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Trump-Harris debate updates: Candidates go on the attack in zinger-filled showdown

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
4:48
Getty Images
Highlights from Harris and Trump presidential debate
By Alexandra Hutzler, Meredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira, Emily Chang, Brittany Gaddy
Last Updated: September 11, 2024, 4:43 AM

The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump turned into a heated matchup that lasted more than 90 minutes.

The night started with a handshake initiated by Harris, but quickly escalated as the vice president bashed Trump over his policies and comments, contending that it was time to "offer is a new generation of leadership for our country."

Trump criticized Harris throughout the debate on topics such as Afghanistan and immigration issues, drawing comparisons between the vice president and President Joe Biden.

With Election Day just eight weeks away, the debate came at a critical point as polls show a neck-and-neck race between the candidates.

Latest headlines:

  • 'Wasn’t even close': Biden reacts to debate
  • Over half of debate watchers think Harris won: Poll
  • Key takeaways from the Harris-Trump debate
  • Harris proposes 2nd debate, Trump doesn't immediately commit
  • Harris tells watch party: 'We are still the underdogs in this race'
Here's how the news is developing:

Pinned
Sep 11, 2024 4:12 AM

A transcript of the Harris-Trump debate

Harris and Trump met for their first presidential debate on Tuesday night. The consequential matchup was hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Read a transcript of what was said in the 90-minute debate here.


Pinned
Sep 11, 2024 4:27 AM

CLAIM: Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio

Fact Check: False

According to the city of Springfield, Ohio, these claims are false. A city spokesperson tells ABC News there have been “no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals in the immigrant community.”

Rumors that migrants from Haiti are stealing and eating animals there have run rampant after a series of claims spread widely online, amplified by social media posts from leading political figures in recent days.

“Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents' homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic,” the spokesperson added.
The House Judiciary GOP X account used AI tools to show Trump holding cats and ducks, portraying him as a savior of animals.

On the debate stage, Trump pushed false claims of pets being stolen and eaten by Haitian migrants, despite police saying it did not happen.
2:07
On the debate stage, Trump pushed false claims of pets being stolen and eaten by Haitian migrants, despite police saying it did not happen.

One of the main images circulating online, showing a man holding a dead goose, was taken not in Springfield but in Columbus, Ohio, two months ago. The resident who captured the image told ABC News he was surprised to see his image used to “ push false narratives.”

According to the Springfield News-Sun, the Springfield Police Department has not received any reports of pets being stolen and eaten. The city even created a webpage debunking some claims.

Migrants have been drawn to the region because of low cost of living and work opportunities, the city says on its site. The city estimates there are around 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants living in the county, and that the rapid rise in population has strained housing, health care, and school resources. But the city also says that the migrants are in the country legally and that many are recipients of Temporary Protected Status from the federal government.


Sep 11, 2024 4:43 AM

'Wasn’t even close': Biden reacts to debate

President Joe Biden reacted to the debate in a post on X early Wednesday morning.

"America got to see tonight the leader I've been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasn't even close," he said.

America got to see tonight the leader I've been proud to work alongside for three and a half years. Wasn't even close. VP Harris proved she's the best choice to lead our nation forward. We're not going back.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 11, 2024

Biden was in New York City during the debate and will be attending the 9/11 memorial services at Ground Zero later in the day.


Sep 11, 2024 4:41 AM

Over half of debate watchers think Harris won: Poll

A majority of debate watchers think Harris won the debate against Trump, according to a poll taken by CNN and SSRS after the debate.

On who won the debate, 63% of debate watchers said Harris and 37% said Trump.

The poll has a margin of error of +/- 5.3% points.

CNN said that before the debate, respondents were split 50%-50% on who would win.

In June, their instant poll found that among debate watchers, 33% thought Biden won and 67% thought Trump won.

-ABC News' Oren Oppenheim


Sep 11, 2024 4:40 AM

Key takeaways from the Harris-Trump debate

Harris put Trump on the defensive early on, claiming viewers were "going to hear from the same old, tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances and name-calling." She later took digs at his rallies and was the first to bring up his multiple indictments.

Meanwhile, Trump tried to tie Harris to President Joe Biden as often as he could. "She is Biden," he said as he criticized their economic record.

Harris' gender was not broached during the debate, though her race was. Trump doubled down on false claims about her racial identity, though he said he "couldn't care less."

Read more about the debate highlights here.



Sep 11, 2024 4:11 AM

Best zingers from the Harris-Trump ABC News debate

During the Harris-Trump face-off, both candidates tried to score points by slinging barbs at each other.

Here are some of their sharp jabs:

Trump: “Wait a minute, I'm talking now, if you don't mind, please. Does that sound familiar?”

Harris: “Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people.”

Harris: “He talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter.”

Read more zingers here.


Sep 11, 2024 4:27 AM

CLAIM: Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio

Fact Check: False

According to the city of Springfield, Ohio, these claims are false. A city spokesperson tells ABC News there have been “no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals in the immigrant community.”

Rumors that migrants from Haiti are stealing and eating animals there have run rampant after a series of claims spread widely online, amplified by social media posts from leading political figures in recent days.

“Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents' homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic,” the spokesperson added.
The House Judiciary GOP X account used AI tools to show Trump holding cats and ducks, portraying him as a savior of animals.

On the debate stage, Trump pushed false claims of pets being stolen and eaten by Haitian migrants, despite police saying it did not happen.
2:07
On the debate stage, Trump pushed false claims of pets being stolen and eaten by Haitian migrants, despite police saying it did not happen.

One of the main images circulating online, showing a man holding a dead goose, was taken not in Springfield but in Columbus, Ohio, two months ago. The resident who captured the image told ABC News he was surprised to see his image used to “ push false narratives.”

According to the Springfield News-Sun, the Springfield Police Department has not received any reports of pets being stolen and eaten. The city even created a webpage debunking some claims.

Migrants have been drawn to the region because of low cost of living and work opportunities, the city says on its site. The city estimates there are around 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants living in the county, and that the rapid rise in population has strained housing, health care, and school resources. But the city also says that the migrants are in the country legally and that many are recipients of Temporary Protected Status from the federal government.


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