The much-anticipated debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was initially expected to focus on defining Harris as a candidate. Instead, Harris skillfully shifted the narrative, transforming the night into a referendum on Trump. Through her calculated words and body language, she exposed his vulnerabilities. Whether it was the raised eyebrow, a subtle sigh, or a dismissive head shake, Harris used every tool at her disposal to undermine Trump.
A Surprising Handshake: At the start of debate
The debate began with an unexpected handshake between the two candidates, a gesture not seen since 2016. This moment was particularly significant for Harris, who, according to polls, is still an unknown figure for many voters. By entering the race only seven weeks before, Harris had more to prove—and the handshake marked the beginning of her assertive performance throughout the night.
Harris Targets Trump’s Ego, Not His Policies
From the very start, Harris recognized Trump’s Achilles’ heel—his ego. She did not dwell on his divisive policies or his inflammatory rhetoric. Instead, she directly targeted his sense of self-importance. Trump’s rallies and sycophantic social media presence have built a bubble around him, where he’s never questioned or mocked. Harris, however, was quick to burst that bubble during the 90-minute debate in Philadelphia.
Harris took jabs at the size of Trump’s crowds, his relationship with world leaders, and even his claim to be a self-made businessman. She skillfully redefined his success as nothing more than the product of nepotism, pointing to the fortune he inherited from his father.
Trump Fumbles Over His Record and Legal Woes
Throughout the debate, Trump struggled to regain his footing. Rather than focusing on the topics that could boost his standing, he reminded voters of his controversial past—his mishandling of the pandemic, his refusal to accept the 2020 election results, and his role in the January 6th Capitol siege. He also fixated on defending Viktor Orban, the authoritarian leader of Hungary, and made bizarre claims, such as migrants in Ohio eating pets. These statements only deepened the divide in an already polarized electorate.
Harris on Abortion Rights: A Pivotal Moment
Harris strategically avoided personal attacks, focusing instead on pressing issues like abortion rights. She warned that Trump would impose a nationwide abortion ban and monitor pregnancies, drawing attention to the harsh restrictions already in place in some states. She argued that these measures are immoral and do not align with the values of a nation that should allow women to control their own bodies. This powerful stance highlighted Harris’ composure and dedication to protecting women’s rights.
Harris Shifts the Debate’s Focus to Trump’s Failures
Instead of allowing Trump to dictate the debate, Harris invited voters to judge Trump for themselves. She encouraged them to attend his rallies, listen to his strange references to fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter, and observe how his supporters lose interest and leave early. “The one thing you will not hear him talk about is you,” Harris said, emphasizing Trump’s disconnect from the needs and desires of the American people. This was a striking moment in the debate, shifting the focus away from Harris’ political record to Trump’s lack of empathy for the average voter.
A Strategic Attack on Trump’s Afghanistan Deal
Harris did not let one of the most criticized moments of the Biden administration—the withdrawal from Afghanistan—go to waste. Instead, she turned it into another weapon against Trump. She accused him of negotiating a weak deal with the Taliban, inviting their leaders to Camp David. This reversal of the narrative placed Trump on the defensive, forcing him to explain his past decisions.
Republicans Acknowledge Harris’ Effective Strategy
Even some of Trump’s allies admitted that Harris’ approach was successful in rattling the former president. Florida Representative Byron Donald acknowledged that she spent 90 minutes trying to get under Trump’s skin, deflecting from her own record as vice president. By keeping Trump off-balance, Harris made sure that the night was about him, not her.
Debate Dynamics: Harris Gains Ground, Trump Falters
The debate was largely smooth, with muted microphones preventing interruptions. Harris, with more to gain, capitalized on the moment, landing key blows on Trump’s handling of election denialism, abortion, and race. Trump, on the other hand, failed to stay focused on critical issues like the economy and immigration. His attention shifted to defending his rallies, attacking moderators, and repeating false stories about migrants, which left him vulnerable to Harris’ attacks.
Taylor Swift Endorsement and Its Impact on the Election
One of the most surprising moments of the post-debate analysis was the endorsement of Harris by pop star Taylor Swift. With her massive social media following, Swift’s backing added a new dynamic to the election, particularly among young voters. The importance of Swift’s endorsement cannot be understated, as it may influence undecided voters and sway key demographics.
Harris Faces Criticism on Foreign Policy
Not all of Harris’ comments were met with applause. Pro-Palestine groups criticized her stance on Israel and Palestine, accusing her of providing lip service while supporting U.S. military aid to Israel. The Institute for Middle Eastern Understanding Policy Project and the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights called out Harris for applying a double standard between Ukraine and Palestine. These critiques highlight the ongoing challenges Harris faces in navigating foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East.
Trump Struggles to Refocus the Debate
Throughout the debate, Trump attempted to steer the conversation towards issues like immigration and the economy, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful. He stumbled over false claims about migrants and abortion, and his failure to stay on message allowed Harris to maintain control of the narrative. Trump’s refusal to explicitly oppose a federal abortion ban, along with his attempts to tie Harris to extreme left-wing policies, failed to land with voters.
Abortion Takes Center Stage in the Debate
Abortion rights emerged as a focal point in the debate, with Harris delivering a passionate plea for women’s reproductive freedom. She emphasized the human impact of state bans that deny emergency care and force victims of incest to carry pregnancies to term. While Trump denied supporting a national abortion ban, he struggled to provide a clear stance on the issue, leaving his position open to interpretation.
Conclusion: Harris’ Tactical Win Over Trump
In a debate that had the potential to change the trajectory of the 2024 election, Kamala Harris emerged as the clear winner. By focusing on Trump’s weaknesses, she successfully shifted the spotlight away from herself and onto his flaws. Trump’s inability to control the narrative and his repeated missteps only added to Harris’ momentum. Whether or not this debate will significantly alter the outcome of the election remains to be seen, but it was a night that favored Harris.
