Washington. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris faced off Tuesday night in their first — and potentially last — debate, where heated exchanges centered on abortion, race, and the economy.

Harris set the tone from the start, walking over to Trump’s lectern for a handshake. "Let’s have a good debate," she said. "Nice to see you. Have fun," Trump replied.

Throughout the 90-minute debate, Harris frequently controlled the conversation, challenging Trump on his economic policies, his refusal to accept his 2020 loss, and his performances at his rallies. Trump grew visibly irritated, particularly as Harris mocked his praise for dictators and commented on the size of his rallies.

Harris Takes Early Command
Harris wasted no time attacking Trump on key issues, including his tariffs, which she claimed would act as a sales tax on the middle class, and his failure to concede the 2020 election. She called the Jan. 6 Capitol riot the worst attack on American democracy since the Civil War. Harris accused Trump of undermining women’s rights and made a pointed jab at his relationships with authoritarian leaders.

"You did in fact lose that election," she said, highlighting Biden’s 81 million votes. Harris further rattled Trump when she noted that people leave his rallies early, to which Trump defensively responded by insisting his rallies are larger than hers.

Trump Sticks to Core Issues
Trump’s message focused on inflation and immigration, which he said are devastating Americans. He frequently tied Harris to President Biden, accusing her of supporting a "horrible economy" and rising inflation. Harris pushed back, emphasizing that she represented a new generation of leadership.

Race Becomes a Flashpoint
When asked about his recent comments on Harris "turning Black," Trump dismissed the issue. However, Harris seized the moment to list Trump’s past racial controversies, including his housing discrimination lawsuit and his call for the execution of wrongfully convicted Black and Latino teenagers in the 1980s.

Trump accused Harris of dredging up old issues to "divide" the country, while Harris argued that Americans deserve better than Trump's divisive rhetoric.

Clash Over Abortion Rights
Abortion was another central issue, with Harris passionately defending women’s rights, in contrast to Trump’s support of returning the issue to the states. Trump stuck to his false claim that Democrats support post-birth abortions, a statement corrected by the moderator. He defended his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it a courageous decision by the Supreme Court.

Harris condemned Trump’s stance, stating, "The government, and Donald Trump, certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body."

Final Jabs and Economic Exchange
In a tense moment, Trump echoed Harris' famous "I’m speaking" line from the 2020 vice presidential debate when she interrupted him. "Wait a minute, I’m talking now," he said.

The debate opened with a policy-heavy exchange on tariffs and inflation, with Harris criticizing Trump’s economic plans. Trump labeled Harris a "Marxist" despite her citing positive feedback from Goldman Sachs and the Wharton School of Business. Harris responded by accusing Trump of having no plan for the American people.

While Harris dominated much of the debate, Americans remain split on their trust in Trump and Harris regarding economic issues, as reflected in recent polling.

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