The Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President, Donald Trump, shakes hands with the Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, during a presidential debate organized by ABC in Philadelphia.
The stage was set. The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia became the arena for a duel, with only 56 days left until the presidential elections in the United States. Kamala Harris, the unexpected Democratic contender, faced off against Donald Trump in a debate that promised much more than it delivered. While it didn't sway the electoral pendulum, it provided enough material to fill headlines and feed critics/analysts for days.
With Joe Biden out of the contest, everything rested on Harris's shoulders, who almost theatrically walked up to her rival's podium, shook his hand with a smile, and introduced herself: “I am Kamala Harris”. That was where it all began. What followed was a spectacle where Trump, in his classic style, tried to play his repertoire of accusations while Harris dismantled him with a series of calculated attacks that left him breathless.
A group of people watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at a party organized by the New York Young Republican Club, in New York, U.S., on September 10, 2024. © Reuters / Adam Gray
The verbal combat or... gestural?
One of the most surprising moments was the gestural duel. Harris, with a smile that sometimes bordered on sarcastic, not only spoke to the audience but utilized every word from Trump to turn it into an opportunity. Meanwhile, the former president clung to his already worn-out repertoire of criticisms of the economy and his classic: "Harris is a Marxist". Surprise! Marxist, daughter of a Marxist... A statement worthy of a movie script. If this were cinema, even the superhero would feel embarrassed by such weak arguments.
Harris, without even blinking, simply smiled. That smile was her secret weapon. Every time Trump went on the offensive, she counterattacked with a look that said: “Is this the best you've got?”. For someone who presents himself as the king of the show, Trump appeared more like an apprentice stumbling over his own tricks.
Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reacts during a presidential debate with Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump, hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 10, 2024. © Reuters / Brian Snyder
Economy, inflation, and… pets?
One would think that in a presidential debate, ideas and proposals would take center stage. But no. While both candidates addressed issues like the economy, neither managed to come away with anything tangible. Harris promised plans for middle-class families, more affordable housing, and even an “American-style pocket money plan.” But her proposal, while flashy, left many wondering if she really had something concrete in mind or if she had simply read her script with too much conviction.
Trump, for his part, went on the attack with the topic of inflation, with the now-familiar line that it is “the worst in the nation's history”. But as always, he decided to add his personal touch by mentioning a theory about immigrants who, according to him, “are eating dogs and cats” in Ohio. Perhaps someone should remind him that this is not a reality show and that such claims, no matter how colorful, don't win votes. Although they might entertain.
Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his closing remarks during a presidential debate organized by ABC with Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., on September 10, 2024. © Reuters / Brian Snyder
The final blow
If one thing was clear, it was that Harris came to this debate with a very clear strategy: to throw Trump off balance. And she succeeded. Not only did she take control of the stage, but she did so in a way that left Trump without his usual surprises. He became an easy target, trapped in the same nets that Harris had patiently woven from the start. It was like watching a tired boxer who didn't know how to respond to his opponent's constant jabs.
The traps were obvious: Trump couldn't defend himself on issues he knew would hurt him. Abortion, his legal troubles, and his undignified history with authoritarian leaders. And Harris, in every one of these opportunities, made sure that Trump sank deeper into his own muck. Instead of counterattacking, Trump decided that the best course was to repeat his tired attacks on "radical left" and praise Viktor Orbán. Yes, because of course, nothing says “leader of the free world” like leaning on autocrats.
A migrant seeking to reach the United States and request asylum watches on a mobile phone screen the presidential debate between Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, inside the El Buen Samaritano shelter in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, on September 10, 2024. © Reuters / Jose Luis Gonzalez
Did Harris win? Well, she won the show
In the end, the big question is: Who won the debate? If what we are looking for is an entertaining spectacle, Harris stole the night. If we're talking about concrete proposals and plans for the future, both candidates left a lot to be desired. But in terms of split-screen and media punches, Harris clearly came out ahead.
Now, the big question is whether this media blow will be enough to shift the electoral balance. After all, as we well remember thanks to Hillary Clinton, dominating a debate doesn't guarantee the presidency. But Harris, at least, can sleep easy knowing she left Trump with his gaze downcast and frustration on the surface.
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