Kamala Harris came to the debate stage with a mission: to present herself as the candidate of change, the one who would guide America through turbulent times. Her showdown with Donald Trump in Philadelphia was more than a debate—it was a pivotal moment in the 2024 race. And she nailed it.

A Commanding Presence

From the second she stepped onto the stage, Harris dominated the atmosphere. Her introduction was simple, yet profound: “Kamala Harris,” she said, stretching out her hand to Trump. It was the first time they had ever met in person, and her body language set the tone. Throughout the debate, she maintained eye contact with the camera, speaking directly to the American people. You could feel she was genuinely reaching out to everyday voters, not just politicians and elites.

The debate itself was over 90 minutes long, but Harris never wavered. She stayed composed, poised, and focused on her points. Trump, on the other hand, seemed distracted and defensive, lashing out about crowd sizes and past grievances rather than articulating a forward-thinking plan. Even his supporters had to concede that Harris had delivered a polished performance​(DW).

The Real Issues: Economy and Healthcare

Harris didn’t just focus on political points. She tackled the topics that really matter—things like healthcare, the economy, and women’s rights. For instance, on the issue of abortion, Trump was evasive, refusing to take a firm stand on whether he would support a national ban. Harris, in contrast, didn’t mince words. She made it clear that the right to choose is a critical issue, and that Trump’s lack of commitment on the matter speaks volumes.

She also emphasized her plans to build what she called an “opportunity economy,” one that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy. Harris has often leaned into her middle-class background, and this debate was no different. She connected her own experiences to the struggles many Americans face, from job insecurity to rising healthcare costs. This was a debate for the people, not just political insiders.

Trump’s Missed Opportunity

Donald Trump, known for his ability to dominate a room, found himself on shaky ground. His attempts to attack Harris fell flat, often veering into unrelated tangents. At one point, he tried to mock her by claiming she had adopted his economic philosophy and even joked about sending her a MAGA hat. Harris, however, laughed it off, staying cool under pressure. It was clear that Trump’s usual tactics weren’t working. His jabs didn’t land as well as they had in previous debates, and his frustration was visible.

Trump also repeatedly turned the conversation toward immigration, but this time, the message didn’t resonate. He stuck to his 2016 playbook, railing against immigrants and falsely claiming that Haitian migrants were abducting pets in Ohio, a story local police debunked. Harris swiftly shifted the conversation back to policies that matter, demonstrating that Trump was still stuck in the past.

Standing Strong on the Global Stage

When the debate touched on foreign policy, particularly Russia and Ukraine, Harris didn’t hold back. She made it clear that, under a Trump presidency, Vladimir Putin would have already seized Kyiv. Trump, on the other hand, was evasive on whether he even wanted Ukraine to win the war, which likely left voters questioning his stance on global leadership.

Harris also took a strong stance on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. While Trump claimed the conflict wouldn’t have started if he were president, Harris focused on a more pragmatic approach, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution. Her response was measured and thoughtful, in stark contrast to Trump’s bombastic claims​.

Fact-Checking in Real-Time

One unique aspect of this debate was the active role the moderators took in fact-checking. ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis pushed back on Trump’s false claims, like the absurd rumor about migrants in Ohio. This fact-checking played a critical role in keeping the debate grounded in reality, especially as Trump continued to repeat debunked stories and misinformation. His supporters may have been frustrated by the moderators, but for many Americans, it was a refreshing change to see real-time accountability on such a public stage.

A Win for Harris, But a Tight Race

So, did the debate move the needle? Harris undeniably won the night, at least in the eyes of many political commentators. Her performance was widely described as a “masterclass” by those watching, including Governor Gavin Newsom. He praised her ability to stay focused on the American people, while Trump seemed more interested in grievances and personal attacks.

But here’s the thing: debates don’t always change the outcome of elections. We’ve seen it before. Back in 2016, Hillary Clinton was declared the winner of all three of her debates with Trump, but we all know how that race ended. Even with Harris’ commanding performance, Trump’s base remains strong. A recent poll revealed that a majority of voters, about 61%, want major change in the country, and oddly enough, many still believe that Trump represents that change​.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next?

Harris may have delivered a knockout performance, but this race is still far from over. With the election just weeks away, there’s little doubt that Trump will continue to rally his loyal supporters, while Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, will need to keep the momentum going. They ended the debate on a high note, with Harris telling a crowd at Cherry Street Pier that they were still the “underdogs” in this race, but confident that they would come out on top.

As Taylor Swift’s The Man blared through the speakers following the debate, a symbolic nod to the challenges Harris faces as a woman in politics, it was clear that this debate was a significant moment in the 2024 election.