Donald Trump took on Kamala Harris in their first TV debate of the 2024 election – only for the duo to descend into a furious fight over immigrants eating cats, the military and abortion
Donald Trump and Kamala Harries tore into each other’s records as they furiously clashed in their first TV debate of the 2024 US election campaign.
The Democratic vice president tried to get under the skin of the former Republican president, provoking him with reminders about the 2020 election loss that he still denies.
Trump at one point launched into a rant about illegal immigrants allegedly kidnapping and eating pet cats – a claim debunked by US police. At times Trump brutally hit back and even snapped “I’m talking!” as Harris interrupted him.
The clash marked the latest chaotic twist in a turbulent summer in American politics that saw Biden’s debate disaster back in June, followed by the assassination attempt on Trump, then Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
During the debate on US cable TV network ABC, the pair outlined sharply opposite visions of where the nation is and where they intend to take it if elected.
Harris promised tax cuts aimed at the middle class and said she would push to restore a federally guaranteed right to abortion overturned by the Supreme Court two years ago.
Trump said his proposed tariffs would help the US stop being cheated by allies on trade and said he would work to swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine war, even if it meant Ukraine didn’t achieve victory on the battlefield.
Trump appeared rattled as he hit back at Kamala Harris
Harris at times shook her head derisively as Trump spoke, occasionally staring at him with a hand on her chin, while Trump seemed to avoid looking toward the Democrat.
In one moment, Harris turned to Trump and said that as vice president she had spoken to foreign leaders who “say you (Trump) are a disgrace.”
Trump again denied his loss to Biden four years ago, when his efforts to overturn the result inspired the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
“Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people,” Harris said, “So let’s be clear about that. And clearly he is having a very difficult time processing that.”
Trump in turn tried to link Harris to Biden, questioning why she hadn’t acted on her proposed ideas while serving as vice president. “Why hasn’t she done it?” he said. Trump also focused his attacks on Harris over her assignment by Biden to deal with the root causes of illegal migration.
Harris gave Trump incredulous looks as he spoke