Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first debate for the 2024 presidential election on Sept. 10, 2024, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pa. 

The debate started at 9 p.m. and was hosted by ABC News with moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, set in a private room with no live audience. Lasting 90 minutes, the two candidates were asked questions regarding immigration, abortion and the economy, with two minutes to answer moderators’ questions, two minutes to rebuttal and one minute for further clarifications or follow-ups. Prior to the debate, neither candidate had knowledge of the question topics and were not permitted to bring in notes, however, were allowed a pen and notepad.

The night began with the subject of the economy, firstly directed at Harris. Focusing on the middle class, Harris explained she plans to make a $6,000 tax cut for families, acknowledging the difficulties of raising kids in the current economy. Furthermore, Harris mentioned plans on making a $50,000 tax deduction in order to help as a jumpstart for small businesses, calling them the, “backbone of the economy.”

The floor opened up to Trump as he talked about inflation, stating that he didn’t have any when he had tariffs during his presidential term. “I created one of the greatest economies in the history of our country, I’ll do it again and even better,” Trump said. 

Harris’ response to Trump’s statement included an analysis on the country’s handling of public health in the last few years in the midst of a pandemic, as well as comparisons of the current economy to the great depression and the state of the country’s democracy to the civil war. Harris spoke out that an economy back under Trump would increase inflation and make the United States go into recession, mentioning that he cares for tax cuts on the rich. 

The next topic turned to abortion, with Trump having the floor. Trump emphasized making the matter of abortion a states rights issue, going on to say, “You could do abortions in the seventh month, the eighth month, the ninth month and probably after birth,” calling it an execution. Subsequently, Davis fact checked and reported back to Trump that there are no laws in any states permitting a baby to be killed after birth. 

Kamala’s response showed her view on women’s reproductive rights, wishing to reinstate the protections of Roe v. Wade and giving body autonomy back to the people. 

Muir directed attention back to Trump, posing the question on whether or not he would veto a nation wide bill banning abortion if it came through congress. Trump claimed that it’ll never come to that.

The floor moved back to Harris. When asked about her view on the Israel-Hamas war, Harris said, “Israel has a right to defend itself, we would and how it does so matters,” adding, “far too many Palestinians have been killed.”

“This war must end … we must have a two state solution, where we can rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self determination and the dignity they so rightly deserve,” Harris said.

When it was Trump’s turn to talk he claimed that Harris “hates Israel,” and believes that the country won’t exist within the next two years if Harris becomes president.

Afterward, the topic shifted to the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump stated that if he were still president Russia wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine and that they could negotiate, and Harris stated her support for Ukraine. According to Harris, if Trump were in office, “Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now.” 

Switching the topic to climate change, Davis asked both Harris and Trump what they would do to fight it if put in office. Harris replied by discussing an approach to using clean energy and addressed climate change as “very real.” Once it was Trump’s turn he didn’t directly state plans to fight climate change but stated hopes to put tariffs on cars made in foreign countries. 

Leaving her final statement for the debate, Harris said, “I think you’ve heard tonight two very different visions for our country, one that is focused on the future, and the other that is focused on the past and an attempt to take us backward, but we’re not going back.” Emphasizing her message by adding, “We all have so much more in common than what separates us and we can chart a new way forward.”

Trump, with the debate’s closing statement, questioned Harris’ abilities and referred to the Biden administration, saying “They’ve had 3.5 years to fix the border. They’ve had 3.5 years to create more jobs … Why hasn’t she done it?” The debate ended with Trump calling Biden and Harris, “The worst president, the worst vice president in the history of our country.” 

Many other topics were covered in the presidential debate related to border security and immigration, the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, the 2020 election, the Afghanistan withdrawal and more. To learn more check out the full debate here.