Last night’s U.S. presidential debate saw Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump spar over key issues ranging from the economy to healthcare.
The debate, held in Philadelphia, was the first face-off between the two leading candidates ahead of the 2024 election.
Harris focused on defending the current administration’s achievements, emphasizing efforts to expand healthcare access and combat climate change. “We’ve made real progress for working families, and we’re just getting started,” she said, highlighting the Biden administration’s economic policies.
Trump, on the other hand, doubled down on his criticisms of the Biden-Harris administration, calling their approach “disastrous.” He argued that the U.S. is “weaker now than ever” and pledged to reverse many of Biden’s policies if re-elected.
Trump also defended the decision to dismantle Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court which included three justices appointed by Trump. The former president described their decision as “a great thing”. Harris criticized him for that, noting that there are now women across the country being forced to bring unwanted or unhealthy pregnancies to term due to the change.
While both candidates had moments of strength, most post-debate polls indicate that Harris came out on top. In a CNN/SSRS poll conducted immediately after the debate, 52 percent of viewers said Harris performed better, compared to 42 percent for Trump. Another poll by YouGov showed similar results, with Harris leading by 8 points.
The debate can be watched in full online.
Currently, there are no other presidential debates scheduled to take place, though that could change. The Vice Presidential candidates will however have a debate of their own on October 4.