SPARRING ON THE ECONOMY
Within the debate’s opening minutes, Trump and Harris went to battle on one of many points that’s high of thoughts for voters: The financial system.
Harris detailed the financial insurance policies she has rolled out in latest weeks, which embody a considerable tax credit score for small start-ups. Trump targeted his feedback on tariffs, saying he would defend the American financial system from unfair overseas competitors.
Whereas either side obtained their jabs in, Harris obtained to talk first on a subject the place she trails Trump when it comes to voter belief. She appeared to pressure the previous president onto his again foot, and Trump primarily performed protection on one among his strongest points.
“She would not have a plan,” Trump stated after Harris’ opening feedback.
“It is like run, spot, run.”
A SCHISM ON ABORTION
The 2 candidates additionally engaged in a fractious debate about abortion, a difficulty the place polls present Harris has the higher hand.
Trump defended the US Supreme Court docket’s 2022 ruling that ended constitutional safety for abortion and despatched the difficulty again to particular person states, arguing, incorrectly, that it was an end result desired by each Republicans and Democrats. Democrats have lengthy supported a constitutional proper to abortion.
“I did a fantastic service in doing it. It took braveness to do it,” Trump stated.
Trump contended that some states permit infants to be aborted after delivery, some extent corrected by ABC Information moderator Linsey Davis.
Harris flashed some outrage at Trump’s assertion that abortion turning into a states-rights situation was a well-liked outcome, referring to states which have handed restrictive bans.
“That is what individuals wished?” Harris requested. “Individuals being denied care in an emergency room as a result of healthcare suppliers are being afraid of being hauled off to jail?”
Trump was requested whether or not he would veto a federal abortion ban if one have been handed by Congress. He insisted it might by no means occur, however refused to reply the query definitively.