Following the conclusion of the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, social media was flooded with reactions from conservatives and liberals alike.
“Tonight's debate showed a stark contrast between Donald Trump, who pushed policies that address America's greatest concerns, and Kamala Harris, who had only standard talking points,” Job Creators Network president Alfredo Ortiz said in a statement.
“Kamala has run away from her failed record as a liberal, shifting positions on countless important issues. Kamala can run away from her record, but she cannot run away from the consequences. She has shown herself to be a policy quack who will do anything to win elections and gain power. She clearly outdid herself. In contrast, Trump has shown himself to be a true leader, clearly outlining the policies needed to revitalize Main Street and the economy. In short, he is fit to be president and she is not.”
“My debate scores: Trump – moderator 3 – Harris 9 – N/A,” Fox News host Greg Gutfeld Posted in X.
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Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had a heated exchange during Tuesday's presidential debate. (Screenshot: Fox News simulcast of the ABC News presidential debate)
Many on social media criticised the ABC presenter's performance.
“ABC should be ashamed of itself,” said Kayleigh McEnany, a former Trump press secretary and Fox News host. Post to X“1. Where was the question about Kamala voting for inflation (i.e. the American Rescue Plan)? 2. Where was the question about whether she wants taxpayer-funded sex-reassignment surgery for illegal immigrants? 3. Where was the question about Tim Walz allowing babies born alive after abortions to die in Minnesota, then eliminating reporting requirements? There were none. They just prepared a fact check for Trump!”
“My debate analysis will not satisfy anyone,” says conservative commentator Matt Walsh Posted in X. “I think Kamala was weak and nervous, especially early on. She came across as a liar and was rehearsed all the way through. But Trump missed multiple opportunities to land strikes, rambled and took the bait multiple times from start to finish. I don't see this debate being a major step forward for either candidate.”
“Tonight's debate wasn't Harris vs. Trump, it was Old Kamala vs. New Kamala. Despite attempts to rewrite her history as supporting extreme policies on every issue: the border and immigration, fracking and energy, Biden economics and fundamental principles of government, it's clear that she still refuses to be honest with the public about where she stands,” Sentinel Action Fund president Jessica Anderson said in a statement.
Voters report Kamala Harris is more radical than Trump: “Too liberal or too progressive”
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Trump and Harris come to Tuesday's debate with the same goal in mind, a moment that could help them gain an edge in a race that is effectively tied. (Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Trump didn't win the debate, but I think he won the election with ABC's help. Harris was so unpopular that it was disgusting,” said conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. Post to X“Voters watched as Harris refused to answer any tough questions and tried to erase her and Biden's records. Voters expected accountability on the economy, inflation and the border, but ABC's buffet of left-wing agenda coverage failed to cover the failures of the past three and a half years. Democrats thought they won the debate and the election. It's 2016 all over again.”
Others on social media expressed confidence that Harris had won the debate.
“Biden delivered the worst debate performance of all time,” says journalist Jon Ralston Post to XTrump: Hold on to the beer.
“Trump's self-image…his political hallmark is strength,” said David Axelrod, a senior adviser to former President Barack Obama. Post to X“He was on the defensive the entire first hour, then Kamala Harris hit all his hot buttons and he crumbled.”
“Look,” says journalist Chris Cillizza. Post to X“Kamala Harris won the debate. Pretty easily.”
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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former U.S. President Donald Trump attend the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Trump and Harris go into Tuesday's debate with the same goal in mind, a moment that could help them gain an edge in a race that is effectively tied. (Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In a statement, Harris' campaign said Trump was “incoherent” and “angry” during the debate.
“Tonight, Vice President Harris led on every issue that matters to the American people,” the campaign said. “The American people saw exactly what kind of president Kamala Harris will be: someone who will chart a new path forward for the country, be a president for all Americans, and end the darkness and division of Donald Trump. And she reminded the American people that she is the only candidate in this race who is prepared to serve as the next president.”
The Trump campaign declared victory in a debate statement.
“President Trump delivered a brilliant performance in tonight's debate, calling out Kamala Harris for her egregious record of failure that has hurt the American people over the past four years,” the campaign said.
“President Trump offered a bold vision for America and said he would build on the successes of his first term by revitalizing the economy, securing our borders and preventing crime from ravaging communities across the country. Conversely, Kamala's vision for America was a dark reminder of the repressive, big government policies of Joe Biden that she wants to continue: high inflation, porous borders teeming with criminals and terrorists and a soft spot for crime. That's what Kamala embodies.”
