Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris debate LIVE — Ex-prez claims VP backs abortion ‘after birth’ and she doesn’t deny it
DONALD Trump claimed Kamala Harris would allow abortions in the ninth month or "after birth" if she were to become president as the pair took to the stage for their first debate on Tuesday night.
Trump laid into Harris and her running mate Tim Walz during the fiery clash, insisting the paid had radical positions on abortion.
The former president previously voted against a Florida ballot measure that would overturn the state’s six-week abortion ban.
“They have abortion in the ninth month,” Trump said of Harris' stand on the issue.
“They’re radical. The Democrats are radical in that.
“He [Tim Walz] also says execution after birth — no longer abortion because the baby is born — is OK, and that’s not OK with me, hence the vote."
When asked by ABC's moderators for her stance on abortion, Harris said, “I absolutely support reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade.
“Nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion — that is not happening."
Trump then asked whether she would allow abortions in the eighth and ninth months of pregnancy but she refused to answer him further.
Abortion has become a top issue during the election after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade — the declaration that women have a constitutional right to have an abortion — in 2022.
The next scheduled debate will be between vice president nominees JD Vance and Tim Walz on October 1.
Read our Trump vs Harris blog for the latest updates...
‘Leaders think they are weak’
Donald Trump says other world leaders think Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are weak.
“Leaders think they are weak,” Trump says.
The statement comes after Harris repeated that world leaders that previously worked with him called him a “disgrace.”
Trump claims immigrants are eating pet cats and dogs
During Tuesday night’s debate, Donald Trump, 78, strangely addressed online conspiracies about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, , after being asked about border security.
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in,” said of the immigration population that has migrated to the during the administration.
“They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he added as laughed and shook her head.
As Trump continued his rant, Harris, whose mic was off, appeared to mouth “What?”
David Muir, one of the ABC moderators, quickly fact-checked Trump, saying the city manager in Springfield determined there were “no credible reports” of pets being harmed by migrants in the city.
When Harris’ mic turned back on, she chuckled and said, “Talk about extreme.”
Viewers comment on Donald Trump’s appearance
Multiple debate viewers couldn’t help but comment on Donald Trump’s hair during Tuesday night’s debate.
The former president was seen rocking a black suit with a red tie as viewers noticed the Republican nominee’s thinning hair and a lighter color than usual.
“Trump looks ollllld,” read one post on X.
“His weird gold hair has faded,” they continued.
“What’s with the color of Trump’s hair,” said a third.
“Did Trump dye his hair or something,” asked another.
Tim Walz shares thoughts on debate
Kamala Harris’ running mate Tim Walz joined ABC after the debate to discuss what he thought.
Walz said “he’s feeling great.”
“I think the country can see what happened tonight” and will “keep pushing forward”
Sights and scenes post-debate
Below are some photographs taken after Tuesday night's debate.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, and second gentleman Doug Emhoff visit a watch party at Cherry Street Pier after the presidential debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 10, 2024Credit: AP 
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after the presidential debate on September 10, 2024Credit: AP Sights and scenes during the debate, part two
Donald Trump battled Kamala Harris in a presidential election Tuesday night.
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate hosted by ABC with Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024Credit: Reuters 
US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024Credit: AFP Sights and scenes during the debate
Donald Trump went head-to-head with Kamala Harris in a presidential election Tuesday night.
This combination of pictures created on September 10, 2024, shows former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (L) and US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris participating in a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaCredit: AFP 
Kamala Harris waits to respond to former president Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024Credit: Reuters Americans comment on the debate, part two
Americans continued to post their thoughts on social media after Tuesday’s presidential debate.
Americans comment on the debate
Multiple Americans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on Tuesday's presidential debate.
'We're a nation that's in serious decline'
During his closing statements, Trump highlighted how the United States is declining.
He also added that Kamala Harris has failed to get the job done as vice president of the country.
"We're a nation that's in serious decline," Trump declared, adding, "We're being laughed at all over the world."
"She's going to do this, she's going to do that, she's going to do all these wonderful things. Why hasn't she done it?" Trump said.
Watch some of Trump's closing statement
'Why hasn't she done it?' Donald Trump blasts Kamala Harris in fiery presidential debate & says 'we're a failing nation'Swift's endorsement may not have much pull
Throughout the years, , who voted for in the 2020 election, has been public about her political views.
The pop megastar uses her high-profile celebrity status and large influence to encourage millions of her followers to go and vote.
However, despite Swift's mass following among Gen Z and millennials, a new survey conducted by The U.S. Sun showed the pop star's endorsement will have little effect on the election this year.
A whopping 61 percent of those surveyed said that Swift's endorsement would have absolutely no impact on voters in November.
An additional 19 percent affirmed the singer's celebrity support would have "not much of an impact," according to an exclusive survey on voters' habits for The U.S. Sun by Talker Research.
Only 20 percent of those surveyed agreed a Swift endorsement would impact their voting decision.
Political editor Harry Cole's thoughts continued
Throughout the campaign, Harris has been kept on a very tight leash, restricting her media appearances as much as possible.
Frankly, she cleared that low bar.
On the money markets, Trump started out ahead of Harris on the Betfair exchange, but by the end, his Democratic challenger had a slight edge.
November's election is still on a knife edge but Harris is gaining on Trump in the betting markets.
Trump had a very strong closing statement, hitting all his key points on immigration, Biden, the economy, and national security. But this thrilling race is still too close to call.
Both landed blows - but race is still too close to call
By Harry Cole
After a slow start from both candidates, it was only once Harris began prodding and poking at the size of Trump's rallies, that he went on the attack. Jibes about issues that hit close to home, such as his wealth, his inheritance from his father, and his businesses that the old Don of 2016 came out of his shell.
Trumpy was clearly angry. He got more orange. He got more aggressive. He hit out over taxes, illegal migrants, and eating cats and dogs.
This debate was about two camps talking mainly to their bases. As elections are largely decided on who can get their supporters out to vote, this decision to address mostly those who have already made their minds up made sense.
Harris had some particularly strong moments on abortion and healthcare - issues she already has a lead on over Trump. But she was much weaker on the economy - an area her opponent will look to bash her on.
For someone who's been in power for four years as Vice President to not be able to defend the record is a major weakness for Harris.
She dodged questions on inflation and cost of living before Trump really went on the attack.
He tried to link everything back to immigration and fracking - two of the biggest issues for the former President.
In key swing states that Trump needs to win, such as Pennsylvania, fracking is a big issue, and Kamala Harris' record on that is dubious at best.
She's saying the right things now but there wasn't a real knockout blow on either side, the bar was lower for Harris.
Biden's VP needed to prove that she could handle the debate with no notes, no scripts, and no soundbite moments - without a prompt or soft-soap interviewer to help her.
What celebrities have endorsed Kamala Harris' presidential bid?
Taylor Swift became the latest celebrity to endorse Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's campaign for the presidency
Here's a look at other celebrities that have backed Harris and Walz's ticket:
- Olivia Rodrigo: Singer Olivia Rodrigo endorsed Kamala Harris in a social media post.
- John Legend: Singer John Legend performed for Harris during the Democratic National Convention.
- Spike Lee: Director Spike Lee threw his support behind Harris and was in attendance during her speech at the DNC.
- George Clooney: Actor George Clooney voiced his support for Harris in a New York Times op-ed.
- Kesha: Pop singer Kesha wrote on social media that she plans to support Harris in the upcoming election.
- Tina Knowles: The mother of Beyoncé endorsed Harris on her Instagram page.
- Pink: Singer Pink supported Harris in a social media post.
- Quavo: Rapper Quavo backed Harris by speaking at her first campaign rally.
- Stevie Wonder: Singer Stevie Wonder performed during the third night of the DNC and voiced his support for Harris.
Former Super Bowl winner comments on debate
Two-time NFL Super Bowl champion wide receiver Torrey Smith weighed in during Tuesday night's debate.
"I’m still amazed there was no better option for Trump for the republican party," he wrote to .
"This s**t is embarrassing."
Debate night highlights
Debate night highlights...
- and engaged in a fiery debate where, at times, the former president seemed enraged and frustrated.
- Vice President Harris tried to get under Trump's skin by bringing up his ties to Project 2025, his criminal conviction in New York, his rally crowd sizes, and the various indictments he's facing.
- Trump went off script when he repeated wild conspiracies about immigrants eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio.
- "They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," Trump said as Harris laughed and shook her head.
- In one instance, Trump seemingly threw his running mate, , under the bus and blamed him for miscommunication about his stance on a national abortion ban.
- Despite his subpar moments, Trump dubbed his performance "his best debate ever."
- A Harris spokesperson called for a second debate in October.
Viewers comment on Donald Trump's appearance
Multiple debate viewers couldn't help but comment on Donald Trump's hair during Tuesday night's debate.
The former president was seen rocking a black suit with a red tie as viewers noticed the Republican nominee's thinning hair and a lighter color than usual.
"Trump looks ollllld," read one post on X.
"His weird gold hair has faded," they continued.
"What's with the color of Trump's hair," said a third.
"Did Trump dye his hair or something," asked another.
United States representative speaks out
United States representative Elise Stefanik shared her thoughts on former president Donald Trump's debate performance.
Donald Trump has 'best' debate ever
Donald Trump took to Truth Social after his debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday night and said it was the best debate he ever had.
"I thought that was my best Debate, EVER, especially since it was THREE ON ONE!" the former president .
Each nominee attempted to get on the other's nerves
During the 90-minute debate, Trump and Harris engaged in a fiery debate where, at times, the former president seemed irritated and frustrated with his opponent's remarks.
While Trump was trying to claim Harris supports defending the police, the vice president was overheard saying, "Not true," despite her microphone being off.
Trump was seemingly bothered by her comment, lashing out, "I'm talking now. If you don't mind. Please. Does that sound familiar?"
Harris tried to get under Trump's skin by bringing up Project 2025, an expansive policy blueprint drafted by former allies in Trump's first term as president, and his criminal indictments.
Trump again denied his involvement in Project 2025, saying, "Everyone knows I'm an open book."
Trump claims immigrants are eating pet cats and dogs
During Tuesday night's debate, Donald Trump, 78, strangely addressed online conspiracies about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, , after being asked about border security.
"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in," said of the immigration population that has migrated to the during the administration.
"They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," he added as laughed and shook her head.
As Trump continued his rant, Harris, whose mic was off, appeared to mouth "What?"
David Muir, one of the ABC moderators, quickly fact-checked Trump, saying the city manager in Springfield determined there were "no credible reports" of pets being harmed by migrants in the city.
When Harris' mic turned back on, she chuckled and said, "Talk about extreme."
Viewers slam moderators
Viewers slammed debate moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis on Tuesday night for "teaming up" on Donald Trump.
Former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard described the debate as "three vs one."
"The ABC moderators clearly shilling for Kamala Harris," she .
"This is a historically terrible moderation performance thus far from David Muir and Linsey Davis," Newsweek editor Josh Hammer on X.
Another person wrote: "Didn't realize @DavidMuir was actually the Democratic nominee."
Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris
Pop icon Taylor Swift has taken to her to endorse Kamala Harris for president after the debate.
"Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most," Swift said.
"As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country. Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site.
"It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.
"I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them.
"I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.
"I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate , who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.
"I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.
"With love and hope,
"Taylor Swift
Childless Cat Lady"JD Vance reacts to debate
Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance was also asked his thoughts on the presidential debate.
"President has been very clear he doesn't want a national abortion ban, Vance said.
"I think there's a deeper more important issue here - you had Kamala Harris effectively echoing platitude after platitude.
"Very little actual substance" behind what Harris was saying."