The first and possibly the last face-off between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump presented a stark contrast not only in their approaches but also in their respective visions on the key issues that concern America. It became evident that the two leaders were operating on fundamentally differing ideologies, touching subjects such as immigration, abortion, and defining the future of American democracy.
Harris’ performance appeared to be a complete reversal of President Joe Biden’s act in June. She aimed to present focused and pointed answers that underscored her disagreement with Trump’s viewpoint. In contrast to Biden’s flustered appearance, she used body language and facial expressions to express her disbelief or amusement at Trump’s arguments.
In a move reeking of unparalleled audacity, Trump made an attempt to question Harris’ racial identity. Unfazed, Harris, the first Vice President with a blend of female, African, and South Asian heritage, reiterated that Americans yearn for something far superior.
Perpetually in a bid to connect Harris to the unpalatable public image of Biden, Trump berated her inability to implement her proposed ideas during her Vice Presidential stint. Furthermore, he launched an attack on her for not addressing the root causes of illegal migration – a task delegated by Biden.
Throughout the squabble, Harris pledged tax reductions for the middle class. She also showed great urgency in wishing to reinstate nationally guaranteed legal abortion rights, a law which was dismantled by the Supreme Court two years back. Expectedly, Trump chose to retort by discussing his proposed tariffs and an end to the long-standing Russia-Ukraine war, refusing to acknowledge the importance of Ukraine’s victory, a sentiment supported by bipartisan majorities in Congress.
Trump’s tendency to deny his electoral defeat by Biden four years ago was a recurring theme of the discussion. Reflecting his usual narrative, he concocted unwarranted allegations of voter fraud as the cause of his defeat and alternatively hinted a linkage of criticisms towards him to the assassination attempt he experienced in July.
Post-debate, Trump was observed to intensify his threats of revenge if he were to return to the presidential role. His hitlist included prosecuting lawyers, campaigners, and other officials involved in what he termed as ‘cheating’ during the election.
Harris retorted to Trump’s fiery allegations with the blunt reminder that he was ‘fired by 81 million people’, indicating that this fact was something Trump was inept at accepting.
In an attempt to add a sense of pragmatism to her political outlook, Harris has recently leaned away from liberal causes and instead endorsed more moderate views on subjects like fracking, expanding Medicare for all, mandatory gun buyback programs, and the phasing out of plastic straws.
Twice during the debate, while addressing her evolving positions, Harris clarified that her core values have remained constant, a sentiment that appeared frail amidst this fiercely polarized debate.
Admirably quick to exploit this development, Trump seized the opportunity to critique Harris for abandoning her liberal standpoints, even going so far as to jest about sending her a ‘MAGA’ hat.
Deftly illuminating one of Trump’s most colossal electoral weaknesses, Harris squarely placed the burden of the national right to abortion’s downfall on Trump’s government for their crucial role in nominating three Supreme Court justices responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade. Knowing fully well that this move resulted in ‘Trump abortion bans’ enforced by more than 20 states, Harris managed to put Trump on the spot.
Trump was quick to label these accusations as ‘lies’, insisting that there’s no cause for such a ban and preferring to leave the decision up to the individual states.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, inflation has been a persistent issue. Harris, however, skillfully redirected focus back onto Trump’s views about immigrant inflow, an issue which has consistently provided the Democrats with problems given the increasing number of illegal border crossings and need for shelter in Democratic-led cities.