On Tuesday, September 10, Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris participated in their first presidential debate at 9:00 p.m. on ABC News. The debate moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis asked a wide range of questions; however, the most controversial topics for each candidate appeared to concern the economy, abortion, and immigration.  

The debate began with Muir asking Vice President Harris if the economy is stronger now than before the Biden administration. Harris responded by discussing her opportunity economy that would involve giving families 6,000 dollars in child tax credit. 

She also took the opportunity to criticize Trump’s plan for the economy, saying, “Economists have said that that Trump sales tax would actually result for middle class families in (paying) about 4,000 more dollars a year.”

Trump responded by stating Harris’ claim was false and that he instead planned on imposing tariffs on other countries. 

Additionally, Trump rebutted by mentioning the state of the economy under the Biden administration, stating, “We have inflation like very few people have ever seen before. Probably the worst in our nation’s history.” Throughout the debate, Trump called out Harris’ immigration policies, saying her lack of control over the border was unsafe for Americans. 

Most notably, Trump made his point about Biden immigration policies by stating, “These are the people that she and Biden led into our country, and they’re destroying our country. They’re dangerous.” By arguing this, Trump reconfirms his belief that if Harris was interested in improving conditions at the border, she would have already created solutions during her vice presidency. 

Harris countered this argument by stating that “He (Trump) preferred to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem.” Harris made this rebuttal in order to argue that Trump voted against the Border Bill because it would have solved immigration, therefore, making Trump unable to use immigration as one of his main campaign policies.

When both candidates were questioned about abortion, Harris said that “Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.” Although Harris believes an abortion ban is a government overreach, Trump finds the prospect of abortion unjust and concerning. 

When asked about a potential abortion ban, Trump said, “There’s no reason to sign a ban because we’ve gotten what everybody wanted.” Trump praised his abortion policies, stating that he did a good job since people across the political spectrum received an outcome they were hoping for.

The debate provided many voters insight on both candidates’ potential policies, political stances, and ability to coherently communicate under pressure. These responses influenced many undecided voters who were previously unsure of which candidate to choose. 

According to Reuters, “Democratic U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump 47% to 42% in the race to win the Nov. 5 presidential election, increasing her advantage after a debate against the former president that voters largely think she won.”          

AHN students who have watched the debate have various takes. Sara Klimek (25) said, “The 2024 presidential debate was very interesting to say the least. The conversation got heated over the two candidates’ beliefs and escalated over the topic of abortion. Overall, it was definitely educating to watch.”

Additionally, Avery Maxwell (27) said, “It’s tough since I have never really been into politics but from the debate, I believe each candidate has their own side and I just hope their ambitions are out of truth rather than division.”