Former President Donald Trump was informed on Tuesday night that he now faces a significantly more challenging opponent.Vice President Kamala Harris, who secured the Democratic presidential nomination following President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside after an unfortunate debate performance in June, executed aggressive attacks and articulated coherent rebuttals.
She successfully provoked Trump, who, during one particularly agitated moment, reacted sharply when she attempted to interrupt him. According to some allies, this response indicated that he had lost composure at a crucial moment.
On the topic of abortion, Harris was particularly vocal, speaking passionately about the consequences of recent statewide bans following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn the nationwide right to abortion.
Trump also faced scrutiny over his ties to Project 2025, a conservative policy plan aimed at expanding executive power and curbing environmental regulations.
Harris sought to link Trump to the project, accusing him of supporting its more radical proposals, such as restricting access to abortion pills. Trump distanced himself from the blueprint, although some of his advisers were involved in its creation.
On the economy, an issue that has historically favoured Trump according to opinion polls, the two candidates offered competing visions.
She further condemned Trump’s handling of the economy during his presidency, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when unemployment spiked.
Trump, in turn, criticised the inflation levels under the Biden administration, though he exaggerated the impact. He also reverted to his key campaign theme of immigration, repeating unfounded claims of increased crime caused by migrants crossing the southern US border.
The candidates also touched on foreign policy, particularly the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. Harris accused Trump of being willing to abandon US support for Ukraine in favour of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a claim Trump vehemently denied.
Trump countered by alleging that Harris “hates Israel,” which she firmly rejected.
This debate, the only one scheduled between the two candidates, occurred with just eight weeks left before the 5 November election and only days before early voting begins in several states.
With a televised audience of millions watching, both candidates faced risks and opportunities as they sought to energise their base and sway undecided voters.
For Harris, the debate held particular significance. Having entered the race only seven weeks ago following President Joe Biden’s exit, she needed to introduce herself to voters who, according to polls, still felt they did not know much about her. Her performance, particularly her attacks on Trump, sought to energise her supporters and draw a contrast between her vision and Trump’s policies.
Trump, who has been the subject of multiple legal cases and investigations, faced pressure to maintain his base while reaching out to undecided voters. His campaign strategy, which has included personal attacks on Harris, was tempered in the debate’s early stages, but he became more agitated as the evening progressed.