During a lively presidential debate in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tackled key issues as election day approaches, although some crucial questions went unanswered.
Economy and Cost of Living
Economic concerns top voters’ lists, leading both candidates to outline their economic strategies.
Key Points Discussed
Harris introduced her vision for an “opportunity economy,” focusing on middle-class support, extending tax cuts for young families, and aiding small businesses with tax deductions. She praised the Biden administration’s achievements in American manufacturing and criticized Trump’s tariffs on imports as a potential “sales tax” burdening consumers, a claim supported by Goldman Sachs and numerous economists.
Harris emphasized the need for investment in emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI, while reassuring that fracking would not be banned.
Trump countered by arguing that his proposed tariffs would bolster the economy by generating substantial revenue while pointing fingers at the current administration for rising prices on everyday items. He vowed to significantly reduce taxes as well.
Unaddressed Issues
Trump dodged a question from moderator David Muir regarding the effect of his tariffs on consumer prices, simply stating they wouldn’t increase. He also failed to discuss the implications of his tax cuts on the national debt, which the Penn Wharton Budget Model predicts could rise by $5.8 trillion.
Harris likewise skirted a query about whether Americans are better off today, choosing instead to highlight her tax plans and personal background.
Immigration
With immigration being a hot topic amidst fluctuating border crossings, both candidates shared their stances.
Key Points Discussed
Harris drew from her experience battling transnational crime, asserting her support for a bipartisan border security bill that Trump allegedly opposed for political gain. She vowed to revive the bill if elected.
Trump did not refute claims of opposing the bill, instead reacting to a jab from Harris about his rally sizes.
Unaddressed Issues
Harris didn’t clarify why her action on the border bill came so late in the election cycle, prompting skepticism about her commitment to immigration reform. Trump failed to present concrete immigration policies, reiterating his past promises without addressing criticisms about feasibility.
Abortion
What was Said
Trump highlighted his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, advocating for exceptions in certain cases while making inaccurate claims about post-birth abortions. On IVF, he mentioned a desire to avoid restrictions.
In contrast, Harris strongly opposed state-level abortion bans as immoral and pledged to restore protections under Roe v. Wade.
Unaddressed Issues
Trump’s contradictory stance on federal abortion policy left ambiguity, declining to answer directly about potential vetoes of such a ban.
Health Insurance
Key Points Discussed
Harris reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the Affordable Care Act and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, which she claims has decreased costs.
Trump labeled Obamacare as inefficient and expensive, yet offered vague plans for a new health policy without specifics.
Unaddressed Issues
Trump’s responses on alternative health plans remained unclear, even when pressed for details.
Foreign Policy
Both candidates addressed their perspectives on international relations amid ongoing conflicts.
Key Points Discussed
Harris pledged support for NATO and Ukraine, emphasizing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. She critiqued Trump’s admiration for autocrats.
Trump warned that Harris’s presidency could lead to a “third World War” and criticized the Biden administration’s foreign policy decisions while suggesting a reduced U.S. financial burden in Europe.
Unaddressed Issues
Trump did not clarify how he would resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, nor did he provide insight into his plans for Gaza. Harris attributed the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal to Trump’s prior negotiations without addressing criticisms regarding accountability.
State of the Race
After the debate, Trump hinted at possibly skipping future debates unless they feature sympathetic moderators. Early polling trends show a tight race in key battleground states.