphasized her plans for food and housing affordability. Analysts noted that both candidates faced challenges in articulating detailed plans during their exchanges.
- Public Reaction: Early reactions from viewers and political analysts suggested that both candidates had their moments of strength and weakness. Harris’s campaign claimed she successfully countered Trump’s assertions, while Trump’s team argued he effectively highlighted Harris’s record.
- Future Debates: While both campaigns have expressed interest in additional debates, no specific plans have been finalized yet. The outcome of this debate may influence the scheduling and strategies for any subsequent encounters.
- Post-Debate Analysis: Following the debate, various media outlets began analyzing the candidates’ performances, with a focus on how their arguments might resonate with voters leading up to the election. The debate will likely play a significant role in shaping public opinion in the coming weeks
What were the main points discussed during the 2024 Presidential Debate
Key Issues Discussed in the Trump-Harris Presidential Debate
Economy
- Harris criticized Trump’s economic policies, saying they led to the worst unemployment since the Great Depression.
- Trump blamed the Biden administration for high inflation, calling it a “disaster”.
- Harris touted her plan for tax benefits to families, while Trump criticized Harris for not having a detailed economic plan
Abortion
- Harris attacked Trump for appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leading to abortion bans in many states.
- Harris described how women have been denied abortion care and said Trump would push for a national abortion ban if elected
Immigration
- Trump criticized illegal immigration, saying “our country is being lost”.
- Harris predicted Trump would talk about immigration a lot during the debate, even when it wasn’t the main topic
Personal Attacks
- Trump called Harris a “Marxist” and criticized her father’s economic views
- Harris referred to Trump’s “tired old lies” multiple times
The debate covered other issues like healthcare and foreign policy, but the economy, abortion, and immigration emerged as the main flashpoints between the two candidates. Both sides engaged in sharp exchanges, with Harris prosecuting Trump’s record and Trump attacking Harris’s policies and character