By Hélène Grade 10

The presidential debate between current vice president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump occurred on Tuesday the 10th of September at  21:00 EDT (02:00 BST). This was the presidential nominees’ chance to address key issues, allowing undecided voters to determine which candidate better aligns with their beliefs. Harris and Trump had not met before this debate, and things went downhill from the moment they shook hands. 

One key moment of the debate was when Harris pointed out Trump’s rallies, saying attendees  left early because of boredom and exhaustion.Trump fired back, saying that no one ever went to her rallies. WhileTrump spoke, Harris stood behind her podium, looking at Trump in disbelief.

Later, Harris attacked Trump, accusing him of planning to sign an abortion ban if reelected, after which Trump accused her of lying. Harris’ tone became firmer, indicating her frustration with her opponent.

While discussing immigration, Trump made a false statement which was quickly corrected by David Muir, one of the debate’s moderators. Trump stated that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are “Eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of people that live there.”(“Key Claims”) Muir corrected Trump, after Springfield city officials confirmed that  “There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.” (“Key Claims”) Trump interrupted Muir, saying he saw on television that pets were being used as food. 

Trump said 90% of the population believed that his economic plan was great, and Harris and Joe Biden, the current president, were not liked by anyone. Harris then made her final point reminding voters that Trump has “no plan for you” and that she is offering an economic system that is not only for the rich people, like Trump’s.

In conclusion, this debate was held to inform undecided voters, and exposed both candidates’ character and policies. Debates are a crucial component of democracy, and are also beneficial  for people outside of America, to provide insight  into who will rule the country with the highest GDP worldwide.

Work Cited

“Key Claims from the Trump-Harris Debate Fact-checked.” BBC, 11 Sept. 2024, http://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgjv3gdxv7go.