Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
International

Harris-Trump US presidential debate offers different visions for America's future

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Sep, 2024 10:16 AM
  • Harris-Trump US presidential debate offers different visions for America's future

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump made their case to American voters during a debate in Philadelphia, during which the Democratic vice president and former Republican president laid out different visions for America's future.

Tuesday’s matchup saw Harris push forcefully against the former president on his record, while also prodding at Trump's crowd sizes and 2020 loss to President Joe Biden. 

While Trump said he thought it was his best debate performance, Harris was ultimately rewarded at the end of the night with an endorsement from pop juggernaut Taylor Swift.

It's a stark contrast to the first presidential debate in June, where Trump easily dominated an unclear and uneasy performance by Joe Biden, which ultimately led to the president dropping from the race.

Tuesday’s debate could also prove to be a pivotal moment, capping off a tumultuous summer that has included an assassination attempt of the former president and a wholly reimagined Democratic ticket. 

The race to the White House remains razor thin, and experts say many would-be voters are just starting to tune in to the campaigns. 

Pennsylvania, where the debate took place, has become the forefront battleground state, where both parties are trying to gain favour. Trump took it in 2016 before it swung back to Biden in 2020 — both by narrow margins.

At a watch party a few blocks from where the debate was taking place, Matthew Lamorgese, chairman of the Philadelphia Young Republicans, said he believes voters know they can count on Trump's record.

"Under Donald Trump, we had a strong economy, low inflation, and a secure border," Lamorgese said. "We had world peace… That's what you are going to see."

Experts say Harris has proven a problematic opponent for Trump so far on the campaign trail. Lamorgese said he wasn't worried about the vice-president's performance against the Republican former president.

"Kamala has a different set of issues but issues nonetheless," Lamorgese said. 

Trump criticized Harris' record, her changing stance on issues like fracking, and also attempted to directly link the vice-president to Biden policies.

Harris stayed focused and gave clear answers throughout the more than 90-minute debate. She also used her face and body to demonstrate when she thought statements from Trump were absurd or wrong, including the former president's unsubstantiated claims that immigrants in Ohio are eating their neighbours' dogs and cats.

"I think she gave a killer performance," said Saleena Temple, who attended a Democrat-organized watch party.

"I appreciate how she addressed him and put him in his place but in a tactful manner, a professional manner, a political manner. She looked presidential."

MORE International ARTICLES

Indian-origin Ramesh Balwani found guilty of defrauding investors, patients in US

Indian-origin Ramesh Balwani found guilty of defrauding investors, patients in US
Balwani faced 10 counts of wire fraud and two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. After a three-month trial, a jury has found him guilty of all 12 counts. He now faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, The Verge reported late on Thursday.

Indian-origin Ramesh Balwani found guilty of defrauding investors, patients in US

Rishi Sunak bids to be UK Prime Minister

Rishi Sunak bids to be UK Prime Minister
But the public liking for him was dented when this year he introduced taxes to reduce the government's heavy borrowings. This was followed by controversy over his wife avoiding paying taxes in Britain and instead doing so at a lower rate in India from her dividends from shares in Infosys, the Bangalore-based software giant founded by her father N.R. Narayana Murthy.

Rishi Sunak bids to be UK Prime Minister

Boris Johnson quits as Conservative Party leader, to stay till new PM chosen

Boris Johnson quits as Conservative Party leader, to stay till new PM chosen
Addressing the media outside 10, Downing Street, the 58-year-old embattled British leader, who has faced controversies galore in his 1,079 days in power, said: "It is clearly now the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of the party and therefore a new Prime Minister."

Boris Johnson quits as Conservative Party leader, to stay till new PM chosen

Ex-Japanese PM Shinzo Abe shows no life signs after being shot, suspect arrested

Ex-Japanese PM Shinzo Abe shows no life signs after being shot, suspect arrested
According to state broadcaster NHK, the incident took place at around 11. 30 a.m. (local time) near the Yamatosaidaiji Station in Nara city while the 67-year-old former leader was making a speech for a Liberal Democratic Party candidate's election campaign.

Ex-Japanese PM Shinzo Abe shows no life signs after being shot, suspect arrested

Charges expected today in July 4 rooftop shooting

Charges expected today in July 4 rooftop shooting
Six people were killed and more than two dozen injured when shots rang out in the middle of a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Ill. Video clips posted to social media showed the festivities collapsing into panic as revellers realized they were under fire and scrambled for cover.

Charges expected today in July 4 rooftop shooting

5 killed in shooting at July 4 Parade near Chicago

5 killed in shooting at July 4 Parade near Chicago
Five people have been shot dead, as per city officials, in the parade in Highland Park, north of Chicago, which was suddenly halted about 10 minutes after it began as gunshots were heard. 

5 killed in shooting at July 4 Parade near Chicago