The 2024 Presidential Debate: A recap

The first, and potentially only, presidential debate between presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris took place on Sept. 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This debate gave insight into the two candidates’ differing policies. 

 Cost of Living and the Economy 

 The first question of the debate was regarding the economy, cost of living and taxes. Kamala Harris, current vice president and candidate for the Democratic Party was given the floor first with two minutes to respond. 

 “I imagine — and have, actually — a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy … We know that young families need support to raise their children, and I intend on extending a tax cut for those families of $6,000, which is the largest child tax credit that we have given in a long time,” Harris said. “My plan is to give a $50,000 tax deduction to start-up small businesses, knowing they are part of the backbone of America’s economy.” 

 Donald Trump, the candidate for the Republican Party, followed with a two minute reply.  

 “We’re doing tariffs on other countries. Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that we’ve done for the world,” Trump said. “We have inflation like very few people have ever seen before. Probably the worst in our nation’s history … I created one of the greatest economies in the history of our country. I’ll do it again — and even better.” 

 Abortion Policies 

 The topic then turned over to abortion and the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. Trump was given two minutes to discuss his policies.  

 “I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. I believe strongly in it,” Trump said. “This is an issue that’s torn our country apart for 52 years. Every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican, liberal, conservative — they all wanted this issue to be brought back to the states where the people could vote, and that’s what happened.” 

 Harris was given the same amount of time to give her stance. 

 “I pledge to you when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the protections of Roe v. Wade. As president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law,” Harris said. “I think the American people believe that certain freedoms — in particular, the freedom to make decisions about one’s own body — should not be made by the government.” 

 Immigration and Border Security 

Harris was spoke on immigration policy and border security. 

 “The United States Congress … came up with a border security bill, which I supported, and that bill would have put 1,500 more border agents on the border … It would have allowed us to stem the flow of fentanyl coming into the United States,” Harris said. “I believe you deserve a president who actually puts you first, and I pledge to you that I will.” 

 Trump was given a chance to respond. 

 “What they have done to our country by allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country — and look at what’s happening to the towns all over the United States,” Trump said. “They want to bring our country back. They want to make America great again.” 

 Palestine-Israel War 

 The conflict between Israel and Palestine was brought up. Harris was given the floor to speak about it first. 

 “Israel has a right to defend itself. We would. And how it does so matters. Because it is also true far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed,” Harris said. “What we know is that this war must end. It must when — end immediately, and the way it will end is we need a cease-fire deal, and we need the hostages out. And so we will continue to work around the clock on that.” 

 Trump shared his policies on the conflict. 

 “If I were president, it would have never started. I will get that settled — and fast. And I’ll get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended,” Trump said. “I want the war to stop. I want to save lives that are being uselessly — people being killed by the millions.” 

 Ukraine-Russia War 

 The topic quickly switched to the war between Ukraine and Russia. Trump responded first. 

 “I think it’s in the U.S. best interest to get this war finished, and just get it done,” Trump said. “Negotiate a deal because we have to stop all of these human lives from being destroyed.” 

Harris spoke on the war next. 

 “Through the work that I and others did, we brought 50 countries together to support Ukraine in its righteous defense,” Harris said. “And because of our support … Ukraine stands as an independent and free country.” 

 Afghanistan Withdrawal 

 The topic turned to the American soldiers’ withdrawal from Afghanistan. Harris was given the floor. 

 “I agreed with President Biden’s decision to pull out of Afghanistan,” Harris said. “And as a result, America’s taxpayers are not paying the $300 million a day we were paying for that endless war. And as of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone, around the world — the first time this century.” 

 Trump took the floor, responding to the question. 

 “The Taliban was killing our soldiers, a lot of them … But I got involved,” Trump said. “And for 18 months, we had nobody killed.” 

 Health Care 

 Affordable health care was brought up, and Trump was given the floor. 

 “If we come up with something, we are working on things, we’re going to do it, and we’re going to replace [Obamacare],” Trump said. “I have concepts of a plan … If we come up with something — I would only change it if we come up with something better and less expensive. And there are concepts and options we have to do that. And you’ll be hearing about it in the not-too-distant future.” 

 Harris was given two minutes to speak on her policies. 

 “I absolutely support … private health care options. But what we need to do is maintain and grow the Affordable Care Act,” Harris said. “And what the Affordable Care Act has done is eliminate the ability of insurance companies to deny people with pre-existing conditions.” 

 Closing Remarks 

 As the debate came to an end, both candidates were given time to make their closing statements. Harris went first. 

 “I do believe that the American people know we all have so much more in common than what separates us and we can chart a new way forward,” Harris said. “ I will be a president that will protect our fundamental rights and freedoms … I intend to be a president for all Americans and focus on what we can do over the next 10 and 20 years to build back up our country by investing right now in you the American people.” 

 Trump made his final statements next. 

 “We’re a failing nation. We’re a nation that’s in serious decline. We’re being laughed at all over the world,” Trump said. “The worst president, the worst vice president in the history of our country.”