The debate was a spectacle of personal attacks, broad strokes of policy promises, and a noticeable absence of depth in policy discussion
The first presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, held on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia, was marked by fiery exchanges, personal attacks, and significant moments that have left political analysts and the public with much to discuss.
While debates are often about who "won" or "lost," the consensus suggests that Trump lost more ground than Harris gained.
From the outset, the debate seemed to veer away from a substantive policy debate that many had hoped for. Instead, it became a platform for Trump to criticize Harris's record and for Harris to bait Trump into personal attacks, a strategy that appeared to disrupt Trump's focus.
While both candidates touched on key issues like the economy, immigration, and climate change, their discussions rarely delved into the specifics of how they would implement their policies.
Fact-Checking and Moderation:
ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis were tasked with moderating what many believed would be the only head-to-head debate between Trump and Harris. From the outset, expectations were high, not just for the candidates but for the moderators to maintain a semblance of neutrality amidst a deeply polarized political landscape.
The moderators' questioning style towards Trump was notably aggressive. The moderators intervened multiple times, with immediate fact-checks on air with Trump. But did not fact check the many misrepresentations of Harris, including the “fine people statement”, the bloodbath statement,” and the erroneous association of Donald Trump with Project 2025.
Opinion: Why Trump Lost More Than Harris Won
Trump's visible frustration and anger contrasted with Harris's relative calm. This dynamic played into narratives about temperament and leadership suitability.
Trump's inability to pivot from defense mode to a more constructive dialogue might have been his undoing. Harris, by setting traps and letting Trump walk into them, managed to control the narrative more effectively.
The debate was less about who won and more about who lost less. Trump's strategy, which relied on personal attacks and a defensive posture, seemed to backfire, overshadowing any policy points he might have scored.
Harris, while not necessarily captivating with her vision, managed to keep her composure and use Trump's volatility against him.
This debate's outcome underscores a troubling trend in modern politics where policy takes a backseat to personality. For voters looking for substantive reasons to support a candidate, this debate was a letdown.
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