09/10/24
2024 US Presidential Debate Coverage
Author: Arjun Khanna
Editor: David Sun
Tonight, presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris met in person for the very first time for a live television debate. Previously, Donald Trump had debated Joe Biden once. But, with Joe Biden dropping out of the race, this debate is Kamala Harris’s first time on the debate floor as a presidential candidate. I have summarized the arguments between both candidates for three different topics, along with some additional observations.
Economy and cost of living
Kamala Harris emphasizes her close relationship with the working middle class. Harris notably avoids acknowledging whether or not Americans are “better off than they were four years ago.” She also discusses her goals for tax cuts for working-class Americans and directly attacks Donald Trump’s plans to cut taxes for billionaires. Kamala Harris talks about her goal to create an “opportunity economy” to help out the middle class and, once again, decrease their taxes.
Donald Trump criticizes the high inflation levels during the Biden-Harris term over the past four years. Trump also mentions that illegal immigrants are taking many of the jobs of working-class Americans stating that “we have to get them out fast.”
Abortion
Donald Trump takes a direct shot at Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, stating that they “support execution” of babies after birth, thus his line of reasoning for placing a 6-month ban on abortion during his term.
Kamala Harris is undoubtedly very passionate about this subject, especially considering her goal of gathering the votes of women and younger citizens. Harris further states that Trump’s law bans abortion against rape and incest, which are direct causes of distress for young mothers and families.
Immigration and Border Security
Context: Illegal border crossing have reached an all-time high during the Biden-Harris administration.
Kamala Harris states that she had intentions to increase border security in the past few months, which would have limited the flow of guns, drugs, and humans in the United States. But, Harris states that Donald Trump called members of Congress to veto the bill, solely so that he would have the upper hand going into the elections.
Trump claims that he would utilize the National Guard and local police to deport the 11 million illegal immigrants that have come into the country during the Biden-Harris administration. Trump states that “migrant crimes” will lead to large problems in the United States.
Kamala Harris now addresses Donald Trump’s previous criminal history and the lack of his ability to honor the law. Trump responds that his felonies have been due to the “weaponization” of the law to hinder his reelection process.
Assorted Notable Moments
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Donald Trump accuses Kamala Harris, and her father, of being Marxists
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Kamala Harris takes a direct shot at Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, stating that people are leaving early because no important information is being said. Trump’s rebuttal also accuses Harris’s rallies of being empty.
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Donald Trump claims that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating animals during their time in the town.