By Shayan Abbasi
In a debate that could shape the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump went head-to-head for the first time in the Philadelphia Constitution Center. The event, moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, covered major political issues such as the economy, immigration and national security.
Harris and Trump presented some very different visions for the country. Harris laid out her plan for what she called an “opportunity economy,” focusing on helping the middle class, supporting small businesses and expanding the child tax credit. She focused on her own experiences growing up in a middle-class family and her passion for helping everyday Americans.
In contrast, Trump defended his previous administration’s economic policies, especially his use of tariffs, which he said would protect American jobs and American industry. He rejected Harris’ criticism of a “Trump sales tax,” focusing on his commitment to rebuild the economy after what he refers to as “four years of disaster”.
From the start, Harris argued that Americans are struggling and laid out her plan to lift up working-class families through targeted tax cuts and small business support. Trump responded by defending his record, saying that his tariffs on imports protected US jobs and brought in billions of dollars. He also denounced the Biden-Harris administration for the high inflation rates, blaming them for what he called the worst inflation in US history.
One of the night’s most intense moments came during the discussion on abortion. Harris promised to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade, emphasizing that young people should have abortions restricted. She shared stories of women being denied essential medical care and that the government should not meddle with personal health decisions that can impact the future of youth.
Trump, however, mentioned his role in ending Roe v. Wade and expressed his support for returning the decision to the states. Yet, he also doubled down on his support for exceptions in cases of rape, incest and the mother’s life.
National security and foreign policy were also topics brought up, as Harris lambasted Trump for his approach to leaders like Vladimir Putin, Harris characterized his foreign policy to be reckless and dangerous, including how his admiration for dictators had weakened America’s standing in the world.
Although several polls showed that while most people thought Harris had won, it didn’t seem to change the overall state of the race. An ABC News/Ipsos poll found that 58% of respondents believed Harris had a better performance compared to Trump’s performance..
Despite this, the overall polling numbers for the presidential race remained about the same. Harris continued to hold a slight lead with 51% support to Trump’s 47%, similar percentages as before the debate.
Another poll from Morning Consult showed Harris leading Trump 50% to 45%, a small bump from earlier polls but still inside the margin of error. Another Reuters/Ipsos poll also showed Harris leading by 5 points, 47% to 42%. In the state of Pennsylvania, arguably the most important state in the election, likely voters under the age of 30 favor Harris with 59% for the Vice President and 41% for the former President.
With the election just weeks away, both Harris and Trump will be focusing on key battleground states where the race is still very close. Despite the debate’s results, the election remains highly competitive, with voters divided and both campaigns gearing up for a tough fight ahead.
To register to vote in the state of California, visit this link for more information.
