Kamala Harris’ presidential debate performance

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – On Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris faced former President Donald Trump on the debate stage for the first time.

In the opening moments, the vice president initiated a handshake after walking across the stage and introducing herself, “Kamala Harris.”

As a former courtroom prosecutor, Harris relied on those skills during the debate.

In her first answer addressing Trump's trade tariffs, she acknowledged that they would effectively create a sales tax on the middle class. Rendering middle-class families with financial struggles beyond what they are now.

Just after this, she cited Trump for inciting a violent insurrection, the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, known as one of the worst attacks on American Democracy. An act which she compared to the Civil War.

She remarked that the former president was telling women what they should have the ability to do with their bodies. The vice president defended abortion rights. Considerably the most pressing topic for Democrats since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, nullifying the constitutional right to an abortion.

Her precise defenses to previously suggested comments from President Joe Biden secured and reassured voters of her stance on a topic that has the potential to make or break her popularity come November.

Harris said, “There is not one member of the military who is in active duty in a combat zone, in any war zone around the world for the first time this century.”

However, thousands of troops in Iraq and on the Syrian border remain in dangerous territory.

She later commented on Trump's performance at his rallies. Noting that many audience members often leave early due to boredom and lack of interest. Her comment noticeably affected his mannerisms, resulting in a defensive tone for the remainder of the debate.

Trump took more than one opportunity to tie Harris to Biden reminding voters of several unpopular policies under their current administration.

In a rebuttal, she reminded former President Trump, “You’re not running against Joe Biden, you’re running against me.” Her ability to separate herself from Joe Biden is a tactic that caught the attention of viewers.

Harris repeatedly shifted the message from Trump back onto the focus of the American people. She demonstrated the prioritization of a new chapter, provoked by change and led by her.

“You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your needs and your desires,” Harris said, speaking on Trump’s rallies. “And I’ll tell you, I believe you deserve a president who actually puts you first.”

She began her closing statement by reiterating that she is a president for the people.

“I’ve only had one client, the people.” “The only thing I ever asked them was, ‘Are you okay’?” “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.”

When the debate concluded both Trump and Harris said “thank you” following their closing statements. Smiling, Harris was joined by her husband, Doug Emhoff, who waved and they exited the stage.

Following the conclusion of the debate Harris’ team announced that they were ready for another debate.

Hannah Neurohr is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email hmn5264@psu.edu.