In the heated exchange during Tuesday night's presidential debate, Harris described Trump's debate strategy as predictable and dishonest. Following an initial clash over economic policies that quickly pivoted to immigration, Harris warned viewers they would witness "the same old tired playbook" from Trump, filled with "lies, grievances, and name-calling." The vice president's attempt to preemptively discredit her opponent's rhetoric came moments before a contentious discussion about Project 2025, a controversial policy blueprint authored by Trump allies. Despite Harris' pointed criticism of the project, Trump maintained his ignorance of its contents, insisting, "Everyone knows I'm an open book," in a debate that quickly set the tone for a night of sharp contrasts and competing narratives.
Former President Donald Trump faced tough questions about his actions on January 6, 2021. When pressed, Trump claimed he had "nothing to do with" the events of that day, asserting he merely gave a speech and ordered the crowd to leave "peacefully and patriotically." The former president also defended the protesters, stating they were "treated so badly," while deflecting further inquiries about any potential regrets. Speaking on Israel, Harris vowed to give Israel the ability to protect itself, including against Iran. Trump said Harris "hates Israel."
The two continued to clash over their approaches to the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader Middle East policy. When pressed on his plan for resolving the ongoing war, Trump avoided specifics, instead making a sweeping claim: "I will get that settled and fast, and I'll get the war with Ukraine and Russia ended if I'm president-elect, I'll get it done before, even becoming president." He also accused the current administration of being anti-Israel, stating, "Harris and Democrats hate Israel."
Vice President Harris, on the other hand, expressed support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. She criticized Trump's foreign policy stance, particularly regarding Iran and other potential threats in the region. "It is absolutely well known that these dictators and autocrats are rooting for you to be president again because they're so clear they can manipulate you with flattery and favors," Harris asserted. She further emphasized the importance of strong alliances and a clear stance against aggression, noting, "It is well known that he admires dictators, wants to be a dictator on Day One, according to himself."
View this post on Instagram
Harris began by recounting the events that led to the current situation in Gaza. "Let's understand how we got here. On October 7, Hamas, a terrorist organization, slaughtered 1200 Israelis, many of them young people, who were simply attending a concert. Women were horribly raped," Harris said.
She then reaffirmed the administration's stance on Israel's right to self-defense while also expressing concern for Palestinian civilians. "And so absolutely I said then, I say now, Israel has a right to defend itself. We would," she stated. "How it does so matters, because it is also true, far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed; children, mothers. What we know is that this war must end. It must end immediately... But the one thing I will assure you always, I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular, as it relates to Iran, and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel," Harris said. "But we must have a two state solution, where we can rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self-determination, and the dignity they so rightly deserve."
When it was Trump's turn to address the question on Israel, he unexpectedly pivoted to Russia, claiming that President Putin would not have invaded Ukraine if he were still in office. Trump then made a controversial statement about Harris and Israel: "But when she mentions Israel, all of a sudden, she hates Israel. She wouldn't even meet with [PM Benjamin] Netanyahu when he went to Congress to make a very important speech. She refused to be there because she was at a sorority party of hers. She went to go to the sorority party," Trump said. "She hates Israel. If she's president, I believe that Israel will not exist within two years from now, and I've been pretty good at predictions."
As Trump made these remarks, Harris, whose microphone was off, could be seen mouthing, "oh, come on," in apparent disagreement with his statements.
Meanwhile, Vice President Harris addressed her evolving policy positions, particularly on fracking. When questioned about her previous stance during her presidential campaign, Harris emphasized that as vice president, she has not banned fracking. She stated that her current position recognizes the need for diverse energy sources and noted the administration's record increase in domestic oil production. The exchange highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding energy policy and environmental concerns in key battleground states like Pennsylvania.
Vice President Kamala Harris anticipated that former President Donald Trump will not be truthful during the ABC News presidential debate, according to an interview aired Monday. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign continues to target Harris, attempting to link her to what they claim are policy failures of the Biden-Harris administration.
As the debate approached, both candidates were working to shape expectations for what was expected to be a crucial moment in their campaigns.
In a radio interview with morning show host Rickey Smiley, Harris stated, "We should be prepared for the fact that he is not burdened by telling the truth." She added, "I think he's going to lie," referring to Trump's expected debate performance.
The Trump campaign, however, was focused on Harris' record. During a press call held by the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee, Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Harris "will finally be forced to defend her record" on issues such as crime and the border.
Jason Miller, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, went further, claiming that Harris is effectively running the White House. He stated, "Every single one of these disasters are on Kamala Harris," referring to events such as the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment and the Maui, Hawaii, wildfires.
When asked about Trump's approach to the debate, Miller said the former president is "going to be himself." Harris, preparing for her first presidential debate, has been engaging in mock debates in Pittsburgh. She is working with advisers who helped prepare Hillary Clinton in 2016, including Philippe Reines, who is playing the role of Trump in practice sessions.
The Trump campaign acknowledges Harris' extensive preparation. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic representative now advising Trump, said on Fox and Friends, "Harris should not be underestimated" given her "solid" debate prep. Gabbard added that Trump "doesn't need to" prepare like Harris, suggesting he has instead engaged in nontraditional prep through interviews and town halls.
Despite this claim, sources told ABC News that Trump is preparing more than he's letting on. He is holding informal policy sessions with a small team of advisers, including Gabbard and Republican Rep Matt Gaetz. Gaetz has reportedly been questioning Trump on challenging issues, such as his legal troubles.
