Top 7 Takeaways:
1. To begin with, when the candidates were to shake hands, Trump walked to his podium and waited for Harris to come to him, quickly setting the tone for who would lead the debate. While some may view this as an ungracious act, it symbolizes his control over the stage. Harris, on the other hand, seemed to stumble right from the start, coming across as scripted and lacking passion for the debated topics. The difference in demeanor carried through the debate, as Harris appeared nervous, frequently fidgeting and interrupting Trump, while he remained unphased. Body language plays a significant role in debates, and Trump’s composed demeanor made Harris look unsteady.
2. The economy was a critical issue, and Trump’s fact-checking of Harris on this topic was a defining moment. Harris claimed Trump left behind massive unemployment and has no economic plan, but Trump quickly corrected her, attributing the unemployment spike to the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting his record of creating one of the greatest economies in U.S. history. He further emphasized his plan to rebuild the economy, dismissing Harris’ claim that he only cared about himself. Trump’s ability to back up his points with facts and figures while exposing Harris’ inaccuracies was crucial in shaping his victory.
3. A third major takeaway was Harris’ tendency to avoid answering questions directly. On several occasions, rather than addressing the questions she was asked, she diverted to stories about her personal life or generalized statements about what she believes Americans want. This tactic made her appear evasive and unprepared to tackle substantive policy discussions. In contrast, Trump’s responses were direct and fact-focused, often shutting down Harris’ claims with sharp rebuttals. For instance, when Harris claimed that Trump was selling China semiconductor chips, Trump immediately corrected her by stating that China was buying the chips from Taiwan instead of the U.S.
4. Throughout the debate, Trump repeatedly called out Harris and the Biden administration for misleading the public on key issues, including inflation and immigration. He highlighted her role in the Biden administration’s failure to control illegal immigration and the price increase leaving Americans unable to afford everyday necessities. Harris’ avoidance of direct questions on these matters further weakened her position.
5. Harris’s credibility suffered as she was repeatedly fact-checked by Trump. For example, she falsely claimed that Trump wanted to terminate the Constitution, which Trump quickly debunked. This pattern of misstatements and exaggerations, coupled with her inability to provide clear answers, gave Trump ample opportunities to point out her inconsistencies. His simple retorts like, “There she goes again, it’s a lie,” resonated with viewers, solidifying his image as the more credible candidate.
6. Furthermore, Trump’s discussion of foreign policy and national security issues was another strong point. He criticized Harris and the Biden administration for mishandling the Ukraine-Russia conflict, stating that she has failed in her peace negotiations. Trump went a step further by declaring that under his leadership, he would end the war quickly and avoid World War III, a statement that contrasted sharply with Harris’ vague rhetoric about American values.
7. Finally, Harris relied too much on personal attacks which detracted from her message and failed to offer a compelling vision for the future, leaving voters with little to grasp. Pertaining to her vision for the future, she mentioned ideas, one of them being funding small start up businesses which would continue to raise taxes and inflation. This left people wondering just how alike her campaign is to Biden’s current administration.
The Winner: Trump
Donald Trump emerged as the clear winner of the debate, maintaining constant knowledge and presenting himself as the more confident and composed leader. His performance outshined Kamala Harris, solidifying his victory.
