Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris Presidential Debate 2024 – Focuses on Economy, Abortion, and Controversial ‘Eating Pets’ Claims

Donald Trump vs. Harris: Accusations Fly Over China, Israel, Russia, and Alleged Assassination Plot in Heated Presidential Debate

Kamala Harris’s campaign on Tuesday challenged Donald Trump to a second US presidential debate, minutes after the Democrat put her Republican opponent on the defensive in a fiery encounter in Philadelphia.

During the heated presidential debate, Kamala Harris accused Donald Trump of “selling out” the U.S. to China, taking aim at his foreign policy and relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Harris expressed concern over Trump’s handling of global adversaries and suggested his actions weakened America’s position on the world stage.

In a stark attack, Trump warned that under a Harris presidency, “Israel will be gone in two years,” attempting to cast doubt on her support for America’s closest Middle Eastern ally. Harris, in turn, responded with a sharp rebuke, claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin would “eat Trump for lunch,” emphasizing her belief that Trump is weak in dealing with authoritarian leaders.

In a surprising claim, Trump blamed Democrats for an alleged assassination attempt on him, though no evidence was presented to support this assertion during the debate. The remarks added to an already tense and dramatic exchange between the two candidates.

Key Highlights from the First 2024 Presidential Debate on Economy, Immigration, and Abortion

Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris Presidential Debate: In their first and only scheduled debate of the 2024 election campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump sparred over each other’s track records and their visions for the future ahead of the November 5 election.

• Economy Harris blamed Trump for overseeing “the worst unemployment since the Great Depression,” though unemployment dropped from 14.8% in April 2020 to 6.4% by the time he left office. She proposed a $6,000 child tax credit and a $50,000 small business tax deduction, while criticizing Trump for prioritizing the wealthy. Trump, in turn, accused Biden of driving record inflation, citing exaggerated numbers. In reality, inflation is currently at 2.9%, after peaking at 9.1% in 2022. Trump also denied supporting a sales tax plan but acknowledged the possibility of tariffs, which could increase costs for consumers.
• Immigration and Crime Trump falsely claimed that “millions” of migrants, including those from “mental institutions,” were committing crimes, and made an unfounded accusation that migrants in Ohio were eating pets, which local authorities dismissed. FBI data indicates crime rates are near historic lows, and research shows that immigrants commit fewer crimes than U.S. citizens. While illegal immigration surged early in Biden’s presidency, it has since decreased following a June executive order.
• Abortion Trump inaccurately alleged that Democrats favor “execution after birth,” which is illegal across the country. Moderator Linsey Davis clarified that no state permits this, and Harris noted that women carrying pregnancies to term are not requesting abortions. Harris cautioned that a national abortion ban could occur if Trump is re-elected, though Trump denied plans for such a ban, stating it would be left to the states.

Taylor Swift Endorses Kamala Harris For 2024 US Presidential Election

Following Kamala Harris’s debate with Donald Trump, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift officially endorsed the Vice President in a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram Story, according to Variety. Swift praised Harris, stating, “She fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader, and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”

Harris Accuses Trump of ‘Selling Out’ to China, Trump Warns of Israel’s Fate Under Harris Presidency

In the closing statements of the presidential debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump delivered strong and sharply contrasting messages.

Kamala Harris, who is campaigning to become the first woman president in U.S. history in the upcoming election, emphasized her commitment to being a leader for “all Americans.” In contrast, Trump criticized the Biden-Harris administration, calling their tenure “the worst in history.”

Harris pointed out that the two candidates represent two fundamentally different visions for the country, vowing that under her leadership, America is “not going back.”