In a highly anticipated debate that drew millions of viewers, Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the clear victor against former President Donald Trump. Analysts and commentators from across the political spectrum praised Harris for her poise, preparedness, and ability to offer a vision for a “New Way Forward” for America while criticizing Trump for appearing angry, disorganized, and focused on personal grievances.
Throughout the evening, Harris stayed on message, emphasizing her plans to lower healthcare costs, improve housing affordability, and defend democracy. Trump, on the other hand, struggled to present a coherent policy platform, frequently veering into complaints about his past treatment in the media and his crowd sizes.
A Presidential Performance
CNN’s Chris Wallace lauded Harris for her performance, saying, “Kamala Harris pitched a shutout on almost every subject I can think of.” He highlighted her strength on issues like abortion, democracy, and national security, pointing out how Harris’s tone remained optimistic, while Trump “looked angry, scowling.”
ABC’s Chris Christie, a former Republican governor, echoed this sentiment, noting that Harris was “exquisitely well-prepared” and effectively laid traps that Trump repeatedly fell into. “She has a voice that wants to try to unite the country,” Christie said, contrasting Harris’s focus on the future with Trump’s ramblings about rally attendance and personal slights.
Mixed Reactions from Conservatives
Even conservative commentators on Fox News acknowledged Harris’s commanding performance. Brit Hume noted that Trump had “a bad night” and repeatedly rose to Harris’s bait, making him appear defensive and unfocused. Bret Baier similarly commented on Harris’s strategic approach, pointing out that she “was clearly well-prepared, practiced, and on the offensive much of the night.”
Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele didn’t mince words, tweeting that Trump was “rambling” and “off-topic.” He added that Trump’s performance reflected his inability to maintain discipline, a sentiment shared by many watching the debate.
Winning Over Undecideds
Moderate and undecided voters seemed to be a key target for Harris, and commentators widely agreed that she succeeded. On MSNBC, Alex Wagner remarked that Harris’s responses appeared to be aimed directly at moderates and Republicans, noting her ability to stay above the fray while addressing hot-button issues like race and identity.
CNN’s Van Jones summed up the night succinctly, saying Harris “whooped” Trump. He emphasized that her performance was not just a victory in the debate but also a moment of vindication for many Americans hoping for a leader who could take on Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
Key Moments: Abortion, Economy, and Democracy
One of the defining moments of the debate came during the exchange on abortion. Harris delivered a powerful response, defending women’s reproductive rights with vivid imagery of the post-Dobbs landscape. Trump’s evasive answers on whether he would support a national abortion ban only deepened the contrast between the two candidates. Susan Glasser of The New Yorker called Harris’s abortion answer “the best debate answer I’ve ever seen her give.”
On the economy, Harris laid out detailed plans to provide tax cuts for middle-class families, lower housing costs, and assist small businesses, while Trump struggled to offer specifics. “Harris came across as future-oriented and Presidential,” tweeted Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
Harris also directly addressed the chaos of Trump’s presidency, reminding voters of the January 6 insurrection and accusing Trump of ripping away Americans’ fundamental freedoms. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro praised Harris’s ability to bring clarity to these issues, saying she “reminded people of the chaos of Donald Trump.”
Closing the Debate Strong
As the debate concluded, Harris solidified her argument by emphasizing unity and a hopeful future. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California remarked that Harris showed “she can take on a bully like Donald Trump and put him on the defense,” adding that she also demonstrated her ability to lead on the global stage.
Harris’s performance at the debate completely changed the game for the 2024 presidential campaign. Pundits, elected officials, and voters alike hailed her as the clear winner, with many pointing to the evening as a turning point in the election. Trump, meanwhile, will need to regroup and reassess his strategy after a night that many of his own supporters acknowledged as a setback.
With less than two months until Election Day, Harris’s debate performance may prove to be a pivotal moment in her campaign, as she continues to present herself as a candidate focused on moving the country forward while her opponent remains fixated on the past.
