Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face off
In their first debate today, hosted by ABC ahead of the November 2024 US Presidential elections, US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump touched on key issues including the economy, immigration, abortion, democracy, and climate change. (Photo: Agencies)
'Marxist' vs 'Dictator'
Trump attacked Harris for backtracking on some of her past policies. “Everything she believed three years ago or four years ago is out the window,” Trump said. “She’s a Marxist. Everybody knows she’s a Marxist.”
Harris criticised Trump regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, saying that if Trump were president, Russian leader Vladimir Putin would be in Kyiv and the "dictator" would "eat him up for lunch." (Photo: Agencies)
End of an 8-year streak without handshakes
Kamala Harris and President Donald Trump shared a handshake, marking their first face-to-face meeting in the campaign.
“Kamala Harris. How are you?” Harris greeted.“Nice to see you, I'm fine,” Trump responded as he shook her hand.“Let’s have a good debate,” Harris replied. (Photo: Agencies)
Trump blames Democrats for assassination attempt
Donald Trump has implied that the Democratic Party's critical language directed at him was the reason for the assassination attempt he faced in July, which resulted in a bullet grazing his ear.
“I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that they say about me. They say that I’m a threat to democracy, they’re the threat to democracy." (Photo: Agencies)
Harris slams Trump on abortion
Democratic nominee Kamala Harris sharply criticised Donald Trump’s stance on abortion rights, saying, "Trump should not be telling a woman what to do with her body."
When challenged on his changing take on access to abortion care, Trump made claims that Democrats supported executing babies after they are born. (Photo: Agencies)
'Israel won't survive 2 years under Harris', says Trump
"She hates Israel. If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now," Trump said during the presidential debate. "Israel will be gone."
Harris reiterated her stance on US policy towards Israel's war in Gaza “I have, my entire career and life, supported Israel and the Israeli people,” she said. (Photo: Agencies)
Trump claims pets are being eaten by immigrants
"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs -- the people that came in -- they're eating the cats, they're eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what's happening in our country," said Trump.
Kamala Harris responded by labeling Trump’s remarks as “extreme” and laughed off his accusations. (Photo: Agencies)
'I'm talking now', Trump interrupts Harris
As Trump accused Harris of supporting defunding the police, she was visibly mouthing "not true" despite her microphone being muted.
"I'm talking now. If you don't mind. Please. Does that sound familiar?" he shot back, referencing Harris' famous moment from the 2020 vice presidential debate when she told Mike Pence, "Mr Vice President, I’m speaking," after he repeatedly interrupted her. (Photo: Agencies)
Trump on Kamala's racial identity
Trump doubled down on false claims he made about Kamala Harris' racial identity, including that she "happened to turn Black."
Trump said he "couldn't care less" about Kamala Harris' racial identity."I don't care what she is. I don't care," Trump said. "Whatever she wants to be is okay with me." (Photo: Agencies)