Emmanuel OchayiFirst Debate Between Trump and Harris in US Elections 2024
The stage is set for the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in the US Elections 2024.
Both candidates are scheduled to face off on Tuesday, September 10, in what is expected to be a heated discussion on critical issues facing the country.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis debate, hosted by ABC News, will be moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis and will air live from Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center.
Harris Leads the Polls
Kamala Harris is leading national polls, especially after President Joe Biden exited the race and endorsed her. Despite their differences, both Harris and Trump are eager to address concerns that resonate with the American public.
In the June debate between Trump and Biden, both candidates received criticism for their performances. Biden’s lackluster showing led many Democrats to reconsider his candidacy, resulting in Harris’s emergence as the frontrunner.
Key Issues on the Debate Table
This debate marks Harris’s first presidential face-off in the US Elections 2024, and Trump’s second. A number of pressing topics are expected to dominate the conversation.
- Abortion Rights and the Overturning of Roe v. WadeHarris, a firm advocate for reproductive rights, is expected to bring up the Supreme Court’s controversial decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.Trump, who appointed three of the justices responsible for this ruling, will likely defend the decision. Harris said earlier this year, “Women across the country are looking for leadership that respects their right to make decisions about their own bodies.”
- Immigration and the US-Mexico BorderImmigration is another topic that Trump has consistently pushed to the forefront. “We need strong borders to protect American jobs,” Trump said during the previous debate. Harris, on the other hand, plans to focus on comprehensive immigration reform, citing the need for a more humane approach.
- Gun Control Amidst Rising Gun ViolenceThe recent shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, marking the 45th school shooting of the year, has brought the issue of gun control into sharper focus. Harris has long advocated for stricter gun laws, while Trump supports the Second Amendment, asserting that “people, not guns, are the problem.”
Foreign Policy: A Divisive Issue
Foreign policy, particularly the US stance on Russia, China, and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, will also be on the agenda.
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Trump has repeatedly claimed that his leadership could have prevented the war in Ukraine. “If I were still in office, Putin would have never dared to invade,” Trump said in a recent interview.
Harris, meanwhile, will likely discuss how the Biden administration has handled these international crises. She has maintained that supporting Ukraine is crucial for maintaining global stability.
Additionally, the candidates are expected to address the growing protests in the US over Palestinian rights, as this has become a point of contention for both parties.
Afghanistan Withdrawal: A Sticking Point
Another contentious issue is the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which has been criticized by both parties.
Republicans blame the Biden administration for the chaotic exit, while Democrats argue that the withdrawal was set into motion by the Trump administration’s deal with the Taliban.
During the debate, Trump will likely continue his critique of the Biden-Harris foreign policy. Harris, however, may push back, emphasizing that the withdrawal was long overdue and blaming the initial deal negotiated under Trump.
What Voters Want from the US Elections 2024 Debate
With critical issues such as abortion, immigration, gun control, and foreign policy at the forefront, American voters are hoping for a debate focused on substance rather than personal attacks.
“We’ve had enough of the name-calling,” said one voter from Pennsylvania. “What we need is a real discussion about how these candidates plan to address the problems we face every day.”
The US Elections 2024 have already proven to be one of the most divisive in recent history. Both Harris and Trump represent vastly different visions for the future of America.
With just weeks to go before the November elections, this debate could be a turning point for both candidates. As the nation watches, the outcome of this event will likely shape the trajectory of the election in the months to come.
Debate Time and Format
The US Elections 2024 debate will air at 9 PM ET on ABC News and will last for 90 minutes. Each candidate will have equal time to speak, with segments focusing on individual issues.
Viewers can expect a mix of policy discussions and sharp exchanges between the candidates as they lay out their vision for the future of the country.
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.
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