Junior Emma Vidal: Moderate (Left-Leaning)

Top 7 Takeaways:

1. Even with questions regarding the economy, Trump manages to default back to talking about the immigrant situation. He seems to emphasize how he had a stellar economy while negating other faults that were apparent throughout his term (for instance healthcare, education, etc.) Harris also dodges the question regarding the economy initially in favor of making her plans for policy clear to the audience and establishes herself by making commentaries about being extremely pro small-business. 

2. Trump appears to want to distance himself from Project 2025 in spite of the fact that his own Vice President wrote the introduction to it. It’s only natural considering the extremely far-right views expressed in the pamphlet, but it’s dubious how ignorant he actually is. Harris repeatedly uses this as a point to make Trump into a figure that can’t be trusted, which may have some merit.

3. Abortion was definitely a heated topic during the debate. Harris made her stance extremely clear that she’s very pro-choice and will sign protections into law, however Trump (despite insisting he’d make exceptions for rape and incest) has not expressed outrage over total abortion bans. Not only this, he outright accused certain states of allowing babies already born to be executed (something that is pointed out as blatantly false by the moderator).

4. While abortion is being discussed, Harris doesn’t respond regarding whether she’ll support abortions at seven, eight and nine months, instead calling out Trump on his inaction. 

5. Harris brings up Trump’s prosecutions and the sexual assaults that trail him as well, pointing out the irony of him talking about statistics on migrant crime being obstructed when he himself has been prosecuted. Not only that, she highlights Trump’s potential power grabs in persecuting his rivals if he were to come into office again. 

6. Trump repeatedly attacks Harris on the border, even in questions that are entirely unrelated. He emphasizes that illegal immigrants are killing U.S. citizens thanks to Harris and are even eating dogs (the latter of which is something that is also later proven false). 

7. The conflict between Israel and Palestine comes up during the debate and Harris dances on the line between the two. She emphasizes that Israel should be able to defend itself and expresses clear support for the two-state solution as well as a ceasefire, something that will appeal to younger voters. Trump meanwhile proclaims the conflict would’ve never even happened and insists he himself would be able to resolve the conflicts in the Middle East.

The Winner: Close, but Harris

Overall, the debate was somewhat of a mess. Neither of the candidates strongly asserted themselves and to an undecided voter, there are still many unanswered questions regarding their actual positions. Harris has slightly distanced herself from Biden by pointing out her plans to aid small businesses, be tougher on the border, propose the two-state solution and a vague support for abortion but still much is unclear. Trump has thrown out blatant lies and has leached onto his same old rhetorics regarding the rigged election, January 6 and immigration. Harris appears infinitely more perky compared to Trump; who almost looks grey even down to his hair. The debate was filled with disorder and ambiguity; however, Harris consistently stayed truthful. I think above all, from a politician, candor should be the bare minimum, something Trump flouts throughout the debate. From my perspective, Harris wins based on upholding that basic principle and being somewhat less equivocal than Trump.