On Tuesday, Sept. 10, viewers tuned in to one of the most anticipated political events of the last decade: the Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump presidential debate on ABC, which drew more than 67 million viewers.
People watched a seasoned criminal prosecutor present a clear message of hope and unity for the future, against an opponent with an incomprehensible message of fear and hate.
Donald Trump lost. It was clear from the start, evident in the candidates’ body language. Trump refused to look at Harris while she glared at him as she dismantled his policies.
Harris said at the start of the debate that we would see Trump run the same old playbook, and she was right. During the debate, Trump deflected questions and shared inaccurate, often entirely false information. Harris stayed focused on her platform as the voice of reason and a picture of hope for America.
It was clear throughout the debate that Harris had Trump on the ropes. Often baiting him into one of his notorious hotheaded rants.
The best illustration of this victory for Harris was the topic of abortion, one of the most divisive issues in any election.
Trump touted his appointment of the three Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. He also claimed that Tim Walz, Harris’ vice presidential pick, supports the homicide of babies after birth.
“Her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also said execution after birth is okay, ” said Trump.
This outright and overt lie was immediately dispelled by the moderator.
Harris looked exasperated as Trump continued his argument about sending the decision of abortion to the states. Harris turned Trump’s words against him and painted a powerful image of the danger of abortion bans.
“You wanna talk about this is what people wanted,” asked Harris.“Pregnant women, who want to carry a pregnancy to term suffering from a miscarriage being denied care in an emergency room because health care providers are afraid they might go to jail, and she’s bleeding out in a car in the parking lot? She didn’t want that.”
