Lara Murray-Sterzel, Editor-In-Chief
On Tuesday, September 10, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald J. Trump faced off in their first debate together at The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Back in July, President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race after serious public concerns were made about his age and endorsed VP Harris for nomination. Since that time the debate has been one of the most anticipated aspects surrounding the 2024 presidential election.
Before the debate, ABC News premiered a special where reporters scattered across the world cover a deep dive into where each is and how the voting will determine the outcomes of not only the vote but to the world’s causes and conflicts. Trump and Harris appeared to be tied nationally in the polls. The special also discussed questions going to be asked. Among these questions is gun violence. Journalist Pierre Thomas reported that in the past two years, the country has gone through significant decreases and sometimes double digits in violent crime. Despite this, he notes that this is an ongoing struggle, and gun violence has now become an American epidemic. Especially not long after the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting where four victims were killed.
Another question the ABC News special discussed was immigration. Broadcast journalist and news anchor Maria Elena Salinas reported that recent research shows that 30% of Latinos have remained traditional Republican voters. But this has since changed as Harris is gaining the popular vote with Latinos. As of now, 10% to 15% of Latinos are considered persuadable to either party. Through this debate, Harris will take this opportunity to persuade the remaining Latino voters.
During these types of debates, rules are to be as follows. Opening statements, only closing remarks, and microphones will be muted when it’s the other’s turn to talk. The candidates will have two minutes to answer each question. Former President Trump was set to have the final word. There was no audience in this hall that evening. It’s also been reported before tonight, that Harris and Trump have never met before.
The debate was moderated by “World News Tonight” anchor David Murir and “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis. When the candidates were brought out Harris initiated a handshake with Trump, something that hasn’t been seen during debates between candidates in a long time.
Many questions were asked during the debate that evening. Among these highlights were the answers surrounding the views on immigration. Trump responded to the question calling it a big mistake in letting all of them in. He blames all the crime to have risen because of Harris and the Democratic Party. He went as far as claiming that immigrants have been eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Murir soon responded to these claims revealing that there’s been no reported record of animal cruelty or crime rising due to immigration.
Another question brought up was Roe v. Wade. Trump went on record claiming that he was pro-life but later surprised Florida with the support for a six-week abortion ban. Trump responded to the question and spoke about certain trimesters being questioned. Harris’s response to the question called Trump’s abortion bans immoral, especially when the woman’s body is being violated by the law. Harris took this time to bring up IVF treatment where she talked about women having to travel to another state and get the health care they need with barely the support to do it. Donald Trump defended himself, claiming to have been a leader of the IVF.
Throughout the debate, both candidates made their claims in hopes of persuading the country as to why they should be president. Through attacks made by Trump, Harris continued to keep a cool demeanor and still demonstrated fairness in her responses. Trump passionately expressed his responses and reminded the public why the current issues in our country need to end. The debate was indeed historic and left a lasting impact on all those who watched.
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