As the debate began, both candidates took the stage for what was their initial direct encounter. Initially, Trump seemed to head towards his podium without acknowledging Harris, who was approaching the center of the stage.In a gesture of politeness, Harris altered her path to meet Trump at his podium, extending her hand.
“Kamala Harris. How are you?” Harris greeted.
“Nice to see you, I’m fine,” Trump responded as he shook her hand.
“Let’s have a good debate,” Harris replied.
The handshake signified the end of an eight-year period without handshakes on the presidential debate stage. Although there are no formal rules or stipulations requiring such gestures, this exchange added a touch of civility to the high-stakes political confrontation.
Harris and Trump clash in high-stakes debate
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced off for the first time in what might be their only debate before the November presidential election, offering a dramatic glimpse into their contrasting visions for the country. The debate came after a tumultuous summer for both candidates and presented a critical opportunity to sway undecided voters.
The encounter provided Americans with their clearest view yet of a campaign that has shifted significantly since the last debate in June, which saw President Joe Biden withdraw from the race. Harris immediately targeted Trump, linking him to the conservative Project 2025 agenda and GOP efforts to restrict abortion access, while also criticizing his inflammatory rhetoric.
Trump countered by questioning Harris’s effectiveness as vice president and attacking her handling of illegal migration. He made several contentious claims about migrants, including an assertion that they are “taking jobs” from African Americans and Hispanics. Harris, seemingly unfazed, responded with a smirk when Trump repeated baseless accusations about immigrants.
The debate took place in a small, blue-lit amphitheater turned television studio, devoid of a live audience, which minimized the typical noise of applause or jeers. The close proximity of the candidates’ lecterns highlighted the intensity of the debate.
Following the June 27 debate, which led to Biden’s exit from the race, Trump survived an assassination attempt, and both sides finalized their running mates. This debate, hosted by ABC News, represents a rare instance of sustained questioning for Harris, who has given only one formal interview in the past six weeks.
Early ballots for the presidential race are set to be distributed just hours after the debate, with absentee ballots beginning to go out in Alabama on Wednesday.
