Trump vs Harris Presidential Debate: Candidates go on attack in zinger-filled showdown

Harris and Trump sparred in the high-stakes showdown.

KABC logo
Last updated: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 11:59AM GMT
What you need to know about the high-stakes presidential debate showdown
Harris and Trump clash over the economy, abortion, border and more

The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump turned into a heated matchup that lasted more than 90 minutes.

The night started with a handshake initiated by Harris, but quickly escalated as the vice president bashed Trump over his policies and comments, contending that it was time to "offer is a new generation of leadership for our country."

Trump criticized Harris throughout the debate on topics such as Afghanistan and immigration issues, drawing comparisons between the vice president and President Joe Biden.

With Election Day just eight weeks away, the debate came at a critical point as polls show a neck-and-neck race between the candidates.

ABC News Debate Photo Gallery

1 of 11
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, visit a watch party at Cherry Street Pier after the presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Sep 11, 2024, 2:16 AM

Fact checking the Trump-Harris debate

From abortion to the economy, Israel and Gaza to fracking, border security to domestic crime, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offered many plans and claims during the debate tonight.

Trump repeated a false claim that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Ohio, which the city in question has said is false. Harris claimed Trump will sign a national abortion ban if he is re-elected, which he has not said he will do.

Debate fact checker | Fact checking the Trump-Harris debate.

ByRiley Hoffman ABCNews logo
Sep 11, 2024, 4:41 AM

A transcript of the Harris-Trump debate

Harris and Trump met for their first presidential debate on Tuesday night. The consequential matchup was hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Read a transcript of what was said in the 90-minute debate here.

ByRiley Hoffman ABCNews logo
Sep 11, 2024, 4:41 AM GMT

A transcript of the Harris-Trump debate

Harris and Trump met for their first presidential debate on Tuesday night. The consequential matchup was hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Read a transcript of what was said in the 90-minute debate here.

ByIvan Pereira ABCNews logo
Sep 11, 2024, 4:19 AM GMT

Harris proposes 2nd debate, Trump doesn't immediately commit

Less than an hour after the ABC News presidential debate ended Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign called for another matchup, laying down a challenge to former president Donald Trump.

The campaign put out an email touting her performance at the debate and blasting Trump for his responses and demeanor.

READ MORE | Harris campaign calls for 2nd presidential debate, challenging Trump

Sep 11, 2024, 3:46 AM GMT

Several arrests made in Philadelphia amid largely peaceful protests during presidential debate

Crowds of people gathered outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia Tuesday night as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first presidential debate.

According to police, roughly half a dozen protesters have been arrested after refusing to leave the roadway during a sit-in.

READ MORE | Several arrests made in Philadelphia amid largely peaceful protests during presidential debate

Several arrests made in Philadelphia amid largely peaceful protests during presidential debate
Sep 11, 2024, 3:34 AM GMT

Trump claims he had a great debate

Trump entered the spin room after the debate, claiming he had a great debate and continued to slam Harris over her policies.

He also said he was open to debating Harris again.