Who won the Trump vs Harris Debate?

[justseyi]

The Harris-Trump presidential debate in Philadelphia was a fiery 90-minute exchange that appeared to favor Kamala Harris. Throughout the debate, Harris frequently put Donald Trump on the defensive with sharp personal attacks, throwing him off message and forcing him to defend his past conduct.

One of the key moments came early on when Harris mocked the size of Trump’s rally crowds, prompting him to spend time defending them rather than focusing on issues like immigration, one of his perceived strengths. Trump also veered into discussing a debunked conspiracy involving Haitian immigrants, further detracting from his focus on the key topics.

Harris capitalized on this by steering the conversation toward Trump’s weaknesses, such as his tariff plans, which she labeled a “Trump sales tax,” and his role in overturning Roe v. Wade. On the issue of abortion, Harris made a powerful appeal to women affected by state bans, labeling them “Trump abortion bans.” Meanwhile, Trump struggled to present a clear position, particularly on abortion, where polling shows public sentiment is not aligned with his stance.

Even when Harris faced questions about her shifting positions on issues like fracking, she successfully diverted Trump’s attention by bringing up personal matters like his family wealth, which he eagerly defended. This pattern of taking the bait allowed Harris to control much of the debate’s narrative.

According to a snap CNN poll, voters felt Harris performed better, and betting markets seemed to agree. While public opinion on the debate could shift, Harris’ ability to keep Trump on the defensive made her the standout performer of the night. Her campaign’s immediate call for a second debate further underscored their confidence in her performance.

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