Trump and Harris Clash in Heated First Presidential Debate
Republican Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris immediately went on the offensive in the opening segment of their first presidential debate, each seeking a campaign-altering moment in their closely fought election.
The debate got underway with a surprise handshake between the two opponents, who had never met before.
The debate covered topics including abortion, immigration, the economy, and foreign policy.
On foreign policy, Trump advocated for ending hostilities in Ukraine, while Harris accused him of siding with Russian President Putin. The Gaza conflict was also a point of contention, with Harris claiming to be working towards a ceasefire. Trump controversially stated that Israel would not exist under a Harris presidency, accusing her of hating Israel - a claim Harris vehemently denied.
Harris, 59, attacked Trump's intention to impose high tariffs on foreign goods while touting her plan to offer tax benefits to families and small businesses.
"Donald Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression," Harris said, referring to his years as president from 2017-2021.
Trump, 78, criticized Harris for the persistent inflation during the Biden administration's term, though he overstated the level of price increases. He also pivoted quickly to his top issue, immigration, claiming again without evidence that immigrants from "insane asylums" are crossing the U.S. southern border with Mexico.
Inflation, he said, "has been a disaster for people, for the middle class, for every class."
Trump, who has sometimes struggled with messaging on abortion, claimed falsely that Harris and Democrats support infanticide, is illegal in every state.
Trump questioned why Harris hadn't implemented her plans during her time in office and called her and Biden the worst president and vice president in U.S. history.
Both campaigns claimed victory immediately after the debate, with Trump's team praising his performance and criticizing Harris's record.
