By Ludovica and Sarah Grade 9

On Tuesday September 10, 2024 Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump engaged in a debate covering topics ranging from immigration to the economy and other important factors. The debate which took place in Philadelphia where they contrasted ideas for America’s future.

The debate comes as both Harris and Trump are seen as potential frontrunners in the 2024 Presidential race. Harris, representing the Democratic party, emphasized her administration’s focus on economic recovery, climate change, and expanding healthcare access. Trump, in contrast, highlighted his “America First” policies, focusing on immigration control, deregulation, and tax cuts.

In the debate, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump discussed various key issues, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy and racial justice. Harris criticized Trump and his administration for their inability to show leadership and handle the pandemic accordingly calling it a failure saying it took more lives than necessary if they had made the correct decisions. Harris also stated that the policies were favored towards those higher in class and wealth while he refuted by claiming his administration as well as himself that they made millions of jobs for the less fortunate. They also talked about racial justice and discrimination in the country, Harriss called for police reform and Trump refuted by emphasizing law and order. The topics discussed in the debate showed the two different approaches to handling the various issues.

The debate between Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump has become a highly discussed topic as very controversial remarks have been shot across. In the recent debate, Harris criticized Trump’s ability to lead by stating, “The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country.” This was referring to the COVID-19 pandemic and how Trump and his administration failed to handle the widespread epidemic accordingly. Trump refuted by defending himself and his administration by saying that they were able to produce rapid results in the development of the vaccine for the said disease. This is very controversial as it shows the two different candidates in their differences in governance style, policies and beliefs. 

As the election draws closer, this debate could significantly impact voters’ opinions, further polarizing the political landscape and shaping the direction of the 2024 campaign.