Harris vs Trump Debate: Who Won the First Presidential Debate?

The Harris vs Trump debate sets up one of the most monumental moments of the US Presidential Election 2024. By the time Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off for their first debate, airing on ABC News from Philadelphia, the political landscape was more divided than ever.

Issues such as the economy, healthcare, immigration, and foreign policy were debated, showing the voters just what each candidate stood for.

Highlights of the Harris vs Trump Debate

The Harris vs. Trump debate saw the two respective candidates put their vision for the country up for discussion, vicious exchanges between the two over everything from crime to corruption.

• Kamala Harris, for her part, celebrated the successes of her administration under President Joe Biden in terms of health, creating jobs, taking care of climate change, and striving to support working families. Harris cited record job growth and improvements in infrastructure.
• Donald Trump, however, criticized the current administration, even as he attacked it for what he described as “failures in managing the economy and handling immigration.” He promised a return to his “America First” policies, which he argued would revitalize the economy and lock in controls on immigration.

Moments from the Debate

• Harris supported continued health care access expansion and protection of women’s reproductive rights.
• Trump favored increasing immigration restrictions, citing a rise in the rates of border crossing as proof of how the current administration had failed in managing the borders.
• The two also debated on the economy: Harris defended the job creation efforts taken by the Biden administration while Trump criticized inflation rates and increases in cost of living.

Debate Results: Who Actually Won?

In the debate between Harris and Trump, each party declared itself a winner. But it was not like having just one winner; the clash was close enough. Candidates were successful in communicating their messages to the core voters.

• To the Harris supporters, her insistence on healthcare, women’s rights, and climate change was important.
• Regarding Trump, his base seemed very keen on defending his earlier policies, more so on immigration and the economy.

Of the issues discussed, Harris was seen to have done particularly well on reproductive rights, and Trump’s defense of the economy was particularly well-received among those who worry about the way the current administration is handling it.

Poll Statistics After the Debate

Early polling data after the Harris vs Trump debate, appears that the race between both candidates is neck and neck. Initial polling data in key battleground states showed that in some areas, Trump could be ahead, although Harris still enjoys formidable support in more urban regions.

Here are some key statistics:

• Indeed, national polls conducted post-debate indicate that Trump leads by 2%, with 47% likely voters for Trump and 45% likely voters for Harris, according to a recent poll conducted by ABC News.
• In the battleground states, such as Pennsylvania and Michigan, Trump enjoys a slight lead. It would appear that 48% in Pennsylvania go for Trump, while 46% go for Harris.
• The YouGov poll indicates that Harris might retain her gains among the younger generation of voters and minorities, as a whopping 53% of voters aged 18-29 supported her.
• Trump still has robust support among older and rural voters: 54% of voters aged 65 years and above said they supported him, according to NYT/Sienna.

Public Reactions

The general public has reacted strongly to the Harris vs Trump debate. Meanwhile, opinions and hot takes filled social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, as the voters continued to voice strong opinions either way.

Both candidates drew praise from supporters. Harris’s straightforward stance on reproductive rights and healthcare resonated particularly well with the electorates that are younger and more progressive. Trump’s defense of his economic record, especially to rural and older populations, resonated well.

What Next as Harris vs Trump Battle Rages On?

The first Harris vs. Trump debate set the tone for what was likely to be a fiercely contested election, and each of the candidates prepares for future debates and events of the campaign to make their position on key issues even more crystal clear.

With polling showing the race tight, the 2024 US Presidential Election winner may be decided by a few percentage points in crucial swing states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. The exact same dynamics will play out in rural areas, adding: Harris will have to improve her numbers among independent voters and moderates; Trump should firm up his base and sway undecided voters in rural areas.