Washington: As the U.S. Presidential election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump engaged in a fiery debate on Tuesday night, exchanging accusations on critical issues ranging from the economy to handling the COVID-19 pandemic. The 90-minute debate saw moments where each candidate appeared to have the upper hand, with both Harris and Trump landing pointed critiques.
Upon taking the stage, Harris and Trump shook hands—a gesture not seen between presidential candidates in the last eight years. Harris, wasting no time, launched into a critique of Trump’s criminal indictments and his administration's handling of the pandemic, stating, "It’s time to turn the page."
Fiery Exchanges on Economy and Governance
The debate quickly turned into a clash of accusations. Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, accused Trump of leaving behind "the worst economy" for Americans. Harris, emphasizing her middle-class background, claimed she was the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of American citizens.
Trump, representing the Republican Party, fired back, focusing on the Biden administration’s record, particularly on inflation. He repeatedly attacked Biden’s China policies and criticized the current government for failing on crime control. Harris responded by pointing out Trump's multiple criminal indictments, calling his governance record into question.
Trump, in turn, referenced the July 13 assassination attempt against him, asserting, "Maybe I got shot in the head because of what I stand for. You call me a threat to democracy, but the real threat is you."
Foreign Policy and Social Issues at the Forefront
Harris, highlighting her experience as Vice President, referenced her travels around the world, stating that global leaders view the current state of U.S. politics with disdain. She advocated for a two-state solution to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, while Trump claimed such a situation would not have occurred under his leadership. He further accused Harris of having a bias against Arab populations, which she firmly denied.
Immigration policy also became a heated topic, with Trump attacking the Biden administration's record, only for Harris to dismiss his remarks as "repeating the same old lies." The candidates also sparred over abortion, with both taking firm stances on the divisive issue.
Strategists Eye Another Debate
In the aftermath of the debate, sources cited by *The Washington Post* revealed that Harris’ campaign strategists are pushing for a second debate with Trump. Democrats, buoyed by Harris’ performance, are keen to challenge Trump once again before the November election, viewing additional debates as a strategic advantage.
The debate has set the stage for an intense election campaign, with both candidates showing they are ready to fight on critical national and global issues in the race for the White House.
