Trump Faces Setback in Debate Against Harris as Election Nears
With 54 days remaining until Election Day and early ballots already being cast in states like Alabama, former President Donald Trump faces a pivotal moment in his campaign. After a contentious debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump now seeks to regain momentum after a night filled with agitated responses and disputes over facts.
Harris Dominates the Debate Stage
A few months ago, Trump witnessed President Joe Biden’s faltering performance during a debate, a moment that led Biden to exit the race and endorse Harris for the Democratic nomination. However, Tuesday night’s debate saw Harris take control, repeatedly putting Trump on the defensive. The vice president’s calm demeanor and sharp attacks seemed to unsettle Trump, who often responded with exaggerated claims.
Even members of Trump’s own party acknowledged his underwhelming performance. Former Pennsylvania Congressman Charlie Dent, a long-time critic of Trump, said, “We’ll see what the polls say going forward, but I don’t know how anybody can spin this other than a pretty decisive defeat for Trump.”
Trump and Harris Cross Paths in New York
On Wednesday, the two candidates briefly met again in New York during a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. They exchanged pleasantries, their second meeting in less than 24 hours, after Harris had initially approached Trump on the debate stage. Harris’ assertiveness during the debate carried over to this public appearance, solidifying her stance as a strong contender.
Trump Criticizes Debate Moderators
Never one to concede easily, Trump insisted during post-debate interviews that he had “won the night,” despite widespread criticism. Appearing on Fox News, Trump criticized the ABC moderators, accusing them of bias and claiming they corrected him unfairly.
“They should be embarrassed,” Trump said. “They kept correcting me, and what I said was largely right—or I hope it was right.”
His frustration led to suggestions of punitive measures against the network, such as withdrawing broadcast licenses or limiting access to ABC reporters. Although these suggestions drew attention, they reflect Trump’s ongoing battle with the media.
Polls and Public Perception
While Trump spun the debate as a victory, polls painted a different picture. A CNN flash poll showed that about 60% of viewers believed Harris outperformed Trump, with only 40% siding with the former president. Notably, this was a shift from earlier sentiments, where voters were evenly split before the debate. However, the poll also revealed that most viewers did not expect the debate to influence their votes, signaling strong voter loyalty.
Harris celebrated her performance at a late-night rally in Philadelphia, framing the debate as a significant win but maintaining that Democrats still face an uphill battle. Her campaign even suggested the possibility of a second debate, though Trump’s camp expressed reluctance due to dissatisfaction with the moderators.
Challenges for Trump
While Harris appeared jubilant, not all Republicans quickly dismissed Trump’s performance. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu acknowledged that while Harris won in traditional debate terms, her message may not have resonated with swing voters focused on economic issues. Sununu pointed to the economy, immigration, and foreign policy as areas where Trump could still sway voters in the coming weeks.
Sununu also reflected on former GOP candidate Nikki Haley’s potential impact on the debate, expressing regret that Haley, a strong contender in the Republican primary, did not get the chance to face off against Harris.
Looking Ahead
As Election Day approaches, Trump’s campaign must refocus on key issues that resonate with voters. Despite a rocky debate performance, Trump remains a formidable figure in American politics. With over a month left, both candidates will continue fighting for every vote.
The coming weeks will be crucial, with the possibility of another debate and early voting starting in several states. Trump will need to sharpen his message and regain control of his narrative if he hopes to maintain his lead against Harris.