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Trump vs Harris Presidential Debate: Candidates go on attack in zinger-filled showdown

Harris and Trump sparred in the high-stakes showdown.

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Last updated: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 11:59AM GMT
What you need to know about the high-stakes presidential debate showdown
Harris and Trump clash over the economy, abortion, border and more

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.

ABC News Debate Photo Gallery

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Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, visit a watch party at Cherry Street Pier after the presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024.
AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Sep 11, 2024, 2:16 AM

Fact checking the Trump-Harris debate

From abortion to the economy, Israel and Gaza to fracking, border security to domestic crime, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offered many plans and claims during the debate tonight.

Trump repeated a false claim that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Ohio, which the city in question has said is false. Harris claimed Trump will sign a national abortion ban if he is re-elected, which he has not said he will do.

Debate fact checker | Fact checking the Trump-Harris debate.

ByRiley Hoffman ABCNews logo
Sep 11, 2024, 4:41 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.

ByFritz Farrow, Gabriella Abdul-Hakim, Will McDuffie, Kelsey Walsh, Lalee Ibssa, and Soo Rin Kim ABCNews logo
Sep 10, 2024, 10:37 PM GMT

Harris and Trump to have various surrogates in spin room

Harris and Trump will have a handful of surrogates representing them in the spin room following the debate.

Harris and Trump will have a handful of surrogates representing them in the spin room following the debate.

Harris will have Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gavin Newsom of California, Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico representing her in the spin room post debate, a campaign official confirmed to ABC News.

In addition to attending a watch party hosted by the Trump campaign, GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance will also participate in the spin room.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Gov. Doug Burgum, tech entreprenuer Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Bryon Donalds, and Sen. Rick Scott are also expected to appear on behalf of Trump.

Rep. Bryon Donalds talks to ABC News ahead of the ABC News debate.
ABCNews logo
Sep 10, 2024, 10:47 PM GMT

Here are the rules for tonight's debate

Tonight's consequential presidential debate hosted by ABC News will consist of set rules to govern the matchup, restricting candidates' speaking time, microphone access, and engagement with campaign staff.

ABC7 Chicago's Liz Nagy goes through each of the 16 rules in the ABC debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.

There will be no audience present, and questions will come strictly from the moderators.

After winning the virtual coin flip, former President Trump will offer the final closing statement.

After winning the virtual coin flip, former President Trump will offer the final closing statement. ABC News correspondent Jay O'Brien gives a behind-the-scenes look of the ABC News' debate spin room.

Read more here.

ByGabriella Abdul-Hakim, Fritz Farrow, and Will McDuffie ABCNews logo
Sep 10, 2024, 9:14 PM GMT

Harris campaign to display drone show before debate

The Harris campaign will fly a drone show over the Philadelphia Art Museum from 8:05 to 8:25 p.m. ET at the famous Rocky Steps, just prior to the debate on Tuesday.

The show will add onto the campaign's Philly-themed advertising and recent ad mocking Trump and crowd sizes, according to campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz.

Sep 10, 2024, 9:06 PM GMT

Exclusive first look at the presidential debate stage in Philadelphia

6abc Action News got an exclusive look at the stage where fmr. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will debate in Philadelphia.

6abc Action News got an exclusive look at the stage where former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will debate in Philadelphia.

The podiums are just a few steps from the moderators' desk - and from each other.

Sharrie Williams takes us inside the space that will be at the center of the political world on Tuesday night.

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