Impressions from the Harris-Trump presidential debate
The presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump took place on September 10, 2024, at the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was moderated by ABC news anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis.
As the candidates took the stage in what would be their first meeting, it was Harris who made the first move to shake the hand of former President Trump; the former president’s quiet reply was, “Nice to see you. Have fun.” This greeting would be the singular moment of civility in an otherwise fiery exchange between candidates.
Agents of change with their gloves off
Both candidates positioned themselves as agents of change, with no one appearing to disagree on the need for a plan to rescue an economy troubled by inflation and lack of affordable housing and healthcare. But what most viewers agreed was missing were clearly outlined plans for how each candidate would solve the challenges facing businesses and families. Both candidates have plans describing solutions for various issues — which you can read about on Wipfli’s election hub — but the general consensus is viewers would have liked to hear more about them during the debate.
Here are a few highlights of what the candidates did cover:
Economic policies: Harris emphasized her “opportunity economy” plan, focusing on middle-class support and extending tax cuts for young families. Trump criticized the current economy, labeling it the worst period he’s seen, and defended his tariff plans.
Claiming change: Both candidates sought to present themselves as agents of change. Harris criticized Trump for inciting the January 6 insurrection and described his plans as dangerous. Trump aimed to position himself as a defender against radical policies.
Immigration and conspiracy theories: Trump frequently returned to the topic of immigration, sometimes veering into conspiracy theories.
Character attacks: Harris portrayed Trump as a wannabe dictator, and Trump, in turn, called Harris a radical and accused her of copying his policies.
So, who won?
Sources vary in their reports of who won or who lost the debate, but a common refrain in post-debate reporting is that among the finger-pointing, Harris may have missed an opportunity to clearly communicate her policies. The trusted New York Times/Siena College poll reported pre-debate that 28% of voters wanted to hear more about her and her policies, compared to only 9% seeking the same from the former president.
Those in search of more hope-filled messaging declared Harris the clear winner, with her persistent refrain, “We have more in common than separates us,” in contrast to the former president’s contentious and combative demeanor. Ultimately, the race remains close, with candidates separated by a single point in national polls as of September 11.
Fact-checking resources
The following links will take you to websites that fact-checked statements from both candidates.
- FactChecking the Harris-Trump Debate | FactCheck.org
- Fact-checking Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s first 2024 presidential debate | PolitiFact
- Harris-Trump debate: 12 key claims fact-checked | Reuters
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice and is for general informational purposes only. Information in this article may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.
