
In a high-stakes debate last night, President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris went head-to-head for the first time as the 2024 election heats up. Taking place in Philadelphia, the debate was moderated by ABC News and featured several moments that left a lasting impression. Here are the top three moments.
Trump Says He ‘Took a Bullet’ Due to Harris’ Rhetoric
In one of the more shocking moments of the night, Trump referenced an assassination attempt at his Pennsylvania rally earlier this year, blaming Harris and Biden’s rhetoric for the incident. “I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things they say about me,” Trump said, claiming their inflammatory language created an environment ripe for violence. The comment referred to the July rally where Trump was grazed by a bullet fired by a gunman before the Secret Service intervened. Trump used the moment to paint Harris and Biden as dangerous for democracy.
Harris Stands by Afghanistan Withdrawal
When asked about the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Harris firmly defended the administration’s decision to pull out. “I agreed with President Biden’s decision to pull out of Afghanistan,” she said. While Trump criticized the withdrawal for leaving behind U.S. equipment and resulting in the deaths of 13 American soldiers, Harris did not directly address the logistics of the operation. Instead, she maintained that Biden did what previous presidents had promised but failed to deliver. This moment underscored Harris’ willingness to stand by controversial decisions of the Biden-Harris administration.
Trump Accuses Harris of Adopting His Policies
In one of the more light-hearted exchanges, Trump quipped that he nearly sent Harris a MAGA hat, claiming she had embraced his political platform. “She’s gone to my philosophy now,” Trump said, pointing out how Harris has shifted her stances over the years. While Harris has moderated her views on certain issues since her 2019 campaign, Trump used the moment to suggest she is unreliable and would change again if elected. Harris remained composed, but the jab reflected Trump’s broader critique of her political evolution.
These three moments captured the intensity of the debate and the significant contrasts between the two candidates.