Emmanuel OchayiTrump and Harris Share First Debate Stage in Philadelphia
The much-anticipated US presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris took place on a charged stage in Philadelphia.
The candidates tackled various critical topics, including immigration, the economy, and past controversies, showcasing the stark differences between their platforms.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAs the debate began, the candidates surprised viewers by sharing a brief handshake, signaling a moment of civility before diving into fierce exchanges.
Trump’s Rambling Responses on Key Issues
Throughout the debate, Trump struggled to stay on topic, often delivering disjointed responses. When asked about immigration, he veered into unrelated discussions about rally crowd sizes and repeated debunked claims about Haitian immigrants abducting pets.
“What I’ve done for immigration is tremendous,” Trump said. “But nobody talks about the real problems, like what’s happening in Ohio with these Haitians. It’s a tragedy.”
Moderator Linsey Davis quickly pointed out that Trump’s claim had been debunked, but the former president continued with his narrative. Trump’s approach to answering questions confused even his supporters, with many wondering why he avoided addressing policy specifics.
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Harris Criticises Trump’s Legacy and His Role in Capitol Insurrection
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, used her time to call out Trump’s controversial actions. She attacked his handling of racial issues and his involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
“Donald Trump has consistently used race to divide this nation. His role in the events of January 6 is clear, and the American people deserve better,” Harris declared.
She added, “This election is about moving forward, not back to the dark days of hate and division.”
Harris also took the opportunity to contrast her vision for America with Trump’s, emphasising her commitment to creating opportunities for all Americans, regardless of their background.
Trump’s Racial Remarks And Harris’s Response
At one point in the debate, Trump was questioned about his previous controversial remarks regarding Harris’s racial identity. He downplayed the significance, stating, “I don’t care what she is. That’s up to her.”
Harris responded swiftly, saying, “It’s a tragedy that someone seeking the highest office in the land would even consider using race to divide us. This is not who we are as Americans.”
Post-Debate Polls Show Harris As Clear Winner
According to a CNN poll, 63% of viewers believed Kamala Harris performed better in the debate, with 37% favoring Trump. Many viewers praised Harris for her composure and clear policy articulation, while Trump’s meandering responses left many unsatisfied.
In the final minutes of the debate, Harris reiterated her message of unity, saying, “We are not going back. We must move forward together as a nation.”
Trump, however, closed with a warning about the future, claiming, “Without me, we’ll be heading toward a third world war.”
The first US presidential debate set the stage for a highly contentious election season, with more debates to follow as voters prepare for the polls in November.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
