In a fiery presidential debate on Tuesday, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump went head-to-head in their first and only scheduled face-off before the election. The debate, held just weeks before early voting starts, covered a range of critical issues, including immigration, foreign policy, and the economy, with both candidates vying to sway undecided voters in a highly polarized political environment. The exchanges were sharp and at times personal, with Harris aggressively pressing Trump on his record, while Trump attempted to steer the conversation toward his core talking points on immigration and the economy.

From the outset, Harris, the Democratic candidate and current vice president, took a commanding approach, immediately questioning Trump’s fitness for office and focusing on his numerous legal challenges. Harris, 59, used her background as a former prosecutor to frame Trump’s past legal entanglements, suggesting that he was unfit to lead the country again. Trump, 78, the former president, fired back by defending his record and attacking the Biden administration’s handling of key issues like inflation and crime, though his rebuttals were often overshadowed by contentious and sometimes unverified claims.

One of the debate's more explosive moments occurred when Trump reiterated a controversial and unfounded claim that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets—a statement that had been circulated online and amplified by his running mate, Senator JD Vance. Harris immediately denounced the claim as fearmongering, criticizing Trump’s rhetoric as inflammatory and divisive. She pointed out the dangers of using baseless accusations to further political agendas, urging a return to fact-based discussions on immigration.

Immigration became a central point of contention during the debate, with Harris criticizing Trump’s hardline policies, such as family separations at the border, which she argued were inhumane and ineffective. She contrasted these policies with her own party’s approach, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that balances security with compassion. Trump defended his stance, emphasizing his administration’s efforts to secure the border, build the border wall, and enforce immigration laws. He accused Harris and the Democratic Party of being weak on border security, leading to what he described as an "invasion" of illegal immigration under their leadership. Fact-checkers noted that some of Trump’s claims, particularly regarding border statistics, were either exaggerated or inaccurate.

Foreign policy also took center stage as the candidates clashed over U.S. relations with key global players, particularly Russia. Harris condemned Trump’s perceived coziness with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of being too willing to accommodate Russian interests, especially in regard to Ukraine. Harris emphasized the importance of standing firm against authoritarian regimes and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to its allies. Trump, in turn, attempted to paint Harris as weak on foreign policy, claiming she would jeopardize U.S. relations with critical allies. He also accused her of being hostile toward Israel, an assertion she swiftly rejected as false and unfounded.

The debate also delved into the economy, where Harris criticized Trump’s handling of trade policies during his presidency, particularly his imposition of high tariffs. She argued that these tariffs hurt American consumers and businesses, especially small businesses, by driving up costs and reducing competitiveness. Harris outlined her economic plan, which focuses on investing in small businesses, improving access to healthcare, and fostering clean energy jobs. Trump, in contrast, blamed the Biden administration for inflation and rising costs, repeatedly citing inflation as a sign of economic failure. However, his statements about the current economic climate were flagged for exaggeration, as economists have noted that while inflation remains a concern, it has not reached the crisis levels suggested by Trump.

One of the lighter but still significant moments in the debate occurred when Harris mocked Trump’s repeated boasts about the size and enthusiasm of his rallies, quipping that people often leave his events “out of exhaustion and boredom.” This jab prompted a sharp retort from Trump, who defended the energy of his supporters and the size of his crowds, calling them a reflection of his enduring popularity. The exchange illustrated the combative and personal nature of much of the debate, with both candidates attempting to undermine each other’s credibility in the eyes of the American public.

The debate’s impact on the election remains to be seen, but early indications suggest that Harris' performance energized her supporters, while Trump’s base remains largely unshaken. Political analysts noted that while Trump had some opportunities to address critical voter concerns—particularly on the economy—he often found him self sidetracked by Harris’ attacks and his own controversial statements. Republican strategist Ron Bonjean remarked that Trump could have focused more on his policy positions rather than engaging in personal disputes, potentially losing ground in the process.