Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump held a debate on ABC News with eight weeks to go before the election. Harris and Trump argued about the economy, abortion, immigration, and foreign policy.
The war in Ukraine
Donald Trump claimed that he would be able to “resolve” Russia’s war in Ukraine within 24 hours if he were re-elected president. When asked by the moderator how he would end the war and whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, Trump replied: “I want the war to stop… millions of people are dying.”
Instead, Kamala Harris emphasized the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations and expressed support for Ukraine.
Foreign policy
Vice President Kamala Harris said, “World leaders are laughing at Donald Trump.” In response, Trump praised the Hungarian prime minister, calling Viktor Orban “one of the most respected people” and “a tough man.” Trump claimed that Orban said: “You, Trump, are the president they were afraid of,” allegedly referring to China and Russia.
Regarding the war between Israel and Hamas, Harris continued to appeal to the plight of the people in Gaza and the need to release Israeli hostages and secure a ceasefire.
Trump claimed that “she hates Israel” and also hates “Arabs,” and also criticized Harris for allegedly disrespecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent visit to Capitol Hill.
Economy
Kamala Harris emphasized her plan for an “economy of opportunity.” She touted her proposals to increase housing affordability and expand tax credits for families with children. Trump proposed to impose duties of 10 to 20% on most goods imported to the US, except for Chinese goods, which would receive 60% of the duty. He also proposed to cut corporate taxes.
Healthcare
Donald Trump emphasized that he has a “blueprint” for replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Kamala Harris responded that Trump has tried dozens of times to get rid of the ACA and instead touted the work of the Biden Administration to reduce the cost of prescription drugs and regulate the price of insulin. She said she would strengthen the ACA if elected president.
Former President Donald Trump defended his decision to support a ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy and said that “Democrats are radical” in their abortion policies. However, he believes abortion should be a state issue.
Harris criticized what she called Trump’s “abortion ban” and said that the former president “should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.”
American media suggest that Kamala Harris won the debate.
Elections in the United States
This year’s US presidential election will be held on November 5, 2024.