Who actually won the debate? Harris vs. Trump unpacks the standoff

The recent presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was nothing short of a spectacle, featuring heated exchanges, witty lines and strategic deflections. Although debates are often seen as an opportunity for candidates to sway voters, this debate was more like a boxing match, with each opponent throwing punches in an attempt to claim victory.

Kamala Harris, known for her sharp debating skills, often kept Trump on the defensive. Harris was able to steer the conversation away from her weaknesses and focus on the areas where she excelled. Trump, on the other hand, has tried to maintain control, often bragging about the scale of his rallies and attacking Harris on economic policy.

For a more in-depth analysis, you can refer to The New York Times website, the Harris-Trump debate.

Why Harris could win

Harris' ability to keep Trump from dominating key areas like inflation and the economy has allowed her to gain ground. Voters' frustration with Biden's handling of these issues appeared to sway Trump into the debate, but Harris deftly redirected the conversation to Trump's past decisions, such as his controversial tariffs and immigration issues. With this, she made him defensive, forcing him to defend past decisions rather than attack her vulnerabilities.

Why Trump still holds the upper hand

Despite Harris' tactics, Trump remains a formidable opponent. His appeal to his base is unwavering, and his ability to energize large crowds is still a powerful force. During debates, he used bold, sometimes outlandish statements, such as accusing Haitian immigrants of eating pets, to grab headlines and stir controversy. Whether these claims were true or not, they kept him in the spotlight and allowed him to energize his voter base.

The result: it's a matter of perspective

Who won the debate? It depends on what metrics you use. Early polls and betting markets seemed to favor Harris, with many analysts pointing to her sharp attacks and ability to confuse Trump. However, Trump's continued popularity, especially among his loyal base, suggests he did not leave empty-handed.

As the 2024 U.S. election race heats up, the debate is likely to be a defining moment for both campaigns. Harris proved she can go toe-to-toe with Trump, and Trump reminded everyone why he's still a political force.

Expert opinion

The debate demonstrated a deep divide between two competing visions of America's future. Harris' focus on social justice, abortion rights and economic justice resonated with progressive voters. Trump's emphasis on tariffs, immigration controls and protecting American jobs continues to appeal to conservative audiences. Whether the debate will sway undecided voters remains to be seen, but both candidates emerged with clear victories in various areas.

Personal Opinion: Why I believe that Harris Vaughn

In my opinion, Harris emerged victorious because of her ability to keep Trump on the defensive. Her sharp jabs and wit outshone Trump's sometimes inconsistent responses, especially on sensitive topics like abortion and immigration. While Trump was able to rally his base, Harris proved she was ready to stand up to the former president. The real question is, can she maintain this momentum for the rest of the campaign?

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