Notes from the ABC News Presidential Debate

Introduction

• First face-to-face meeting between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
• Historic race for president with President Biden's recent withdrawal from the race.
• Candidates are essentially tied in polls nationally and in key battleground states.

Debate Overview

• 90-minute debate with two commercial breaks.
• No prior topics or questions shared with campaigns.
• Each candidate has two minutes for answers, one minute for follow-ups.
• No audience present, creating an intimate setting.

Candidates' Opening Statements

• Vice President Kamala Harris:

  • Focused on the economy and lifting up the middle class.
  • Plans to extend a $6,000 child tax credit and offer $50,000 tax deductions for small businesses.

• Former President Donald Trump:

  • Stated he took in billions from tariffs and did not raise inflation.
  • Blamed current issues on immigration and crime.

Economic Discussion

• Harris on the Economy:

  • Criticized Trump's tax cuts for billionaires.
  • Highlighted plans for middle-class support, addressing housing shortages.

• Trump's Response:

  • Denied claims of a sales tax.
  • Shifted focus to tariffs and claimed it would help the U.S. economy.

Abortion Discussion

• Trump's Position:

  • Claims to be pro-life and supports exceptions.
  • Criticized Democrats' stance on abortion.

• Harris' Position:

  • Argued Trump’s actions led to a loss of rights for women.
  • Promised to restore Roe v. Wade protections.

Immigration and Border Security

• Harris:

  • Defended the Biden administration's actions and proposed solutions for border security.

• Trump:

  • Promised large-scale deportations and criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies.

January 6 and the Capitol Attack

• Harris:

  • Described Trump's actions as inciting violence and undermining democracy.

• Trump:

  • Denied responsibility and criticized Pelosi’s handling of security.

Foreign Policy

• Harris on Ukraine:

  • Supported Ukraine's sovereignty and criticized Trump's admiration for dictators.

• Trump:

  • Claimed he could have negotiated peace quickly and criticized Biden's approach.

Climate Change

• Harris:

  • Emphasized investments in clean energy and the importance of combating climate change.

• Trump:

  • Asserted that manufacturing jobs are fleeing due to current administration policies.

Closing Statements

• Harris:

  • Pledged to be a president for all Americans focusing on hope and unity.

• Trump:

  • Criticized Harris's record and emphasized the need for strong leadership.

Conclusion

• Debate ended with contrasting visions for America, focusing on the economy, social issues, and foreign policy.