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On September 10, 2024, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia became the epicenter of US political life. The first official debate between the candidates for the post of president - Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump - took place here.
The event caught the attention of millions of Americans who were eagerly anticipating the clash of the two political heavyweights.
The choice of Pennsylvania as the venue for the debate was no accident. This state, known for its unpredictability in electoral races, could become a key factor in determining the winner of the November 5 presidential election. With the most Electoral College votes among swing states, Pennsylvania has become a key battleground in the race for the White House.
An unexpected twist in Harris's strategy
Analysts expected the debate to focus on defining Kamala Harris' positions, but she masterfully changed the course of the game. Instead of taking a defensive stance, Harris turned the debate into a kind of referendum on Donald Trump. Her tactic was to exploit her opponent's greatest weakness – his ego.
From the first minutes of the meeting, Harris showed confidence and determination. She was the first to extend her hand for a handshake, reminding the audience of the importance of political ethics and mutual respect. This gesture has also become symbolic, because the last such handshake between presidential candidates took place in 2016 between Trump and Hillary Clinton.
During the debate, Harris skillfully provoked her opponent, gradually throwing him off balance. Her pointed remarks and sharp questions caused Trump to show irritation and anger, which could negatively affect the perception of his image among voters.
Key topics and positions of the candidates
The debate covered a wide range of issues, from domestic politics to international relations. Special attention was paid to the economic situation, health care and foreign policy of the USA.
One of the hottest issues was the position of the candidates regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump declared his ability to "end the war", hinting at the possibility of a quick diplomatic solution to the conflict. Instead, Harris emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression, noting that without US help, "Putin would be sitting in Kyiv."
This debate was only the first round in a series of pre-election clashes between the candidates. They set the tone for the campaign ahead and outlined key themes that are likely to dominate US political discourse leading up to the election itself.
Analysts and voters are now looking forward to the next debate, which could further intensify the political battle and influence the final choice of Americans.
